The Swiss (1904 S. Jefferson, 253/572-2821, www.theswisspub.com, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily) is a friendly pub with 37 beers on tap, splendid Chihuly glass art, and surprisingly good sandwiches and pasta. The back room has pool and darts, plus live music on weekends. Drop by on the third Sunday of the month for a brunch with live polka tunes.

Harmon Pub and Brewery (1938 Pacific Ave., 253/383-2739, http://harmon.harmonbrewingco.com, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–midnight Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Sun.) is a big, bustling place with brewed-on-the-premises ales and porter, and good pub grub such as fish and chips, burgers, pizza, and pasta.

Located in a turn-of-the-20th-century firehouse, Engine House No. 9 (611 N. Pine, 253/272-3435) stocks nearly 50 local and imported beers and features a pub menu of pizza, tacos, soups, and salads.

Established in 1913, Spar Tavern (2121 N. 30th, 253/627-8215) has great pub grub: burgers, sandwiches, chili, and homemade soups, but it is a bar, so no kids are allowed.

Katie Downs Tavern (3211 Ruston Way, 253/756-0771) sits on a pier and attracts a good-sized crowd with a big selection of beer and wine, deep-dish pizza, a jeans-and-sneakers atmosphere, and outdoor seating in the summer; over age 21 only.