Something in the sun last week begged me to hit up multiple dives and conquer a daytime pub crawl. I rallied my liver and headed down Portland Avenue into the underrated, friendly neighborhood of Midland. With the sunroof open and the radio blaring, my shriveled liver and I began our descent into one glorious day of cheap domestic beer that will forever go down in the Bar Exam annals.
 
My first stop took me into Skeeter’s Lounge. Hospitable server Lynette was smiling and ready to crack open a tall, cool one for my heated soul before I could even sit down. It was almost noon in Midland, and the sun was already beating down. Skeeter’s had air conditioning. This I liked. Managers Garry and Kristal Johnsen have been in charge for more than six months now, and from what a fellow barfly was telling me — it’s the best the food, and the lounge, has ever been.
 
I don’t know what it was, but a craving developed inside me that I’ve never felt before, and it was all I could do but to order Skeeter’s biscuits and homemade gravy. I think my liver knew I was about to corrode the hell out of it with my Midland pub crawl, so fair warning had been sent to my stomach in preparation. Right here, right now — I’m gonna say it: Those were the best damned biscuits and gravy I’ve ever had in my boozehound-livin’ life. Go there. Eat them. You will thank me.
 
Separated from the dining room with nothing but a cut-out open wall in between, Skeeter’s hosts a lounge with not a bad seat in the house. Comfy benches line the walls, giving ample people-watching opportunity for all. A well-kept dart area sits off to the side so as not to cramp other patrons, and as an added bonus, provides plenty of room for drunks throwing sharp, pointy objects at a tiny bulls eye. Smart call, Skeeter.

Skeeter’s Lounge

1718 99th St E., Tacoma, 253.531.5900
 
Beer: None on tap, bottles only.
Food: Best biscuits and gravy ever.
 
Bar Exam Dive Grade: B+