Lately I’ve been taking note of an epidemic that’s sweeping Tacoma’s nightlife: It’s freakin’ blowin’ up.



I went to the Pacific Grill for lunch, and there wasn’t a seat open in the house.



Tempest and Monsoon Room have been off the hook.



The Harmon’s massive location is buzzing.



The Swiss is still packin’ ’em in.



The Parkway is experiencing one record sales night after another.



The Loft and 21 Commerce are continual magnets.



All of the bars and restaurants on Sixth Avenue are gangbusters.



People were worried that the opening of Paddy Coyne’s would hurt business at Doyle’s, only to discover that both establishments continue to be busting at the seams with people.



After just a few months of being open, Matador Tacoma’s record sales have already beat that of its West Seattle location and is just shy of the Ballard establishment’s record. Tacoma is also the first location of the three to serve lunch.



As your nightlife correspondent, I have been asked by one Tacoman after another for my theories on where all of the people who are filling these joints are coming from as the faces at the bars become unfamiliar.



Here’s what I think the deal is: Tacoma is quickly outgrowing the perception that it’s lame.

Droves of people from inside and outside of Washington state are settling in Tacoma because of the affordability.



Also, I’m sure that more and more people are coming by the SUV-load from our neighboring communities such as Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, and Lakewood.



But even better than that, all of the people who live in Tacoma are finally starting to figure out that you no longer need to go to Seattle to have fun.



While this surge in new nightlife hot spots is creating momentum that Tacoma hasn’t seen in decades, the future of the city depends on one thing: Y-O-U.



If you like what you’re seeing, continue to patronize these locally owned establishments, which will cause more developments of this nature to follow. Success breeds success, my people.

The streets of downtown still feel like a ghost town during the week, which is often a deterrent for business owners who are considering our city. On slower nights like Tuesdays or Wednesdays, make it a point to catch happy hour or some late-night grub.



In addition, one of the easiest things we can all do is keep the buzz going by letting people know how cool Tacoma is. Insist that your friends from Seattle or elsewhere visit for the night. If they continue to poke fun and question your taste in living here, just make them feel like losers for not being in on the secret.



I know some of you would rather that Tacoma remain undiscovered so we can keep it all to ourselves, but if you want even more choices and amenities like I do, you have to feel the verve, spread the word and as I always advise:



Rock the Casbah!