New Speakeasy Concept Bosses Office Tantalizes the Senses
Out of Office
Words by Abby L. Johnson Photos by Baptiste Despois
Despite its name, stepping over the threshold of this speakeasy is antithetical to entering the stuffy private space of an office manager. Rather, this moody bar welcomes patrons, engulfing them in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere marked by low lighting and plush seating perfectly arranged to facilitate conversation amongst small groups. The muted color palette of the interior leaves plenty of room for the senses to be overwhelmed by the sights, smells, tastes, and even sounds of the extraordinary cocktails that grace the menu.
“I like to say [Bosses Office] is dark and stormy. It has a mood associated with it, but I really wanted it to be comfortable and accessible. I hope that when you come in the door the rest of the world fades away, and you can concentrate on what you’re doing here,” co-owner Kris Swift explains as he sips on a Charles Darwin. A cobra-shaped ice cube peeks out from a gold-rimmed coupe encircled by the leafy part of fennel. It’s the snake in the grass element described on the menu, a metaphor for the bite of this vegetal cocktail. Kris recalls when he first tried this gin-based cocktail dreamed up by Beverage Manager Taryn Eppson: “I had a flashback to when I used to garden with my grandfather when I was a kid. It has that earthy, vegetable-like smell that sticks on your skin and in your palate.” Evoking these types of memories through unusual and exciting flavors is an integral part of the Bosses Office experience.
Like with any piece of art, each interaction between any of the drinks and a person will be unique. Every person who tastes a cocktail brings their own sensorial memories, biases, and preferences to the table, which ultimately lead to endless interpretations. The Miranda Priestly (a frozen espresso martini topped with a toasted marshmallow) might remind one person of summer camp s’mores, while another is taken back to childhood Saturday mornings spent watching cartoons while slurping down a large glass of homemade chocolate milk, and this aspect of limitlessness delights Kris.
There may be a smoky element to some drinks, but there is certainly no smoke and mirrors when it comes to the carefully crafted libations. From the drinking vessel itself to the garnish and presentation, each component of Bosses Office is thoughtful and adds to the sensorial experience.
Contact:
3223 E 7th St.
bossesofficeaustin.com
@bossesofficeatx
