I had been to O’Malley’s a few times in my old Femme Fianna Dockyard Derby Dames days. It was always late at night, dark, crowded, and reeked of beer and sweat. I loved it. The best throw downs, punk bands and bartenders have graced O’Malley’s soil during the after dinner hours — so it was up to us to see what we could learn from a little dive bar visit during the daytime. That is, after all, one of the true dive bar tests.

Bandito Betty, Jimmy and I snagged the farthest three barstools from the door. It fit our usual plan to be close enough to observe the regulars but far enough to not be in the way. This time our plan proved otherwise. Patrons filled up every seat next to us, and we quickly discovered that we were invading someone’s territory. They let it be known both verbally and physically. We received notice of our invasiveness as people literally came up to us and glared into our eyes as if to say “What the fuck are you doing in my seat?”

It was awesome.

We had a great time as usual at O’Malley’s, but seeing that joint in the daylight proved to be eye opening. Yes, I believe we would consider O’Malley’s a “dive” of some sort, but it look’s just plain ol’ COOL in the light of day. They had plenty of great beers on tap, nice pool tables, not too many random beer signs, and no pull-tabs.

We felt happy to be a part of such a great, historic bar along Sixth Avenue. With all the new, trendy bars popping up along the way, O’Malley’s is a gem of a find. Plus the wobbly barstool put my right labia to sleep, so that was a bonus.

O’Malley’s Irish Pub

2403 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.3144

Beer: Good selection, perfect Guinness pours.
Service: Very nice, even though she wouldn’t gossip to us. Dammit.
Food: I have no idea.
Bar Exam Dive Grade: B- (It’s more comforting old bar than it is a dive)