Then there were 8: Vote for best sports bar in Pierce County

The battle for bragging rights of best sports bar in Pierce County is down to eight competitors.

In the Spirited 16, all but two games ran down to the wire, and one might make some people very angry.

Terry’s Office Tavern, the neighborhood dive bar known in part for its pressure-fried chicken and jojos, has yanked the bun out from under The Red Hot, 54 percent to 46 percent — or 204 tallies to 177.

In another sort-of close matchup, Dirty Oscar’s Annex said so long to Cole’s Bar & Grill, 59 percent to 41 percent — 227 points to 156.

West End Pub continues its Cinderella streak, garnering 78 percent of more than 400 tallies, thus ending Topside Bar & Grill’s run. (The Steilacoom bar, however, just celebrated its 10th anniversary — no small feat.)

In West End’s bar family, Hank’s Tavern is also headed to the Lush 8, taking the poles out of The Camp Bar’s tent.

Meanwhile, Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern sent fellow longstanding Tacoma bar Harmon Pac Ave packing.

Two of our number-one seeds — so ordered simply by alphabet — have proven their skill: Ale House Pub beat Home Plate Tavern, 258 to 131, and Beach Tavern beat Hops N Drops, 316 to 71, the biggest margin of victory this round.

The tournament continues with four exciting matchups, including the Sixth Avenue battle between West End Pub and Dirty Oscar’s Annex, while old-timers Katie Downs takes on E9 Firehouse & Gastropub (a.k.a. Engine House).

Will Terry’s continue to surprise by nixing Ale House Pub? Will Beach Tavern hold onto its top billing? Vote to ensure your favorite sports bar makes it to the Final Four.

How it works:

▪ In the fourth round, eight bars face off in head-to-head matchups, following a heated Spirited 16.

▪ Choose a winner for each of the four matchups. The next in line will show up automatically after each click.

▪ Stay tuned for the biggest reveal yet: The Final Four. Then prepare to pick the champion.

This story was originally published April 1, 2022 at 5:00 AM.