The KAke had to rent a movie the other night for her needy, sick boyfriend, so we stopped by Stadium Video to check one out. Bored out of our minds and eager for some action, BanditoBetty and I split upstairs to toss one back at the lounge behind The Harvester.



There were a couple of tables occupied, but the bar was completely empty, so we bellied up. 

“Yum,” we thought, “What should we have?” We greedily rubbed our hands together, anxiously waiting for the bartender to ease our thirst.  The ambiance, décor, and feel of the lounge soaked up all our cravings we had for a true dive bar experience.



But then — we waited.  And we waited.  And we waited.  The other tables started making comments about it being an open bar, and that drinks were free.  A patron eventually went out to the restaurant to ask for service, but came back with nothing to offer but a shrug of confusion.



I’ve been to the lounge in the Harvester before, and it’s always rocked.  And you know what?  Shit happens.  There had to be a good reason there was no one available at the time we went in.  So I’m left up to my imagination as to what would’ve happened:



The partially tattooed young Brazilian male immigrant bartender catches my eye from across the bar.  He can’t escape my stare, and our eyes lock.  I can see the passion all over his face, as everyone else in the bar seems to disappear.  All that matters this minute of my life are his muscles, and how they look as he pours my beer.  It’s at this moment that I get down on my knees and thank the spirits above that the new dress code for all Harvester bartenders is: Jeans and no shirt.



The Harvester is a legendary Tacoma bar, and I can’t wait for the real deal.  I can’t wait to go back and experience the lounge like it was meant to be.

The Harvester’s Lounge

29 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1193



Food: The usual comforting Harvester fix.

Service: Of course!

Beer: Yummy and Frosty cold



Mullet Count: one!



Bar Exam Dive Grade: C+  (Extra credit available if they hire the Brazilian bartender mentioned above.)