The void on the North Pac Ave scene where Paddy Coynes once occupied one of Tacoma's most historic back bars has been filled by The Forum as of last Tuesday. I've heard good feedback in regard to the Forum's sister store in Puyallup and have been highly anticipating this location opening its doors.

Tacoma Forum's menu mirrors the Puyallup location and mostly consists of a wide array of sandwich options, both traditional and with a Forum twist on flavor, as well as some burger, salad and entree options. Among the many dishes I noshed on, the Juicy Lucy Burger ($9.95) is my recommendation to Eat Now. Like, right now.

First of all, a brioche bun is a good way to start any burger, but stuffing the meaty beef patty with cheese puts it well over the edge of awesome. It stood true to its name, oozing juicy cheesy goodness as I cut it in half in order to better devour it. To already improve upon a perfectly paired bun and patty, the Forum adds tangy pickles, caramelized onions and generous amounts of housemade sauce Andalouse - a creamy concoction of caramelized onions, tomato, paprika and mayonnaise. It's served with fries or a side salad, and I was in burger bliss. Side note, I'd recommend the salad, which was generous rather than the wimpy sort you often receive. The fries were good but nothing spectacular. And hey, some of us are still trying to stick to lofty resolutions which we've already ruined with cheeseburgers.

THE FORUM, 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 21 and older, 815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.830.2151