DRINK(s): Top meat markets

The Swiss, The Bridge and Jake's on 4th

By Brett Cihon on June 13, 2011

Most meat markets resemble burger patties from a fast food joint. They're cheap. They're flash-cooked. They're greasy, noisy and often times fatty. Too many can leave a patron queasy and disoriented.

But a good one? Well, a good meat market is like a cut of perfectly prepared filet mignon. When you're finished, you always want more.

The Swiss - I know, I know. Weekend nights at The Swiss are packed with Tapout shirts and fake bronzer. But whether it's the Private First Class headbanging his way through a KRY cover song or the hairdresser from South Tacoma ordering Fuzzy Navels for her friends, The Swiss always brings a crowd. And a crowd means hookups.

The Bridge - When it comes to partying, live music makes all the difference. There is something so freeing, so novel, about a live band that encourages wild behavior. The Bridge is also one of the few places around where hookups are probable for any and every age demographic. 

Jake's on 4th - Jell-O shots at the bar. Topless men (and occasionally woman) shouting lyrics from the dance floor. Club song after club song. Drunken high fives with strangers in the bathroom. Everything adds up: Jake's is the undisputed champion. Not to mention the "we accept everyone" attitude is a refreshing bonus.  - Meat Market correspondent Brett Cihon

[The Swiss, Open daily until 2 a.m., 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821; The Bridge Lounge and Nightclub, 2102 E. Alexander Ave., Tacoma, 253.594.7777; Jake's on 4th, 311 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.956.3247]

Honorable Mentions: Mazatlan on Saturday nights, Mazatlan, 13018 Meridian E., Puyallup, 253.770.8702; Big Whisky Saloon, Open until 2 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, cover, 100 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, 253.272.0777

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour Mobile App