Single Malt Scotch, Belgian Beer and Bargain Books Equal Success in Seattle

In a quaint bar in downtown Seattle, businessmen gather around a cool marble bar top to unload their burdens from the day over a Belgian beer or two.  Thirsty ferryboat travelers pass the time until their next voyage with conversation and coffee while bartenders seduce curious customers with an extensive selection of single malt scotch. The sounds of Blues and Jazz weave throughout the worn wooden furniture and echo off the never-ending shelves of eclectic and quirky books — yes, books.

Combining Class and Comfort
    Not quite a library but definitely a bar, The Bookstore Bar in the Alexis Hotel combines the class and comfort of an old world Scottish pub with the appeal of a petite scholarly store. Initially a bookstore, the owners decided to parlay the establishment’s bookish design into bar success by leaving the original shelves and books along the walls. An old rolling ladder can still be heard rumbling across the hardwood floors as patrons search through the unorganized collection of books while waiting on their libations.
    “We do sell the books for about five dollars each,” says Supervisor and Bartender Narins Scott. “But, it’s more of an old school pub than anything else. Our large front windows help peek peoples’ curiosity. ‘Is it a bookstore or is it a bar?’ Once people walk into the door, they can see our large selection of single malt scotch.”

Single Malt Success
    With more than 50 different kinds of single malt Scotch and a wide selection of stout specialty drinks, Belgian beers and contemporary American cuisine, the Bookstore Bar offers an elegant variety of food and beverages in a comfortable environment.
    Customers often can be seen peacefully chatting in the small nook in the back of the bar or passionately debating at one of the tall cocktail tables in the main seating area. In fact, the Bookstore Bar won AOL’s City Guide award for the City’s Best Conversation Bar in 2006.
    “The Bookstore Bar is classy without being pretentious,” Scott says. “It is a rather intimate bar with a professional staff that are well-educated about the scotches themselves and the people they are serving.”
    Scotch connoisseurs frequent the bar for it’s Balvenie Flight — a serving of three different kinds of Balvenie single malt — and newcomers to the scotch world can take a virtual tour through Scotland and taste the differences between the regions with the help of the Bookstore Bar’s worldly staff.

Profitable Pastime
    For those customers who seek more than just an affair with alcohol, the fine cuisine prepared by Chef Tim Ferguson might do the trick. Savory steaks, fresh seafood and an affordable Happy Hour menu draw in many weary travelers and parched industry personalities from the Seattle area.  While customers wait, they are free to browse through the literary collection that ranges from ‘60s scholastic books to Seattle travel guides to up-to-date specialty magazines. Traditional games, such as chess, cribbage and Scrabble, provide entertainment..  
    “Honestly, the books are mostly for decoration,” Scott says. “I think people keep coming back because the quality of service and the comfortable surroundings.”       NCB