Parkway Tavern

Neighborhood vibe with the best brews

By Dutch Randall, Jackie Fender on March 12, 2020

ANNOUNCER: With spring playing peekaboo with the South Sound, Dutch and Jackie popped by the Parkway Tavern; a neighborhood staple that's been serving up craft brews and classic food fare for over 30 years. Bonus, an after-snack stroll is just a block away with Wright Park right at your fingertips.

DUTCH: As neighborhood taverns go, the Parkway successfully avoids the look of a dive with a mahogany heavy interior that matches many of the 100-year-old houses in the North Slope neighborhood. The rafters are almost entirely lined with taps not currently being used which proves their commitment to a quality rotating selection of NW craft beers. With 33 active taps behind the bar, there are choices for every kind of beer connoisseur to find something to their liking.

JACKIE: One of my favorite things about the Parkway is the petite patio, perfect for basking in the sunshine with a beer in hand. Pair that with service that while beer knowledgeable, remains unpretentious, friendly and personable. It only makes sense between that and the proximity to residential neighborhoods that many within are regulars. The Turkey Pig Cow sandwich highlights smoky bacon, seasoned turkey and melty Tillamook Swiss cheese. Add fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo on a hoagie roll and you're presented with a damn good sammie.

DUTCH: Burgers and beer are just natural partners, and the BBQ Bacon Burger is a great $10 meal to go with any NW IPA, or quite frankly, any beer choice. A toasted Kaiser bun is filled with a thick patty and topped with crispy smoky bacon, grilled onions, tomatoes, lettuce and plenty of BBQ sauce. The grilled onions and sauce get all mixed up together into a thick sauce that is present in each bite. Despite all the sauce that is going on here, the lettuce and bacon stay crispy to add a nice texture to an already tasty burger. Served with Tim's Cascade Chips on the side.

JACKIE: That bun stands up perfectly to the behemoth beef patties. I dove into the PW Big Maq with special sauce, diced onion, lettuce, tomato and American cheese. It was satisfying all on its own, but if you substitute the soup of the day for the chips, it's next level. The World Famous Chowda is thick and creamy aplenty with meaty bites of clams throughout.

DUTCH: The Parkway also hosts several events like Monday Randall Nights where patrons can sample different creations, fill a punch card, as well as leave with a commemorative T-shirt and glass. For cider lovers like myself, every Friday the 13th celebrates all that is cider by dedicating multiple taps to creative ciders for all to enjoy. And every once in a while, they will host a Brewer's Night which is truly the best way to learn about your favorite brews.

PARKWAY TAVERN, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday-Sunday, 313 North I St., #1, Tacoma, 253.383.8748, parkwaytavern.com