The doctor will see you now.

People all over the region seek out this doctor’s office to help find a cure for whatever ails them. In this case, the office just happens to be a bar.

And although the owner is an actual practicing MD, folks looking for that perfect elixir to smooth things over find their panacea in the cocktails being mixed by The Doctor’s Office Bar Director, Keith Waldbauer.

Waldbauer has an extensive background in food and wine, but over the years he has cemented his reputation as one of the most notable bartenders in the region.  

A Pacific Northwest native, Waldbauer made his way to Colorado for a few years to attend college at the Naropa Institute, founded by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa. After graduating, he took a detour to Japan for a couple of years before heading back to the states, perfecting his craft along the way at a string of the top bars and restaurants. In Seattle he was a partner at Liberty, a global consultant at Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen, and he worked with a group of other dedicated bartenders to start the Washington State Bartenders’ Guild.

Now Waldbauer oversees the bar program at The Doctor’s Office, a 12 seat (reservations recommended) gem of a cocktail spot on Capitol Hill.

Waldbauer shares with us The Salvador Dali Lama, a bar favorite inspired by the classic M&M (mezcal and Montenegro 50/50).

“I live above the Pizza Mart on University Way. Croft is a bartender there – he’s one of those guys every bartender knows, classic pro’s pro,” said Waldbauer. “He dials up some M&M’s, and I immediately think it’d go well with the new Giffard Piment d’Espelette that had just come into Seattle.  Added some Manzanilla Sherry and, voilà – the Salvador Dali revealed itself.” 

Cocktail Hour with Keith Waldbauer

The Salvador Dali Lama

1 oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
1 oz Amaro Montenegro
.5 oz Lustau Manzanilla Sherry
.5 oz Giffard Piment d’Espelette

Stir over ice
Served in a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a speared Calabrian Chili Pepper in oil

Waldbauer recommends pairing this cocktail with charcuterie, pintxos, and other Basque dishes.

If you are looking for another inspired cocktail check out other Cocktail Hours here and here.