As time marches on in our re-emerging city, there’s a chunk of the downtown that’s attracting more traffic than ever before.

Please let me draw your attention to what I call St. Helens Heaven.

Each time I stop into Puget Sound Pizza, there are more people than ever having a blast eating pizza and singing karaoke with Colin. I’ve also heard that a certain female T-Town celebrity might be bartending there soon (stay tuned via our blog, www.weeklyvolcanospew.com).

 

When I bust into Maxwell’s, I’m always so delighted to see that both the dining room and the bar are full of fans, and there’s really nothing better than lovin’ on that tasty food and flirting with Dreamy David the bartender.

 

But nestled between these two destinations is a business that’s changing the face of St. Helens as each week passes.

 

And I, of all peeps, should know because I recently helped wash and paint the walls of this establishment.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, you need to get your fix on The Mix.

 

The Mix, formerly Ida’s Pub, was recently purchased by the sweetest Jonathan Rouse and endearing Brock Leach.

 

At first they were a little nervous about letting people know that the ownership had changed hands because they had so many plans to redevelop the joint, and they wanted people to check out their spot after some major changes had been made.

 

Well, now is the time.

 

One of the simplest improvements was the guys uncovered the windows. Now you can see into the spot, and admire the elegant logo and branding designed specifically for The Mix by the incredible Beth McBride.

 

Inside, you’ll find all sorts of major enhancements, including fresh paint, cool booths, a shiny silver wall, and a space that’s so free from the former cluttered appearance.

 

The crowd that hangs out at The Mix denotes the name itself. There you’ll find previous Ida’s regulars, a gorgeous gay crowd (including Carmen’s Gay Husband), restaurant industry folks who always know what’s up, and hip people both young and old. I’ve never seen that place so full in my T-Town career.

 

Those who sit in the room below can watch the karaoke killers, and sitting above is where it’s at for chatting with your friends and hugging on bartender Robby.

 

I’ve been rockin’ The Mix very often lately to watch the progress of this space, and only more changes are to come.

 

But more than anything, I feel really good about spending my money at The Mix because everyone who works there, especially Rouse and Leach, are such good, good people, and they’re working very hard to improve this neighborhood bar in both redevelopment and ambiance.

 

That’s why I hope you’ll Mix it with me now!

[The Mix, 635 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.4327]

 

Tell me where you like to party at sceneofthecrime@hotmail.com.