If Tacoma had a "history cup" inside the Washington State History Museum it would overfloweth with the city's rich and frothy beer story. This fine city has had an ongoing love affair with all things brew - from the days of suspender-wearing brewmasters at Heidelberg Brewing Co. to brew pub pioneers such as Harmon Brewery and Engine House No. 9 to more contemporary brewers in Tacoma Brewing Co. and Wingman Brewers, to name a few of the brewmasters who continue to mix hops and barley to concoct new and enticing flavor profiles keeping the Great Northwest, specifically the Tacoma sector, on the craft brewery map.
Beer enthusiasts have been scanning Facebook and chatting in forums, scratching their heads over the silence involving two beer organizations that were supposed to have doors open to Pacific Avenue. Veltins Bierhalle,a German-theme pub at the south end of Pacific, and Pacific Brewing & Malt Company at the north end before the drop down to Schuster Parkway had been projected to open by the end of 2013. There are no signs of suds and smiles at either joint.
I have the beer 411.
Veltins Bierhalle was projected to open this year in Tacoma's "Brewery District," which is adjacent to, and to the south of, the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic District. Home to several former drinking spots such as the 24th St. Tavern and Neener's Pub, owners Dennis and Lydia Mascarinas have been working hard to breathe life back into 2401 Pacific Ave.
"Yes! It is still going to happen, though a bit longer of a process than we wanted," states Dennis Mascarinas when asked if he'll ever open the beer hall.
Deep, deep collective sigh from those who have been anticipating it.
He goes on to say, "Most of the plans are done and soon will be given to the city for permitting review. With everything going two thumbs up and perhaps some luck, we should open by the World Cup in June. That would be the best-case scenario. To be more on the conservative side, it is safe to say that The Bierhalle will open sometime in mid to late next year. We are very excited and anxious to open and hope to be a part of Tacoma's growing vibrant scene."
Looks as if we'll have to wait a while for the Mascarinas' Bavarian-style dining room and German-American pub food.
The original Pacific Brewing & Malting Co. sprouted in Tacoma in 1897, but was shut down by prohibition in 1916. Today's version will be erected in Old City Hall Annex, thanks to Steve Navarro and Brent Hall. Yet, their original fall opening projection has come and gone without beer trucks backing up to the Annex's basement doors at 610 Pacific Ave.
"We are currently tied up with some permitting issues," says Navarro.
Thanks to the endless flooding issues as a result of the Stadium Way Arterial Project and the fact that the building is a historical landmark, the much-anticipated opening is still a waiting game. Navarro goes on to inform me that they have a meeting with the Tacoma Landmark Preservation Commission in early January that will determine if all's a go.
"We still have the build out after that and will be working on an homage to the past brewery and one of its old lagers, which takes an additional 7-8 weeks, so pushing the date back to early spring at the earliest," explains Navarro.
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