Urban Spelunker: Tacoma Brewery District

Tacoma's roots are saturated in boozy goodness

By Jackie Fender on July 3, 2014

Tacoma's roots are saturated in boozy goodness having been a major player in the hops and malt scene in the late 1800s. Today, new breweries are popping up in Tacoma, nearly redefining a "new" brewery district on the north end of Pacific Avenue. Historically, Destiny City's Brewery District sits to the north to South 17th Street; to the south of South Tacoma Way; to the east of A Street; and to the west of Court F. The area is as vibrant as ever and houses a plethora of retail and dining establishments atop and inside historically significant structures. Here are just a few sights to see in Tacoma's Brewery District.

[Entertainment and Eats]

The Swiss Restaurant and Pub is a rad matrimony of family-friendly dining by day and kick ass live music venue by night. The menu is solid, exceeding your typical bar bites paired with brews and booze while The Swiss remains one of Tacoma's longest running live music venues. The line-up is ever changing so whether you want your socks rocked or go to shake your groove thang, the Swiss will host something for you. They even host burlesque events and fundraisers and highlight a rotating gallery of art.11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, 1904 S. Jefferson, Tacoma, 253.572.2821

[Geeks and Gadgets]

FabLab is the bee's knees if your thing is high-tech gadgetry such as 3-D printers, laser cutters and scanners. Tinkerers, inventors and artists alike gather at this membership-based locale to create and take workshops with high-tech tools. Pop in to take a gander at some of the creations such as the giant dino skeleton structures made of wood and surprisingly precise landscapes made with the laser cutter. The staff is comprised of awesome folks that know their stuff and create a vibrant and fun atmosphere.10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday, 1938 Market St., Tacoma, 253.426.1267

[College Kids and Community]

The University of Washington Tacoma stairs plays as a passage from Pacific to Jefferson connecting campus kids and community members in their daily walking commute. Among the stairs you'll spy Metro Coffee, 253 Collective as well as loads of retail and dining options lined along Pacific Avenue. Construction is currently revitalizing Old Prairie Rail Line to develop a community bumping space while playing tribute to its historical significance with public art displays and trails for bicyclist and pedestrian alike.

[Pizza with a Side of Rock AND Roll]

The Rock Wood Fired Pizza and Spirits is family-friendly dining featuring compelling wood fired pizza pie combos with clever rock and roll inspired monikers such as Bat Outta Hell and Stairway to Heaven pizzas. Pair that with buckets of booze - literally there are cocktails served in buckets - microbrews and album cover-esque ambiance and you have yourself a rockin' and delicious good time. Oh, classic rock plays constantly.11:30 a.m. to midnight daily, 1920 S. Jefferson, Tacoma, 253.272.1221

[Architectural Oohs and Aahs]

Tacoma's Union Station is a major Tacoma landmark. Aside from being historically relevant, currently Union Station plays as courthouse and event space, boasting an extravagant interior and Chihuly glass exhibit. Fun fact: Union Station architects Reed and Stem also created the New York Grand Central Station. 1713 Pacific Ave., Tacoma