Local

8 stories that showcase Pierce County’s evolving drink scene

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

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.

Wily Cycleworks, a combination bike shop, coffee and natural wine bar, opened in December 2024 at 2501 6th Ave. in Tacoma.

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

Stadium Golf will continue at 649 Division Ave. with updated hours. Poquitos Tacoma has closed. By Courtesy

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

Jeromy Krom, owner of Clear Line Draft, cleans the draft lines at Bar Rosa, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

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

La’Rissa and Michael Dwyer are planning a Spring 2025 opening of their first tasting room for their On Blended Knee Winery at 2307 Tacoma Avenue South in Tacoma, Wash. By Allison Banks/Aim True Photography

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

Simple Goodness Sisters new cocktail and gardening book, “Drink Your Garden,” brings together tips and recipes from the working farm and soda shop/bar in Pierce County, Washington, of siblings Venise Cunningham and Belinda Kelly. By Courtesy

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

The Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey, which won “Best American Flavoured Whisky” in the World Whiskies Awards 2025 competition, at Heritage Distilling Company, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Wash. By Brian Hayes

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

McCallum & Sons Whisky, a boutique spirits store in downtown Tacoma, Washington, opened in December 2021 at 1115 A St. Owner Glen McCallum stands at the counter. By Kristine Sherred

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

Narrows Brewing in Tacoma celebrated 10 years in 2023 with a brand refresh and refined recipes. 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

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.