by Maloree Murphy | photos by Nathan Satran

Winter in Billings has a way of narrowing your plans. You want a warm, inviting place with great drinks. The Waiting Room checks all of those boxes. Tucked next door to Doc Harper’s, the speakeasy feels like a pause from the noise of downtown. Owned by Barb and Bruce, The Waiting Room was opened with the same care and consistency that have made Doc Harper’s a longtime favorite. Together, the two spaces tell a story about hospitality done well and about what it looks like to invest thoughtfully in a downtown community.

The Waiting room name came from Barb and Bruce’s granddaughter, and the moment she said it, they knew it was right. Barb remembers looking at Bruce and thinking, Oh my gosh, that’s beautiful. There was no overthinking it after that.

From the beginning, ambience was nonnegotiable. Barb strongly believes in its importance. She explains that nothing in the space was chosen casually. The couple worked closely with Kim Olson at O2 Architects to make sure the room felt intimate without feeling cramped. The metal accents, furniture, and lighting were all selected with care.

It did not take long for meaningful moments to unfold within the space. Barb recalls a couple who recently celebrated their anniversary at The Waiting Room after meeting years ago on a first date at Doc Harper’s. For Barb and Bruce, it was a full-circle reminder of why they do what they do.

That sense of history carries into the cocktail menu as well. Inspired by the Prohibition era, the drinks lean into bourbon, rum, and gin, the spirits most prominent during that time. Most cocktails were created specifically for The Waiting Room, with only a few martinis carried over from next door. Maintaining a distinct identity was important, even while sharing a wall. Due to popular demand, they note that the Espresso Martini will soon be added to The Waiting Room side.

Guests often ask why food is not served in The Waiting Room, and Bruce is refreshingly straightforward. The kitchen simply cannot support food service for both spaces at once. Rather than compromise quality, they chose to let Doc Harper’s handle the food and allow The Waiting Room to focus entirely on drinks.

Throughout our conversation, Barb and Bruce’s staff came up repeatedly. Bruce is quick to point out that Barb was in retail for many years and pays attention to every detail. Barb simply states, we really care about our people. She expands on that, explaining that when employees feel valued and supported, it shows in how guests are treated. Their manager has been with them for eight years, their assistant manager for seven.

For guests hoping to snag a seat, especially on busy nights, Bruce suggests arriving between four and five or starting with a drink at Doc Harper’s while waiting for a spot to open. Turnover is usually quick, and Barb reminds guests that downtown parking garages are safe and often overlooked.

As part of a growing downtown scene, Barb and Bruce believe investing in downtown Billings is essential to the city’s overall health. Events like Alive After 5 play a vital role in supporting downtown businesses, and both hope to see North Broadway continue to evolve into a walkable promenade.

After spending time in The Waiting Room, one thing is clear. The details matter. The drinks are excellent, the lighting is just right, and the space does exactly what a great date-night spot should. It makes you want to sip and stay awhile.

Originally printed in the February 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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