One of the primary beneficiaries of Tacoma’s rebirth as a haven of hip is the bar and club scene. For an exhaustive listing, pick up the free Tacoma Weekly (www.tacomaweekly.com) newspaper in racks around town.

The clubs are in an almost constant state of change; one guaranteed winner is The Swiss (1904 S. Jefferson, 253/572-2821, www.theswisspub.com).

Country music fans should head to Baldy’s Roadhouse (2501 Milton Way E, 253/927-9943) or McCabes (2611 Pacific Ave., 253/272-5403).

Kellys Restaurant (1101 Tacoma, 253/627-6425) and Jazzbones (2803 6th Ave., 253/396-9169, www.jazzbones.com) are the main jazz venues.

A neighborhood favorite is Bob’s Java Jive (2102 S. Tacoma Way, 253/475-9843) a coffee-pot-shaped bar on S. Tacoma Way with a neon-decorated handle and spout. Inside is a jukebox with classics from the 1960s and all-American meals. Built in 1927, this place is a classic inside and out.

The Ale House Pub & Eatery (2122 Mildred West, 253/565-9367) has one of the largest selections of draft beer in the state, with an incredible 63 different beers on tap. The menu is reasonably priced and good (especially the ribs), and the big-screen TV is popular for sporting events.