TNT Diner

Sixth Avenue bar with beer to-go closing after Christmas

ksherred@thenewstribune.com

North End Social Club, a casual beer bar on Tacoma’s Sixth Avenue, said it will serve its last drinks on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Owner Justin Caillier, a native Tacoman, opened the bar at 3013 Sixth Ave. four years ago, in December 2015. A month later, his wife Heidi gave birth to twins, according to the Sixth Avenue Business District’s January 2016 newsletter.

The bar announced the decision to close last week on Facebook and Instagram, saying: “It has been awesome being part of the community and 6th Avenue! We appreciate all of you that have shared a pint or multiple pints and glasses of wine over these 4 years. Your patronage has been very much appreciated!”

About 100 people shared their thoughts about the closing online. Many expressed appreciation for its place as a community hub and the well-curated beer list.

Heidi Caillier, the owner’s wife, said on Facebook that she was proud of the bar’s run, calling it “the end of an era.”

Justin Caillier did not respond to a request for comment, but a bartender cited family and the inevitable slow business of January as a couple of reasons for the closure.

North End Social Club was a modern take on the neighborhood watering hole, with a wood-topped bar and industrial metal stools. In a sense, it resembled a brewery’s taproom. A few high-top tables lined the wall, while bench seating in the front provided space to lounge.

Craft beer was the focus: the bar posted tap lists regularly on its social media pages, even creating a standalone Instagram account, @nesc253taplist. Guests could also fill growlers there or grab a six-pack to go from a sizable cooler in the back, near a shuffleboard table and additional seating.

The bar’s last day of service will be Saturday (Dec. 28), 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Stop by tonight (Dec. 23) for a Christmas party with music from Sam Parker — holiday garb encouraged.

You also can snag a growler of any beer or cider on draft from now until Saturday for $10 per fill. (Typically, a 64-ounce fill would cost upwards of $15.) Need a growler? Buy one from the bar for $3.50.

Caillier is also looking for someone to take over his lease, which runs through July. Interested parties can contact Tom O’Brien at Pacific Commercial Brokers.

KS
Kristine Sherred
The News Tribune
Kristine Sherred joined The News Tribune in 2019, following a decade in Chicago where she worked for restaurants, a liquor wholesaler, a culinary bookstore and a prominent food journalist. In addition to her SPJ-recognized series on Tacoma’s grease-trap policies, her work centers the people behind the counter and showcases the impact of small business on community. She previously reported for Industry Dive and William Reed. Find her on Instagram @kcsherred. Support my work with a digital subscription
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