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Acme Grub Cage

A little bit of lavender on Tacoma Avenue — nice.
Photo: Steph DeRosa
A little bit of lavender on Tacoma Avenue — nice.
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The Cage is no longer grubby
by Steph DeRosa
May 01, 2008

About a year ago The Acme Grub Cage was purchased by an eager bartender and his customer. Together they are changing the way Tacoma views this once dilapidated dive bar.

New wooden cabinets are stained and ready for the multitude of liquor bottles that will be available once their liquor license is obtained. Carpeting gone, floors polished, and bathrooms painted, I can easily label this place a very cool dive.

Fingers are crossed for not only the liquor license, but the food permit that will allow Acme guests to chow on some fine eats. And by “fine eats” I’m talking about frozen Swanson dinners and Costco pizza. Hell yeah, that right there is some good drunk grubbin’.

There’s no shortage of domestics in cans or bottles, but the tap selection is what I was definitely happy about. A rare find of Acme IPA out of San Francisco beckoned me to have the bartender pour me a tall one. As I sipped away I heard the men behind me tell stories of friends getting their asses kicked and how much they needed some porn for the evening. Dive bar chat at its finest.

This place is ready to shake the old reputation, and has shed a new light on what being a cool dive is all about. Cleaned up and uncluttered, The Acme prefers you drop “Grub Cage” from the title and stop in to chill with friends. I can promise you won’t be disappointed.

Acme Grub Cage

1310 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.272.1892

Service: Steve is friggen’ cute — excellent service
Beer : Good selection, nice and cold
Food : Excellent late night munchies soon to come
Bar Exam Dive Bar Grade: B

User comments

submitted 09:27 on May 1, 2008 by Janelle Hite
The Acme is my home away from home. I don't get to hang out at a bar much, but when I do the Acme is my choice!
submitted 04:45 on May 1, 2008 by sammy
cya on friday night!!!
submitted 04:47 on May 1, 2008 by Martin
I like relaxin' and havin' a beer, and the Acme is my spot.
submitted 05:52 on May 1, 2008 by PsychopathChick
There is a reason that the Marauding Mollys use the ACME as our team bar. Cause the beer's cold and Steve ROCKS!!!
submitted 05:53 on May 1, 2008 by PsychopathChick
Bring back Derby Diaries.....please
submitted 07:07 on May 2, 2008 by Jane
Steve is a great guy to have serving you in your "local" bar dive or not. Even tho we no longer have Fear Factor to watch while he pours my drink. It's been a beautiful customer/bartender relationship for over ten years!!!
submitted 09:54 on May 3, 2008 by Steph DeRosa
I definately will be back to The Acme. It looks like good times! And psychopath: awww! I miss you guys :(
submitted 07:22 on Jun 6, 2008 by Sourbeanjess
I LOVE THIS PLACE, the people, the drinks, the overall GREAT time! The Acme is always number one on my list!

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