The Lucky Silver Tavern has new owners!! It’s beautiful to see a classic reinvigorated instead of resurrected after being closed for months or even years before someone has the guts, business acumen or blind passion to save a piece of history. For many millennials the Lucky Silver has been roadside scenery, just another bar from the old guard of Tacoma and the South Tacoma Way heyday. If you didn’t have a family member that once frequented or still frequents then you may not have a reason to pop in other than having a heavy case of curiosity. But the Lucky Silver has been a hub and port in a storm to a crowd of Tacomans for 50+ years. It was even featured on a King 5 segment: 5 Star Dive Bars in 2019 surely in an effort to bolster local businesses as the pandemic and COVID regulations were active. The bar itself was built in the 1940s and the original signage, that still exists today, was already there when former owner Kathy Carr’s parents purchased the bar way back when.
Today the Lucky Silver is ushering in a new crowd with a new food menu already in place and a new drink menu on the way. The tacos are the star of the show but there is a fried chicken sandwich not far from becoming a headliner. The beers selection has your standard choices with a tad bit of flare. They keep Georgetown Bodhizafa on tap and a strawberry cider from Ciderboys. They are slowly swapping out liquor companies from more modern names, flavors and favorites. It’s also still very much family owned. Curtis and Leslie Clinard decided to take over ownership from Kathy top of 2023. Although this is her first go at ownership Leslie’s family has restauranteur experience in Tacoma and her son Deven has an impressive resume as a bar manager and cook in both Seattle and Tacoma. He’ll be spearheading creative ideas to help establish a fresh and forward energy. The current must-haves are the Korean BBQ beef taco and the chicken katsu taco, I highly recommend the onion rings as well. Once they get a few themed nights going, a pool league or two and a monthly it’ll be bustling in the beer garden all Summer and a warm clubhouse throughout the Winter.
1. Why the Lucky Silver??
Our Family has been involved in the Tacoma restaurant scene for a few generations. This is our first shot at ownership - so when the Silver became available we had to jump on it. It reminds us of the other places that we love and grew up around.
2. How did you decide the menu changes??
We wanted to do bar/pub food with a twist. Tacoma has a multicultural history and we wanted to infuse some of that feeling into our food. Things like Korean BBQ tacos and furikake fries were an obvious choice.
3. Is there a way to keep the peanut tradition alive or does it have to go??
The peanut tradition can stay. Just don’t throw your shells on the floor… please.
4. Has the old crowd stayed around, how have you retained the locals??
The old crowd is always going to be there. The Lucky Silver is like family for them and we intend to keep it that way. We want to keep the items and the themes that kept them here this entire time.
5. What’s the plan to attract a new crowd??
For the new crowd? We want to have a little something for everyone. Whether it’s a day party - serving food super late - serving a unique menu - or throwing different events. I think keeping people on their toes with our cocktails and food is the best way to get new clientele.
6. What’s your favorite thing about South Tacoma Way??
Our favorite thing about South Tacoma Way is that there is something for everyone. If you want a burger, Korean food, Mexican food, Colombian cuisine, Sushi, BBQ or just a stiff drink there is a spot you’ll like. Deeper than that- there’s something that is inherently Tacoma about it. Not necessarily a locals only thing. It’s almost a “If you know, you know.” (type thing)
7. What’s your favorite karaoke song??
“Let’s get it on” by Marvin Gaye -Dev. “Margaritaville”by Jimmy buffet -Curtis. Anything from Stevie Nicks -Leslie
8. Who has the highest score on darts??
Highest score on the computer is 180
9. What’s going to be the favorite drink on the new cocktail menu??
Either the Ube colada, Flaming Halo Halo, or the Alphabet Wolf Blood.
2605 S Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409
United States
Sun - Thu 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Fri - Sat 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM
More from Almanac
Make It To The Show: Jesus On The Moon
Jesus on the Moon | Wednesday, March 29It’s been established, again and again, that the idea of a singular artistic mind and voice being entirely responsible for a band’s sound is bunk – making an album is a collaborative experience, no matter who you are. Still, that notion lingers, which lends a bit of extra juice to one-man bands, where a person locks themself away to create magic on their own. Jake Frye would undoubtedly bristle at this image, but as the operating brain behind Jesus on the Moon, his music project since 2005, Frye has been quietly writing and recording songs in tucked-away spots like basements and bedrooms. Like it or not, his authorial stamp is all over every guitar-spiked, synth-soothed note of his music.
Make It To The Show: Home In Tacoma For All
Home In Tacoma For All | Thursday, Dec. 8Housing is a human right. Can we start with that? If we can, then we can move on to the myriad ways in which this right is distorted and kept from the vulnerable people who need it. Home in Tacoma is an organization that is working to address this in the face of opposition that seems to view those without access to housing as – without failure – drug addicts and violent criminals.The problem is that housing has become an asset that has been priced out of the attainability of all but the most fortunate citizens. As Home in Tacoma have reported, Tacoma’s average rent saw a nearly 40% increase from March of 2021 to March of 2022, meaning that so many people have had to resort to treading water by sleeping in cars, motel rooms, or tents. As we enter the cold months of Tacoma, it’s heartbreaking to consider how many people are being left out to fend for themselves, and the cruel mindset that keeps them that way.In an effort to provide some sort of relief, ALMA is hosting Home in Tacoma for their “Home in Tacoma For All'' show, featuring some amazing acts that showcase a pretty wide swath of Tacoma’s artistic expression.
Umi Wagoner’s Tacoma: Shed Studios - The Passion of Practice
Timing is so crucial to starting a business and any sustainable small business owner will vouch for that. But it’s not just timing of course, your entry into the market needs to be impressive as well. Shed Studios has both and it’s been working for them ever since. It also has the golden ticket, location, on the corner of Opera Alley in the 705 Court C building so there’s decent parking and depending on the time you’re surrounded by food and entertainment.
Umi's CornerTacoma: The Red Hot - Brats, Brews & Beyond
Red hot is such a regular on my radar that it almost was overlooked. Located on the corner of Junett and 6th Ave. I would say that it is in the heart of 6th Ave., District. I’m sure someone could argue otherwise. But its location feels central to all the action and over the years its neighboring businesses have changed in a way that feels even more conducive to their target audience. The Red Hot sits on the corner, kiddie corner from Subway, directly across from taco time, Mary Mart is to its right and a tattoo parlor to its left. But just up the street less than a 5 min walk you have E9 and Locust Cider. Both of those establishments work with The Red Hot and you can find their flavors on tap there fairly often. So it’s neighborhood friendly to say the least.