You really know that times have changed in this city when you're in a room on Tacoma's Hilltop that's packed with people who are full of happiness.



Although it sounds wicked cliché, that's really the best way I can describe last night's soft opening of 1022 South (the former Monsoon Room).



Delightful memories rushed back as I took the fateful turn onto J Street for what I knew would be a good time.



Like so many others, I've dearly missed the social network of former Moo Roo regulars and employees, and I must also admit that I've missed the one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from bartender Chris Langston. He's running the joint, and quite happy to be home. He and Corey Lund, who is also helping out, created the menu (which even includes a Nietszche quote: Awesome).



Donning the same jacket that I would wear when my gal pals and I would take over the Moo Roo, I was delighted to find the clique that I loved running into at this important Hilltop location.



T-Town celebrities were everywhere: sweet pea, Chesty Meow, Callie, DJ Big Chuck, The Mayor of Hilltop, Gregarious, Margauxlegs, EJ, the Naccarato brohamptons, J. Lock, Hammer, Jada-Moon, Heath, Melissa, Jaime Kay Newton, Oliver and oh gawd, I know there are so many others that I'm forgetting.



Two individuals who were most rightfully excited about 1022 were Denise and Michelle, the owners of Tempest. They're so happy to have this neighboring bar back on the Hill.



1022 is now owned by Neil Harris, the same bro who brought us the New Frontier Lounge. He and his crew have remodeled what we former regulars affectionately referred to as the little shoebox. The space now includes book shelves with all kinds of paperback and hard cover bliss, a long coat rack (thank you!), a vintage piano, a beautiful bar, industrial lighting that you've seen at places including the Pacific Grill and the Top of Tacoma, and the same intimate setting that you'll recall from this space's former days.



I was also happy to find that you can still experience highly individualistic cocktails, but for a cheaper price. To me, the hit of the night was the feisty and spicy Garden of Forking Paths: El Jimador Tequila, mint, lime, cilantro and jalapeno, $9. Two other hits included the refreshing Sorrows of Empire: St. Germain, grapefruit and Barbados Rum, $10; and Paradise Lost: gin, Pimm's No. 1, fresh apple and lemon, $7. As for eats, you'll find pretzels and mustard, garlic sesame sticks and wasabi peas and Amy's Organic microwavable meals.



Most everyone in the house was feeling the same thing last night, and this is what I kept hearing everyone say: It's good to have this bar back because it's necessary for the Hilltop, and for all of the fun friends who have, and always will love this location so.



Please check out 1022 soon and let its intimate arms wrap around you.



[1022 South, 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1022 S. J St., Tacoma]