With the revolving door of establishments opening and closing throughout the South Sound, it could be said that The Social Bar and Grill hit a big milestone with the celebration of its second anniversary last month.
And in true birthday style, the Social entertained the masses with live music provided by DJs Mr. Melanin and Midnight Mike spinning beats at both the Social and its neighboring little sister restaurant, Paesan Kitchen and Bar. When I inquired as to how the shindig was received, co-owner Philip Panagos informed me that due to complaints from residents of Thea's Landing, live music unfortunately won't really be a feature for coming celebrations.
But aside from that, it sounds like The Social has experienced some phenomenal growth closing out its second year.
"The last couple of years has been a ride and challenge, but a good one," Panagos says. "I like to quote Kevin from Bluebeard Coffee when saying, "Tacoma has a great bullshit meter, and they don't tolerate poor concepts." I think that rings true with The Social as we are up 25 percent over last year."
Not only has the it gained popularity with its cool candlelit vibe, exotic and flavorful menu and scenic waterfront patio, but partners Jason Bailey, Panagos and Rodel Borromeo opened Paesan the end of June, which is a more intimate and casual dining experience featuring wood-fired pizzas and nibbles with an Italian flare.
"We are really getting good reviews with some great repeat business," Panagos says. "Some have compared us to Serious Pie (Tom Douglas's Seattle restaurant), and that is very flattering."
Of course that's not to say that The Social's second year of business didn't have obstacles. Solving them has been a matter of refinement and focusing on training and product knowledge.
As far as the flavors are concerned, the menu continues to maintain an adventurous and flavorful flare with current specials including a new duck breast with sautéed kale, raspberry compote and cauliflower crème and a ceviche highlighting rockfish, prawns and scallops on fried plantain strips. Fall will bring back the drool-worthy butternut squash chili and some gamey proteins and fowl like bison, pheasant, buffalo and maybe even elk entrees with the usual Social spice. With the chilly months, expect the return of The Social's housemade hot buttered rum and other classic hot adult beverage delights with a twist to the cocktail menu.
Entering the third year at The Social and third month at Paesan, The Social team expects to continue to grow and focus on the fine dining component of The Social without being overpriced. Paesan will then be the more relaxed concept of the two.
"Shane Costello is my kitchen manager at Paesan, (who has) previously worked at Rosewood Cafe, Brix 25 and Primo Grill. You can look for us to delve into pastas for dinner and more sandwiches for lunch while adding breakfast items slowly and probably doing some baking in the morning for fresh bread here and at The Social," Panagos says of the little sister store's upcoming plans.
Other future plans may include some transitions on the culinary front and other expansion ideas that could deliver both current and new concepts up North with the new year, I'm told.
Only time will tell, but The Social Bar and Grill seems to have figured out Tacoma's bullshit meter.
THE SOCIAL BAR AND GRILL, Open Sundays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. 1715 Dock Street, Tacoma, 253.301.3835
PAESAN KITCHEN & BAR, Open Mondays to Thursdays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays, 6 a.m. to midnight; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to midnight; and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1701 Dock Street, Tacoma, 253.301.2396
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