JAKE DE PAUL: MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND MASSIVE CLUB OFF 38TH STREET >>>

Two hombres drank Coronas in the corner; one with a belt buckle is the size of small land mine. It read "Mexico."

Six senoritas sipped margaritas and laughed (I’m positive at me) in the other corner.

Sixteen mules for Sister Sara could fit between the two tables.

Last night I paid a visit to the new El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant off 38th Street in Tacoma. At 5 p.m. it was empty beside the two said tables in the bar. The large dining room sat silent. The massive Club El Tenampa â€" one of the biggest in Tacoma â€" in the other room was also empty. Eight employees work diligently the entire hour I sat in the bar, enjoying my spicy, delicious chile verde.

I should mention the two tables never took their eyes off me.

I did manage to discover that the club has been open two months. A huge stage sits before a large dance floor, which is backed by rows and rows of tables. National and local touring bands performing grupera, Mexican cumbia and other Latin dance music fill the space every Friday and Saturday night.

The restaurant decorated with bright wood and rock has been open for three weeks serving a limited menu of authentic Mexican fare.

Have you been yet?

[El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, 3121 S. 38th St, Tacoma, 253.473.1907]