Tacoma Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Tacoma.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Tacoma! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Tacoma has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Tacoma. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Tacoma offers over 78 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.5 stars from 2328 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3529 McKinley Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Doyle's Public House
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 1597 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 208 St Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Huckleberry Club
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.9 stars from 141 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1014 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Holy Moly Bar
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.8 stars from 103 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3013 6th Ave C, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Boom Boom Room Tacoma
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.4 stars from 401 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3016 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Parkway Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.7 stars from 1283 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 313 N I St #1, Tacoma, WA 98403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Mule Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 358 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 5227 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Devil's Reef
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 669 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 706 Court C, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Juniper Botanical Bar
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 5 stars from 27 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 5226 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Porch Light Bar & Grill
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.7 stars from 34 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2708 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Kingfisher and Rye Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.8 stars from 29 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2705 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Triple Knock
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 365 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2713 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Fuego Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 683 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 6409 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Side Pony Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.5 stars from 29 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2914 6th Ave STE A, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Tacoma Comedy Club
Highly rated American in Tacoma with 4.5 stars from 3764 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 933 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Mix
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.5 stars from 681 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 635 St Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bob's Java Jive
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.4 stars from 675 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Jazzbones
Highly rated International in Tacoma with 4.2 stars from 1033 reviews.
📍 2803 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Devil's Reef
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 669 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 706 Court C, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Dream Girls at Fox's
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 3.3 stars from 180 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 10707 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98444, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Hilltop A Go-Go
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 51 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1016 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Boom Boom Room Tacoma
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.4 stars from 401 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3016 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Airport Tavern Music Hall
Highly rated Pizza in Tacoma with 4.5 stars from 679 reviews.
📍 5406 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Pizza cuisine
Real Art Tacoma
Highly rated International in Tacoma with 4.7 stars from 291 reviews.
📍 5412 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Jazzbones
Highly rated International in Tacoma with 4.2 stars from 1033 reviews.
📍 2803 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Rock The Dock Pub & Grill
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.4 stars from 1538 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 535 Dock St #118, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Valley
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 1097 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1206 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple
Highly rated International in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 181 reviews.
📍 565 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The New Frontier Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.4 stars from 393 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 301 E 25th St, Tacoma, WA 98421, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Keys on Main
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 809 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1003 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Matador Tacoma
Highly rated Mexican in Tacoma with 4.4 stars from 4162 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 721 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Mexican cuisine
The Forum
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.3 stars from 946 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 815 Pacific Ave A, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bar Rosa
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 388 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1202 S 11th St, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Johnny's Dock Marina
Highly rated Restaurant in Tacoma with 4.2 stars from 1094 reviews.
📍 1900 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Highly rated Restaurant in Tacoma with 4.1 stars from 2647 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4502 S Steele St Ste 1500, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple
Highly rated American in Tacoma with 4.6 stars from 1267 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 565 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
McMenamins The Old Hangout
Highly rated Bar in Tacoma with 4.5 stars from 434 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 565 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
La Cà Bar
Highly rated Vietnamese in Tacoma with 4.4 stars from 876 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 606 S Junett St, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Tacoma Comedy Club
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Tacoma venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Tacoma Comedy Club - 6th and Proctor
Laugh the night away at this popular Tacoma comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Super Funny Comedy Club
Laugh the night away at this popular Tacoma comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Pantages Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Tacoma venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Jazzbones
Catch live music performances at this vibrant Tacoma venue, featuring diverse artists and genres.
- •Check venue capacity and arrive early
- •Earplugs recommended for loud venues
- •Cash for drinks and merchandise
- •Check setlist times if multiple acts
- •Coat check often available
Rock The Dock Pub & Grill
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Tacoma venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Fuego Nightclub
Explore Tacoma's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Side Pony Lounge
Explore Tacoma's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Boom Boom Room Tacoma
Explore Tacoma's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Huckleberry Club
Explore Tacoma's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Jazzbones
Explore Tacoma's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Hilltop A Go-Go
Explore Tacoma's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Tacoma varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Tacoma range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tacoma offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Tacoma cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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