BOB'S JAVA JIVE

Built in 1927 as the Coffee Pot Restaurant by a Tacoma veterinarian, Otis G. Button, it has been a food drive-thru, a speakeasy, a go-go bar, and now a Polynesian-themed live-music/karaoke bar with cheap beer and wine.. 2102 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.475.9843.


LINK: Web site

LINK: Drinkology

 

THE BROTHERHOOD LOUNGE

This bar is legendary. And there’s a reason. With a quintessentially Oly clientele, some of the best bartenders around, a sweet-ass pool table and shuffleboard to boot, the Broho leaves little to be desired. Plus the jukebox kicks ass, and there’s a snack machine with American Spirit cigarettes if you run out while chain smoking and talking about Chomsky out back. Good times. 119 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.4153

CAPTAIN NEMO'S

We think the best thing about Captain Nemo’s is the fireplace with sunken seating area in the restaurant’s foyer.  And the cocktails. 4020 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.564.6460.

THE CROWN BAR

This is comfort food with an exotic bent. The menu is chock full of great late night treats. I adored the fried oysters, roasted garlic tartar and Creole slaw. The oysters are crisp, not greasy. Crown’s earthy zihua mushroom quesadilla and creamy Cougar Gold mac and cheese complement bartender Dino’s new creations. The Charmoula beef — a marinade from North Africa consisting mostly of cumin, clove, olive oil, and coriander — is out favorite item on the menu. 2705 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4177.

DOCK STREET LANDING

Typical tavern food with a special nod to the Inferno Wings. 535 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.272.5004.

DOYLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE

Stews, bangers and mash, sausages, subs and nuts served in large portions. A great collection of Irish whiskey, plus a collection of beer from the UK (and the standards as well). Seems like there’s always a celebration of some sort going on. English football games rule. 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.238.5359.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide — Doyle's

HARMON BREWERY AND RESTAURANT

Established in August 1997, the Harmon brew pub has five flagship beers, spanning the full spectrum of ales — many multiple award winning beers. A variety of foods are offered including burgers, stone baked pizzas, pastas and more. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner. Snow sports theme throughout. 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739.

LINK: Slow Burn

LINK: Best of Tacoms 2008 (Best burger, Best Nachoes)

JAKE’S BAR & BISTRO

Jake’s brings great beers and fun to Steilacoom — but stick to the basic pub grub and you won’t be disappointed. Their list of microbrews is staggering. We adored the Johnsonville Bratwurst. It reminded us of tailgating — in fact, next football game, I am doing takeout. Beer and a brat —on a great deck. 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom. 253.581.3300.

MECONI’S PUB AND EATERY

Formerly a late 1800s brothel called “The Bodega,” the place cleaned up well when owner Dave Meconi spit polished the original old-growth Douglas fir floors and brick walls, filling the gap in the Old City Hall neighborhood for a steak, burgers, pasta and one of 16 beers on tap. 709 Pacific Ave., downtown Tacoma, 253.383.3388.

MAGGIE O’TOOLES

Go for the great Guinness pour, the chummy pub atmosphere and hamburgers of the gods at this funky Irish bar.  DJs and live bands at night. 6006 100th St. S.W., Lakewood, 253.584.3278.

MAGOO’S ANNEX

Friends getting together for drinks, members of both sexes on the prowl, a smattering of date couples, twentysomethings shooting pool, and the few lone rangers contentedly riding solo at the bar — Magoo’s. 2710 N. 21st St., Tacoma, 253.759.0467.

PADDY COYNE’S

Paddy’s is a deceptively large space that’s great for all three meals of the day and late night for the 20-ounce pints. Traditional Irish fare. 815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6963.

LINK: Full review posted May 2007

THE RED HOT

Red Hot is a cozy little tavern with a long bar (hooray for purse hooks under the bar!), several tables and two pinball machines. And truly, the best thing about Red Hot is those damn dogs. OMG. 2914 Sixth Ave.,Tacoma, 253.779.0229.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide — The Red Hot

LINK: Cheap drinks

THE SCHOONER PUB

The Schooner is very much a neighborhood hangout for Lakewood residents. And the after-work scene is ripping, both inside and out on the porch. Sunday morning football rules here. 5429 100th St. S.W., Lakewood, 253.584.1919.

THE SPAR

Can you say fish and chips?  Not only is The Spar a great local bar with a good reputation for exemplary beer and friendly patrons, the food is some of the best in Tacoma. Early Sunday night blues is a Tacoma tradition thanks to Ted Brown.  2121 N. 30th, Old Town Tacoma, 253.627.8215.

THE SWISS PUB

Single lady sips chowder below Chihuly glass.  Suits discuss flow charts in the loft.  Tattoos scratch the cue ball in the game room.  Strangers discuss the game on the tube while waiting for a brew served by honest-to-god bartender types with wacky nicknames like Red, Monkey and Nobby.  The service is quick and friendly. The food crushes most taverns’ fare.  There is never a seat open at the bar. 1904 Jefferson Ave., downtown Tacoma, 253.572.2821.

LINK: Natasha loves The Swiss

TEMPEST LOUNGE

Swank, hip, shabby-chic, sexy with delicious daily specials, small plates piping hot chocolate chip cookies! 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904.

WEST END BAR & GRILL

Good, cheap bar food. Cheesy bacon fries rule, as does the weekend karaoke. 3840 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.2896.