Capitol Hill’s Intimate New Bar Aims to Be a Rare Spirit Lover’s Dream

Those who love a long list of fancy drinks may want to make an appointment on Capitol Hill soon. The Doctor’s Office — a cozy, 12-seat bar co-owned by an actual medical professional, Dr. Matthew Powell, and Seattle nightlife veteran Keith Waldbauer — will officially open this Friday at 1631 E Olive Way. The main focus will be on its extensive list of spirits that spans many different prices and countries of origin, including Indian single malts, Japanese brandy, and Peruvian rum.

In keeping with the name, there will also be a drink called the Pap Smir (a boilermaker of rare Pappy Van Winkle 15-year bourbon shot paired with Smirnoff Ice) for $220, with 100 percent of sales going to Planned Parenthood, intended to cover the full cost of preventative care for a patient that can’t afford it. “I have seen firsthand the shortcomings of our medical system and how many people are left without the care they need, let alone deserve, and women of color are disproportionately affected in this regard,” Dr. Powell tells Eater Seattle. “That is why I chose Planned Parenthood as our showcase charity.”

However, not all selections will have that philanthropic component, nor reference medical procedures. The robust group of bourbons, scotches, and ryes are priced at small one ounce pours, from a $2 JTS Brown BIB all the way up to a Nikka Coffey Malt Single Cask at $70, and everything in-between. Meanwhile, the cocktails — served in chilled glasses and poured tableside — comprise of martinis, Manhattans, and a concoction with Pierre Ferrand cognac and Giffard Menthe-Pastille called Rocky Yeh’s Stinger, a special tribute to the beloved spirits ambassador who died late last year (Waldbauer was a friend, and Yeh consulted on this project).

On the food side, the Doctor’s Office will serve skewers cooked over a charcoal grill, such as citrus and herb-seasoned chicken thighs, pineapple-glazed pork, and delicata squash with smoked paprika breadcrumbs (available at an adjacent takeout kitchen). There will also be some beer, wine, and non-alcoholic amaro sodas. But the emphasis will be on creating an upscale loungey experience, where hot towels and glasses of champagne welcome guests, and the bartenders promise to be generous with prescriptions.

Courtesy of The Doctor’s Office

• Intriguing New Capitol Hill Bar Plans to Focus on Japanese Whiskey and Skewers [ESEA]
• The Doctor’s Office [Official]
• The Doctor’s Office [Instagram]