Parky's Pizza Bar — Restaurant in Tacoma

Perspective of a regular: I moved to Tacoma a few years ago but my friends and community still all live north of me. Parky’s Pizza Bar was a welcoming place in Tacoma with good service and great pizza. For about two years Parky’s was my regular spot, becoming a social hub closer to home to make up for missing my community. Gradually the reason I went there became less about the pizza/beer selection and more about the bartenders, kitchen staff, and other customers I met there. The bartenders and kitchen staff orchestrate a community feeling and are the biggest part of why I was a repeat customer - the pizza drew me in, but the people made me stay. However, it didn’t go unnoticed that the most talented bartenders would often suddenly vanish never to be seen again. At the same time that Parky’s lost some of its best talent, the clientele became more and more emboldened to abuse the bartenders, sometimes making racist, sexist, and downright scary comments that make visiting Parky’s less comfortable lately.

I was lucky enough to meet two exceptional bartenders at Parky’s, and they are the only two bartenders I give 100% tips to - Sheri Houck and Darien Chin. Sadly neither of them are there anymore, having suddenly vanished one day themselves. Sheri was the beating heart of Parky’s and is a bartending legend in Tacoma. Darien was a more recently hired bartender who was always ready with the warmest hug and truly exceptional service. I was the busy typing lady at the counter constantly frowning at my computer. Darien always had thoughtful questions about what I was working on, replaced my drinks smoothly as I emptied them, deftly managed a busy barroom while keeping a clean workspace, all while listening to my frustrations with the wacky things my job asks of me on short turnaround times. As a classic nerd, he made me feel I was a valued and respected member of the Parky’s community. I observed other customers regularly giving Darien compliments, stating that he was an incredibly talented bartender, and I wholeheartedly agree that he deserved every compliment he received. From my time patronizing Parky’s with Darien as my bartender, I can personally attest to his commitment to making everyone’s experience warm and welcoming. He saw me for who I am - and he earned a 100% tip on every visit. Darien truly wants to make his customers happy, values his guests, and his customers love him.

Any employer who is lucky enough to snatch up Darien will not only get an incredibly kind, dedicated, and talented server and bartender, but also a following of new business that he brings from his ability to make people feel at home wherever he is. I will most certainly be following him to...

It's a dive bar. No it's not. Well yes it is, kind of. No really it's just a really local joint to meet friends. I typically do not talk "food" as I am very much NOT a foodie but damn they have great pizzas and maybe even better salads. They both kick ass. When you walk in your first impression might suggest that you turn around and leave, but if you do you are going to miss out. The design is almost oxymoronic in that it "smells" like a dive but "looks" like something more...so it ain't no "Duck" if you're following my cliche' reference. In the main room check out the really nice wood slab lighting fixtures that are not dive-esk. Then give yourself a treat and wander out back to the back patio and courtyard with its pool tables, fire pit, more seating and an overall cool vibe. Since being introduced to this place by a very good friend, we have already gone 3 times in under a months time with one occasion being my birthday. My decision to return for my B-day. Cane back in July 2025 and while much of the staff has changed the "new" ones are at least as good as the previous generation. The pizzas are still unbeatable and the salad was huge. We will continue to come back and I still wonder why they don't have a...

I had never heard of this bar before, I started coming when Sheri posted she was working here. I knew her from some other places so I was excited to check out something new and something close to home. We came a few times and really enjoyed the food. We came once when it was Sheri’s day off and the service was horrible. The bar had maybe 2 people, and there were 2 tables occupied. We were told we had to order at the bar. I could see the if it was busy…but why if it was so slow? We have definitely noticed a significant improvement since the previous manager left…not only more people but the people who work here just seem friendlier and the food has improved. My friends and I come often for the tacos on Tuesdays (which are so good) and we are happy to see the place so crowded...