Drink like a Local in Tacoma, Washington with Desiree “Dez” Zavala @drinkfairy253
If ya don’t know, now ya know! My name’s 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’ve been bartending for 22 years and have worked everywhere and done everything—from dive bars and fine dining to working with celebrities, stadiums, and major private events. I’ve 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.
I love that I’m not “just a bartender” or “just a nurse!” My favorite part of the hospitality industry is that we’re all a bunch of misfit toys who’ve got each other’s back no matter what. We’re the OG’s of “we listen, and we don’t judge!”
5 Must-Visit Bars While in my Hometown of Tacoma, WA
The Unicorn Sports Bar
Address: 4302 North 49th Street
Why I Go There: 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), and the food is great for soaking up the shots and cocktails (the potstickers and honey mustard are 
)!
Favorite Thing to Order: I throw caution to the wind and let Daryl make the choice; his drinks taste like I’m going make some questionable choices later and I’m here for it!
Favorite Bartender: Daryl! He’s the entire reason I got started at 21 as a bartender!
Dawson’s Bar & Grill
Address: 5443 S Tacoma Way
Why I Go There: 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!
Favorite Thing(s) to Order: Tequila and a rainier, if I’m already a few in, the tots and gravy with cheese are a MUST HAVE! #tacomapoutine
Favorite Bartender: Janaye is a force both behind the pine and on the other side!
The Airport Tavern Music Hall
Address: 5406 S Tacoma Way
Why I Go There: Besides the delicious pizzas, strong drinks, “Electric Taco Tuesday” 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!
Favorite Thing(s) to Order: Their tequila selection is great, but their whiskey selection is outstanding!
Favorite Bartender: That’s a hard one because all of the bartenders are AMAZING! So, for the sake of diplomacy; Mac, Jared, Ali and Lauren!
Church Cantina
Address: 5240 S Tacoma Way
Why I Go There: 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!
Favorite Thing(s) to Order: The Miss Argentina is a nod to one of the best movies ever, the deep-fried avocados are my all-time favorite.
Favorite Bartender: I honestly can’t pick just one! Everyone there is so rad and welcoming!
Berliner Beer Hall
Address: 2401 Pacific Avenue
Why I Go There: 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’t like a good old Polka?
Favorite Thing(s) to Order: Rahmschnitzel, a pretzel and bier cheese, a large Gravensteiner, a Weihenstephan Vitus, and Schöfferhofer grapefruit!
Favorite Bartender: Isaac, Ike, Jaden, and Will are pros at hospitality!
Drink Like A Local
Your insider’s 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’s true drinking culture? Pull up a stool and get the word from those who know it best.
