Big Whisky Saloon — Restaurant in Puyallup

TERRIBLE DANCE VENUE! Went last night for my 26th birthday. Rude staff, no community. I just moved to Washington from Arizona, where I was an extremely successful partner and line dance instructor who opened multiple venues and taught all across the state, after joining the Facebook group and trying my hardest to find some country dancing out here this seem to be the best location. HOWEVER I have never been to a dance venue where I had to get waved down, I don’t have any problem with it, but when the security guard is a young guy with a severe attitude problem, it’s not a great initial impression. My boyfriend and I are not drinkers and in AZ we are allowed to bring dab pens into bars, we were told “leave it In the car” which was FINE! I tried to say that we just moved up here even though he just looked at my Arizona State ID and didn’t even say anything about my birthday… All he said was “I can tell”

I waited inside while my boyfriend went and put it in the car as soon as we walked in I had already been standing by the front desk, girl for a few minutes she had not said anything to me, and when we walked back in, she slammed her hand on the table and said “it’s $10 per person” Ooof I’ve been to venues, bigger and smaller and with way better dancing drinks and the offered food and had way better community dancing and it’s never been that much. Cash only so I use the ATM. Front desk girl still doesn’t say anything, takes our cash and we walk in to see quite a few line dancers, we set our stuff up and stayed for about two two hours… Not a single dancer said hello, not a single staff asked us anything, we got rude looks for dancing in the corner during line dances we didn’t know.

We are not the best dancers in the world, but by no means do we look like we don’t know what we’re doing. I as someone who focused on community building and pride did myself on being an instructor was incredibly disappointed with the way the Dance community was operating itself, all of the dancers seemed very full of their ego and everything was extremely clicky. There was one woman in the bar who genuinely looked like she was having a good time and just dancing! As someone who was brand new and trying to join the community of dancers out here, I am completely turned off from the attitude and behavior that I witnessed at what is supposed to be the best dance venue in Seattle.

It’s extremely disappointing because the dance floor was beautiful and the actual venue atmosphere has a lot of potential however to see the absolute disregard for patrons and no attempt at inclusiveness or community building. I don’t think that I will be attending again. I was hoping to learn some new dances and share my expertise. I have severe social anxiety, so after dealing with this for two hours, my boyfriend asked the security guard if we were allowed to step back out to our car, Which we were told yes, twice. We walked out the front door. I told the front desk girl and the security guard that we would be coming back, we go to the car for a few minutes and as we’re walking back up the security guard asked me if we hit our pen in the car. I said “yes, why?” Just confused. He said “I can’t let you back in” I said “really? Why” he said “cause we have rules” To which I replied, that’s great. We just moved here like I already told you so obviously we do not know the rules. You could’ve taken the time to educate us like your job description tells you to do. There was no need for his demeanor and attitude. It’s his job to keep the patron safe and communicate expectations are as people are entering and leaving the building. So when we get to our car and I watch someone stumbling over their feet with their keys in their hand, go get in their car..walk right past security and start driving away, not even able to stay in their lanes, speeding that have a severe issue with. I’ve already heard how many people die from drinking and driving out here so for the security to care about my dab pen, but not the person who’s gonna go kill a family driving drunk...

I previously rated the Big Whisky an overall score of 4 stars. 5 stars for atmosphere, but 3 star for food, only because at the time/season they didn't have food options during the times I went. I also previously scored the service a 3 star, which in my opinion is a neutral score. The staff weren't rude but really didn't have stand out friendliness and since I rarely drink alcohol I didn't interact with the bartenders.

I finally got to try the food Big Whisky offers and it was quality Mexican food truck cuisine including authentic street tacos with a variety of meat options. My personal favorite was the bone marrow tacos which is difficult to find in the general area. They recently hired an all new security staff which in the past was their biggest hindrance. With much friendlier door staff and security it feels much more inviting than my previous trips. Also, my wife, who also doesn't drink alcohol very often started ordering water and from what I observed, especially their head bartender Alicia, the service was prompt and friendly with a warm smile, even during extremely busy times.

We also started taking line dance lessons there a few times and dancing is definitely the highlight of the establishment, even for people like me who are terrible dancers. Everyone is friendly and helpful. I was also very impressed with the owner. Having worked as a bartender and bar manager for 8 years and been in the bar industry for over a decade I noticed the owner was very different than other owners I've met. He doesn't drink at his bar which is major, in my opinion, is always more involved in the operations and safety of his patrons and establishment opposed to other owners who just want to party and he seems very attentive to promoting a wholesome good time dancing opposed to promoting drinking, which I really appreciated. I can recognize the artistry in his approach, building a living, breathing painting of a happy Honky-Tonk. From what I observed, anyone who was "cut off" had signs of previous impairment. I didn't observe any prejudice, discrimination(especially me being a minority) or mistreatment. From my experience in the industry, if Big Whisky cuts you off it's for your best interest in the long run. Other bars will be glad to take advantage and take as much money from you where Big Whisky is willing to lose patrons as long as you get home safe.

I highly recommend The Big Whisky Saloon in Puyallup if you want a change from the usual meat market, drinking centric vibes of other bars. Also, I have over 1 million food photo views here on Google so my apologies for not having pictures of the food. I ate it too fast but next time I'm through, I'll be sure to update my...

Embarking upon an evening at the Big Whiskey Saloon in Puyallup is akin to stepping into a pulsating vortex of lively beats and gleaming lights. The dance floor, an expansive ocean of rhythmic possibilities, serves as the undeniable heart of the place, throbbing with the vivacious energy of a young, dynamic crowd.

Their offerings of spirited potions are moderately priced, a welcome gesture to those who want to keep their wallets as happy as their spirits. However, the drinks delivered a performance that could best be described as 'on par', perhaps hinting at an encore that could use a sprinkle more of that 'wow' factor.

Nevertheless, the stage does feel amiss without two crucial performers: food and a water jug. Their conspicuous absence is indeed a challenging refrain in the composition of the evening. A night of spirited dancing demands sustenance and hydration, a rhythm to balance the intoxicating notes of the evening.

The absence of food plays a discordant note as it restrains patrons from offsetting their alcohol consumption. Similarly, the lack of a water station stirs a thirst that's more than metaphorical, especially for those seeking to douse their dancing-induced dehydration.

Big Whiskey Saloon certainly swirls with an enticing blend of vibrant energies and a stage set for dancing enthusiasts. However, the melody could truly reach its crescendo by addressing the symphony's missing notes — a dash of culinary accompaniment and a cooling water station.

So, if you're yearning for a spirited twirl on the dance floor and can compromise on food and drink, Big Whiskey Saloon might just compose your perfect evening's score. Remember to tune your evening with adequate hydration and a satiating prelude to your...