South Tacoma Way - August 18, 2005

"People laugh when they hear you're from my town They say it's a sour and used up old place ….You know that you're poor, from Tacoma There was nothing to put me in love with the good life I'm in league with the gangs, and the guns, and the crime There was no hollow promise that life would reward you There was nowhere to hide in Tacoma." – Thrice All American, Neko Case

The brilliant and soulful Neko Case wrote about the Tacoma that was, and I’m sure she’d be pleased to see the Tacoma that finally made bail, kicked the habit and turned it’s life around. Everyone’s talking about downtown; look at the condos, the restaurants, and a light rail for Gods Sake! The North End is no longer an affordable working class neighborhood, but a haven of sought-after million dollar homes. Tacoma is coming into her own.
But no one speaks of South Tacoma, do they? South Tacoma ain’t what it used to be folks. It’s come a long way. Home prices have doubled in the last few years, schools are being resurrected, Starbucks are lining up and dare I say it, we’re developing actual night life too. I’m talking about South Tacoma Way. Once the main drag, our very own piece of Highway 99 taking travelers from Canada to California…aw, the good ol’ days.
It all started on a hot Sunday evening, sitting around, baking in our home, no air conditioning, no beer…its Sunday. I flipped through the Volcano to see what could get us out of the house on a Sunday night. Jazz at Dawson’s Tavern. Hmmmm, close to home, and I’ve heard it’s cleaned up, so we decided to check it out. Let me preface this by saying, I’m aware of South Tacoma Way’s reputation for biker bars and fights (I mean full fledged weapon wielding fights); not the kind of place I would dare try to fit in. But it was early and we were up for anything. Dawson’s was fairly crowded for 6pm on a Sunday night. The crowd was an eclectic mix, and the drinks were decent. Go around the bar and there’s a nice lounge with big comfy chairs. Pete Lira and the What’s Happening band were playing big city style jazz, complete with world class singers. I’ve been back every Sunday since.
Fueled by a couple of vodka tonics, we decided to go ahead and poke our heads in the newly refurbished bar next door, The Catbox. I was nervous, but it was cool. Totally remodeled, very clean, friendly staff and hella strong drinks. They have the funky monkey vibe going complete with bras on the ceiling and poles for the ladies to dance on. Thanks guys.
Between South 35th and South 56th street there over ten bars. Not all of them clean, not all of them friendly, hell, not all of them legit. I had one bartender offer to buy my drink if I would just leave – she didn’t like me taking notes. Hmmmm.
Working your way down 56th, make sure to drop in at the Golden West. Angel will serve you up a fine drink and a cheery attitude. If you’re in the mood to dish some political dirt, owner Karl is a riveting conversationalist. I was lucky enough to stop in on the weekend and found both the Golden West and Pub 54 hosting Billyfest, a fund raiser for local guitarist Bill Rowley. Live music abounded, and I was like a kid at Christmas when I found out that not only were the Last Chance Romeos playing (I love them), but Voodoo Ranch! These guys haven’t been in the scene for years now. I was delighted. And all on little old South Tacoma Way.
There’s something for everyone on this unassuming street, if it’s dancing you’re after, we’ve got that too! Get in the car and drive past my very favorite dive, the Duck, and head down to Area 151. This place has really cleaned up. The scene is set in deep tones, waterfalls and a huge dance floor. Make sure to throw a penny into the fountain, which is home to the amazing 800 lb. Chinese water ball (this thing is so cool). The bartenders are hot, the vibe is cool and Salsa Saturdays are packed.
For something completely unique, keep heading north to Bob’s Java Jive. The Java Jive is a magical pot filled with knick knacks, characters, ghosts and legends. The jungle room offers up Karaoke most nights and the crowd makes for most excellent people watching. Sometimes a dose of the Java Jive just hits the spot.
When you finally tire of $8 well drinks, and battling for parking spots downtown, turn the car south and give yourself a break from the pretension. Keep it real in South Tacoma where you’ll find easy parking, down to earth folks and plenty of old school charm.