About a year ago The Acme Grub Cage was purchased by an eager bartender and his customer. Together they are changing the way Tacoma views this once dilapidated dive bar.



New wooden cabinets are stained and ready for the multitude of liquor bottles that will be available once their liquor license is obtained. Carpeting gone, floors polished, and bathrooms painted, I can easily label this place a very cool dive.



Fingers are crossed for not only the liquor license, but the food permit that will allow Acme guests to chow on some fine eats. And by “fine eats” I’m talking about frozen Swanson dinners and Costco pizza. Hell yeah, that right there is some good drunk grubbin’.



There’s no shortage of domestics in cans or bottles, but the tap selection is what I was definitely happy about. A rare find of Acme IPA out of San Francisco beckoned me to have the bartender pour me a tall one. As I sipped away I heard the men behind me tell stories of friends getting their asses kicked and how much they needed some porn for the evening. Dive bar chat at its finest.



This place is ready to shake the old reputation, and has shed a new light on what being a cool dive is all about. Cleaned up and uncluttered, The Acme prefers you drop “Grub Cage” from the title and stop in to chill with friends. I can promise you won’t be disappointed.

Acme Grub Cage

1310 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.272.1892



Service: Steve is friggen’ cute — excellent service

Beer : Good selection, nice and cold

Food : Excellent late night munchies soon to come

Bar Exam Dive Bar Grade: B