Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This isn’t a typical bar or brewery tour—it’s a storytelling experience set in Tacoma’s historic Whiskey Row. Through live narration and Robert Service poetry, you’ll step into the lives of the railroad workers, lumbermen, and sailors who built this frontier town. With drinks included throughout, the experience blends history, atmosphere, and performance to create something immersive, memorable, and uniquely Tacoma.
The evening begins inside the historic Olympus Hotel building, where you’ll enjoy your choice of a cocktail, beer, or wine at the Forum while learning how Tacoma transformed from a rough railroad outpost into the “City of Destiny.” From there, we explore Whiskey Row, uncovering stories of saloons, vice districts, and the characters who shaped early Tacoma.
We’ll also explore the unique interior of the remarkable McMenamins Elks Temple before concluding at Odd Otter, Tacoma’s most whimsical brewery, where an exciting game caps off a truly memorable evening.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Guests begin the tour inside the historic Olympus Hotel building, home to The Forum, in the heart of Tacoma’s original Whiskey Row. Here your guide introduces the frontier story of Tacoma’s founding, when railroad workers, sailors, and lumbermen filled the saloons of this booming port town. Surrounded by the atmosphere of one of Tacoma’s most storied buildings, guests enjoy a classic “beer and a buddy”—a Rainier tall boy paired with a shot of whiskey—echoing the working-class drinking culture of the era. As the experience begins, your guide brings the past to life with dramatic recitations and performances of Robert Service poetry, setting the tone for an evening of history, storytelling, and Tacoma’s rough-and-ready beginnings.
The tour concludes inside the historic Elks Temple, a grand 1916 building that now houses 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 forced underground, bootlegging thrived, and the city’s “open” character was tested but never fully disappeared. You’ll hear stories of speakeasies, enforcement efforts, and how Tacoma’s drinking culture adapted during the era. Guests enjoy a final drink while reflecting on how Prohibition reshaped, but never erased, the social life of Whiskey Row.
Options
Tacoma: Whiskey Row History & Drinks Tour
What‘s Included
Historical Narration and Storytelling
Alcoholic Beverages
Tips and Gratuities for Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enjoyable experience, even as someone that doesn't drink.
A5172JGjackc,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a unique and easygoing tour that provides an interesting glance into Tacoma history. It was a chill evening activity that I'd definitely recommend to people with any sort of interest in the area or its origins. The guide, Kyle, is evidently extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Tacoma and this shines through in every moment of the tour. He was very friendly, and he was more than capable of answering any questions the group could throw at him. The guide took us across three main locations, with detours and tales of Tacoma history interspersed throughout. The tour began at the forum where we learned about Tacoma as the terminus for the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 19th century. We took a stroll over to Old City Hall & Fawcett's Faucet before going up the Spanish steps, exploring McMenamins before ending the tour at Odd Otter. No matter how much prior knowledge you have about Tacoma going into the experience, with the tour looking at such a specific bitesize snapshot of history, it remains accessible and interesting regardless. I think there's definitely an enjoyable experience here whether you're visiting the area or if you're a local. Also, even though it's a drinks tour, I don't drink, and I can still say that I feel I had a complete experience. Suffice to say, the inebriating tales of Tacoma history and my trusty dusty soda water were more than enough to quench my thirst.
Seeing a new side of our city
jeffbP7951DR,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kyle helped us see the city we’ve lived in for more than a decade through new eyes. He showed us hidden landmarks, told stories of the founders of the city, and even by recited poetry from that time. By the end of the tour we had a new appreciation for the Tacoma and a real understanding of how it became the city it is today. Kyle is an expert tour guide and this experience is not to be missed!
Whiskey Row tour - fun and engaging!
654kelseyn,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fun experience - we got to learn interesting facts about the history and development of Tacoma woven through engaging stories as we toured Whiskey Row and got to enjoy delicious beverages. It was a combination of good company, interesting locations, and an entertaining guide. Thank you, Kyle!
Excellent, Fun, Wonderful
889kipb,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my second tour with Kyle and I have to say it was another great time. I have traveled extensively and the one thing that is missing is a sense of camaraderie. It may seem a small thing in the scheme of being a tourist: however Kyle has masterfully found a way to keep everyone engaged and happy, a sense of belonging and a spirit of fun. I work with people every day and know so little about them, Kyle has a deep understanding and a sense of sharing experiences. I fully intend to continue booking tours with Kyle he is a winner!!!
Whiskey Row, here we go!
189nater,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour. Kyle is really knowledgeable of the area and its history. His tour brought Tacoma's past to life through in a fun unique manner.
Fun, Insightful Tour with Great Drinks and Local History
travellingmonica,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a cool tour! Definitely worth the cost for how smooth and well organized the whole experience was, especially with drinks included at each stop. There is so much interesting history and unique stories about buildings I see everyday. It gave me a completely new perspective on the area. I’d highly recommend this tour to both locals and tourists looking for something fun and informative.
Awesome tour of Tacoma!
filkfam,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time touring our home town. Born and raised in Tacoma, but learned interesting and fun facts that had been hidden right in front of us all along. Knowledgeable and entertaining guide, can't wait to go back to Odd Otter - loved their beer. Highly recommend this tour!
Amazing guide and tour
jessicahY5465ZC,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kyle was so knowledgeable and friendly! He was able to ask all of our many questions and had stories about every old building on whisky row. He even recited a 5 minute poem (accent included). It was amazing! The bars were so cool and had a lot of history. McMenamins was by far our favorite. There were a lot of drink options included in the tour. I promise you won't need to continue drinking afterwards. Great experience, highly recommend!
Great Tour for Friends on Tacoma's Whiskey Row! A+
Dream12438863665,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a great experience, because it came from people who are actually local to the area. I learned so much from our guide, Kyle, who is extremely knowledgeable about the lore, history, and even the poetry connected to Tacoma. You can tell he genuinely loves the city and what he does, and that passion made the entire tour even better. I would also say that the drinks were also very "nourishing." Kyle has awesome relationships with all of the venues, so every transition between establishments felt smooth, natural, and entertaining. The length of the tour was perfect too because each stop felt meaningful without ever overstaying its welcome. We experienced some amazing spots along Whiskey Row, but my personal favorites were McMenamins Elks Temple and Odd Otter Brewing Company. The drinks were unique, creative, and honestly just really good. There was a lot of laughter throughout the night between our group and the host, which made the whole experience feel welcoming and memorable. I would strongly recommend this tour if you want a fun night out with your best friends while also learning more about Tacoma and its history. Tacoma is awesome, and this experience really highlighted that.
So enjoyable - drinks, history, and exploration!
Wanderer59565817508,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our destinations and tour guide were both a ton of fun. Tour has a perfect balance of spoken narrative history of Tacoma's historic vice district as well as time relaxing while enjoying and exploring three unique bars/breweries. The guide Kyle was a fantastic host!
Related Experiences
Operated by PNW Adventures And Tours