NATASHA GORBACHEV: COOL NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT >>>

The Hub, T-Town's newest nightlife establishment featuring pizza, pasta and pints, held its grand opening Friday night at 203 Tacoma Ave. S. (the former St. Helens Cafe location), and a grand event it was.

After dropping in right after work, my friends and I were stoked to have a big table in the back while others waited in line for a seat in the front of the house.

The Hub proprietors Pat Nagle and Carole Holder have done an excellent job of redeveloping this hurkin space by creating a comfortable and inviting bar, a huddled mass of seating in the front, the large space in the back felt right-sized with a supreme amount of art that graced all of the walls, and subtle, modern colors.

There's even an easy chair section. Chill!

The food was crankin out all night long, and Harmon (which The Hub is an offshoot of) beers were everywhere.

The Hub was able to attract a real who's who of Tacomans Friday night (even the Tacoma police chief Don Ramsdell was there with his loved ones), and they were also able to successfully pull in their target demographic:

The Hub wants to be a cool place where families can go to relax with their kids, while enjoying comfort food and a good brew or beverage.

But this establishment is also good for the rest of us young and restless singles.

Speakin of, my friends and I took particular note of the following sign that hangs in the back.

And we just wanted to show The Hub that we're not going to oblidge, especially the self-proclaimed hippie Maleia who is very proudly using The Hub's front door. Take THAT!

All poking fun aside, The Hub is a great addition to the downtown nightlife scene because new places bring even more faces to our city center.

And when I look into my magical crystal ball, and I say with great certainty that The Hub will do juuuust fine.

LINK: Natasha's Scene of the Crime column.