Though The Swiss has earned the reputation as a live music venue, the entertainment isn't the sole reason to visit. The menu, paired with ample libations, is prime pickings for lunch and dinner daily, while the ambiance is hip and casual with worn wooden tables and art adorned walls that transition well from the 9 to 5ers lunch crowd and late night partiers.

Upon hearing The Swiss busted out a few new dishes and drinks, I found one dish that blew me away: stuffed roasted portabella mushroom appetizer ($6.99) on its happy hour menu. This large and meaty fungus swells with zesty Italian sausage, flavorful caramelized onions and whole chunks of tender roasted garlic - topped off with gooey mozzarella cheese. Highly recommended by my server, this dish is absolutely delectable, a full flavor start to your Swiss dining experience. Dare I say I'd order it by its lonesome as an entree - so long as I had no intention of smooching.

The roasted portabella stuffed mushroom is just one of many new dishes added to The Swiss' menu before the New Year. Other nibbles include pub faves such as mini corn dogs, a hummus plate and two pasta entrees - a shrimp linguini alfredo ($13.99) and a baked vegetarian cannelloni ($11.99) stuffed with ricotta and parmesan cheeses and spinach topped with a house made marinara.

Its cocktail list has been updated with hot beverages, including a hot buttered rum made with Bacardi Oakheart (spiced rum) as well as a twist on the original hot toddy, The Swiss Toddy, concocted with Black Velvet Toasted Caramel Whiskey.

THE SWISS, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, 1904 S. Jefferson, Tacoma, 253.572.2821