50 Best Bars near University Place

“I really love the food here! Every time I've come the food and service have been excellent!“

“food was good they offer the fights for free although my tab tells another story but over a great fight night experience“

“I've always enjoyed the meals and service here. The Greek Salad is great, and the atmosphere is quiet and reserved. I enjoy the take-out and delivery. Give it a try.“

“The bartender Madeline was my server and she was INCREDIBLE! She was very attentive and made sure I was taken care of. I didn’t like my first drink and she gave amazing suggestions for a second one and comped the first. Amazing view all around and the pasta was awesome.“

“🍕🍺 Hidden Gem Alert! We had a fantastic visit to the Crafty Beaver. The owner himself waited on us—such a genuinely kind and welcoming guy. We ordered pizza and wow… it was FANTASTIC! Crispy, flavorful, and crave-worthy—we're already dreaming about our next slice.
The space was spotless, cozy, and had a great vibe. Prices were very reasonable, making the whole experience even better. If you're looking for great local beer, delicious food, and friendly service, this bar/restaurant is a must-visit.“

“West 122 is an absolute gem! The steak and lamb were beyond incredible—perfectly cooked, tender, and truly melted in our mouths. It was such a pleasure meeting Executive Chef Keno and bartender David. Both were exceptionally engaging, offering thoughtful guidance on our food and drink selections. I enjoyed a perfectly paired wine, while my husband savored a fine whiskey—both recommendations were spot on! The entire experience was warm, welcoming, and unforgettable. West 122 has certainly set the bar high, and it’s definitely a place we will revisit!“

“A beautiful cider bar with 1000 year old wood from the Hoh rainforest as well as 300 different plant species. The manager was really nice and we talked about how he took care of his plants and the story behind the place. Will definitely be back for the unique space and great ciders“

“Such an amazing and unique atmosphere. The owner is a true mixologist, coming up with delicious drinks off the top of his head. Food is amazing 🤩. Gordon Ramsey would be impressed. The owner also made sure to come to our table to check on us. I will absolutely return 🤩😊“

“Best place to have pizza in Tacoma, friendly service wonderful entertainment and great Neapolitan pizza.

Vegetarian options: The spicy green pizza and original Margarita are both filled with flavorful sauces, the pizza dough is full of the sweet almost savory flavor of wheat, mixed with melted mozzarella on top yum.“

“Great place! Good beer and music. Cool place. Highly recommend.“

“A to Z, this place is nailing it! Fantastic variety of food, 100% recommend their variety platter of sausage and more. The spicy cheese sausage was grand! The staff was so kind and attentive. Made friends around the fire and loved the beer! Will be there again! Prost!“

“Shrimp and grits are amazing! Eggs cooked over medium, no snotty whites. Perfect! Bacon was crisp and biscuits were wonderful! Amber is a great server with a great personality!!!!! Thanks for a terrific Sunday morning breakfast!“

“Go to watch live shows, drink strong cocktails, and question your life choices all in one place. With a sound system that punches hard and a crowd that actually shows up, it's Tacoma nightlife done right. Parking’s a little sketchy and water costs extra—because of course—but when the band hits, you don’t care. Arrive early for the good vantage and bring earplugs: your ears (and wallet) will thank you.“

“Always have a great time here. Absolutely love what they’ve done with the place. New owners and staff are making this place a favorite of mine.“

“great selection and staff!“

“After an already long evening we stumbled into this place - as it was right in front of our hotel.

What a great experience. Shill and relaxed atmosphere. Jessi was also nice and attentive and showed us how to use the tap. Tried a good variety of beers there. Nice concept and a nice ending to our evening.“

“BANGING💥 SANDWICHES! If I'm in the area I usually swing by for lunch and get the Ruben Sandwich. The place has been and for a while, I recommend getting a cold one while enjoying your meal. The place feels very rustic and full of history. The staff are some pretty amazing people. Sometimes it can get pretty packed but, I just wait it out personally.“

“It’s the Best. Hands down. Best food. I drive out from Tacoma all the time just for this tasty food. Can’t go wrong.“

“We always love the Top. Jimmy & Andi are always phenomenal servers and they know what we are after as soon as we walk in. This is our favorite sport for Wing Wednesday but I do wish they had a few more sauce options that aren't so sweet.“

“the service an food {says the cook}“

“Best beer & wine pub in Gig Harbor“

“What a cozy spot with great food and amazing cocktails ~ I love the burrata sandwich.“

“1st time visit Monday July 7th. The bartender Ian was very attentive and the new co-owner was very friendly. Most bars in Tacoma offer a variety of food and beverage so outstanding customer service is what makes an establishment stand out. The couple next to me ordered chicken wings and they looked amazing. I’ll bring an appetite next time! One pool table and a good sound system. Outdoor patio with misters on hot days was unique and the clientele 4-7pm was a mix of working and retired patrons. I’ll come back with co-workers and keep up the great service guys!
Dan V“

“Stopped in for their soft opening. Very friendly service from Ellie and really good Burger and fries !! Many more unique items to come back and try which I definitely will do !!“

“We were looking for a spot to eat outdoors with our pups and a couple of friends and happened on this gem. Delicious sandwiches, ginger beer and craft cocktails! We'll be back!“

“My favorite bar in Tacoma. I was looking for a place to watch a huskies game last season and no bars were showing it since the game was on the Peacock app. The manager let me cast my phone to the TV and other huskies fans started rolling in to watch not long after. Love this place.“

“Good times Good times good times good times“

“I’m recommending it based solely on service and quality of food. I have not been to this establishment. But I love tacos and plan to soon. I look forward to you serving me.“

“Bought a $100 gift card for my Father for Christmas. Can't wait for him to tell me about his first experience . My wife and I enjoyed individual flights last night, seated on the vintage looking green valour settee. The Bigger Bodies Reds. Each was amazing and it was a tough choice of which to choose for a glass. New World was the flight my wife enjoyed. Next I had a glass of the Blesoe. Two of our friend couples came so we became six. Each of them enjoyed a flight or glass. The staff was informative,super friendly and hospitable. We will certainly return, great meeting spot and The Spar is across the street;). The only suggestion is filtered water please as the water provided tasted to my wife & I like tap water.“

“Thank you for being so friendly and for giving us the free ice ❤️

New information - I just learned that the ice machine is cleaned quite regularly here and I'll tell you folks, this is a clean establishment. Most bars and restaurants don't attend to their ice machines regularly and this is a big deal. Mold grows on unclear surfaces, even in the icy cold! Trust this place with your drink because you won't be disappointed.

Please disregard the negative reviews of The Steilacoom Taproom because I can promise you, after reading them, they are wrong!“

“Ok I am an old school north ender , been driving past this bar most all my life ! Never stopped in till last year ! What I found was my new hang out for happy hour ! These folks r regulars and very chill great sense of humor decent pool players ! Tuesday best tacos period around ! Killer drinks friendly staff out door area ! I come here because of the people they r now friends I can’t seem to be without almost every day men’s room needs work but it has hot water ! A staple for me ❤️ it“

“Good food and Great Service!“

“This place is perfect in many ways ! It is chill atmosphere parking is easy front and rear points of entry , one of the cleanest little watering stops around , bathrooms are extremely clean just a fun place ! My favorite reason Miller high life on tap and the owners are family 5 star“

“I had the pleasure of eating here for lunch today. It was recommended by a dear friend that is no longer with us (R.I.P. M.W.). I shared the fried oysters with the hubby. O! M! G! We will be back!“

“Good vibes, friendly bartender. Stopped in for a couple beers on a Thursday night and this was exactly what we were looking for.

I do wish they has a better tap list than the handwritten labels on the wall that are difficult to read. Minor inconvenience though.“

“Serves mainly pizza only other thing on the menu are paninis and salads. Growing up Italian I would have liked to see more panini options. Pies were small a bit greasy but overall pretty damn good. I didn’t get drunk there but if I was the pizza would have been the perfect remedy. The lady with the short hair served me I didn’t get her name but she was professional, friendly, fast, attentive and a great overall bartender and server. Drinks wee reasonably priced and specialty mixed drinks displayed on the wall with prices. Gentleman in the kitchen was also fast with orders cooked to perfection. Overall I would recommend coming here for a good buzz and a quick bite.“

“❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🏁 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😤“

“Love love LOVE this place on 6th Ave. Chill vibe with good tunes, good drinks, and good people. The owner, Sam, was behind the bar just showing why Tacoma is such an amazing place to live. Had several drinks that were bartender's choice, and each was amazing. If you are looking for a fun spot for date night or just want to hang out with friends, Side Pony is the place to go“

“lazy j is like home away from home john an tracy are like brother and sister“

“The Exchange Tavern in Spanaway is a piece of living history—established in 1890 and still serving up cold beer and stiff drinks over 130 years later. Originally known by the colorful nickname “The Bucket of Blood,” this spot started as a loggers’ saloon and still carries that gritty, authentic old Western charm.

Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled. The original wood floors have seen generations come and go, and the bar still feels like the kind of place where stories are made and legends are told.

The beer is ice-cold, the pours are generous, and the vibe is delightfully rough around the edges. If you ride a Harley, you’ll fit right in—but even if you don’t, just smile, be respectful, and buy a round. That’s usually enough to earn your place.

Yes, you might get a curious glance or two, but it’s all part of the atmosphere. This place is real. It’s got character. And it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re anywhere near Spanaway.“

“i felt so welcome and at home and IM a straight married man. Thank you for an amazing night!! we will be back!!“

“Great place. Nice security. Fun bartenders. Great DJ’s on Friday and Saturday.“

“This was my first time being here. Limited parking, some street parking, mostly residential. The inside is bigger than it seems from the outside. I went around 7pm on a Friday, it wasn't too busy until a couple hours in. They have skeeball, pool, and darts from what I saw. As far as the food, they are known for their pizza which was pretty decent, other than the cheese falling off too easily, nice crust, good flavor, but a bit greasy. The french dip was immaculate, crispy bread on the outside, soft on the inside, not dry or stale at all, loads of meat and cheese, tasted really good. Comes with a pickle spear and a bag of chips. Top 5 on my french dip list. The only downside to this place is that the music was blasting way too loud to the point that I have to increase my volume substantially, almost full on yelling so the other person could hear me, but the food was worth it.“

“Food garbage drinks over priced hooker vibe desperate“

“Great rum bar with an HP Lovecraft tiki theme. I honestly don't even want to share this place with anyone as it feels special enough that I want to keep it all to myself. The drinks are stiff and wonderful. Enjoy the grog and shed a tear for Lord Admiral Nelson in what may be the best bathroom in Tacoma.“

“Hy lu Hee Hee ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hy Lu Hee Hee means “Good Times and Lots of Laughter.” The Hy lu Hee Hee is a Gig Harbor, WA local’s hang-out that got it start as a Tavern in 1935. In 1958, the State condemned the tavern building and asked that the business vacate the premises, so they could build a new highway to Purdy. The business was rebuilt in 1983, in a new location, by new owners, which is where it has remained ever since. I have been visiting Gig Harbor since 1990, but my first visit to the Hy Lu Hee Hee wasnt until 5/19/23, which was a Friday. Although I arrived before 9 PM, the music was LOUD! I’ve decided to do a sound check via the app SoundPrint. It averaged 83 dB and got as high as 88 dB, which is considered Very Loud. That would’ve been acceptable if I had signed up to see a live band, but it wasn’t. It was bad pre-recorded music, being played over blown speakers.  I had to shout out my order. Everyone around me was shouting too. My server told me this is the norm after 9 PM. Unless you’re already deaf, or enjoy the thought of shouting at your dining companions, I recommend you visit the Hy Lu Hee Hee earlier in the day.  I ordered one of the five house favorites on the menu, Fish + Chips ($17) - Breaded and Seasoned Wild Alaskan True Cod with Fries, House Slaw + Tartar Sauce. Compared to all the fish and chips I’ve eaten in Washington state, it was pretty standard fare. It was a generous portion of fries, and I liked the housemade tartar sauce. The coleslaw had decent flavor, but it obviously been made sometime ago and was swimming in liquid. Personally, I prefer Tides Tavern, which is another Gig Harbor local’s hang out, but I’ll be back at some point to visit the Hy lu Hee Hee. Next time, I’ll just make sure to do it earlier in the day. * I would like to share some photos of my dining experience, including a picture of my fish and chips, but that option is disabled on this page. “

“great atmosphere. friendly staff and patrons. it's home away from home“

“What can I say it’s a neighborhood bar“

“Great beer with awesome beertenders.“

“It's a dive bar with a decent outside setting. Covered car port with fake trees and a nice heater. They're trying to make it nice enough. There's a pool table. It's small inside, but worth going for a couple drinks. Nice staff as well.“