8 stories that showcase Pierce County’s evolving drink scene
This list of stories illustrates how different businesses are shaping Pierce County’s evolving drink scene so far in 2025.
State Street Beer Co. and Lander Coffee’s team opened Wily Cycleworks, which combines a bike shop, coffee shop and bar. Stadium Golf shifted to a sports bar with golf simulators and a simpler menu.
Narrows Brewing is opening a second taproom with chef collaborations, while On Blended Knee Winery brings a new tasting room to downtown.
NO. 1: IT’S ALL NATURAL AT NEW 6TH AVE SHOP, WHERE COFFEE AND BEER MEET INDIE-CYCLING MUST-HAVES
The shop joins sister businesses Lander Coffee and State Street Beer Co. in Tacoma. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred
NO. 2: THIS STADIUM DISTRICT RESTAURANT CHANGES AGAIN TO FOCUS SOLELY ON SPORTS-BAR CONCEPT
The Seattle-based restaurant group has struggled to find its footing in its big Tacoma space since scrapping the original German beer hall idea a few years ago. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred
NO. 3: THAT SKUNKY DRAFT BEER AT THE BAR? DON’T BLAME THE BREWERY. IT COULD BE DIRTY TAPS
Mold. Gunk. Gross! We talked with two local draft-cleaning companies to learn the telltale signs of a dirty draft system, just in time for Tacoma Beer Week. | Published February 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred
NO. 4: ‘MODERN AND MOODY’ TASTING ROOM WILL BRING NEW WASHINGTON WINERY TO DOWNTOWN TACOMA
On Blended Knee set to join a growing roster of wineries investing in Tacoma. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred
NO. 5: ‘HAPPIER HOUR,’ ANYONE? WA SISTERS WRITE COCKTAIL BOOK THAT’S ALSO A GARDENER’S DREAM
“We want garden to glass to be as big as farm to table,” said Belinda Kelly, one half of Simple Goodness Sisters with her real-life sibling, Venise Cunningham. | Published March 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred
NO. 6: ‘WHISKEY FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS’ EARNS THIS PIERCE COUNTY DISTILLERY ANOTHER GLOBAL AWARD
It took home the first-place title for its Cocoa Bomb Chocolate whiskey. | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park
NO. 7: TACOMA WAS AN UNSUSPECTING PLACE FOR AWARD-WINNING WHISKY SHOP. IT’S CLOSED NOW
The stunning boutique spirits store opened in 2021, attracting superfans for its coveted collection of rare bottles and others for its “wide selection.” | Published May 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred
NO. 8: TACOMA BREWERY TO OPEN ANOTHER TAPROOM WITH SNACKS AND FREQUENT CHEF COLLABS
“We’ve been working hard to find a space where we can add to an already vibrant area,” said the owners, who have invested in more production space at the original brewery. | Published May 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred…