Truth be known, the more of a dive the place looks, the more intrigued I am. That is, until I saw The Right Spot in Fife. From the outside, that place didn’t intrigue me at all, it just plain ol’ scared me.

Tucked in a back parking lot corner amongst potholes and semi-trucks, The Right Spot seemed to nurture Pacific Highway’s lost and lonely. At least that’s what I thought every time I drove by and squinted. I had no problem venturing into Pacific Highway’s Valley Pub (editor made me take out this description), but this one took me — what? — almost a year to explore. I’m no wussy, so this week I made it my goal to step inside.

Someone should just slap me right upside the face for judging this bar from the outside. The Right Spot is a large, family friendly (until 8 p.m.), full menu, six-pool-table sanctuary. Their extensive menu not only includes every grilled and deep fried delicacy known to Large Marge’s corroded arteries, but also has a keen variety of homemade pizzas. Homemade pizzas! Who knew?

I thought I had found a hint of true dive bar when I notice only three beer taps on one wall. Until the bartender corrected me with an, “Oh, no lady! We have all these right here!” as she pointed at another entire line of taps. Now for the vodka lover in all of us, The Right Spot carries every infused version of Absolut my shriveled liver could imagine.

Ok, so there are pull-tabs, no windows, excessive beer signage, and bad carpeting — but if this place were located in Tacoma it would be THE place to be. Sorry all you Tacoma suckers, The Right Spot’s spot is right where I like it — hidden and close to me.

The Right Spot

5119 Pacific Hwy E., Tacoma, 253.922.7371

Food: Try the Halibut

Beer: Brands I’ve never heard of and can’t wait to try

Service: They’re here to serve you, not kiss your ass

Bar Exam Dive Bar Grade: B-