Olympia Oyster Bar Names Ryan Magarian Head of Bar Program

Slated to open December 16 at 4214 N Mississippi Ave., Olympia Oyster Bar has just released news that Ryan Magarian of Oven & Shaker and Hamlet will lead the restaurant's bar program. After pairing sherry cocktails and fine hams with aplomb at Hamlet this year, Magarian will now pair champagne cocktails with Olympia Oyster Bar's Latin American and West Cost-inspired seafood dishes. He'll be on-location mixing drinks several nights a week, to accommodate his schedules at Oven & Shaker and Hamlet.

Owners and chefs Melissa Mayer and Maylin Chavez say they added Magarian to the team "to create a bar culture" at Olympia Oyster Bar, and while they haven't released the cocktail menu, they say to expect a selection of highballs as well as cocktails involving absinthe and mezcal. Olympia Oyster Bar will also have plentiful champagne and sparkling wine options, and a selection will also be available for retail. It will serve beer and wine, including a white wine list heavy with Loire Valley options, and the restaurant's happy hour—dubbed Oyster Recess—will likely run 4 to 6 p.m.

To help it on its way, Olympia Oyster Bar is holding a Kickstarter campaign now through December 28. You can contribute and find more details on the Kickstarter page. Stayed tuned, as Olympia Oyster Bar prepares to drop its opening day menu.