{"id":157837,"date":"2025-03-26T14:07:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T14:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/alcohol\/drink-like-a-local-in-tacoma-washington-with-dez-zavala\/"},"modified":"2025-03-26T14:07:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T14:07:20","slug":"drink-like-a-local-in-tacoma-washington-with-dez-zavala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=157837","title":{"rendered":"Drink Like a Local in Tacoma Washington with \u201cDez\u201d Zavala"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Drink like a Local in Tacoma, Washington with Desiree \u201cDez\u201d Zavala @drinkfairy253<\/a><\/h2>\n

If ya don\u2019t know, now ya know! My name\u2019s Dez. I grew up on the east side of Tacoma where I fell in love with the small town-big city energy. The changes in local watering holes have substantially expanded since I was a wee baby bartender. I\u2019ve been bartending for 22 years and have worked everywhere and done everything\u2014from dive bars and fine dining to working with celebrities, stadiums, and major private events. I\u2019ve also been a hospice nurse for 12 years. The juxtaposition of being the life of the party while having the privilege of helping patients and families make their end-of-life choices on their own terms feeds my soul.<\/p>\n

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I love that I\u2019m not \u201cjust a bartender\u201d or \u201cjust a nurse!\u201d My favorite part of the hospitality industry is that we\u2019re all a bunch of misfit toys who\u2019ve got each other\u2019s back no matter what. We\u2019re the OG\u2019s of \u201cwe listen, and we don\u2019t judge!\u201d<\/p>\n

5 Must-Visit Bars While in my Hometown of Tacoma, WA<\/p>\n

The Unicorn Sports Bar<\/h3>\n

Address:<\/strong> 4302 North 49th Street<\/a><\/p>\n

Why I Go There:<\/strong> This bar is one of the few OG bars still around from my baby bartending days. The drinks are strong, Daryl is a Tacoma institution (IYKYK)<\/em>, and the food is great for soaking up the shots and cocktails (the potstickers and honey mustard are \ud83e\udd0c\ud83c\udffd)<\/em>!<\/p>\n

Favorite Thing to Order:<\/strong> I throw caution to the wind and let Daryl make the choice; his drinks taste like I\u2019m going make some questionable choices later and I\u2019m here for it!<\/p>\n

Favorite Bartender:<\/strong> Daryl! He\u2019s the entire reason I got started at 21 as a bartender!<\/p>\n

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Dawson\u2019s Bar & Grill<\/h3>\n

Address:<\/strong> 5443 S Tacoma Way<\/a><\/p>\n

Why I Go There:<\/strong> Besides breakfast being served until the kitchen closes, the drinks are strong, there are two outdoor areas, plenty of darts, and live music four nights a week!<\/p>\n

Favorite Thing(s) to Order:<\/strong> Tequila and a rainier, if I\u2019m already a few in, the tots and gravy with cheese are a MUST HAVE! #tacomapoutine<\/p>\n

Favorite Bartender:<\/strong> Janaye is a force both behind the pine and on the other side!<\/p>\n

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The Airport Tavern Music Hall<\/h3>\n

Address:<\/strong> 5406 S Tacoma Way<\/a><\/p>\n

Why I Go There:<\/strong> Besides the delicious pizzas, strong drinks, \u201cElectric Taco Tuesday\u201d EDM and tacos, and the beautiful new music space that you can see some of your favorite local and internationally known bands, DJs, and singers, you can find a different crowd every night of the week with open arms!<\/p>\n

Favorite Thing(s) to Order:<\/strong> Their tequila selection is great, but their whiskey selection is outstanding!<\/p>\n

Favorite Bartender:<\/strong> That\u2019s a hard one because all of the bartenders are AMAZING! So, for the sake of diplomacy; Mac, Jared, Ali and Lauren!<\/p>\n

Church Cantina<\/h3>\n

Address:<\/strong> 5240 S Tacoma Way<\/a><\/p>\n

Why I Go There:<\/strong> The goth\/horror movie vibe, a huge vegan menu, and the specialty markets throughout the year. The owners Adam and Nikki are some of the COOLEST and sweetest people ever! Their vision was delivered to a T!<\/p>\n

Favorite Thing(s) to Order:<\/strong> The Miss Argentina is a nod to one of the best movies ever, the deep-fried avocados are my all-time favorite.<\/p>\n

Favorite Bartender:<\/strong> I honestly can\u2019t pick just one! Everyone there is so rad and welcoming!<\/p>\n

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Berliner Beer Hall<\/h3>\n

Address:<\/strong> 2401 Pacific Avenue<\/a><\/p>\n

Why I Go There:<\/strong> The choice of German beers is extensive, the food makes me miss my little German Nana and the boys behind the bar! Plus, who doesn\u2019t like a good old Polka?<\/p>\n

Favorite Thing(s) to Order:<\/strong> Rahmschnitzel, a pretzel and bier cheese, a large Gravensteiner, a Weihenstephan Vitus, and Sch\u00f6fferhofer grapefruit!<\/p>\n

Favorite Bartender:<\/strong> Isaac, Ike, Jaden, and Will are pros at hospitality!
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Drink Like A Local<\/h3>\n

Your insider\u2019s guide to the hidden gems, neighborhood favorites, and cocktail havens that the pros themselves visit. In each edition, we chat with local bartenders who reveal their go-to spots. Ready to explore a city\u2019s true drinking culture? Pull up a stool and get the word from those who know it best.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n