Golden West Restaraunt & Lounge

Golden West Saloon = yet another South Tacoma dive bar where hard drinkers go do drink hard.
Prior to writing this review I attempted to find out some more details and history of the Golden West through the magic of Google. The results generated included very little pertinent (or current) information– I’m sure that’s partly due to the fact that this is one of those places that pre-​dates the internet by several decades. So, here’s what I know:
Located on South Tacoma Way in the midst of a strip of aged watering holes, the Golden West doesn’t really stick out; at least not unless you’re on foot and hear some pretty good blues and classic rock coming through the open door from the live band inside (on a Friday or Saturday night; no cover charge). Inside, it’s another well-​worn long and skinny bar with a bar and stools on one side, tables and chairs taking up most of the floor, a pool table, juke box, dart board, TV behind the bar… pretty standard.
Though the sign on the awning outside proclaims this to be a «restaurant» and another neon sign in the window advertises «Italian Food» (which seems odd for a place that’s more or less ‘Western’ themed), I’m not sure that I can recall ever seeing anyone actually sitting down to enjoy a meal here. I sure haven’t, so I can’t speak for the food quality. What I have had, and what I have seen everyone else here having, are alcoholic beverages. Inexpensive liquor/​cocktails, domestic beer, and a couple of micros are what it’s all about at the Golden West.
You won’t find a lot of imports here; when I wound up here one St. Patrick’s Day I was disappointed to find that they don’t stock any Irish whiskey or beer. On the other hand, when I was out looking for a cold one on the night of December 25^th this place was the only one around that was open and serving Christmas cheer.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this particular bar is the small picket-​fenced beer garden just outside the front doors. A few chairs and a couple of small tables provide front-​row seats to some of the best people watching in Tacoma, and because it’s outdoors this part of the bar is dog friendly. Woof!

Great little bar to hang out in. The crowd is a bit older, but there is usually a gathering of younger people as well. The band that plays here on the weekends is incredible! Listening to these guys jam is about as good as it can get on a Friday night. The service is always friendly, as is the customer base. Drinks are stiff. Pool. What more could you ask for? Me and friends go to this bar once or twice a week, and would recommend it to anyone.