TK Irish Pub — Restaurant in Puyallup

How it is that a single drink can cost different amounts on different days? Not because of happy hour or a specials day, but just basic variability though the same drink is bought at a similar time?

TK Irish Pub (though not actually an Irish Pub -- see "Kell's" in Post Alley in Seattle for an authentic example) is one of a few of the older bars/taverns in downtown Puyallup, and it may well be the best of those. But saying that may not be the praise one might perceive, given how meek the choices are. Being better than mediocre competitors or simply not being a "bourgie" bar should not be enough to elevate one to notoriety, but in Puyallup that seems to be the case.

It is a haven for regulars and an extended family of local acquaintances. As a familiar place for many locals, these people are treated with particular care, one might even characterize their patronage as receiving exceptional consideration and unusual attention. Newbies and unknowns get incidental or distracted service and consideration.

To the matter of concern: It is bad business to charge different sums for the same drink to the same individual customer.

How would this patron know?

As a relatively new resident of the city, I have visited it a number times during the past half year. And over the course of my visits, observant as I have been to those in attendance, to the service rendered, and to the costs of the items purchased, what I present here is evident: Different sums are charged to different customers, and different sums are charged for the same drink.

Will fairness be delivered? It is unlikely so long as they can get away with it. After all, the establishment was forced to close for nearly a week by the liquor board for misconduct. It reopened having scrubbed the filth from the tables, stools and bar, and revarnished them all. But that makeover seems not to have changed a dishonest heart at its center. And yet, a dog is still permitted to sit on a stool and put paws on the bar - a dog without service credentials, just a preferentially treated customer in complete defiance of the state bar code.

As a bellwether of the future of downtown Puyallup, TK reflects the challenges of their collectvie future. Local at its heart, but unaware of the forces that will determine its destiny - forces that cannot be solved by exercising preferences and privileges as has been done - and unable to participate in shaping them. New businesses that emerge, encroach upon, and challenge endeavors content to do "business as usual" will ultimately force change or end them, TK included. That would be unfortunate.

Perhaps the hubris at the center of its commercial practices will continue; no one associated with the business seems to care what anyone says about it in this forum.

Having said my peace, I will say no more. But to those new to it, be wary, as it is neither what its name suggests nor what it seems. Rather, it is what it schemes, and that you will not find on the menu or in your glass.

Follow-up: So I returned, mistakenly thinking the avarice might have abated. Provided with my tab, the bartender took my money, and without consultation, just kept the change. For a drink and a plate of mediocrity, no, the tip is not 25%.

Perhaps there will emerge better, more honorable options in the years ahead (see The Coaster, as it has great promise), maybe even an Irish Pub that actually is an Irish Pub - not merely too many misaligned old sports jerseys, some drink signs and a handful of shamrocks.

TK's is very local, should try to do better, and move forward into Puyallup's future rather than steadfastly...

The pub itself is a nice place, with great decor and a great drink selection (Guiness on tap!). However service is dismal to non-existent. On my first (and last) visit, during a Seahawks game, my friend and I were seated at the bar. The bartender on duty though, spent most of her time sitting with her friends at a table in the bar. This resulted in unprofessional and unnecessary waits for drink refills and purchase of pull tabs. When two groups of other customers appeared to have a disagreement over pull tabs, a man who had been there drinking the entire time stepped in as a person of authority (Manager? Owner?) so he was very much okay with the complete lack of service and/or presence behind his bar. It appeared to me that he was appeasing a regular (who was very intoxicated) versus actually allowing the customers seated next to us to buy out an open pull tabs game. I spoke up, and recognize maybe I shouldn't have, but his only response to me (several times) was, "I don't even know you." I will say I appreciated that he comped our bill however I would have much preferred to pay for and generously tip for great food, drinks & service. Instead, we won't be returning. This little bar has so much potential but word to the wise, 1) if you don't personally know the staff, you should probably go somewhere else and 2) do not play...

Not a pleasant experience.

Our group of 5 ladies came in for a drink before our reservations. We sat ourselves at one of the 3 empty tables, figured out we needed to scan the code for the menu and some of the party was deciding on what to drink.

The server soon comes over for our order. She immediately presents us with a very clear attitude. She made me feel she didn’t have time for us and we we’re waisting hers. The whole table felt it, leaving some of the ladies speechless and we sat there in awkward silence. She decides to grab the waters and put in a fry order and it appears she talked to her co workers about our table. Whether she did, I don’t know but you know what it looks like.

Ultimately no one order drinks, just 2 orders of fries. The fries were 🔥 and the reason for the star. We paid and left.

I should’ve known an Irish Pub wouldn’t be diverse, but usually when I visit small towns/ cities the community and ppl are very welcoming. Not here.

I was skeptical keeping our reservations down the street thinking we’d be met with the same energy but we had a much better...