50 Best Bars near University Place

“Best date night spot. Love the nachos. Wife likes the THD pomegranate tequila drink. Definitely a cozy and warming atmosphere. Will def be here again. Thank you Thirsty Hound!“

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

“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.“

“Great atmosphere and an excellent cider selection. The food menu is small, but perfect for snacks and light bites. A great spot to unwind after work — definitely grab a seat by the window for some top-tier people watching. Really enjoyed this place.“

“Found this little gem on a Thursday run with my running group. Stopped in afterwards and had the pear, arugula, goat cheese, and hot honey pizza. Wonderful pizza with all ingredients well balanced, albeit a bit messy. 😉 Was told by the bartender afterwards that next time I could add meat ingredients too. So if you want to guild the lily just ask.

The atmosphere was perfect for an intimate couple with soft lighting, quiet music, and dark colors. This would be a perfect cozy date spot (21+ only, so kid free zone). Plus, afterwards, there is gelato next door.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“Been here around 5 times now. Their food is generously portioned and absolutely delicious every single time. Not once has been a miss. Probably some of the best fish and chips around, too. Last time I was here I got the fried chicken sandwich and it was fantastic. The service is also great, polite, and fast. I don't think it's ever taken more than 15 minutes to get my food. Their prices are, imo, better than a lot of places. Especially since their portions are enough it's easy to take half of it home. Love it.“

“great selection and staff!“

“Stopped by after a long adventure paddle boarding - so glad we did! We got the hand cut fries that were so crispy and seasoned to perfection, as well as the katsu quesadilla. The portions are tremendous! I don’t know what’s in that secret sauce but I highly suspect it’s crack. The staff was helpful in making suggestions, letting us try some beer to see what we liked, and so fun to talk to. Can’t wait to go back!“

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

“The food is just fantastic, thank you.“

“The pizza is very good and they also have amazing cocktails.“

“Service was great with large portions of food!“

“Outstanding experience over the 4th. Great selection of beer and great service.“

“Cool little dive bar. I have been twice, once for trivia and another time it was karaoke. I didn't sing but a lot of people did and that was pretty fun. Trivia was a lot of fun too even though I came in last.🤷‍♀ Everyone was really nice, food was good, I don't drink so can't judge drinks but it was a cool spot, if go again.“

“Good times Good times good times good times“

“Best beer & wine pub in Gig Harbor“

“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.“

“the service an food {says the cook}“

“This is a wonderful place to explore diverse wines from the US and other countries. The atmosphere is homey and relaxed, yet upscale. The staff are welcoming, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable. You can enjoy a delicious flight, or order a glass of one of your favorites. Food items are also available. They also have a vast array of wines for purchase. You're sure to find a special one to take home. Stop by; you won't regret it.“

“Excellent show and area is great especially for parking. Wished more choices for food but overall enjoyed the show. The Reggae scene and artiste was a breath of fresh air.
Please continue to shocase more. And I appreciate it being local in surrounding area as its drivable instead of Seattle etc.“

“Our favorite spot to grab a bite in the McKinley neighborhood! Best pizza in Tacoma, amazing service from front and back of house, great prices. Times are tough and this is one of the few places we can enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank. Nothing beats an ice cold Heidelberg and a Parky’s pizza.“

“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.“

“Had a great time!
Someone in our group was allergic to gluten and even though the options were limited, Dylan helped us find an option that was safe and checked with the kitchen to make sure there was no cross contamination! Make our night so much better!!“

“Party of 4 for my nephews birthday party. Zach was our server who had amazing presence and really knew what he was up to! Bravo to Zach. The new menu did not disappoint. 10 out of 10 - 100% recommend. We'll be back. Beignets for dessert - cherry on top of a lovely evening.“

“Combination deli and bar with several vegan options. I ordered the vegan reuben to go and was asked which side I wanted. Never having been there before, I asked what my options were. Potato chips or, for a moderate up-charge, a variety of salads or soup. The soup of the day was a vegan gumbo which was an intriguing thought, but was more food than I could handle. I only managed to eat about half the sandwich and put the rest into my tiny hotel fridge. Oh! Served with a pickle spear. Love pickles! Updated from previous review on 2026-08-10“

“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“

“Devil’s Reef has been on my tiki bucket list ever since reading about them in Minimalist Tiki. It did not disappoint.

I make a commando grog at home.. and it just doesn’t stand up to what they’re making at Devil‘s Reef. The rum builds, the syrups, the ingredients.. all of it is top notch. Bartenders were very knowledgeable and friendly.

Highly recommend stopping in here if you’re in Tacoma.“

“We were looking for a spot that would let our pup inside, on our way home to Canada from Herron Island. This place is a hole in the wall dive bar with lots of regulars and the best pizza and calzone I've ever had. Service was amazing and she brought our Bruno a pup-cutterie. Don't hesitate to come here for fantastic food and pet friendly service 🐕‍🦺 ❤“

“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“

“Very cool, and chill place. I do believe this is one of the longest running establishments in Washington state, and probably the oldest bar still in business. Throw your peanuts shells on the ground. I guess. But i couldn't do it even though by buddy told me this is a thing for this bar. Check it out of your in the area“

“Good variety, but kind of expensive, as most pay as you pour places are. The only downside is the noise in the place. It was very slow and the noise was sometimes tricky. Can't imagine it on a busy night. Also, the AC was on and a couple people in our party were very uncomfortable as it was early March in the evening (cold).“

“Stopped into Magoo's after a few days exploring Tacoma after many years, looking for something that felt like home coming from Chicago, and this place nailed it.

Tuesday night $2.50 tacos, $3 PBRs, and a true, unfiltered Tacoma vibe.

Jack behind the bar was outstanding. Professional, dialed-in, and handled everything like a high-end vet while keeping it completely approachable. One solid genuine bartender.

Five stars. Great spot, great energy, great people.“

“Amazing customer service and food. Will be back to try the rest. Fost visit and was Amazing“

“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!“

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

“Great new place; nice comfortable interior with a strong “people place” atmosphere! Good service and tasty well crafted hot beverages (oat milk chai w cacao & mushrooms and a decaf latte).

Insider detail: decaf usually is a harder drink to pull correctly - many decaf beans result in a more bitter drink. To avoid this 1. Procure better beans and or better processed beans, or 2. Do a shorter ‘pull.’ The Rusty Goat has not-bitter beans. Yay!

Support this place tucked away in Opera Alley, the vanguard block that started the downtown Tacoma retail renaissance and re-renaissance and post Covid rebuild. It’s worth it.

There is ample street parking.“

“Great Sunday brunch! Breakfast cocktails and food were great today!“

“Great beer with awesome beertenders.“

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

“Just went there for the first time and we were super impressed with how fast our food came out! I ordered the breakfast burrito and it was hands down the best breakfast burrito I have ever had, normally places have way too much eggs in them but not here! Perfect! Great coffee too. Our waitress was super kind and cool as well!

We will definitely be coming back.

Edit: I forgot to mention, bring cash to pay and your meal will be cheaper!“

“Our server, Tyanna ( embarrassed to say we didn’t look for the spelling of her name) was absolutely a joy. She was pleasant, respectful, courteous, professional and all around great server. We went on Christmas Eve because we wanted a great meal, pleasant atmosphere and feel like we were welcomed and not disappointed that they were taking the time away from their family to make our experience great.“

“Asado Steakhouse delivers an unforgettable dining experience that feels straight from culinary heaven. The steak is a masterpiece—perfectly cooked, bursting with flavor, and seasoned to perfection. The Caesar salad was a classic done right, with fresh, crisp greens and a rich, tangy dressing that elevated every bite. The honey-butter glazed carrots were a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, and the Corona beans with sun dried tomatoes offered a new flavor to round out the meal. Even the sourdough bread, roasted on the grill, was a revelation—crusty, smoky, and utterly sublime. Every dish showcased for this January special met with meticulous care and mastery, making it clear the chef and kitchen team are nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience you’ll savor long after the last bite. Highly recommend!“

“We had a date night here and were absolutely impressed. The Beecher’s grilled cheese and butternut squash soup was a stand out. Both of our pasta entrees were phenomenal as well. The star of the show, though, was our dessert, which was a deconstructed PB&J. I don’t think I’ve ever had something that had such a wide variety of complementary textures. It was amazing and flavorful.“

“I love the atmosphere and fun decor. I recently went to the drag queen brunch and it was fabulous!“

“Food garbage drinks over priced hooker vibe desperate“