TUESDAYS ARE A GOOD BOOZE DAY >>>

Do the early-workweek doldrums have you down? Just need to escape? The Weekly Volcano has a few suggestions. Who really cares if you have poli sci at 8 a.m.?

The Red Hot

The best bars are named after ex-wives. Or defunct rock bands. Or candy. Yep, candy. That's why we knew The Red Hot in Tacoma was destined to be a classic. How could a place known for its beer and hot dog selection not bring the noise? Especially on Tuesday's, when The Red Hot features various happy hour specials including $3 pints. Yes, sir, The Red Hot is up there for sweetest joint in the area. That is until the Skittles moves into town.

[The Red Hot, Tuesday happy hour 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229]

1022 South

Not much can be said about 1022 South that hasn't already been said. Everyone has sung the bar's praises. I mean, even a writer from New York called 1022, "home to some of the most fascinating apothecary cocktail work on the West Coast." And I agree.

As a drinker's destination, 1022 is certainly a treat. Its dark, stylized interior and gorgeous bar are nothing short of stunning. Beautiful bartenders and an in-vogue music selection add to the appeal. Of course, the real draw of 1022 is the cocktails. From perfectly prepared Old Fashions to the perfectly named Under the Volcano's, 1022 is unbeatable when it comes to drinks. Trusting the waitress, I order a whiskey-based apothecary cup (bartender's choice). It's served in a fancy glass and tastes like a Jamba Juice infused with booze.

Please don't let this poor-man's description turn you off. New York Times drink critic I am not. The cocktails are really, really good.

[1022 South, happy hour 4-8 p.m., 1022 South J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588]

Puget Sound Pizza

Featuring karaoke three nights a week, starting at 9 p.m. and going until last call, the real appeal of Puget Sound Pizza's karaoke is its inimitable host, the Reverend Colin. A tall, bearded man who always sports an utilikilt, Rev. Colin possesses a wealth of oddball musical knowledge and a disarming ease for calling everyone "baby." Having hosted karaoke for a little more than 12 years, Rev. Colin conducts karaoke with a sure hand and a sense of fairness with who gets to sing and how often; he once told me that he prides himself on not accepting bribes from people to be moved to the top of the singing rotation.

Pro tip: if you're looking through the list of songs at Puget Sound Pizza and you don't see the one you want, ask Rev. Colin if he has it in his "secret stash." He always has a little bit set aside for the people who really want it.

[Puget Sound Pizza, karaoke Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 p.m. to close, 317 S. Seventh St., Tacoma, 253.383.4777]

Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub

Tuesdays seem to be the hottest night for the overeducated South Sound masses to prove their intellectual worth. And where do such brainiacs head? Glad you asked.

The Geeks head to Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub.

The Tacoma watering hole is the site of John Dicker's Geeks Who Drink pub quiz night. Dicker, a genius from Colorado, has taken the Irish Pub quiz tradition to a new level with Geeks Who Drink games across the nation, including every Tuesday night at the downtown pub, hosted by graphic artist and Weekly Volcano production assistant Holland Hume.

The quiz consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people. Questions are read aloud by the quizmaster; teams write their answers on provided sheets and turn them in at the end of each round. The team with the most points after eight rounds is the winner.

To read Pappi Swarner's full story about the night, click here.

[Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub, 8 p.m. Tuesdays, no cover or entry fee, 815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6963]

LINK: Happy hours!