By Margo Greenman
Everyone likes a good deal, and Tacoma is full of them. Whether you’re looking for something to sip on after a long day at the office or you just want dinner at a discount, Tacoma bars and restaurants have a variety of happy hours to match your mood, and budget. From artisan cocktails to classic pub fare, Tacoma has what your appetite and pocketbook crave.
Top of Tacoma
East Tacomans love the Top of Tacoma’s generous happy hour offerings. Enjoy happy hour twice daily from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and again from 10:00 p.m.-close, where you will find a variety of specials including $2 tall boys, $5 wine pours, $3 bartender’s choice shots, $3 micro drafts, and $5 flatbreads, nachos and quesadillas. Grab a seat with friends at the front of the bar or head to the back and watch the game du jour on the big screen.
Happy Hour:
Daily 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. – close.
Hilltop Kitchen
Do I dare say that Hilltop Kitchen has the best cocktails in town? I do. And, during their happy hour, you can try one (or more) at a fraction of the price. Every day of the week from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., you can pull up a seat at this sleek, laid back cocktail bar and eatery located in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, and enjoy sipping artisanally made old fashioneds, pink casonis, and other lavish libations. You won’t find food on Hilltop’s happy hour menu, but they do offer a full menu of simply, locally made fare like Mayan style pork tacos, poached beet salad, and other south of the border inspired cuisine.
Happy Hour:
Daily 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Editor’s note: Hilltop Kitchen has temporarily relocated above the Tacoma Cabana at Pacific Avenue Bistro while it locates its new, permanent location.
Boathouse 19
What’s better than bargain food and beverages? Bargain food and beverages with a view. If your hungry, thirsty, or both and would like to unwind dockside, head to Boathouse 19, where the food and drinks are always good and the view is always impeccable. With happy hour from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and again from 9:00 p.m. – close, Boathouse 19 offers a wide variety of happy hour small bites and drinks to sate your hunger and thirst. Sip on Gerties’ Lemonade (Boathouse 19’s adult homage to the nearby Narrows Bridges) and pair it alongside mini pulled pork sandwiches, crispy calamari, deep fried pickles and more.
Happy Hour:
Daily 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. – close.
The Hub
Good beer, good food and good company are all on the menu at The Hub. Offered from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and again from 9:00 p.m. to close, The Hub’s happy hour menu features discounted beer, wine and well cocktails, as well as low-priced pub fare favorites like pizza and cajun tots, as well as healthier options such as their hummus plate and fresh edamame. And, you won’t find anything on the menu that costs more than $5.99.
Happy Hour:
Daily 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. – close.
Pacific Grill
Offering happy hour in the bar all day during weekdays and 5:00 p.m. – close Saturday and Sunday, Pacific Grill is downtown Tacoma’s happiest place for frugal fare. Although, you may need a hand lifting the happy hour menu – it’s huge. Five pages boast everything from housemade cocktails and draft and bottled beers, to shareable small plates, sandwiches, entrées, desserts and more. The cheeseburger sliders and Cuban sandwich are customer favorites. What will you try?
Happy Hour:
All day in the bar Monday – Friday, 5:00 p.m. – close Saturday and Sunday.
Doyle’s Public House
Doyle’s Public House is a neighborhood favorite gathering place for good beer, whiskey, food and the big game. Seven days a week you can visit Doyle’s between the hours of 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and again from 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m., for $3 fare like Irish potstickers, Scotch eggs, pork sliders and more. Sounds good, huh?
Happy Hour:
Daily 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. – close.
C.I. Shenanigans
Upscale, waterfront dining doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. C.I. Shenanigans, located on Ruston Way, offers delectable tasting and modestly priced food and drink in their bar twice daily from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and again from 9:00 p.m. – close, Monday through Friday. Not many other places can you find Ahi Poke and halibut fish tacos for under $7. Not to mention the gin and vodka martinis for only $6.
Happy Hour:
Daily in the bar 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 pm. and 9:00 p.m. – close.
Matador
If generous portions of mouthwatering Mexican food is what you seek, head to the Matador on Pacific Ave for behemoth sized portions at only $5 a plate. Offering happy hour from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and again from 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m., the time is always right to grab some grub off of the Matador’s happy hour menu. Try the habanero prawns, ancho-chili wings, or the Texas-sized nachos – they’re big enough to split, and everything is only $5. If you get thirsty, the Matador has a full bar, but all cocktails, beer and wine are regular price.
Happy Hour:
Daily 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Marrow
The late night happy hour at Marrow is a keeper. A sleek and sophisticated interior, the setting inside Marrow is perfect for grabbing a last minute, late night drink and food with friends. You can get happy twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday, and because Marrow’s menu rotates with the seasons, there’s always something new to savor.
Happy Hour:
Daily 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. – midnight.
