North End Tavern

I like this bar. It’s a legit pub. No frilly cocktails or fancy dancy food. They have great bar food, good quality. My first time here I got the Philly cheesesteak. That thing was HUGE! I mean, not the bun, but boy did they pile on the meat! The only thing I wish it had was mushrooms instead of tons of green bell peppers (I am a fungus freak…) It came out nice and hot, so it’s totally made to order. The fries were delicious too! Crispy but soft inside. They have a good selection of beers in a can or bottle. I had a cup of coffee with my cheesesteak because I had been up since 5am, worked 10 hours and was about to watch Motel Hell at the Blue Mouse Theater across the street. I was wanting something more substantial than popcorn and soda. Seeing that I had ordered a coffee, the gentleman who brought me my food noticed, and was sweet enough to bring me water as he knew a coffee wouldn’t be able to wash down the delicious cheesesteak. That was without me asking for it or even hinting. I thought that pretty awesome for him to be that observant. I just wish I knew his name. But everyone here is super friendly!
My second time here was last night, before we went to go see Misery at the Blue Mouse (if you haven’t gone to a Friday Night Frights event, where they show cool horror/​suspense older movies then you’re missing out, especially coming here prior to the show). We didn’t have time to eat, but we had enough time for some drinks. I had ordered a mimosa after learning that they are a pub and only serve beer. They were out of orange juice, but the waitress was sweet enough to bring me a choice of Leinenkugel’s Cranberry Ginger or I think it was the Summer Shandy. The cranberry ginger was the one I went with and I was super surprised on how good it was. I’m normally a cider on tap gal, or in desperate times an Angry Orchard. I didn’t see any ciders offered in their drink menu, and I didn’t bother getting up as I was chatting it up with some friends to see what was on tap, so it was real nice that the waitress came to me. It was like she knew me… but didn’t, but knew what would be comparable to a mimosa. Granted a shandy is nothing like a great mimosa, but in a pinch a shandy will do.
Anyways, I would totally come to this bar more often if it weren’t out of the way for us as I live in Puyallup. However, this bar is now our meeting spot before heading to the Blue Mouse for Friday Night Frights (check them out on Facebook). I want to come even earlier so I can order some food as they serve up some pretty tasty stuff. They also have amazing pitcher and individual drink specials. It’s a great community pub, friendly staff and a chill place to just hang out!

I stopped by here for dinner and drinks with a friend before heading to the Blue Mouse theater for a Friday night movie. Parking was pretty easy out on the street and the pub was easy to find. We were greeted right away and we chose a table near the front of the building. The pub has been around since the early 1900s and it has all kinds of posters & knickknacks on the walls. My friend went with the brisket sandwich with waffle fries and I got the French dip with a salad. Beer prices and food prices are really good and I loved the divey-​ness of the place. The people working there were also very friendly and energetic, I loved it. The food we both got was so delicious and full of flavor, nothing was dry, everything tasted great. I’d definitely stop by this place again if I’m in the area.

i love their tacos on tues. nights and the service is great, as are the prices… but i can’t return because of the apparent fruit-​fly problem there. now i admit that i haven’t been there in a few months so maybe they have gotten rid of that problem since, but, basically, if i go to any bar and order red wine and 15 fruit flies are swarming my glass, i just can’t justify returning, it’s just too unnerving to witness.
i watch «bar rescue» on Spike-​TV and, to anyone else who watches that, you may know — fruit-​fly problems generally indicate some level of uncleanliness at the bar, beer taps, the kitchen, something decaying, etc.
this review really is meant to be constructive criticism since i do think «North End Tavern i.e. Slappy’s Garage» is a cool place with potential. i would have just personally emailed the owner but the website has no email contact availability on it so here i am. :(

The food is very well done. Very friendly crowd, decent beer selection. A great neighborhood spot.

Could not chew the brisket and the older lady’s that work at the bar don’t seem friendly at all.

Dive Bar. Good for what it is but don’t expect fresh food — its a BAR. Cheap beer during happy hour. Good hangout with no pretensions.

Awesome place. Excellent brisket and killer BBQ sauce. Friendly service and cold beer. What else could you ask for?

Great place to watch sports and meet people. Serves just wine and beer. The food is good and I’m always welcomed by the regulars I met on my first visit when I enter.

Easy going joint! On occasion you might even find the infamous Spud there draining a jar or two.

Stop by for taco Tuesday and have some of the largest best tasting tacos in Tacoma!
Very interesting wall Art., Two Pool Tables and more. Highly recommended, Tara and I love this bar!

I wanted to give 5 stars however they are a beer & wine bar only and sometimes a girl just needs a shot. This is their only down fall.
Other than the lack of booze it’s an awesome dive bar. If there was a modern day Cheers this would be it. Since the in-​laws a locals we have a bit more welcomed than expected when we are there but never less we are greeted with hugs, hand shakes, and instant service.
The bartenders wear many hats here. Cooks, waitstaff, cleaners, and bartenders. They are pros at it to say the least. I adore them!
The bar’s entertainment consists of a Buck Hunter, Golden Tee, Projector for M’s games, 2 pool tables, and a music machine (a modern jukebox) with a good selection of songs, 2 video game machines, and pull tabs.
Brews are reasonable in price and there is a decent selection on tap. Food is pretty good. It is your typical bar food but it hits the spot. I recommend the wings with the sauce on the side for dipping. They are BOMB!
All-​in-​all a good local dive bar.

This is a great tavern for casual nights when you don’t feel like dressing up and you just wanna have a beer and some munchies! The service is always great and Jason makes fantastic cheap tacos on Tuesday. We frequent there just about every week! The only thing I wish would change is that the owner would quit trying to label the place that lame-​o name he came up with. It’s North End Tavern, dang it! Keep it that way.

Went there on a random whim for late lunch and definitely had my doubts about whether or not we should eat there. Thank goodness we stayed for the fabulous Cuban pork sandwiches, great beer selection, and very attentive service from the barkeep. Yes, the food is cooked in some sort of stainless steel convection/​microwave oven but you’d never know it. The potato salad is exceptional and I know a great potato salad since I make one. Fun atmosphere with «vintage» slightly naughty garage signs scattered about. Cool old TV’s along the bar and one playing Cool Hand Luke. Doesn’t get better. No stale smoke stench and just a great spot. Will be going back for more!

Great tacos!!! Only problem is that you have to get here early to snag one of the tables! So, if you can get here early enough — it’s the standard beef and they do crunchy shells only. Also, they have taco salads on their menu as well.
Bonus — walking distance from the house and the Blue Mouse is across the street for date night :)

Ok, I realize the North End Tavern has been getting a bad name, but people, you have to know what you are getting into…
The place is somewhat of a dive to some, but I think it is a gem.
The service is always great and when you ask questions, the servers are more than helpful. Yes, there is an interesting mix, but if you are like me and enjoy the finer things in life like a little variety who you converse with, you will love it.
No, the North End Tavern is not the hip new place, but for me, that is why it has such charm. Afterall, they must be doing something right.

Out with some girlfriends last night, we decided to end the night at the North End Tavern. Why? I don’t know, but we did.
There were some «interesting» cats in this joint! I felt as if I was transported to another world here. Definitely a diverse crowd here! Also, the years of indoor smoking have left a stagnant stench in the place.
I was however, stoked that on a Friday night, pitchers of Coors Light were only $ 7! They have a decent beer and wine selections with some screaming nightly deals. We did not try any of the food, but they some basic appetizer options for that late night drunk craving. Everything is cooked in a box similar to a microwave, so no gourmet here!
The tavern is quite small. There are only about 6 tables and stools at the bar. Around the corner towards the back are 2 pool tables.
If you are looking to watch a game and get toasted on the cheap, this might just be your place!