What started out in 1912 as the Opal Saloon, hosting a brothel above its landmark South Tacoma Way residence currently represents what is Tacoma’s oldest bar. Well, kinda. Technically it is the oldest bar that started out as a bar, and still currently runs as a bar. Now when I say “technically” it means “from what Opal Lounge bartender Patty told me.” And that pretty much is like quoting the dictionary, right?

In a smoky voice, bartender Patty told us the intense history of what lies inside Opal Lounge’s historic walls. Just looking behind this old wooden bar you can see circa 1940s photos portraying images of the same storefront that has been there for ages.

According to our daytime barfly friend perched next to us at Opal’s (not a credible source by any means), you can witness Opal’s acclaimed storefront in the background of Andrew L. Stone’s 1961 movie “Ring of Fire.” Sound familiar? Our barfly friend swears this is the same movie Johnny Cash wrote a song for which holds the very same title. Well, I’ve done my diligent research and have found no proof confirming that our barfly friend’s Johnny Cash statement is true. My editors would be proud.

Bandito and I sip our domestic drafts as our tummies begin to grumble. We’re hungry, so we ask Patty what she recommends from her 10-item menu. “Nothing,” she says, “Everything’s frozen and micro-waved. See those Full Meal Deals on the menu? Those are $1 frozen dinners from Safeway that we sell for $10.99.”

Who says bartenders can’t be honest?

Along with pull tabs, $1 Jello shots, barstool bingo, mass St. Patrick’s Day decor, and duct-taped barstools, Opal Lounge’s food menu options seemed to fit right in with the ambiance of what I will certainly label “a typical dive bar”.

Opal Lounge

5226 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.473.2600

Food: Did you even read this column?
Beer: Cheap ass domestics
Service: Brutally honest

Bar Exam Dive Grade: B-