We wandered into the Jimgermanbar while waiting for a table at the Whoopemup. We didn't eat but only had drinks. The drinks are strong and the staff friendly. Prices reasonable and a nice break from drinking wine. It's an eclectic mix of hunting lodge meets West Elm. The vibe is hip and a fun/relaxing place to hangout. Time almost stops in Waitsburg.
Review Source:jimgerman bar's (JGB) positive reviews are so on point that I really can't improve upon them, but I am so amused by the few negative reviews that I want to respond to them.
JGB is all about personal and hand crafted. Do not be in a hurry when you go there. It is a part of the magic...slow down, relax, watch him make a drink, smell it, taste it, wait for some really good rustic food, talk to the strangers next to you who will become new friends...this is all good tonic (ha ha) for a rushed, overstimulated and too stressed society. This type and level of service is not possible with a busload of wine tourists with an itinerary to follow showing up without notice.
Under different circumstances I believe the disgruntled reviewers would have left Jim's in the same mellow and appreciative state that I have on a regular basis over the five years I have traveled to Waitsberg to spend time and money at the JGB. Both always well spent and good memories made.
Note: ask for a "Sardinian Ricky" if you like gin.
We've been to jimgermanbar a handful of times. Â Last night, like our other visits, included exceptional drinks and tasty snacks. Â
A bit of advice, call ahead for a reservation. Â Seating is limited. Â You really get the personal touch here especially at the bar where you will pick up some tips on mixing cocktails.
etruscan? a lost ancient civilization that once encompassed much of the tuscany region of italy, etruria was a prehistoric culture dating as far back as 800 BC. Â leaving behind no traces of literature or religious texts, all we can gather from this ancient civilization is the tapas-styled fare of jimgermanbar, situated in the outskirts of walla walla wine country. Â i trekked here alongside a group of thanksgiving orphans, and i must say, the experience did not disappoint. Â the 18 ft table in their private dining room was enough to impress, but filled full of antipasto, tortilla de espana, salads, schnitzel and glasses upon glasses of amaro-based bevande, it was a thanksgiving feast fit for etrusci and seattlites alike.
Review Source:This place is awesome, near in Washington, near Idaho in a town called Waitsburg.
I live in a city that (hilariously) believes itself to be the center of all style and cool.
Part of the reason that I love Jimgerman is that it over a thousand miles away from all that and honestly puts many of NYC's cocktail bars to shame. Â This place is so good that I would travel for it again. Â The drive to get there is beautiful, and it honestly makes me wonder why I waste so much of my life living where I do, but alas, I digress.
The drinks are outstanding and fresh, to the point that there are fresh herbs at the bar and a bartender who really seems to love what he is doing. They have all sorts of liquors and infusions. Â The decor is like something out of a Wes Anderson film. The vibe is relaxed and the service attentive.
I hope to come back to this gem of a bar soon.
A-OK! Â We visited JimGermanbar on a recent Thursday evening on the recommendation of several locals at the Inn where we were staying in Walla Walla. Â We are seasoned cocktail aficionados, so were excited to hear there was a bar that specialized in handcrafted drinks using interesting, often local spirits in nearby Waitsburg. Â I can definitely see what others have mentioned about not feeling welcome. Â When we walked in the bar wasn't crowded, however we received a less than warm welcome. Â They weren't familiar with the spirit I was interested in, so I opted for a Manhattan - it was quite tasty, well made with housemade bitters and I enjoyed it. Â We ordered some appetizers, however they took too long and we had a dinner reservation across the street so after waiting 20 minutes or so we had to cancel our order. Â Would I go out of my way to return? Â Probably not - I think this place specializes in serving locals, many of whom were warmly greeted by name as we sat at the bar. Â Tourists need not apply.
Review Source:Had a lovely meal with a large group, great cocktails and service, and follow up (when one person in our party left an item in their). Â Food was incredily yummy. Â This place is worth a drive from Walla Walla or Tri Cities. Â Great little town to visit. Â Prices were totally fair, and much less than we expected.
Review Source:Why would anyone want to support an establishment that says "we don't need your money" Â or - when you arrive with a group about 15 minutes before they open - even though they are there - says "ya know there are such things as phones, try calling next time" Â and then refuses to even sit you or accommodate you?
I would hope not. Â With a great group of 20 with money to spend - this was the exact "welcome" Â we got from Jim German. Â I don;t care how great their drinks might be - this is a place that doesn't deserve anyone's business. Â
Stay Away
As a matter of principle, I generally don't leave a review of a place unless I have had an opportunity to give it a try. Â I am making an exception here due to the extremely rude/pompous/sarcastic attitude of the owner, who "greeted" us at the door.
We were on a small charter bus and the bus driver suggested we stop in for a drink at this place. Â He pulled up out front and being the organizer of our group, I walked up and let the owner we had a group that wanted to come in and have a drink. Â He told me they weren't open, asked how many were in my group and when I told him that we were a group of 20 but not everyone was going to order a drink, he said to me "You know there is such a thing as a telephone, right?" Â What an asshole! Â He could have just mentioned that they needed advanced notice to accommodate a group and that he wasn't open yet rather than copping an attitude with us.
We let his sarcastic attitude roll off our shoulders and mentioned that our driver had told us that he had some of the best drinks around. Â One person in my group told him he was missing an opportunity to put some money in his pocket and he said something like "I don't need your money."
We all got back on the bus not feeling a lot of love for this guy and were thankful that there are sooooo many other places in Walla Walla, Waitsburg and Dayton with friendly service who were more than happy to welcome us.
The group of us went to a couple of other establishments, shared the story about how we were treated and the owners of the other places said they had heard similar stories from others.
How this place has so many 5 star reviews will remain a mystery to me because I will never set foot inside this bar again.
Huge fan of the Jimgerman. We visit at least twice a year when we stay in Dayton near Waitsburg. Jim and Claire are wonderful people, and they have built an excellent business in this small former wheat town. The building itself has been lovingly restored and updated to reflect it's turn of the century roots with a tasteful modern esthetic.
Jim is known as a master mixologist, and his cocktails are divine. The nightly food specials are delicious, so you can either have dinner or head there for late night cocktails. It's large enough for groups yet intimate enough for couples.
If you're anywhere near Walla Walla or the Tri-Cities, the Jimgerman Bar is a must see.
This seems like one of those bars you'd see in one of the hip neighborhoods of Los Angeles or Seattle, but in all actuality it's out in the middle of nowhere in the tiny town of Waitsburg in eastern Washington. Â Great art on the walls, great ambiance, great music. Â Jim German knows how to make a strong drink. If you basically tell him the ingredients you want, he'll make a drink for you. Â I wanted him to recreate one of my favorite drinks from a bar in Los Angeles (Rockwell VT, THE best drinks I have ever had, if you ever have the opportunity to go there, order a Gemini--http://www.yelp.com/biz/rockwell-vt-los-Âangeles), which had grapefruit and peppers in it, and his concoction was VERY spicy, almost couldn't drink it, but after a couple sips and it burning my lips and help from the group I was with, was able to finish the drink. Â Jim came to our table and talked with us, seems like a really nice guy. Â This place is very fun, just wish it wasn't so far away from me!
Review Source:You know a place is a part of you when you dream about it. Â jimgermanbar has had starring roles in many a daydream and a few sleepy slumbers in my day.
***UPDATE! Â UPDATE! Â UPDATE! Â *** Â
[It's been almost a year, have made many visits, and accrued tons of notes, in other words, I'm overdue.]
Over the last year I've had quite a few excursions up the Touchet River Valley.  Yeah, I might have said I wanted to visit an old movie house (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/liberty-theater-dayton">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>), go for a mountain bike ride in the Blues (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-mountains-trails-dayton">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>), stalk a trout or two with an elk-hair caddis, or sample some yummy goat cheese (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/monteillet-fromagerie-dayton">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>), BUT these were all a means to an end....excuses.  Excuses to revisit JGB.
The basics of the bar have been posted in other raving reviews. Â Here I touch-up accolades I've fashioned in my head over the last year and a half relationship I've had since jimgermanbar's been in my life.
As one frames oneself at the entrance, my first sense awakened is sound. Â Where else in eastern WA can you enter an establishment where you can hear music ranging from salsa to reggae to Snoop Dog?? Â And within a few steps the rest of your senses are welcomed by the homey & warm comfort of a place which is run by people who love what they do and what they've brought to the world (be it their beautiful art, excellent cuisine, or amazing cocktails).
I chatted with Jim about his bar, and he said their bar is laid back. Â He's had his share of working with high rollers in the big city, and knows about corporate establishments. Â Their bar is far from that. Â He likes their laid back atmosphere and the clientele it attracts. Â Me, too. Â
Mr. German is a true artisan behind his bar. Â I knew nothing of craft cocktails before making JGB's acquaintance. Â I now prefer craft cocktails, and I thank Jim for this education I've received. Â Jim stocks only the best spirits. Â These liquors serve as a base camp for endless options. Â With organic & fresh fruit, spices, and other garnishes (most grown by his and Claire's own hands) you are truly in for a treat when ordering a cocktail here. Â These are their gifts they give to us. Â However, it's not just a one-way gift exchange. Â I've seen people whom I assume were guests, patrons, regulars....friends, come in with unique bottles for Jim. Â Heck, if you make it in this spring/summer, you'll be able to watch a gift of hops climb their way up jimgermanbar's storefront (I didn't give this gift, but I helped chauffeur them). Â :)
Over the last year and a half, I've seen about 2-3 different signature cocktail lists. Â With names like La Camorra, Rosebud, and Bjork, creativity on Jim's part and curiosity on my part have made for pleasant introductions. Â You see, these cocktails aren't just drinks. Â They are trips. Â You take trips to far away places, be it Peru (Pisco), Brazil (cachaca), Scandinavia (akvavit). Â
But my favorite experiences are those which are unknown. Â I like it when new cocktails are made on the spot. Â I now have a new "usual": Â The Tequila Sunrise. Â
I mentioned that I like tequila, but had also tasted some interesting spicy (i.e. chili spice) drinks in Portland recently. Â Oh and to throw another monkey wrench in, I also mentioned a sweet tooth. Â Jim was quick and confident with my order, and out came my Tequila Sunrise. Â Whoa Nelly!! Â This drink packs a punch. Â The spiciness smacks you right in the face. Â I was smitten with my new drink. Â What can I say, I live on the spicy side of the sidewalk. Â I also liked watching the faces of people when I gave them a sip--I'm evil like that. Â This drink is SUPER spicy, sweet, colorful, and complex. Â I could have conversations with this cocktail. Â
Another favorite experience I like is getting the drink list at the end of the night. Â It's presented on jimgermanbar stationary, and you get a poem: Â the names of the drinks Jim made. Â So, my friends have asked for variations on drinks they've had before, and you just have to love how they are made his own---examples: Â (original :::: Jim's take)
Manhattan :::: Enhanced Manhattan
Salty Dog :::: Salty Chinchilla
Old Fashion :::: Old, Old Fashioned
Tequila Sunset :::: Tequila Sunrise
And here are a few other drinks I've seen on our end-of-night drink lists: Â Cafe Correto, Wilbur, Dakar, Caipirinha, La Camorra, Tribeca Manhattan.
The bar is still a hidden gem within Waitsburg's Main St, but I have noticed more traffic in here (perhaps its due to articles featured in Food & Wine and Mid-Columbian magazines). Â Something new I've noticed are "Reserved" signs on some tables/stools...just something to bare in mind.
Hmmmmmm...now shouldn't I go get some exercise and take my bike out onto a Blue Mountain trail? Â And yeah, isn't "Date Night" playing at Liberty Theater at 3pm (meaning it conveniently lets out when a certain bar's doors open)......
I wonder indeed.
*7,349- the seemingly probable number of drink recipes Jim can rock out in a moments notice.
*3,285- the number of times my friend Corey has gotten a faraway look in his eye whilst fondly reflecting on "The Best Bar Ever!"
*4- number of super friendly and interesting people we met in one night at the bar.
*50- minutes of time well-spent driving out from the Tri-Cities to what is probably one of the most unique establishments in Eastern Washington.
*1- the number of drinks it took to make me a fan of JGB.
I had read the reviews and heard the stories but I just didn't believe it until I experienced it myself. Jimgermanbar IS the best bar around. I started off with a Pisco Sour and that set my night off right. It was the perfect combo of sweet, tangy, and intoxicatingly tasty. The glass he presented the drink in was even cool! Move over Mai Tai... This is quickly becoming my new favorite drink!
The second round included a special of the evening...I believe it was called a La Camorra. It was a heavenly mixture of blood oranges, vodka, with some grappa splashed in to make the flavors all sing Kumbaya.
I topped off the night with a Caipirinha, a drink I fell in love with only this past November. This muddled masterpiece was made with equal part muscle and magic. Holy tribute to limes Batman! Straight up yummy! Â
Jim, the incredible craftsman, concocted specialty drinks upon request for my friend. The first one, a spicy number that left me wide-eyed and cowering after just one sip, set the bar for the night. With much clearer sinuses, my friend ordered two more "whatever Jim wants to make" that night and was very happy with the results. Both were yummy...I MAY have snuck a sip (or three) when he was distracted by some of the interesting and discussion worthy art pieces on the walls.
While I didn't eat any of the luscious bites that Jimgermanbar offers, I have it on good authority that the cheeses are one of a kind and their chorizo in red wine is divine.
I really am torn between telling the world about this corner of cocktail heaven in Waitsburg and keeping the secret to myself. Lucky for you I am a loving and giving person... Take my advice. MAKE THE TRIP!
Stopped by on Saturday after dinner at the Whoopemup Hollow Cafe, with a party of 13 for a drink. Â Immediately upon entering the uncrowded bar we were told "we don't usually accomodate such a large group" and "we're not serving food" Â Ok, well, we just wanted a drink so the waitress sat us at a dirty table in the back room, which was empty of customers. Â She then told us we can have only one check and pay with only 4 cards -- not so convenient for a large party. Â We were also told we can't order drinks at the bar because "it keeps Jim happy" if we pay at the table. Â What?! Â I didn't realize I was paying to keep the bartender happy. Â And what BAR doesn't allow orders at the BAR, isn't that the whole point of a bar? Â Anyway, we decided to leave and on the way out Jim seemed confused as to why we were leaving -- don't know if he has any idea his wait staff is snooty and rude. Â I explained we were leaving b/c of the 4-card rule and again he seemed confused -- maybe the waitress made this up. Â Instead we headed to the Whetstone for a couple of rounds, and everyone was friendly and completely NOT snobby.
The experience was a bit of a disappointment since I'd heard good things about this place. Â But even if the cocktails are supposed to be good, I will pass on the attitude.
According to yelp there are 8 bars in Waitsburg.  Lets say there are 2 more I don't know about because it was dark when I was there and I'm an out of towner.  That means that 10% of Waitsburg's bars are in  on par with the  nation's best bars  Wow.  Seattle has 500 bars and about 5 good margaritas.  What I'm trying to say, is while in Waitsburg,  that statistically, because Waitsburg WA, pop 1230, 10 bars is what it is, you have the best chance of getting a quality cocktail perhaps more than anywhere in the world.  Jim Germain, has made Waitsburg WA the new cocktail capital of the world.
But seriously, amazing drinks and food for anybody. Â People who care are making creative comfortable food and doing it on a world class level for anybody in this small little town.
My wife and I have been here a few times now, and plan to keep going back!
Jim is a uber-talented mixologist and his wife puts out some amazingly tasty tapas. We visited this bar the first time after dining at Whoop Em Up accross the street. Â The next time we went we enjoyed tapas for light dining along with some of Jim's most excellent cocktails. Â Jim recognized us and gave us a full tour of the place, which was way cool. Â He and his wife are extremely welcoming and gracious. Jim spends more time garnishing some cocktails than most bartenders spend making one. Â He makes the tastiest cocktails I've ever enjoyed, by far, not even close.
This is the kind of place where you can set quietly or choose to engage in spirited conversations with other patrons. Â We have met some wonderful folks out there and have exchanged phone numbers so that we can meet up at Jimgermanbar again.
For us, it's well worth the drive out there to enjoy the atmosphere, food and cocktails. Â Don't pass through Waitsburg without stopping to check it out. For those within a couple hour drive, enjoy the drive out, it's well worth it.
Countryside speaks to you. You just sit, chill, take the right pace and enjoy a frugal meal. Well, frugal....not really, nothing like those Michelin Stars...but maybe better. Food is prepared in a tiny kitchen by a passion driven girl, it's clear at the first bite. The atmosphere is outrageously casual and somehow it's a real contrast considering that you are in the middle of a town that looks deserted. Menu's on the wall...few options, all worth tasting to be honest. Wine is a choice, yes, but in the wine country everyone's here for beer and cocktails. The space is totally artgalleryish with high ceilings and a blank appearance but warm, comforting and so was the food. Flavors and textures shone through. This is really a resort considering the few gourmet options around and it's only a 20 miles drive from Walla Walla in between soft hills burnt by the sun with crops that look combed and well groomed.
Review Source:I really dig this place. It's like stepping into a Seattle bar without the chill. The owner and his wife run the place and make you feel right at home. Good food. Good prices. Love the cheese plate. The olives are to die for. Jim is truly an amazing bartender. His chocolate martini is this best I've ever had, and I've had hundreds....literally. Ask Claire to show you her art studio next door. Â She's found some interesting and talented folks to display their artistic endeavors. Â It's worth taking the cocktail for a brief walk to see her latest discovery.
HINT: Â Don't get a beer or a glass of wine. Take advantage of Jim's awesome skills and let him create a cocktail for you.
*Open Thursday through Monday at 6 pm.
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