6 Best Bars in Tacoma, Washington Cascade Mountains and Valleys

This beloved craft brewery and its spacious taproom occupy the Historic Heidelberg Brewery building in downtown Tacoma, a short walk up the hill from the museum district and next to the city's University of Washington campus. It's an appealing place to sample such popular ales as the crisp Axis Brut IPA and the slightly tart, tangerine-infused Life Jacket Citrus IPA. On-site Canteen restaurant serves tasty gastropub fare. A second location is in Gig Harbor, where the brewery originated.

Known for its setting inside a fabulous 1920s roadside building shaped like a coffee pot, Bob's is one of the city's most enduring landmarks—and it's a pretty fun dive bar for karaoke and cheap drinks. Fun facts: Indie singer Neko Case used to be a bartender here, and parts of the screwball comedy movie I Love You to Death were filmed inside.

You can't claim to have a sophisticated nightlife scene until someone in a vest is mixing artisanal cocktails, and 1022 South is one of Tacoma's top spots for fine drinks made with unusual infusions (nettles, yerba maté), house-made liqueurs, and premium liquors with hipster cachet (Crater Lake Pepper Vodka, for example). Daily happy hour is 4 to 7 pm (and all day Sunday), and the kitchen produces nosh-worthy nibbles, from cheese plates to burgers to smoked pork shoulder and cheddar grits.

Tacoma has a sizable gay community, and this friendly, welcoming bar with a nice-size dance floor and fun karaoke parties is the top nightspot among LGBTQ folks. It's in the heart of the Theater District.

Venture inside this hip craft-brew bar just off colorful 6th Avenue to try some of the Northwest's finest ales. There are 16 taps, and 8- and 16-ounce pours are available.

This lively downtown pub inside a historic building has a great selection of craft beers on tap, pool tables, and live music many evenings—there's also a Dale Chihuly glass installation above the bar.