Goldfish Tavern

So sad to hear that the Goldfish is closing :(Rumor has it, though, that it will reopen under new management and with extensive cleaning/​remodeling… Personally, I’m not sure it’s such a good idea to try ‘improving’ a classic dive bar that’s been in business for 80 years, but then again perhaps that’s what it will take to bring in some more people and $$ to keep this place thriving for another 80 years.
In the summer time the ‘Fish is a great place to chill out with a cold beer after hiking around Point Defiance, especially when they have the big outdoor beer garden set up during the Taste of Tacoma. In the winter, there’s nothing more inviting than the interior of this cozy, well-​worn tavern when it’s wood burning fireplace is blazing away. Pinball, jukebox, and some kick-​ass staff and patrons make it fun anytime.
If anyone is feeling put out by the loss of this Tacoma institution, I’ve got three words for you: Bob’s Java Jive. The City of Destiny’s other historic tavern could sure use your business!

Well, I’ve been going there off and on since the mid-60’s, when there were goldfish in the tables. Always good cold beer at a reasonable price. As mentioned in other reviews, had $ 1 nights for PBR, Hams or Oly. Bikers and regulars were the clientel who have supported the Goldfish during the years. Went in a couple of weeks ago and no PBR, Rainier, Oly, Hams on tap! Have gone to all Micros at $ 4! Is this really the Goldfish clientel? Why don’t they just close for wine tastings if that’s the clientel they are shooting for. The only bikers you will see there now will be riding Lambrettas. Sorry to see an institution go down the crapper, but the rest of the world is going to hell, so why not the Goldfish, I guess. This looks to me like it might be connected to some Obama program, but I can’t prove it. Seriously, sorry to see the Goldfish’s passing as far as I am concerned.

we are goldfish regulars (or at least we like to think we are). maybe we don’t fit in seamlessly with the real regular crowd, but the folks are always friendly and they’ve got a great mix of beers on tap. on cold, wet, winter nights, the fireplace is warm and inviting. for warm summer evenings, they’ve also got the new-​ish patio out front. the goldfish is solid. drop in and toss a few back.

Great tavern! Nightly food specials-​I love meatball snackwiches on Monday, and taco Tuesday– of course Wingsday is sweet too! Daily beer specials as well:) They also have pizza on Fridays and nacho Thursday. Great beer selection — featuring many northwest/​west coast beers. Coldest beer in town! Seriously, they serve it in frozen glasses. Very friendly bartenders and definitely reasonable prices. Pinball, pool, dartboard and jukebox. RIght by Point Defiance Park where the Taste of Tacoma is as well as Zoo Lights. Very close to the beach and the ferry to Vashon Island.

Great dive bar with a above average beer selection. No hard liquor, otherwise I’d have added a star…
close to the ferry to Vashon and Pt. Defiance., which is rad.
:)

This is a fantastic dive bar across the street from the main enterance to Pt. Defiance. The beer is as cold as it can get and tastes great! The place hosts a beer garden during taste of tacoma every year that is a real blast. Most of the people inside are locals and there is a real friendly atmosphere here. Great place to hang out on tuesdays for $ 1 PBR’s!

At the entrance to Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma, this is a true dive bar. Been here since 1933, it has a good selection of cold beer from micro breweries to PBR. The refrigerator has the original doors from the ice box that used to keep the beer cold. Darts, Pool and a view of Pt. Defiance Park. $ 4 a pint for micro brews and $ 2.50 for baby beers (12 oz.) For Taste of Tacoma (held at Pt. Defiance Park) I’m told they have a beer garden in the parking lot. This place makes me grin when I walk in the door. I was told by the bartender that they used to have a goldfish pond out front, but it is long gone. There is a fish tank behind the bar with goldfish in it.

Dive Bar with pool table, friendly staff, beers on tap, I had a pitcher of Irish Death Stout from Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg, WA I believe. This was a fun night walking thru the forest in the dark and muddy woods for about two miles to a bar that only the leaders knew where we were going and it ended up being a fun time shooting pool and drinking beer, Tacoma Style. Wish I was there right now!

This is a dive bar in all sense of the word. I love it! Came here with some Tacoma friends who live about a mile away and got here after sludging through some mud and strategically avoiding the blackberry bush thorns in the dark.
As we walked in, the bartender came by right away and asked us for our drinks. I asked for the cider on tap and he said that the one he has is a bit dry and as he saw my face squinch from the thought of dry cider, he offered me a taste. I tried it and loved that it was not overly sweet and had a refreshing bite. I ordered a glass and watched as my friends played pool and attempted the Wii games at the other corner. Fun place with friendly people. Not much shine and sparkle, but why would you want it any different?

I only came here once during my stint in Tacoma. Didn’t see any goldfish however. When we walked into the bar everyone stopped and looked at me and my sister. Silence. Then everybody continued on their banter. Nice little location convenient stop off if you been hanging in the park all day too. The beer here tastes pure. Love me some clean taps! Would come back for decent tasting beer.

They actually have goldfish in the bar, far out. Beer is reasonable, bartender is friendly. And oddly enough, some random strangers offered to buy me a beer, so that was cool. Right by point defiance park, so you can grab some beers before or after you wander though. Check it out :)