Rocco
Tacoma, Washington, affectionately known as the “City of Destiny” or “Grit City,” is nestled in the stunning Pacific Northwest!
Whether you’re headed there to explore the breathtaking Mount Rainier, indulge in the thriving art and culture scene, or simply enjoy the picturesque waterfront, you can end your day at one of the many fun places to get drinks.
Check out my list of the best bars in Tacoma, Washington, below!
Pint Defiance Specialty Beers & Taproom
2049 Mildred St W, Tacoma, WA 98466
Phone: (253) 302-4240
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Pint Defiance Specialty Beers & Taproom is an easygoing hangout near Fircrest Gold Club.
If you’re as much of a fan of craft beers as I am, you will want to take advantage of this bar’s rotating taps.
I also appreciate that you can buy bottles to go, and the staff is always knowledgeable about the selection, so you know you’re getting the perfect beer for your tastes.
Doyle’s Public House
208 St Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 272-7468
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Doyle’s Public House, near the Temple Theater Box Office, is a classic pub with modern charm and a warm, inviting environment.
Doyle’s Public House is one of the best places to go if you like variety, as they always have an assortment of domestic and imported beers, plus high-end scotch and whiskey options for a special night.
The Mix
635 St Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 383-4327
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If you like low-lit dive bars with great music and even better people, head to The Mix, a gay bar and nightclub near The Grand Cinema.
The Mix is undoubtedly one of the most fun places to go out in Tacoma to sing along to karaoke, dance your butt off to the live DJ, sip on reasonably priced cocktails like the “Grape Jelly,” or enjoy a rambunctious drag show!
Bob’s Java Jive
2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: (253) 475-9843
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink in the summer in Tacoma, look no further than Bob’s Java Jive, an easygoing watering hole close to The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County.
I appreciate their summer outdoor space, as it’s a lovely spot to gather with old and new friends to drink a cold beer or cheap rail drink.
Plus, the building is shaped like a coffee pot, and it always stays the same!
Parkway Tavern
313 N I St #1, Tacoma, WA 98403
Phone: (253) 383-8748
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Parkway Tavern, near Wright Park, is a high-popular, highly-rated local spot with incredible craft beer options.
You won’t be disappointed if you’re a fan of beer on tap, burgers on the grill, and liquor on ice.
Plus, the pinball and shuffleboard games are a nice touch!
7 Seas Brewery and Taproom
2101 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 572-7770
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7 Seas Brewery and Taproom is a lovely brewery near Dock Street that doles out beer samples, vegan eats, and well-loved adult grilled cheese sandwiches.
I think their Double IPA and their Imperial Hazy IPA are both out of this world, but they have plenty of other options if you’re not a fan of the hops.
En Rama
1102 A St #220, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 223-7184
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En Rama is a welcoming, cozy Italian restaurant and bar with a homestyle feel, perhaps thanks to its wooden interior design.
I appreciate En Rama’s extensive array of cocktails and wine, and I like to go for happy hour before seeing a show at the nearby Keys on Main live music venue.
An Old Fashioned is all you need to start a fantastic night!
Odd Otter Brewing Company
716 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 327-1680
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Odd Otter Brewing Company, close to Old City Hall Tacoma, is a casual taproom with a local feel.
They specialize in making small-batch brew on-site, so it’s a fantastic choice if you want to see what Tacoma is all about!
Live music and karaoke nights here are always fun as well.
Top of Tacoma Bar & Café
3529 McKinley Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404
Phone: (253) 272-1502
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If you’re hoping to visit a bar that’s lively until late at night, draws in a huge and welcoming crowd, and provides happy hour not once but twice a day, you have to visit Top of Tacoma.
This bar and cafe near McKinley Park is a fan-favorite for its happy hours, delicious brunches, vegan options, Bloody Mary, Taco Tuesdays, hilarious photo booth, and more.
Beach Tavern
8612 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
Phone: (253) 564-9984
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Beach Tavern, located right behind Titlow Beach and Titlow Park, has a comfortable, cozy lounge feel and serves delicious seafood that pairs well with your pub drink selections.
I like pairing a Bloody Mary or their Elysian Superfuzz Blood Orange drink with just about any of their seafood dishes, like fish & chips, oysters, or clam chowder.
Dystopian State Brewing Co.
611 S Baker St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 302-3466
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Dystopian State Brewing Co., near The Fabulous Fifties Hall, is a friendly, casual spot that’s perfect if you’re looking for a classic brewery with reliable beers.
I love the spaciousness of the place almost as much as I enjoy their drinks!
Peaks & Pints Tacoma Craft Beer Bar, Bottle Shop & Restaurant
3816 N 26th St Suite B, Tacoma, WA 98407
Phone: (253) 328-5621
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Peaks & Pints is about a bar and bottle shop specializing in craft beer, and their clever name is almost as impressive as their pours.
This bar, near the Proctor Community Garden, has a no-frills atmosphere, so you can come as you are!
The Valley
1206 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421
Phone: (253) 248-4265
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Do you love soaking up a tasty cold brew while soaking in the sounds of a live band?
If so, head to The Valley next time you’re in Tacoma, located right by the Puyallup bus stop.
I’m obsessed with the excellent band choices, incredible surround sound, and tasty Bloody Marys at this bar.
Dorky’s Arcade
754 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 627-4156
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Dorky’s Arcade, near Pantages Theater, is what it sounds like – a fantastic place to go if you want to nerd out on some vintage arcade games like Pacman and Pinball.
It’s so much fun to go here, whether with your closest friends or on a first date – as long as you don’t take yourself too seriously!
Rock The Dock Pub & Grill
535 Dock St #118, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 272-5004
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Rock the Dock is a popular, family-run waterfront pub near Thea’s Park that also makes great selections for live music – typically only on the weekends.
It’s dog friendly if you want to bring your furry friend, and they have open mic nights if you’re feeling performative!
Final Thoughts
From cozy craft cocktail bars to modern breweries, these are just some of the best bars in Grit City.
With so many bars, I might need to catch up on one of your favorites.
What do you think are the best bars in Tacoma, Washington? Let me know in the comments below!
Best Bars in Tacoma, Washington
- Pint Defiance Specialty Beers & Taproom
- Doyle’s Public House
- The Mix
- Bob’s Java Jive
- Parkway Tavern
- 7 Seas Brewery and Taproom
- En Rama
- Odd Otter Brewing Company
- Top of Tacoma Bar & Café
- Beach Tavern
- Dystopian State Brewing Co.
- Peaks & Pints Tacoma Craft Beer Bar, Bottle Shop & Restaurant
- The Valley
- Dorky’s Arcade
- Rock The Dock Pub & Grill
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