Sooooo long for burger and fish order! We have waited at more than 30 minutes for our food! We came at lunch time and the place isn't even busy. Food was ok read more

Probably one of my favorite bars in Tacoma! Haven't had breakfast here but I've been here for happy hour and dinner and enjoyed it. Service has been great, very friendly! Spat chips are good and can't beat the happy hour price. Chicken salad is so so good and love the variety of beers. Heard they have music on fri/sat nights but haven't gone, will be soon! read more

Charming atmosphere. Very cosy. Pool tables, friendly atmosphere. Wide variety of beers and live music. Hearty gumbo read more

The Spar - Gumbo - Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Stopped in for breakfast and got the Heart Starter - scramble with cherry tomatoes and feta. Just the right amount of hash browns. Okay, I added a side of sausage gravy. The eggs were light and fluffy, best of all it was all hot. Add a latte and you won't be disappointed - I didn't get it but the orange juice looked fresh squeezed read more

The Spar - Heart Starterwith latte - Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Got the Alaskan Cod. Took my wifes and my food almost an hour to be brought out. I ordered fries, got their super greasy burnt chips instead. The Cod was super greasy, somewhat room temperature, just severely unimpressed for price and portion... my wife fench dip was good but again her chips were super burnt and neither of us ate them they were that bad. Waiter offered to replace but after waiting an hour the first time, we said no. Gets 2 stars for the dip... read more

I've been here twice now and both times I've had horrible service. If you are not over 50 years old they treat you like your invisible. Today I waited for at least 15 minutes to get water then another 15 to get a drink order while others around me were being served. It was over 20 minutes before someone came to get my food order and by that time my party decided to go somewhere else where we could be served in a timely manner. read more

Last three visits have been lousy. We've been going there for decades but no more. Besides not currently following Covid mask rules, service and food no longer a reason to visit. One visit a person in our party never got their meal!! This despite repeated requests then waitress said she wouldn't charge us for it as though offering us a gift. Another time, with only 2 tables seated, couldn't get any service for silverware or water. When trying to get waitstaff's attention, she yelled from behind the bar "what do you want" Instead of walking over. Really? Third time, really poor food for 3 of 4 guests. I rarely leave bad reviews but they need to pick up their game if they want to stay in it. read more

Always great service. Chicken and Jo Jo's are whats up. Love the selection of beers. SO MANY BEERS. I like beer. Great people watching, and the atmosphere is cool. The waitress we had remembered my sister and husband and asked if they wanted the same as last time. Love them view of the water from the back area. Also love the fact that this place has been in the same spot for so many years. Nice job Tacoma on helping keep a hip spot open for so long. Go check them out and get the Chicken and Jo's read more

The Spar - Inside the bar - Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The Spar sits right above Ruston way with a magnificent view of the bay. There are two rooms and if you want a beer with dinner, you want the big room with the windows. Get there just before the crowds and you get a magnificent view from a table by the window The menu at the Spar is the usual bar food and really good. Try the BLT! Service is good but I can tell that the bar tenders favor the regulars. I ordered my sandwich a couple minutes before the regular down the bar ordered the same thing. His came first and mine arrived 10 minutes later. Not cool. read more

The Spar - Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Great food and service. Loved it! Enjoyed talking to staff and learning about building.

I used to think that the spar was 4 or 5 out of 5 stars (fish and chips are bomb), however now after not-so-good meals the last few times I was there, I'm going to give them a 3 out of 5. read more

So awesome for takeout. There gumbo is the best in Tacoma when there making it. Service is always amazing!

A quirky little bar/food in old Tacoma. We had three help us throughout the lunch but our main server's was so awful we hesitate to go back. She was rude, neglectful and just didn't care. We had burgers and beer which were ok. The bartender who sat us offered a tasting to see if we would like a limited offering on tap. He was great. We may give it another shot to see if the service issue was a one time thing . No one under 21 in the back bar area with a view of Puget Sound. read more

The view is so amazing. We had excellent service and the food tasted bomb. The tuna melt I had was the best I've had in my life. read more

The Spar - Our sandwiches Grilled Ham and Cheese & Tuna melt - Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Very bad experience. After waiting nearly 15 minutes to even get coffee we ordered food. After order placed we waited 1 hour and 12 minutes with no food. We gave up and left after learning they still had not started our ticket yet since they were "so busy". They had tables unbussed and many tops were sitting waiting for their orders. They did not refill coffee and just pointed us to the carafes so we could fill our own. At least they didn't charge us for the food we did not ever receive. The staff was below average to ok. Our waitress was friendly and least wasn't somewhat rude like the coffee barista. read more

My server, Olivia was GREAT! Coffee was tasty & my smoked brisket dip was delcouse! The staff was friendly! read more

Great local bar that I'd rate 5 stars but they don't have recently changed their tv provider and we can no longer watch the Mariners or any NFL game not on NBC, CBS, or Fox. They have 2 pool tables and are family friendly. read more

Very classic, traditional styled cafe. Relatively small, seating is intimate. We came when they were serving breakfast and ordered the 3 French Toast and a Mocha. About 10 dollars total! Mocha was sweet and very good! Yummy. They use Stash tea and DaVinci syrups. The French toast was yummy as well, especially for the price. Very "fried" tasting. I'd totally order again. I only give 3 because there was nothing special about this place, but nothing too bad about it either. I do wish they used nicer teas, because I am a tea drinker. But I can get a Stash tea with DaVinci syrup at any regular coffee stand. Overall, it was a good place, but just that. read more

The Spar - Mocha - Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Needed an inexpensive, but filling bite to eat for a linner and this place was perfect. Cozy bar and grill with excellent food. You have to get the cheese curds they were so good! The mushroom and Swiss burgers we had were delicious as well and the strawberry lemonades. If I'm ever in Tacoma again I will definitely eat here again! Again, order the cheese curds they are heavenly! read more

I had the beyond beef mushroom hamburger with onion rings. Hands-down the best ever! Hard to describe those onion rings other than... Beyond words! Truly a most fabulous explosion of taste. Do not miss this place! read more

Amazing I was there in the spar and the lady gave my granddaughter a free cookie she was so nice and kind I recommend to go there.

I am so disappointed. As a kid I came here a lot and it was great so I wanted to bring my son. It has gone way; way downhill. Let's start with the service. Our waitress seemed generally annoyed with our mere presence and any request . The coffee (that came with no refill) was $2.50 and came lukewarm at best. The French dip, came with dry, flavorless microwaved meat (gag) To top it off Our waitresses cussed together as we checked out. Needless to say, unfortunately we won't be coming back. read more

Horrible service! We were completely ignored as the only 2 people at the bar yesterday..(Sunday)..wanted lunch but it was like the 2 gals working were annoyed that we were even there..will never return. read more

Love the spar great food and beer on tap service a bit wAcky great entertainment great setting located in old town Tacoma

I want to love this place. It's hard to. It is a weird place. They are low key and chill. But I'm thinking that is the root of the problem. Maybe they don't like me. I wish they would tell me why. They are pretty good about asking if I would like something when I first sit down. And pretty good about serving my initial request. But then shortly after serving it, I am bestowed with the super power of invisibility and non-existence. I wish I could bottle that super power and use it when I need it. No such luck. read more

Super slow service the last two times I've been there and food was blah. The server forgot about us when we were waiting for the check. This used to be such a great neighborhood restaurant! read more

Please don't take anyone you love to this hell hole. - No hello -No water for ten minutes, plus the glasses were only about six ounces with no refills over the course of an hour - The fish taco was 90% iceberg mix - The only music was John Mayer's single "New Light" which was on repeat the whole meal - It took 25 minutes (or seven rounds of "New Light" ) after we decided to quit on our disgusting food to get a check I hope this place closes forever read more

I really wanted to write a good review but this place is garbage. My fish and chips were soggy, my fries were cold, the Spar chips were cold and burned, my chowder was basically warmed up O'Brien hashbrowns with watery clam juice, my clams were small, the broth was too salty but I complained about the fish and fries and they took them off our tab so not completely terrible. Next time we will just come here for drinks and eat somewhere else. read more

Food was amazing! I had the Mahi Mahi fish tacos and my husband had the brisket French dip! The service was.... not good. My aunt had to ask the waitress (after probably 3 visits to the table and 20 minutes after sitting down) if she was able to order anything. The waitress also just brought our tabs when not asked and not every one was even done. read more

Don't get the Rueben unless you have medical insurance. The worst I have ever eaten. Were I not starving I would have returned it.

My husband and I enjoyed an early evening meal on Sunday in the front area of the Spar. The band was setting up and there were a few seats available that were six feet away from ours in the front by the window. My husband was still finishing his beer and a waitress came over and said, " I hate to be rude, but there are a few people staring at you, waiting for your seat". The music hadn't started and there were other seats. We were not in the reserved area. We paid for the food and beer and hadn't even finished. We felt like we were being kicked out. We were still finishing up. We weren't there longer than an hour. This made me not want to return! read more

I must have driven by this place at least 4 or 5 times a month for the last two decades, just never when I was hungry. Then one afternoon about 5 weeks ago, we were driving by and decided to stop for a late lunch. I had their special, and it ended up being one of the best crispy chicken sandwiches I've ever had. Which ended up making us decide to go back a week later to try a different special. Which lead us to coming back two more times to try some other menu items. We take turns, one of us orders the special and the other orders from the menu and then we share. Have not had a bad meal yet. Each time, we have had excellent and friendly service. The food is reasonably priced and the dining room and restrooms are clean. They have a good selection of craft beers on tap, and several craft cocktails on the menu. We'll definitely be back. read more

This place is a shitshow. THE WORST SERVICE! There were 4 people working behind the bar and I was the only one sitting there where I put in a to-go order. It took 50mins to get my order. On top of everything, the food was cold. Don't waste your time! read more

ordered food to go- reasonably priced and was absolutely delicious! caesar salad was phenomenal-- dressing tasted fresh and burgers were done to perfection. i would have given a 5 star review but they did forget ketchup and utensils. read more

Food is great; Usually. Today understandably a line , told it was going to be 20 minutes with only two people ahead of us it was 45. Sandwich we order a lot has 3 layers of meat: today had 1. At least tell people that you're out of meat and discount the sandwich but don't charge $15 for a sandwich with literally less than 1 ounce of meat. We eat here regularly it's not like it's our imagination. read more

UPDATE: I received a strange and insulting email here from a Spar kitchen worker regarding this review. In it, he made a point of saying the burger patties were not frozen (which puts them in a league with Wendy's, and which doesn't contradict my assertion that they are bad burgers), and that I probably prefer restaurants that use more canned ingredients. There was more, but I'll spare you the details, especially since none of it in any way contradicted the content of my review. However, it did make me adjust my review from 2 to 1 stars, since my Spar experience now includes being harassed by one of its employees. Congratulations, Spar, and great work with the hiring. Original, unedited review: I don't see how anyone can give this place more than two stars. A third-rate dive that aspires to mediocrity, but never quite manages to achieve it. Flat, generic burgers and sandwiches. Heart-cloging and unambitious appetizers. Unappealing room filled with loud, obnoxious patrons and overworked servers. The sort of place you only go because a group of co-workers whom you don't really like much chose to have a work-related gathering there. To be avoided. read more

I thought this place was pretty cool. We came here before Monster Jam for lunch. Scott and I ordered pitchers of Bud Light. The waiter informed us that it is cheaper to just get water. (One reason why I like this place, the waiter was looking out for us.) They were willing to cater to about 25 of us which was pretty rad. I also like the fact that it was hella old (yes, hella is a measurement of time in Washington State) and seemed to have some history behind it. Problem is, it may be so old that the bathroom door didn't shut all the way. It would have been a little embarrassing if someone threw the door wide open and the people playing pool saw my enormous penis pissing into the troth (no divider). So I had to try to hid my monster wiener while taking a leak which is a very hard task to accomplish. Though I thought my garden burger tasted good, the patty was way smaller than the bun. It reminded me of the old Wendy's commercial where the old woman said "wheres the beef?" In my case its "wheres the soy, veggie, patty, thing?" The french fries were crispy and tasty though. All in all, I wouldn't mind coming here again and trying some of their other food because it did look delicious. Zipzap Zubidy Bop! read more

Great neighborhood pub. Love the old brick exposed walls. A historic experience. Nice views of the water which is just a block away :-) We've been for Happy Hour's mostly, and they have great deals. Their house made potato chips are fun, and only $1 on Mondays...and during Happy hours. They have a squeeze bottle of a sour cream "dip" you will want to use for those and for your Jo Jo's or fries. Tuesdays they have a beer special with a rotating tap, switiching to another beer as they're finished up. I believe those are just $2 a pint, so a really good deal. A way to keep the beers fresh, I guess. Had the fish and chips once and felt it was a lot of bang for your buck. Everything on the menu is under $10. Not many pubs like that around. read more

Good spot for food, brew and some pool. I just moved to the area and in wanted this place to be my new spot, but then there is the service! This is where it takes a monster turn! Idk how this one person keeps his job, he is consistently in a poor mood, and could give a shit about anyone. I don't even know his name, I'll just leave if he's working. Younger guy, always scruffy, and never smiles. He's even rude to his coworkers, blatantly obvious! He belongs in a call center somewhere, not allowed to be in front of people. So overall the service is what it comes down too, to many other options for this place to get my money. Go to treos, mucho better service and great food. read more

The Spar - Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I came here on a Saturday morning for breakfast with my fiance and mother. I'm not too familiar with the area, but my mother heard they serve breakfast and suggested it. I attempted to pull a menu online, but their site doesn't show anything associated with breakfast; apparently they only serve breakfast on the weekends. We sat in the back, where it admittedly gives a beautiful view of the waterfront. The location is just a street up from Ruston Way and it offers an unabated view of the water and the shoreline. My only issue with the "view" is that it was a cold day and the window was leaking cold air through it. This caused me to want to change seats, but it was bearable and not worth asking the whole group to move. When we placed our order, our waiter was really not all that impressive. He didn't seem too enthused to be working there, though I'm sure anyone would've rather have been somewhere else than working on a Saturday morning. But he could've at least faked it. He took our order and hastily walked away, doing so AS my mother was asking for a side of bacon for her meal. My fiance went up afterwards and had the bacon added to the order. After about 25 minutes, we began to wonder where our food was. There were only about four other parties in there with us, and we were there first. After we flagged down a waitress (no one had ever come back to check on us), our food quickly appeared. Our orders were accurate, but they forgot to bring my fiance's side order of a sausage patty. The waitress had to go to the register and check to ensure that it was actually part of the order which, in my opinion, was a tad bit insulting. The quality of the food wasn't bad. I had pancakes with some sausage and eggs (scrambled). They all tasted pretty good, but nothing that I'd describe as "wonderful". For what you get in quality and portion size, it's really a bit overpriced. That's basically how I'd describe The Spar...overpriced. The food was ok, but not great, and it certainly didn't make up for the poor service. I went hoping to find a nice breakfast spot that I could make into a regular stop, but sadly left unfulfilled. My search continues... read more