Dawsons Bar & Grill
| Address: | 5437 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, USA |
| Phone: | +1 253-476-1421 |
| Site: | dawsonsbarandgrill.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 8AM–2AM 8AM–2AM 8AM–2AM 8AM–2AM 8AM–2AM 8AM–2AM 8AM–2AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 16
MI
Michael Waters
When I moved to South Tacoma from Seattle two years ago (and cancelled my cable/TV connection) I assumed Dawsons would do fine as a blues bar AND a place I could satisfy my desire to watch an occasional basketball or football game on TV. It works OK as a blues bar if you can tolerate the gauntlet of smokers and smoke just outside the entrance (What ever became of the 25 foot rule? Or is that just in Seattle? The smoke blows in, casting the room in that familiar ash tray fragrance). But as a sports bar Ive had my difficulties. Although they have TVs virtually everywhere, it too often felt like pushing water upstream to get the servers to switch a TV from something no ones watching to a game Id like to watch. I felt like I was inconveniencing them. (Maybe I am wrong to assume Dawsons is a sports bar) For example, today I wanted to watch some of the Memphis/Oklahoma game (NBA playoffs). It was around 5:30, and fairly quiet. On the entire North side of the bar there was womens softball, with no one watching, and a Mariner game, also with no one watching. Still, (at a fairly quiet time of day) it took at least ten or fifteen minutes to get the server to switch a TV from womens softball (and Im guessing 20 minutes to get my burger and salad), and when she finally did, it was to a low-def TV almost on the ceiling, which demanded I strain my neck just to watch "up." The large hi-def TVs on which I normally enjoy hoops comfortably still had womans softball, with STILL no one watching. If there was a good reason to relegate me to one of their smaller, lo-def, harder to watch TVs, she apparently didnt feel the need to fill me in (and she was the nicer of the two regular servers). I was feeling unwelcome and wanted to split, but Id already ordered and given the server my debit card. When I voiced that my neck was uncomfortable because I was watching UP from close range, she switched me to another small, high-up (but less high up) TV while womens softball still held forth on the main screen, still with no one watching. Which is why Ive concluded Dawsons is a little like a private club for smokers and people who enjoy shouting at each other over tables. I dont smoke or enjoy shouting, so apparently Im not in their club. The server ladies work hard (and I always tip well, except for today), but I wonder if theyve been there too long. I wont return after spending a boatload of money on burgers and nachos there. Which is too bad because Dawsons is only a minute from my place. So, I really wanted it to work. Servers too often seemed surly, or perhaps overworked. Not sure. One of the cooks who often served the nachos or burgers (the stocky one) was invariably pleasant and cheery, however. Not sure what the deal is there, but a few doors North at StoneGate, a smaller place and NOT a sports bar, the servers are relentlessly pleasant and cheerful. Live and learn. (Frustrated Dude Who Just Wants a Game Without Feeling Im Intruding on a Private Party) PS The musical talent there is great, at least during the week (Billy Shew, Tim Hall, etc). A bit too much funk on most Fridays and Saturdays for my tastes, however.
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Marcus P
I went there on New Years Eve for a bite to eat and a beer. I ordered a plate of the Nachos. What I received was badly burnt in the microwave to the point the chips and cheese were burnt and one big blob stuck to the paper underneath. When showed the waitress the problem and tried to explain that it was not edible she became quite put off andfrustrated with my comments. No one offered to make up for the poor food quality. I did not leave a tip because of the waitresses bad attitude and poor food quality. I will never return to this establishment and encourage others thinking of going here to avoid this place as well.
RO
Royale Lynn
Went there for breakfast this morning... Loved it so much. I loved their breakfast choices. They have some of my favorites, it was so hard to choose. I went with a mimosa to start. Then after my first one my breakfast came out. Corned beef hash with hashbrowns, over-medium eggs and sourdough toast. It was so very enjoyable. The hashbrowns were so crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. And such friendly staff! Loved the bartender, she was friendly and made the place seem so familiar even though it was my first time. I will be back often!
TO
Toby Chase
I went here several months ago and opened a tab for my friends and I. Food was ok and beer was ok priced. I cashed out and went home about an hour later. Next day I had a charge from an online purchase that I didnt do... This was the only place I had been with my brand new atm card. So yea not going back. Dont trust them.
JU
Julie Henson
I have consistently had great service at Dawsons. The bartenders are very kind and courteous and prompt. The food is very good, fresh and reasonable priced. There is live music every night. You can dance, play pool, play darts and other games you can play. The atmosphere is friendly and enjoyable.
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Rebz Salter
Great Blues music, every (or almost) night. NO Cover charge! Food Ive had was not very good, but servers are attentive and everyone - working, playing music, and patrons are all mellow and non-snobby... This is a GREAT place for blues and chillin
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Dennis Boylon
The music here is great. It is a dive bar though. Dont expect anything fancy or great service. This isnt a 5 star restaurant. LOL. Funny to read some of the whiners reviews. Do notice that even that type of person likes the music!!!!
AL
AlliCat Leapingheart
If you have a penis you get served fast and regular. Being female means you wait and when you are greeted. ..they are very put off! The music is the only good side to Dawsons.
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todd raymond
A favorite spot on 56th and South ,Tacoma, Way steak night on Wed, live music every night never a cover great food ,great staff and a great owner Mr.Kenny Bender
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Ivan Pla
Local blues Hotspot, dont miss it of youre into live music, or darts. Food is yummy bar basics that will grow your waistline as your taste buds cheer you on.
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Jeff Biddy
Wednesday night blues jam...always great music. Sirloin steak special is a great bargain. Bartenders are friendly and attentive. Pretty chill atmosphere.
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Sheldon sittingduck
The pool table had just been recovered, but it hadnt been leveled. Rolled off horribly. There was a band though, and lots of people having a good time.
CH
Christin Waldhalm
Always laid back and comfortable. The Billy Shew blues jam is always a great treat on Thursday nights! Love the food and the service is super friendly!
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Gabe Toma
Good service and atmosphere, good live music, great place for middle age crowd, great dance venue... Food pretty good and fresh, fair prices....
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Dave Nichols
Great food, friendly staff and good live music 4 nights a week..... Make that 6 nights a week! Now its 7 nights a week! I love this bar!
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Sub-Rosa Sage
Great classic Dive bar with top quality music Wed-Sun. Generous portions of dive bar food and friendly hard working bartenders.
