It’s funny how time flies when you’re having fun.

I truly can’t believe, even as I type these words now, that this stellar neighborhood bar opened a year ago just three small blocks away from my house.

 

And based on the exponential amounts of excellent times that I’ve had at the Top, I’m extremely lucky that those walls can’t talk.

 

Even better, if you’ve learned anything about proprietor Jaime Kay Newton it’s this: That girl knows how to throw a party.

 

The Top has become an instant success for all walks of life with their affordable drinks, the best pub food in town, a juke box and iPod mixes that only add to the atmosphere of this perfectly rehabilitated space, and that Jaime Kay has all kinds of tricks up her sleeve to welcome this one year anniversary in rock and roll style.

 

Mark your calendars!

The Top crew will kick off a weekend of festivities at 9 p.m. Oct. 16 with a free rock show, including THE PLASTARDS, Pioneers West and Cody Foster’s Army. 

The next day you’re likely to run into the Swampy Drawers, a band that offers hilarious banjo harmony. 

 

Saturday, Oct. 18, a throw-down will bring DJ Hannibal from Life Cycle spinning super all sorts of party-people music, from punk rock to hip-hop, ’80s to metal. I know for a fact that the hot ladies will get the dance party started because I’ll be one of them. 

Door prizes will be offered on both Friday and Saturday, including a Rainier river raft, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Rainier umbrellas, other excellent swag and gift certificates. 

It just so happens that Sunday Funday is home to the evening Seahawks game at 5 p.m. and Jaime Kay will be cookin’ up some delicious food specials including Kosher and Polish dogs with homemade all-meat chili and homemade pulled pork barbecue sandwiches with coleslaw and baked beans. 

The goal on Sunday is to cater to the lovely industry people who probably had to work all weekend. All of the regular Sunday specials ($1 PBR!) will be available, and all weekend long the Top will feature Red Bull and Patron specials, including $5 bombs and $5 chilled Patron shots and other Patron and drink specials. An added bonus is that pints of Guinness will be $2 all weekend.

With or without all of these great events to look forward to, I just have to say that it’s so amazing how one bar, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to all kinds of people can bring life and hope back to a forgotten area.

 

That’s why I hope you’ll help Jaime Kay and the rest of the Top of Tacoma crew celebrate what will be an anniversary party unlike any other this city has seen.

[Top of Tacoma Bar and Café, 3529 Mckinley Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1502]

Tell me where you like to party at sceneofthecrime@hotmail.com.