Stadium District is a bustling business district just a tiptoe away from the heart of downtown Tacoma and its waterfront areas, and is aptly named for the majestic Stadium High School that it surrounds. If you haven't laid eyes on the castle-like architecture of this high school or glimpsed some of the impressive eyefuls of Commencement Bay to be had in this area, Stadium District is worth a visit for that alone. Around the area, though, you will find ample dining and shopping opportunities that will have you coming back for more than just the view. Here is just a sampling of what a fellow urban spelunker will encounter in the Stadium District.
[Luck O' The Irish]
Doyle's Public House is exactly what an Irish Pub should be like. The menu is peppered with Irish cuisine staples as well as other grub-worthy bar entreés. The vibe is casual fun, the current year's finished-off Jameson bottles line the walls, and well-worn wood work is where you lay your brew down to rest. It shows real football and throws the best St. Patty's Day party in the South Sound. If you're looking for good eats, tasty brews and a shot of whiskey, look no further.Open daily, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 208 Saint Helen's Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7468
[Burgers, Fries and You Guessed it]
A recent addition to the Stadium District, Shake Shake Shake, was one of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings, let alone burger joints, in Tacoma this year. With its fun vintage orange and blues, checkered floors and shake baristas, how could it not be? And while the burgers and fries are delicious, the real treats are the dogs and, yup, those shakes! Traditional flavors, yes, but try the banana bruleé and the ever-popular tiger shake, named for Stadium's mascot, which makes Tacoma candy Almond Roca the star ingredient.Open Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 124 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.507.4060
[Homies of the Hops]
The Hub and Harmon Tap Room are technically two separate locations, with The Hub facing Tacoma Avenue and the Harmon Underground facing St. Helens. But they really serve as a headquarters of the hops as a duo. The menu and vibe is classic pub-esque, with lots of local brews from mother hen location Harmon Brewery on tap and a good place to snag some pizza with friends. It hosts trivia night, ball games and live entertainment in the Tap Room location. Open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. 203 Tacoma Ave. S./204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma
[Indie Cinema Lovers]
The Grand Cinema is not your ordinary theater. Forget the big box office hits with their explosions and gore. You're more apt to catch each and every film that has been nominated for an Oscar here because The Grand is a class act in cinema. 606 S. Fawcett, Tacoma, 253.593.4474. Visit grandcinema.com for features and showtimes
[Fermented Boozy Grape Juices]
Tacoma Wine Merchants and adjoining wine bar Enoteca are lovely intimate atmospheres to both find and enjoy your vino of choice. Owner Bill Bonnie is highly knowledgeable in all things wine and is on hand to help you make a selection that is appropriate to your preferences in flavor and price range. Wine Merchants hosts regular opportunities to try wines with wine tastings, and the menu at Enoteca boasts a lovely selection of light bites and a killer cheese menu. Seriously, awesome cheeses. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 21 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.8258
Gift Givers Galore: Rankos Pharmacy, Tricky's Pop Culture, King's Books
Some of the Arts: 2 Raven's Studio
Wine and Dine: Maxwell's Speakeasy, Art House Cafe
Sweet Treats: Gibson's Frozen Yogurt
