William Oliver's Publick House

Had a chance to visit William Oliver's again and had a better experience.  Jacob was the bartender and you can tell he is really knowledgeable plus enjoys what he does.  

I didn't have any food so can't comment on any improvements there, but Jacob did take the time to ask me what I liked in a whiskey, then made some suggestions on what to have.  His suggestions were appreciated and were good for the most part.

The bar was not busy at the time I went in, so that may have something to do with the personal service and better experience, but left understanding what the bar was all about and having had an enjoyable time.

Sometimes I want more than a beer. I want somewhere where I can be comfortable sitting back and relaxing with friends in an environment that is not as chaotic as a bar. William Oliver's is a whisky bar that strives for this, but unfortunately the popularity of the joint simply makes achieving this goal impossible.

We stopped in on a Wednesday night for some whisky (for the men) and cocktails (for the ladies.) It's got a classy feel to it, from the impressive bar to the bartenders in old timey wear (complete with waxed 'stache.) Now I have just started drinking hard liquor like bourbon and whisky straight, so my knowledge of said spirits is a bit novice, to say the least. Despite the ridiculous busyness of the place, the bartender was good enough to take his time and make sure I got what would be the best fit for me. He definitely knew his whiskey!

The whiskys are extremely varied, ranging from cheap $3 a 1/2oz booze to more extravagent stuff that is more in the $8+ price range. They also have other stuff, including beer, bourbon and mixed drinks, but it's primary niche is being a whisky bar. Being my first time, I hovered around the $4 level and he found two whiskys that I enjoyed. With booze in hand we turned to find a spot, but the place was packed to capacity. Every spot on the bar was taken, as well as all the tables and furniture inside. Luckily the four of us were able to squeeze onto a bench outside, but even there it was a bit busy.

William Oliver's wants to be a swanky joint by not offering music, tv and other distractions, focusing on booze, food and conversation. Yet due to the popularity it is difficult to enjoy your own conversation with all the other conversations going on around you. It would be a really, really cool place to hang out of it wasn't so dang busy and loud all the time. Seriously, that's my only complaint...it's too popular! Otherwise a great place.

Amazing! If you like to have a home town feeling pub this is your place :)