Bar Hop: Grim’s Provisions & Spirits

Capitol Hill's self-proclaimed cross between steampunk and a horror video game.

By Cayla Lambier March 11, 2011

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This article originally appeared in the April 2011 issue of Seattle Magazine.

Bar owner Laura Olson and designer Chris Pardo (both of Po Dogs and Auto Battery) opened Grim’s (1512 11th Ave.; 206.324.7467; grimseattle.com) in December in the former Grey Gallery space on Capitol Hill. A self-proclaimed cross between steampunk and a horror video game, the tavern is actually quite convivial.

THE VIBE: Prepare for oxymoronic descriptions such as medieval luxury, industrial chic and mineshaft suave. Lighting is minimal but warm. Combined with rich wood floors and rust-kissed Cor-Ten steel walls, it creates a relaxed shelter for the young, casual clientele gathered at communal tables. Upstairs is the Butterfly Lounge, filled with more than 30 brilliant preserved specimens, along with a reflective ceiling and pillows for lounging.

THE FOOD: Hearty fare scores high with comfort food connoisseurs. Choose from three varieties of gooey grilled cheese ($6.95) to pair with a bowl of house-made tomato soup ($6) or keep it light with an order of artichoke- and goat-cheese-topped crostini ($7.95). If you’re lucky, the rotating dessert menu will include the raspberry cheesecake flan ($6.95).

THE DRINKS: Grim’s speakeasy-style “signature intoxicants” include the Dark & Stormy ($8), composed of Gosling’s black seal rum and ginger beer, and the French 75 ($8.50), a concoction of gin, champagne, lemon juice and rock candy syrup. Too fancy? This “beer hall” also purveys pints that arrive in Mason jars.

THE BATHROOMS:
Two large equal-opportunity restrooms convey steam-era chic with dark colors and aged kegs.

 

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