SCENE OF THE CRIME by Natasha
This week I'll be twisting the cap off of a three-week exposé on partying in the cozy neighborhood bars in Tacoma.
How am I classifying "neighborhood bar," you ask? Think rows of residential homes with the warm glow of neon beer signs from a single tavern or pub smacked right in the middle.
Of course, the first neighborhood watering hole that I'll be waxing philosophic about is the Parkway Tavern. Ah, the PDub.
I was first introduced to the Parkway through my softball team. We'd go there every Friday night after our games for what I considered to be the best microbrew/popcorn/quesadilla dinner in town. Even though it's just standard microwave popcorn, it tastes better at the PDub for some reason. Also, the jalapeños in the quesadillas are a tongue lashing, but man, are they good.
I typically took part in these post-game sessions as a pre-func for the rest of the evening, but sometimes the nights were so fun-filled at the Parkway that I kicked it in my cleats until 2 a.m.
It's easy to slip into the Parkway anytime of day. I like saying hello to whichever dog is out front followed by BS-ing with the quick-witted, jovial early evening regulars inside who converse underneath the retired beer taps hanging from the ceiling. It's also good to catch the late nights on the weekends - typically a younger crowd, some college kids, South Sound socialites, and time-honored locals, each of whom is probably stoked that they have the ability to stumble back to their North End abodes. Hello no, Five-O!
The Parkway has really spiffed itself up recently with a renovation of the entire bar. The front area now features a beautiful custom cherry wood bar and soft green paint on the walls. There are brand-new tables and chairs and sexy black leather on the mafia booths over to the side.
In the coming months, the Parkway will also feature a new party room, replete with a plasma television, DVD player, loveseat and a fireplace - like we needed an excuse to call the Parkway our living room. John the manager showed me a sampling of the upholstery that will cover the furniture in the room. It's a soft zebra print. He was kind enough to let me pet the zebra. I hope it was as good for you as it was for me, John. But seriously, the room will soon be available for renting out for big occasions, or on a first come, first served basis. There's also a game room in the back with a pool table, shuffle board, and video games.
What's just as important is the one word that really matters at the Parkway and in life in general: BEER. Over the last year, the PDub has increased its beers on tap from 12 to 20 - music to a Northwest microbrew lover's ears. There also are other beverages, like wine, available for those who are watching their weight, but if you're really from Tacoma, you have to drink beer there. Right now I'm diggin' on Mac and Jack's Serengeti Wheat and the wonderful PDub bartenders who always treat me right.
As I alluded to previously, you haven't truly lived in Tacoma until you've had several pints and fun at the Parkway.
So, pull up a barstool next to me, and let's raise the glasses.
Happy chuggin'.
Parkway Tavern, 313 N. I St., Tacoma's Stadium District, (253) 383-8748

Tell me where you like to party at sceneofthecrime.