• The Forum - Visitors commence their journey inside the historic Olympus Hotel building, which houses The Forum, located in the heart of Tacoma’s original Whiskey Row. Here, the guide introduces the frontier tale of Tacoma’s founding, a time when railroad workers, sailors, and lumbermen frequented the saloons of this thriving port town. Surrounded by the ambiance of one of Tacoma’s most legendary buildings, guests savor a classic “beer and a buddy”—a Rainier tall boy paired with a shot of whiskey—reflecting the working-class drinking culture of the era. As the experience unfolds, the guide brings history to life with dramatic recitations and performances of Robert Service poetry, setting the stage for an evening filled with history, storytelling, and Tacoma’s rugged beginnings.
• Odd Otter Brewing Company - Guests visit a local craft brewery in downtown Tacoma to delve into the city’s rich brewing history. Here, the guide traces Tacoma’s beer culture from early frontier saloons and working-class taverns through Prohibition and into today’s craft revival. Guests learn how brewing was intertwined with the daily lives of lumbermen, sailors, and railroad workers who helped shape the city. They enjoy an included pint of locally brewed beer while discovering how Tacoma’s brewing traditions have evolved yet still embody the independent spirit of its past.
• McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple - The tour concludes inside the historic Elks Temple, a magnificent 1916 building now home to multiple bars and hidden spaces. At this final stop, guests visit one of the building’s unique bars while the guide explores Tacoma’s experience during Prohibition—when saloons were driven underground, bootlegging flourished, and the city’s “open” character was challenged but never fully vanished. Guests hear tales of speakeasies, enforcement efforts, and how Tacoma’s drinking culture adapted during the era. They enjoy a final drink while reflecting on how Prohibition reshaped, but never erased, the social life of Whiskey Row.

• Historical Narration and Storytelling
• Alcoholic beverages

• Tips and Gratuities for Guide

This is not just a walking tour—it’s an engaging journey through Tacoma’s renowned Whiskey Row. Combining history, storytelling, and ambiance, this adventure takes you back to an era when lumberjacks, sailors, and railroad workers frequented the saloons of a thriving port town.

The evening kicks off in the historic Olympus Hotel building with a traditional “beer and a buddy”—a Rainier tall boy accompanied by a shot of whiskey—reflecting the drinking culture of the time. Right from the beginning, the guide animates the past with vivid storytelling and live recitations of Robert Service poetry.

As participants explore downtown, they will discover the history of Whiskey Row, from frontier saloons to Prohibition, while enjoying additional beverage stops that link Tacoma’s past to its contemporary craft scene.

With multiple drinks included (or non-alcoholic options), captivating storytelling, and a focus on genuine place-based history, this tour distinguishes itself as a quintessential Tacoma experience.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.