Latest news with #AnthemCoffee
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This quiet coffee shop turns into one of Tacoma's best bars five nights a week
When this coffee shop closes, a cocktail bar opens. Five nights a week, Proof — a new concept from one of Tacoma's most respected bartenders — takes over Anthem Coffee in Tacoma's Old Town off Ruston Way, transforming the cafe into a neighborhood haunt with excellent drinks and snackable food to match. Owner Chris Keil and his team, including fellow en Rama vet, chef Meghan McLean, introduced the project in mid-February. The industrial space, simply adorned with dark-wood tables and Edison pendants, is surprisingly adept at its new evening persona. When Anthem closes at 3 p.m., Keil and his team get to work. A heavy curtain covers the ordering counter, hiding the espresso machine and other coffee happenings from customer view. They 'just kind of straighten up the room,' said Keil, 'setting the vibe' in just under an hour. 'It's weird because it seems like a bigger lift than rolling into a pre-existing space, but oddly enough it's easier than any other bar.' The cafe, one of six Pierce County locations for the Puyallup-based company, already served beer and wine. It expanded the liquor license to allow for spirits. Proof added a backbar, the shelves now stocked with spirits and liqueurs. A display nook shows off various ingredients that, along with two decades of experience and experimentation, make the drinks here special: super-fruity and floral beeswax, loose-leaf teas, whole spices. The cocktail menu offers three styles: Jesus Take the Wheel (spirit-driven), It's an All Night Thing (low-ABV or 'sessionable drinks for the long haul') and Let's Party (batched drinks that use time and hyper-specific dilution to create 'approachable' sippers). For the uninitiated, that all might sound terribly intimidating — but don't be. 'Proof is just a neighborhood cocktail bar,' said Keil in a March phone call. 'We want it to be pretty low-key, pretty casual, no reservations. We wanted to be the kind of place that people drop in, like, once or twice a week, maybe for a happy-hour drink and a snack or something.' Working in the confines of the modest cafe setup, McLean serves house focaccia to enjoy with pimento cheese and pickles, as prosciutto toast with whipped citrus and herb ricotta and lightly dressed arugula, or as the vehicle for a BLT and tuna melt. Truffle-salt popcorn, a generous vegan Caesar umami-ed with miso, new spring potatoes with 'dilly-dally' sauce, and hand pies with pizza vibes or broccoli cheddar complete the drink-friendly menu. 'It's kind of based around being snack-y and having fun,' said Keil. For anyone who has followed Keil through his many years at the forefront of Tacoma's cocktail scene, the candid description might sound familiar. He opened en Rama, the intimate Courthouse Square restaurant known for handmade pastas and cocktails, in 2018, hanging that hat in the summer of 2023. (The developers of the building sold the restaurant to new owners last year.) Before then, he operated 1022 South J in its original form, Hilltop Kitchen and Marrow, that Sixth Ave space now home to Busy Body. In the past couple of years, Keil has spent his professional energy largely on bar consulting; locally, he helped build the cocktail program at Holy Moly, a similarly chill neighborhood spot with light bites and board games. All of the above rolls into what Proof is offering out of the gate: some of the finest cocktails in Western Washington blended with mindful service and food you'll want to eat. Take, for instance, the Woman in the Dunes, already a leader among the spirit-forward, stirred numbers. Japanese whiskey rests in a big, beeswax-lined jar before infusing with apple blossoms in a sort of fat-washing technique. It's stirred simply with a pinch of salt and poured over a big, clear cube. From the session section, the sherry old fashioned stands to alter any lingering confusion around this mystifying fortified wine, combining a medium-dry amontillado and darker, sweeter Pedro Ximenez with amargo de chile and moscatel. They 'took the architecture of the old fashioned and made that, just using sherry,' explained Keil. 'You get this big, flavorful, chewy drink, but it's not high-octane.' The 50/50 martini takes a similar tact, splitting light and floral Japanese gin with a Spanish vermouth blanc, not the typical dry, diluted precisely by 20% with flat mineral water. Other drinks imbue unique flavors through sourced ingredients, such as Naomi Joe Coffee beans co-fermented with watermelon in the boulevardier, yerba mate in the sake-based Check Mate with house ginger beer, and coconut-washed gin with lime leaf and lime juice in the delicately tropical gimlet. Things have already grown more playful from there. The name Proof doesn't so much honor the colonial-era term coined for liquor tax as it does the notion of 'proof of concept,' said Keil, which, in practice, means an opportunity for this group of pros to showcase 'different concepts, genres and styles of bar programs.' Like a band might cover songs of their good friend's band, Proof will play with themes every third Wednesday. Recently they created limited-edition menus for Mardi Gras and a Daylight Savings-induced ode to beachy drinks, including a tea punch and a classic daiquiri. Throwback Thursdays will provide a field for retro recipes, forgotten cocktails and favorites from the crew's previous bars. (Baby Netflix and Chill, with multiple rums, grapefruit, ginger beer, grenadine, lime and Jäger — yes, that Jäger, which is really just a German digestif! — is always on the happy-hour menu). The idea will extend to collaborations with other bars and bartenders, said Keil, who also wanted Proof to serve as a testing ground for consulting clients. Word of this 'unqiue situation' of coffee-shop-by-day/bar-by-night has spread quietly online and organically around the neighborhood, which has become something of a haven with the recent additions of Tacoma Wine Merchants and Bordeaux Wine Bar, joining one of the city's oldest bars in The Spar. ▪ 2312 N. 30th St. (inside Anthem Coffee - Old Town), Tacoma, ▪ Tuesday-Saturday 4-10 p.m. (happy hour 4-6 p.m.) ▪ Details: neighborhood cocktail bar from Tacoma industry vets in coffee-shop-by-day; follow Instagram for specials and limited-run menu updates ▪ Need to know: walk-ins only, 21+, NA drinks available but no coffee
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
16 new restaurants, bars and cafes to visit around Tacoma and the South Sound
The first three months of 2025 have come and gone, with a host of new restaurants, bars and cafes to try around Tacoma and Pierce County. In our last roundup, we welcomed a combination doughnut shop and nighttime lounge, a baked potato haven, a super-fresh brunch choice with loads of housemade pastries, a destination for a lesser-seen Korean soup and more. Since then, a go-to Vietnamese lounge has expanded, and Sixth Ave has a few new-but-familiar faces. Fife now has a cheesesteak spot, and there are a few new choices for Korean fried chicken in several nearby cities. Here's a look at 16 new restaurants, bars and cafes that recently opened around Tacoma. ▪ 2312 N. 30th St., Tacoma (inside Anthem Coffee), Chris Keil, arguably the pioneer of Tacoma's contemporary cocktail scene (Hilltop Kitchen, the original 1022 South J and en Rama), is back in business after a few years outside the industry's public eye. This new concept offers everything fans of his drinks and his team's hospitality grew to love over nearly two decades, as well as lovely little snack-y bites, including house focaccia with pimento cheese and a zippy Caesar. Five days a week they transform Anthem Coffee in Old Town into a cocktail haven and, well, you just have to see it for yourself! Open Tuesday-Saturday 4-10 p.m. ▪ 1001 S. 38th St., Tacoma, 253-503-3458, Tuan Nguyen spent more than five years renovating this white-brick building in the Lincoln District. He originally intended it to be two floors — like the popular original La Ca on Sixth Ave — but fire codes stymied that prospect. Nonetheless, you'll find a similarly modern environment to enjoy some great Vietnamese food, including banh mi, banh xeo (a turmeric-golden crispy rice-flour and egg crepe), and several styles of noodle soup. There's also a full bar, and they serve a little later than many of its neighbors. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. ▪ 2501 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-302-4009, The owners of Lander Coffee and State Street Beer Co., Dusty and Alicia Johnson, opened their dream cafe and bike shop just before the end of 2024 (remember that?). Wily is an equally breezy space but for daytime hangs with coffee and beer, and importantly all the things you might need for a happy two-wheeled life. Also: community rides calendar with their Rapido Cycling Club. Open daily 7 a.m.-7 p.m. ▪ 2705 6th Ave., Tacoma, In Crown Bar's stead comes a refreshed neighborhood tavern with a laid-back Euro credo, aided by the existing dark-wood bar from which whiskey, classic-leaning cocktails and beer emerge. The kitchen features pub fare with a few twists — you'd be remiss to skip the spice bag! In addition to standard nighttime hours, they hope to fill a slight void on the Ave for lunch, too. Open daily at 11 a.m., until late Friday-Saturday nights. ▪ 2715 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-352-7179, Chefs Jacob Reginald Howell and Denzel Johnson introduced their highly anticipated fusion restaurant on Sixth Ave in March, with a grand opening April 4. The menu interlaces Southern barbecue and Creole traditions with Indian ingredients and dishes, such as the signature butter-chicken pasta and tandoori ribs. Don't miss the curried gin cocktail (trust!) and yield to the seriously good vibes. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4 p.m., reservations recommended. ▪ 1039 Regents Blvd, Fircrest, 253-565-9367, Salamone's Pizza started in the Stadium District in 2018, expanding to a University Place pub setting a few years ago. They left that spot in favor of what was Sammy's Pizza in Fircrest, where Slice Garden now offers the same New York-style pies as the original Salamone's, plus other styles of pizza both whole and by-the-slice. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ▪ 4234 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, 253-301-3535 The sign for this Korean restaurant in University Place has been up for quite some time, but the doors finally opened in late March. The menu begins with the specialty — Korean chicken wings in classic or sweet-and-spicy, joined by buchimgae (seafood, kimchi or veg pancake), dumplings, japchae, a few soups and tteokbokki. Meal combos combine soup and kalbi, for instance, or bibimbap and pork bulgogi. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ▪ 3628 S. 35th St., (at Tacoma Public Utilities office), Tacoma's wood-fired coffee co. had been hard at work on this second location for a while (and dealt with a spat of vandalism in February at the original cafe on Market Street downtown). But Owners Quincy and Whitni Henry powered on to debut their cafe inside the Tacoma Public Utilities building, near the refuse center, late last year. As a former cafeteria, they have some kitchen space that allows for more baked goods, including housemade cinnamon rolls. Open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ▪ 3120 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-319-8181, ▪ 3155 Harboview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-509-0101 Gig Harbor Brewing, one of the older craft breweries that despite the name has always physically brewed in Tacoma, changed hands earlier this year. Matthew Burnett bought the business and has updated the name and beer recipes. Evergreen State Brewing hosted opening parties at both taprooms in March, introducing sips including a blonde ale and a brown ale. Taproom hours vary, but both are open daily in the afternoon and evening. ▪ 8042 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-331-0205, This new bakery and cafe in the South End specializes in Salvadoran fare, starting with pupusas but extending to generous plates of beef, chicken and seafood. Try the carne horneada, a beef-and-bacon roast with deep flavors built with pineapples, peppers and plums, served with rice and two thick tortillas. From the bakery, stock up on traditional pan frances, semitas and quesadilla — not the corn kind but rather a barely-sweet sesame bread with salty cheese that's often enjoyed with coffee. Open daily at 9 a.m. ▪ 4802 Pacific Highway E., Fife, 253-235-5794, A former Herfy's Burger location in Fife is now Philly N Smash. The kitchen still slings cheeseburgers but in more of a smash, but as the name implies, cheesesteaks dominate the menu. In addition to the classic, you can get the sandwich with bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos or BBQ-style. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. ▪ 214 39th Ave. SW, Puyallup, 253-904-8302, In a space that has been somewhat cursed since its days as The Hub, a Korean barbecue restaurant is trying its hand near South Hill Mall. (Tacoma Mall also welcomed Woobling KBBQ last year, originally called The Knot.) Mukja has all the staples — ribeye, short rib, kalbi, brisket, pork belly and jowl — to grill, available in various combos with rice, salad, soup and banchan. Fried chicken, corn cheese and a few dumpling dishes round out the menu. The bar serves beer, wine, soju and cocktails. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. ▪ 6210 29th St. NE, Tacoma, 253-235-5489, At this new restaurant in Northeast Tacoma, just blocks from the Federal Way city line, the theme is El Chavo del Ocho, a beloved Mexican television show. Beyond the usual, specialties include gueritos de camaron (shrimp-stuffed spicy yellow peppers), tacos de canasta (steamed tacos with beans and chicharron), lengua salsa verde and tamarind-chipotle ribs. The menu also lists several tortas, a chorizo-patty burger or birria-style burger. On weekends, brunch brings various chilaquiles and egg dishes, plus fruit pancakes. Open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. ▪ 1913 SW Campus Dr., Federal Way, 253-838-2525, Chicko Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant, has spread south, following two locations in Kirkland and Burien. Dabble in eight varieties, from buldak (sweet'n'spicy) and soy garlic to 'cheese snow.' You can pick your cuts and even go boneless. Pair with 'shake shake' fries, dusted with salty, cheesy seasoning, pickled radish and a soda. Online reviews rave about the very hot, very juicy meat and sauces. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. ▪ 31260 Pacific Highway, Federal Way, 206-429-2303 Another newcomer to the vast Korean scene in Federal Way, Moon's focuses on street food, including jjolmyun (spicy, sweet'n'sour cold noodles topped with crunchy cucumber and cabbage), creamy 'rose' tteokbokki and katsu with finely shredded cabbage and rice. There's also various kimbap, rice bowls and mandu. Their neighbor, Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup, recently expanded to Lakewood. Open Thursday-Tuesday noon-10 p.m. (closed Wednesday). ▪ 35002 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way, 425-830-9749, The family behind Blue Island Sushi, a conveyor-belt sushi spot in Federal Way, has added a finer take in the space next door. Apps offer more than the usual, as in the takoyaki, soft-shell crab and salmon kama (collar). In addition to rolls, the sushi counter slices an array of fresh fish for nigiri and carpaccio, while the kitchen serves ramen, katsu and yakisoba. Open Wednesday-Sunday at 11:30 a.m. for lunch (noon Sunday), taking a late-afternoon break before reopening at 4:30 p.m. for dinner.
