Dockum ~ Wichita, KS

by Sharm | Apr 2, 2017 | Articles, Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Restaurants, Wichita

The Pharmacist will see you now at Dockum and is sure to cure what ails you with a special hand crafted elixir. Dockum is Wichita’s only underground speakeasy in the area that I know of and has whetted my appetite for the craft cocktails I have grown to love in Kansa City.

Prior to moving to Wichita I would frequent my nieces speakeasy The W in Lee’s Summit, Missouri which is part of the KC metro area. I of course am biased, due to the nature of the owners but have found that the Dockum here in Wichita is wonderful at creating amazing craft cocktails as well and am so glad to have a new place to hang out.

I absolutely love craft cocktails as they are made with fresh ingredients and premium liquors allowing the real flavors to shine. No sugary mixes allowed!  I urge you to gather some friends and spend an evening at Dockum. Not only will you have amazing drinks and a great time, you will be supporting a local Wichita business! If you happen to be in KC make a reservation at The W and tell them Aunt Sharmy sent you!

The history of Dockum dates back to 1958 where Dockum Drug Store was located on the main level of what is now the Ambassador Hotel. Dockum is now located in the basement of the Ambassador Hotel and the only sign that it exists the RX symbol on the staircase.

Photo Credit: @DockumWichita Instagram

As you make your way down the stairs it is clear that this in no ordinary bar. Though no password is required to get in, you will have to knock on the solid wood door that will stand between you and hand crafted elixirs. Once in, the pharmacist can offer you the perfect remedy to cure what ails you.

I have found the the El Kabaong is the best remedy for my current condition. This concoction features Don Q Coconut Rum, Aloe, Pineapple Cream and Habanero Syrup.  The sweet combination of the pineapple and coconut gives me the feeling of being by the ocean enjoying a tropical breeze while watching the palm trees sway.

El Kabong Cocktail

Although, the Peruvian Princess featuring Barsol Pisco, Fig Syrup, Lemon, Rosemary, Foam and Cardamom Bitters is not quite as sweet as the El Kabong it pairs well with the Dockums house-made onion dip and potato crisps when the script is suggested you take with food.

Peruvian Princess

The orange essence and real smoke flavor from the Old Smokin’ Cody is an intoxicating adventure for both taste and smell featuring Cody Road Rye, Cracked Pepper, Cherry Balsamic Shrub, Angostura Bitters and Orange Bitters.

There are quite a few other prescriptions to choose from so you are sure to find a cure for whatever is causing you trouble. If it must be taken with food, in addition to the onion dip and crisps, there are some other small plate options featuring charcuterie, roasted nuts, olives and lebna with pita.

Prior to being the Amabassador Hotel or Dockum Drug Store the building was home to the Union National Bank and in the basement where this speakeasy is located, you will find the original brick walls and the banks vault giving the Dockum a sleek and rustic feel. Candle lit tables and the dark wood bar add to ambiance of stepping back in time. The Vault as it is called,  adds a little sexiness to the space and can and be reserved for small parties wishing for a more intimate private setting.

Photo Credit: @DockumWichita Instagram

Reservations are not required unless you are reserving The Vault but there are a few rules you must follow. Seats at the bar are on a first come, first serve bases and as the patient you must have patience, as your elixir is quite labor intensive to make and may take some time. There are some other rules to follow when consuming you elixir at Dockum including  no ball caps, do not disturb others, discreet cell phone use and of course, taking two and calling them in the morning.