I often spend my time searching for the latest and best news to bring you from the nightlife scene here in the South Sound, but this week I’m going to take a step back and I’d like to wax alcoholic about a T-Town establishment that has stood the test of time.

Now that so many of Tacoma’s nightlife venues are packed to the gills, I’ve been looking for other establishments where I can bring my large crew to nosh, sip and relax comfortably.



A place that perfectly fits this bill is the bar inside C.I. Shenanigans.



We all know that Shenanigans is great for the spring and summertime season with their incredible waterfront view, but you shouldn’t be so quick to overlook their gorgeous bar and the sweet drinks and happy hour deals that they’re cookin’.



I know that so many of you are concerned with affordability, and Shenanigans is ready to hook you up.



Their happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and every evening from 9 p.m. to close. During these hours, all of Shenanigans’ bar snacks and appetizers are two for the price of one. That screams YUM! In this department, I recommend the king crab quesadilla (corn tortillas, king crab meat, pepper jack cheese, green onions and spicy pico de gallo) for $11; the chicken pesto panini (half chicken panini, pesto mayo, basil, provolone cheese, tomato and red onion) for $9; the classic steamer clams (manila clams, wine garlic broth, fresh herbs) for $12; or the fresh fish and fries (enough said) for $12.

In the drink department during happy hour, Shenanigans delivers $3 microbrews, $4 select glass wines, $3 house wells and $5 refreshing cocktails. Here are a few of the refreshing cocktails that I enjoy: The fresh ’o’ mojito (Bacardi ’o’ rum, Cointreau, lime juice, fresh orange and a squeeze of fresh lime); one hot Mary! (Absolut Peppar, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon squeeze and tomato juice); killer lime kamikaze (Grey Goose, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sweetness and fizz) and the classic cosmo (Grey Goose, Grand Marnier, lime and cranberry juice). Also, on Tuesday, you’ll find their bottles of wine for half price anytime after 6 p.m.



If you want to full-meal deal at Shenanigans (which I grew up on), you should know that Shenanigans brings in only the freshest seafood, which is why their menu changes daily. Generally speaking, you’ll order from oysters, soup, salads, pastas and fresh fish, seafood, beef and steaks from everywhere like the Northwest, Canada, New Zealand and even the Philippines.



So when you’re brainstorming with your friends or family about where to catch dinner or happy hour in this bustling city, be sure to add Shenanigans to your list of locations that are very worth your patronage.



[C.I. Shenanigans, 3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.8899]



Tell me where you like to party.