Just in time for Sunday’s Big Game, the North Loop is welcoming its largest sports bar and live entertainment venue in a sprawling space. The Rabbit Hole opened on Friday, February 7 at 411 N. Washington Avenue — within the space that formerly held Axebridge Wine Co.

At 15,000 square feet — which includes a 3,000-square-foot patio — the Rabbit Hole features an ever-changing ultra-transparent film LED screen that lights up the entrance, while 42 TVs ranging in size from 65 to 85 inches are prominently displayed throughout. Behind a stage, stands a 200-inch LED board for prime viewing. The main bar is also lined with 12 hanging TVs and the spot is further equipped with three Vestaboards and a sports score ticker providing real-time updates. Opening this spring, a multi-level patio with seating for several hundred people.

The high voltage vibes continue, with splashy food offerings and made-for-Instagram drink specials. Chef Thomas Pivec of Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka has designed a menu ranging from classic and expected bar bites like jumbo salted pretzels, smoked chicken wings, and a smash burger. There’s also a 10-inch mozzarella stick that can stretch up to 8 feet. More extravagant entrees include a 14-ounce grilled ribeye with truffle fries and bearnaise, as well as the restaurant’s own take on a tater tot hot dish. In the coming months, brunch service will also launch. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 9, the venue will kick off with happy hour from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cocktail menu includes specialties like the RH Old Fashioned featuring Rabbit Hole Distillery’s Heigold Bourbon and Filthy Cherries. Visitors are also encouraged to discover three off-the-menu cocktails that are hidden throughout the venue and available to order via QR code. Visitors can also select from a rotating selection of 12 beers on draft, featuring local brews like Castle Danger Cream Ale, as well as wine. In addition to the food and drink options, the Rabbit Hole wants to serve as a community space by hosting events like trivia night, Bingo, local cover bands, and DJs.

While the former wine bar may have exuded chillness, the Rabbit Hole is over the top and wants to grab customers’ attention the minute they walk in — whether to watch the Super Bowl, enjoy a meal, or for local live music. Designed by EK Interiors, with architecture by Little Box Inc., the space combines communal spaces and loungey booths, the Rabbit Hole has a capacity for up to 700 visitors.

The bar’s owned by Deepak and Sara Nath, Joe Berg, Thomas Pivec, Craig Dauffenbach, and Jay Ettinger. This group has a large imprint on the Twin Cities’ hospitality scene, with projects including Bootleggers, The Pourhouse, The Exchange & Alibi Lounge, and the Lumber Exchange Event Center.

The Rabbit Hole, 411 N. Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, is open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday.