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Anyone who has been bar hopping around the South Sound as long as the scribes of the Weekly Volcano will know the peppered history of the bar at 7505 Steilacoom Blvd. The bar has changed names more often than George W. Bush changed speechwriters back when he was president. The bar has been known as the Tanglewood and Rudy's Pub and Grill. The change of the year brought another name, but this one has a much better chance of success because the names behind it know the business big time.

Names associated with the bar, newly christened the Lakewood Pub and Grill, have ties to The Schooner Pub and Eatery along Lakewood's 100th Street Southwest, the college bar The Haven, in Parkland, the 2121 Tavern and Blackstar Tavern.

Learning what works at those bars helped make the new place find solid footing quickly, owner Steve Kitchens says, noting that the pub will be finalizing its menu in a few weeks. But fear not, the Haven's signature pizza will be on the list, albeit a thin crust version, the Rudy-maker prime rib sandwich will remain as will the signature burgers.

The joint has switched from a restaurant and bar to being just a bar, so kids aren't allowed. But its casual sports bar vibe makes it a neighborhood hangout in the offing. It's location along one of the South Sound's main drags further makes it a place to gather folks from the four corners.

[Lakewood Pub and Grill, 7505 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W, Lakewood, 253.582.9195]

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide