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Keeping it classic

Dillinger's Cocktails and Kitchen Rum Room

Save room for Whiskey Donut Bread Pudding featuring four donut styles baked into a custard, drenched in a butterscotch whiskey sauce and topped with a bourbon praline ice cream. Photo credit: Dutch Randall

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ANNOUNCER: This week, Dutch and Jackie are transported from Olympia's bustling, Bohemian downtown to a true speakeasy style joint as they crossed the threshold into Dillinger's Cocktails and Kitchen Rum Room.

JACKIE: The ambiance is delightfully swanky. A rich and plush character is set with beautiful hanging chandeliers, a distinguished wood bar back and warm accents throughout. Nestled inside a larger building makes it a gem deserving of the speakeasy reputation that is only reinforced by its Prohibition-inspired libation selection.

DUTCH: Come on a Monday night to enjoy live music that really adds to the feeling of an era gone by while sipping from a varied collection of cocktails.

JACKIE: Full disclosure, as a former boozeslinger myself, the main lure of Dillinger's for me is their cocktail selection. Their staff displays a passion for their craft and are all super knowledgeable with regards to their product. They have an excellent selection of locally distilled spirits, too.  I like to keep it classic at Dillinger's, their Manhattans and Sazeracs are perfectly executed but their craft cocktail menu delights with compelling twists and a dash of finesse on old favorites. Their menu is adventurous without being too obscure.

DUTCH: They have a menu that pairs well with the creative drink choices. The bourbon pork belly sliders with the sweet and smoky spicy slaw go well with the Gold Rush -- a combination of bourbon, honey and lemon. Or if you're feeling a bit more formal, give the roasted duck and polenta a try. The heartiness of the duck and creamy polenta goes hand-in-hand with Between the Sheets, a rum version of a Cognac sidecar.

JACKIE: I really ought to dine here more often. On the final Tuesday of each month they do a Tacky Tuesday Tiki Takeover. Maybe I'll make it a point to pair my rum punch and crushed ice, set afire concoctions with some Polynesian inspired nibbles ... maybe.

DUTCH: You really should! The meals here are worth more than one visit. And after you eat, save room for their signature Whiskey Donut Bread Pudding. Donuts baked into a custard with just a bit of crisp on the outside, then drenched in a butterscotch whiskey sauce and topped with a bourbon praline ice cream.

Dillinger's Cocktails and Kitchen Rum Room, 4-10 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 4-11 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday, 404 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.515.0650, dillingerscocktailsandkitchen.com

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