#1149 - The Swiss, Tacoma, WA - 6/20/2010

Update: The Swiss announced their permanent closure on Sep 12, 2020.

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The Swiss is a great example of urban renewal via giving new life to great old abused spaces .  The large rooms were first The Swiss Club in 1913, "a meeting place for Swiss immigrants to conduct business, hold dances, throw back a few, and just enjoy the company and fellowship of others." 

It was subsequently "improved" and then abandoned, until the current owners, three friends who worked at Engine No 9, reclaimed it from the drug dealers, rescued much of its original character, and reopened in 1993. 

They sanded the Kelly green paint off the original South African mahogany bar, removed the acoustic tiles hiding the pressed tin ceiling, chased away drug dealers and added art and good beer.  They added a stage and music schedule (and at one time plays). 

It's a great victory for people who love old bars.

1904 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, WA, 98402 - (253) 572-2821
theswisspub.com - history - myspace - yelp

#1148 - Acme Grub Cage Tavern, Tacoma, WA - 6/20/2010

Update: The Acme Grub Cage closed Aug 5, 2017.

How can you resist a place called the Acme Grub Cage?  This is a fairly typical, medium-sized, neighborhood dive, with beer company decor mixed with Halloween decorations.  They have some interesting beers, a stage area for live bands, Twister, and a stripper pole.  Rob the bartender told me the Grub Cage has been around since 1932 (this would, of course, been during Prohibition), and that it moved to its current location sometime in the 40s or 50s.  New owner Steve Campagna apparently cleaned the place up considerably a few years ago.

1310 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402 - (253) 272-1892
Previous bars at this location: None known
Subsequent bars at this location: The Camp Bar
facebook - northwest military - yelp

#1147 #S693 - Habana SoDo, Seattle - 6/19/2010

I am not a big fan of salsa, but I am a big fan of hot women in tight clothing.  What first appears to be a smallish, glass enclosed space opens into a large warehouse space in back where the dancing action takes place.  As for the bar, well you don't go there for the cocktails.

2942 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134 - (206) 829-9956
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