heading to Tacoma for a week or so ( this week actually), and was wondering where some good places are to eat and drink? what places should I try if I want good beer, either local stuff, or exotic beer on tap? Also, heading to the 99 bottles in federal way... are there any special releases I should keep an eye out for? Anyone got a heads up on what they have currently in stock in the stout, RIS, barely wine, wee heavy, and other cellar-able beer style department? Won't have much time as its a quick trip, but want to get some stuff I cant get here in AK, and want to make the most out of my time there. thanks in advance, Max
Make sure you go to The Red Hot!! The E-9 Brewery is across the street with a nice bottle list and 20+ guest handles. I personally dig The Harmon Taproom too. You should have fun at 99B and be prepped to drop a cool million. They still have loads of Sucaba and Parabola on the floor, Cascade goods. Welcome to Tacoma, one the most bad ass cities in the world! Enjoy.
This was my favorite line from the Red Hot food menu Josh (for the "Tacoma"). "Our version of the Chicago-style street hot dog, but named for a vastly superior city" Couldn't agree more. I know it's not Josh's (barleywinefiend) favorite spot, but personally, I've always been a big fan of the Parkway Tavern. The food is decent and IMHO, they have the best tap list in Tacoma. They typically have around 30 or so beers on tap, with a focus on local and regional stuff. When I stopped by this past Saturday, they had the 2008 barleywine from Alaskan brewing on tap and a keg of 10 squared fishtail ale. The fresh Supergoose on cask wasn't bad either. Otherwise, I completely agree with Josh's recommendations.
Thanks for the input! I'll definitely give those places a try. @ barelywinefiend. Yeah, my wallet started crying when the plane landed...he knows its gonna hurt bad.
All of the above mentioned spots are great stops. If you have a car a trip a little further south to the Topside for a great deck view and nice tap selection would make for a nice stop. And if you really want to reward yourself go even further south and visit the Eastside Tavern in Olympia, 42 handles featuring the best that the PNW and west coast has to offer.
E9 has amped up their own game plus the beer game in general. They carry solid guest handles and maintain a pretty solid bottle list these days.
