Parkway Tavern — Restaurant in Tacoma

I've been going to the Parkway Tavern for a little over a decade which is, incidentally, the amount of time I've been over 21. Although I don't live anywhere near it anymore, it's one of a handful of places that I'll go far out of my way to visit. The building it's situated in is delightful, an old house with decades and decades of character and worn wooden surfaces and warm lighting.

The staff here is never less than excellent. Sean (I realize now that I'm not sure which way he spells it), Nick, and the whole Parkway crew is awesome. Friendly folks slinging good beer? A+

The beer list is very well curated and quite extensive. 32 (?) taps and a beer engine and the occasional randall amount to and fill out a diverse and exciting selection every time I'm here. Regular events, including great brewer nights, add even more fun. The beer game is so strong here that in the vast majority of other places, it'd unequivocally steal the whole show, but here it's part of a perfectly-balanced whole.

The food is delicious and has a decidedly homemade vibe to it. Many of the usual pub suspects are here: Burgers, sandwiches, nachos, salads etc., but rather than being same-y renditions of the "bar & grill" food I've experienced so many times in so many places that are usually palatable but nothing special, the Parkway's food seems like it's made by a really good home cook and evokes BBQ parties where the host is really good in the kitchen and behind the grill. I guess that's a long way of saying that the food's vibe, to me at least, is less restaurant-y and more homemade-y, but in a very positive way.

I don't think I need to keep going on and on about it. It's 11:25PM on a Thursday night, and I'm too tired to make the 45 minute drive (boooo) to The Parkway from where I live now, and if I keep thinking about it, I'm going to have to. And on that terrible disappointment... it's...

I don't get this place. It's just a tavern in a residential area and has no business having food and service THIS good.

I convinced my wife who isn't a tavern/bar person to come with me. I came and had this wonderful cider and other mixed beverages. After my brain was fuzzy, I ordered the cheese burger. I then proceeded to have what felt like a food epiphany. Is this a burger? Is this a sign from the Gods? Why does it taste this good? My wife laughs saying it only tastes good because I'm intoxicated. I declare otherwise even though a small part of me worries she's right.

A month later my parents come in from Texas and I tell them we have to come here. They have the best burgers. We're there at midday, hanging out at the Parkway Tavern, when I decide I'm pretty hungry so let's get an appetizer whole we day drink. I get the casadilla. I take a bite while my Dad is talking to me and all the sudden I can't hear him anymore. What is this? What IS this?! Perfection? A little slice of heaven? It made we want to go up to the bartender and say, "Sir, this is a tavern. What are you even trying to prove with food this good?!". My Dad asks me what's wrong. I immediately demand everybody take a slice. Similar experiences all around.

Then the time of reckoning: my burger arrives. I'm apprehensive. My wife's mocking laughter sounding within my mind: "you were drunk, you were drunk..." but I cast it away as I lean in for the first bite.

The legends were true. The stars did not lie. This was the fabled burger of old that I had spoken of. Juicy, delicious, and packed with flavor. Everything about everything is just right. Not even the pickiest of food critics could find a fault. This was literally the best burger I've ever had: twice!!

So what gives Parkway Tavern? Friendly staff? Epic inspiring food? Wonderful ambience? WHAT ARE YOU...

What can I say about this place that hasn’t been said? This is one of my favorite bars in Tacoma.

Great food, awesome beer and a friendly staff. A Tacoma icon, where you will find all manner of people from UPS students and professors to Edgeworks climbers and old timers.

Deep tap selection with something for everyone beer wise (unless you like Bud Light).

They serve beer and (limited) wine only. No hard alcohol, but if you are here; you are here for the taps anyway.

Can be quiet sometimes, and busy others- depending on the night. Follow their Facebook page as they host a number of special releases from breweries, and events.

They have some private booths, and a small gathering room at the back. They also have a pool table, shuffle board, non-electronic darts, and 2 arcade machines.

Food is around $8-$10, with some snacks under $5. No wings here, unfortunately. However, their sandwiches are some of the best around- I like the...