This place is a gem! The drinks were delicious and creative, the entire staff was warm and friendly, and the delightfully welcoming atmosphere made me want to take a load off and stay awhile. I had a small birthday gathering here, and it was the perfect environment for friends to linger over handcrafted drinks, and enjoy the food, and take a reprieve from the outside world.
Review Source:We were excited when 1022 opened again, after a remodel.  Apparently the great craft cocktails and food were also part of the remodel.  The drinks are now  bad (yet were $12-$14), the food was average and the great happy hour was gone.  I used to tell people that this place was on par with Vessel and Zig Zag in Seattle. No longer.  We will not be back.
Review Source:First time actually hanging here. Â I have tried once before but didn't dig on the crowd. Â I showed up very hungry and was happy to sample a few dishes. Â The sausage plate was amaze-balls. Â The meat melted in my mouth. Â The table seemed to enjoy the drinks (I was driving) and I really liked the creative names and ingredients. Â I'll be back.
Review Source:We had gone a number of times before the ownership change and it now SUCKS! Menu is different, drinks are what you can fine at almost any decent bar. The charm, uniqueness and the fabulous drinks from before are gone and so am I as a customer! A great thing in Tacoma is OVER. Don't waste your time or money at this place.
Review Source:I went back to 1022 after their short closing.  My husband and I were so excited when we heard they were back open, but none of our favorite things were there.  No more beet and blue sandwich, no more Liza, no beatrice or hilltop dip, we were devestaded.  My husband got the oysters with basil oil and said they were pretty good.  I got a sandwich with gespacho which had way too much garlic for my taste..  But if you like a ton of garlic or are trying to repel vampires, you should order it.  It was a far cry from the beet and blue sandwich I have grown to love.  Also no more 4-8 happy hour, instead you will have to rush there after work  and get done by 6.  Well drinks and beer during happy hour is 1.00 off, not the best deal out there, and when we got our bill they charged us full price anyway. Â
I will say that the decor is nice but I miss the old library books that used to be there.
I am sad, but I have to say 1022 is no longer my favorite Tacoma happy hour destination.
1022 South was the gem of Hilltop, with cocktails created by visionary Chris Klein.
The entire staff has been ousted by Chris' business partners, and have moved on to a new project. While 1022 may reopen (without it's creative genius), it will never be the same.
I'm giving a single star for my review - a message to the owners that they cannot execute a smash and grab on a beloved Tacoma business without paying the consequences.
The owners ousted Chris, the incredible bartender who was the brains & soul of the operation.
There's no way when they reopen after their "deep clean" that they can live up to the excellent & innovative reputation that Chris built there. I will be following him to his next project: Hilltop Kitchen!
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Cool little spot right on the Hill. Wouldn't have expected this place to be here. We arrived right as they opened at 4 yesterday (Friday) and its a good thing, the place filled up quick, really quick. We were there for 3 hours and people kept coming so get there early! When I say little spot it is very little, maybe 6-8 tables and a bar. Way cool spot with great drink menu, very creative and yummy. Food was the same, reasonably priced. I had cured meat plate with olives, pickled veggies, and bagette. My ONLY complaint was our server. She was great when we came in. Answered our questions, pleasant, kept our water coming. What I didn't like was our last hour there. We sipped our drinks, only 2 drinks a piece in 3 hours not much I know. We felt the last hour she was trying to get us out the door. She brought us our check without us asking, clearing our table, we felt the pressure to leave. So we get up to leave, she doesn't say thank you or even goodbye. I get it, that's how she make her money but felt it was rude, very rude. I'll go back again but if I get that from their service again it'll be my last visit.
Review Source:well, we have several great mix'ers in Tacoma...Several bars have specialists. Â 1022 has been written up in the NY Times....There are about 30 seats. Â the drinks are very good, better than most. Â Although, it depends on the flexibility of the Mix'er. Â Some are flexible in variations, some are Not. Â the food is excellent, but only nibbles and most are meat free, which is fine for me. Â I suggest you get there early as after 7pm....people keep coming. Â The nice part is that the rotation seems to last between 15 to 30 minutes....I do enjoy coming to this place, and a few others that are know for their great mixes. Â Depends on your preference. Â I do find that this establishment welcomes all walks.
Review Source:Their cocktails are amazing! They make a lot of their infusions in house and the staff has incredible knowledge of mixology. That being said they are kind of douchy. The overall attitude in this place is a little sniffy and quite frankly belittling. I've been told I could "handle" my choice before. I didn't realize they knew me or my palatte and was a little thrown off by it. I'm still giving it a 4 star however because they have the best cocktails in Tacoma.
Review Source:Best specialty cocktails around! When I have friends in from out of town I love taking them here to show off one of Tacoma's gems. Happy hour drinks are delicious and reasonably priced, or, if you are feeling adventurous I recommend bartender's choice. Seating is limited so be prepared to wait if you are heading down after work.
Review Source:This place would be more suited for 6th Ave or North Tacoma. Â It's very hipster, and is an odd, but cool, addition to the Hilltop neighborhood.
Very small and intimate. Â Hard to find in the rain while it's dark (I think someone else mentioned that, too). Â Creative cocktails and small bites. Â Excellent happy hour prices. Â
Overall, a really great addition to the bars of Tacoma. Â I think I'd like it more if I was more into cocktails and hard liquor. Â If you are, then this is definitely the place for you. They have a massive selection!
I'm so excited to review this place. I love new find, and more than that - I love new finds that are unique and exciting. 1022 is just that. It's a small, elegant little hole-in-wall with an amazing menu, wonderful service, and just the right amount of regulars. I've heard about this place several times, but it was for our pre-Valentine's celebration that hubby and I decided to check it out.
We sat at the bar. I perused the menu; I loved their selection of "Apothecary" drinks: made from their own homemade tonics and elixirs! I was feeling a cold coming on, so I ordered a shot of Fire Cider: a non-alcoholic shot of aged apple cider vinegar, turmeric, ginger, horseradish, cayenne pepper and a few other spicy things. It was ridiculous, but I felt my nasal passage clear immediately... if you're gutsy, a few of their bar drinks come with this Fire Cider as a mixture, but I just stuck with the quick shot to test out.
I had the Beet & Blue sandwich (I'm OBSESSED with beets, and have been since the eighth month of my pregnancy) and my husband got the stuffed piquant peppers. Absolutely amazing! They were out of the normal cheese they use, so they used some vegan cheese STUFF... which just may have turned my hubby into a vegan. He LOVED it. I loved it, too, but that's way less shocking.
We can't wait to go back. During some casual smalltalk with the staff, we discovered our bartender is our neighbor (small world) and the waitress working with him suggested some cool new spots to check out next time we're in Seattle.
Go to 1022! You won't regret it... you don't find a place like this in the 253.
This place is a diamond in the rough! I've been here a few times now and every time the experience is great! Fantastic drinks and really great appetizers. This place is really small though, so if you plan on coming here, make sure you do before the rush starts or you'll never get a seat. :-)
Review Source:Went to 1022 on a whim based on a recommendation from another bartender. Yes, it does not have a large lit-up flashing sign and a huge parking lot. It doesn't need it - i really don't want 1022 to become a mass marketed establishment full of assholes and drunkards, let those guys stay at applebees. Small bar, little seating, dim lighting, no loud utz utz music.. slightly pretentious but I call that 'standards'.
I love the quaint speakeasy vibe of 1022.
The craft cocktails are crazy, gnarls barkley crazy. (Watch the video, it's how I feel when I'm in 1022.)
If you read this review, pretend like I gave it a one-star. Don't go there. You'll be taking my seat.
This place is a gem, and a hidden one no less.
Their drinks are of the caliber of a place like Canon or Tavern Law (both in Seattle). It's difficult to find, poorly marked, but it's easy if you know the cross streets, then you just wander around until you find it: it's on the corner of S. 10th and J Streets. Not a place you'd expect to find something delightful, but there it is.
The bar is brilliant, it's small though so you should get there early if you intend to camp out. It's a little pricey - $8-12 for a drink - but it's well-worth it for the quality of the craftsmanship, and for the quirky ambiance. The food is limited in selection, but it's quite delicious.
Tacoma needs more places like this if it is to shed its reputation up north amongst the uppity Seattleites. This place is high-quality, high-caliber, and it'd phenomenal.
Come here.
Not much to say actually.
It was quite difficult to find the location during the night in the rain.
I assumed it was the small building with the only lights on but wasn't sure.
So I called and they gladly answered saying it was adjacent next to the barber shop.
My friend and I ended up leaving before we even ordered drinks.
We were celebrating our birthdays and decided to bring our cake.
Before anything! I made sure to ask if there was a fee for bringing in a cake. They said $15 for any outside food/drinks.
We left.
I do plan on raising or lowering the rating for this place on another night when I stop by for their drinks.
Until then.
I've had great drinks -- and great service -- every time.
The staff looks just enough like they might be "too cool" and thus have some attitude. However.... they don't have an ounce of attitude... I usually come in when they're busy and the fact is they are probably concentrating on getting everything out. Â
They seem to love what they do and want to make you feel welcome. The last time I was there, a menu was headed toward me as I walked in the door and up to the bar. Nice.
Currently my favorite bar on the southend.
+ Great food
+ Great drinks
+ Creative cocktails and bartender
+ Small speakeasy style bar
+ Quite and dim lit
Must try:
* Samizdat (Possibly the best cocktail ever)
* 1022 Old Fashioned
* Lord of Weather(when you are sick)
The Apothecary menu is great. I plan on coming here every time I get sick. They have tons of different cold and flu remedies mixed in with great tasting cocktails.
One of my favorite bars in Washington so far! Jordan L. and I have been looking for bars like 1022 South since we moved to Washington State 2 months ago and we're pretty stoked on finding this place.
I had a Moscow Mule (As I do at all the bars as a way to judge my favorite bar) and it was pretty tasty - albeit a little on the small side. I do love my Moscow Mules though, so I gulped it down and ordered....
A Mamajuana - A whatajuana? Mamajuana is "drink" native to the Dominican Republic, and because I felt nostalgic about drinking this same drink that my Dominican friends in New York had made during college, I ordered it. I remembered it being a very earthy rum, as it soaks in roots, bark and earth in bottle for quite some time, but what I didn't remember was the BURN. A good burn that subsides, but temporarily leaves you heaving for air and a chaser as it moves into your chest. Nonetheless, it was an experience.
Next up - I went for a milder, sweeter drink. A classic coctail inspired by Ben Franklin's "Milk Punch". This was...glorious and I drank it far too quickly because...when it ended, a piece of my heart was lost. Just think: Clove/Vanilla infused Brandy, Lemon oleo saccharum (aka the oils of a lemon and sugar), nutmeg and cream. Yeah I said it. Cream.
The bartender was awesome - very attentive, made great drinks and very nice!
Note: I came at 5pm for Happy Hour and it was pretty full by 6, the small location seats about 20 I'd imagine, so come early!
Ok, I'm done. 5 stars. Loved it.
Looooved this place. Excellent drinks, fun, hip atmosphere and the food was delicious.
When we first arrived, it was fairly busy- 9ish, so we waited quite a while for our drinks but he ended up comping us for our appetizers because of it. He didn't rush out drinks and I appreciate that.
Food: I had the mushroom burger, which was perfectly flavored and he had the stuffed peppadews with a salad.
Drinks: He had an Old Fashioned or three and I had a champagne, lemon bitters drink, a Cosmo and a drink with an old lady name that starts with a 'G'. Totally makes me sound like a drunk, but I didn't finish the Cosmo, it was too sweet for my tastes, and I took like an hour to drink the Geraldine or whatever it was. I loved the fact that the owner/ bartender took care in making each drink and each one was beautifully presented and that he tailor made drinks to my tastes. Apparently, I'm picky.
The atmosphere is cozy, modern and rugged, I loved it. Plus the music selection was quirky- Can't wait to go back!
All the sass and egg whites you could get at a hip Seattle bar, but with plenty of parking! 1022 South - which we all call "the apothecary" after review of the same title - is another one of those surprising places you don't expect to find in Tacoma (especially on Hill Top!) The drink menu is extensive and exciting; the bar bites are tasty and not too pricey. Service is just friendly enough, and the interior has that whole warehouse chalk-board salvaged wood tables vibe. It is our go-to place for happy hour, with The Hub coming in at a distant second.
Review Source:1022 South is like the Tacoma equivalent of Seattle's Zig Zag or Tavern Law. It's the only speakeasy/apothecary-cocktail bar in the 253 since the Tempest Lounge's unfortunate recent closure. For that reason, I'm glad 1022 is in business. It's got some things going for it, such as its tucked away location on the Hilltop smack dab next to a late-nite barber shop so it pretty much has that neighborhood watering hole vibe - sorta. It also tends to attract somewhat of a clientele whose main mode of transport is their customized Bianchi bike, whom will also pretty much greet you with the full stare-down "do I know you?" look of (dis)approval when you walk in.
The bar itself is the size of a postage stamp. There's a few tables of unheated outdoor seating but you pretty much have to get there before 6 or 7 because once people are in they seem to camp out and will look at you like "don't expect me to move."
Service is generally friendly but it seems like they're hurried all the time so if you say "we need a couple more minutes" you've pretty much told your waiter not to come back for an hour - which feels sorta odd considering how small the place is. My friend thinks their kitchen takes too long to make anything.
As for the cocktails. Well, they're not bad. Â They're not mind-blowing great either. Let's just say I don't think they stand up well to Zig Zag or Knee High Stocking Co. to say the least. I mean, I know that appertifs and french liqueurs are typically bitter and heavy on the anise flavor, but I think a lot of the cocktails are made so strong that they either taste like listerine or soap, and not in a pleasant way. Overall, I really want to like 1022 more but if you can get past the stare-down greeting from the crowd, I'd still recommend it for whenever you feel like you don't want to bother with the 6th Ave bar scene.
FINALLY...we decided to hit up the Numero Uno of Tacoma's yelpers.
Ah yes the good ole divey mixology bar...we are slowly getting used to the many different parts of Tacoma so had fun trying to fun this place...nope it's not on the artsy 6th Ave area nor the cleanly gentrified Pacific Ave...it's on Hilltop where all the native Tacomians are always trying to tell us to avoid lol
Sure the neighborhood where 1022 South isn't the yuppie safe area but if it has good drinks shootz I'll take it! Luckily there was parking right in front of the restaurant...
....we saw some outdoor seating, building is very small and cozy and VERY EMPTY! Then again it's a weekday in the middle of summer and I haven't really seen much super crowded areas in Tacoma..
We tasted a few of their listed cocktails...had the PDX (the genever is very very gin like), The Lost Steps with its cachaca was excelente, and one of their special happy hour drinks was delicious as well. We got the mushrooms and charcuterie to eat and it did compliment our drinks.
Overall, yeah I'm a fan. It has that Portland-San Fran vibe to it and would definitely go back just to try their different cocktails. Somewhat pricey and limited selection for happy hour but definitely is worthy of its title as tops of Tacoma!
These guys know cocktails and they aren't afraid to push the boundaries. I went for a bartender's choice (after telling them I'm a fan of properly done exotic -- a.k.a. tiki -- drinks).
He came up with some concoction that had kava tincture in it. It made the mouth numb and kind of reminded me of the topical they give  you at the dentist. While I'd never order that again, I was glad they had it, as it isn't something you'd experience anywhere else.
A few other less out there drinks were fabu.
Great atmosphere, great service. The food might damn well be good as well. I intend to find out.
Only complaint -- as a tiki fan, I wish they had Orgeat in stock. The Mai Tai deserves a place of honor at a place that takes cocktails seriously.
I can't say enough good things about this place. 1022 South is my go-to bar when I need a delicious drink, some tasty food, or a great spot to take someone.
Chris (the owner) and the staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. Someone always greets me as I walk in the door. I often go by myself and sit at the bar, so I can see the drinks being expertly crafted. There is an extensive cocktail list ranging from refreshing to mysterious--one drink actually contains magic. The lavender cocktail is as good as everyone says. Â I have tried quite a few different drinks, and have yet to find one that doesn't delight me. There might be some strange ones, but they are all a taste adventure. Happy hour is from 4-8 (I think) and Thursday might be ladies' night. The White Vulture is a good happy hour drink with jasmine-infused white wine and ginger soda.
The staff will give you a glass and carafe of cucumber infused water while you peruse the menu. The bartender has always answered my questions about the liqueurs or spirits with which I am not familiar. There are also beers and ciders on tap as well as bottled selections. During the cold months, they have had mugs of whiskey with warm cider for $5 on special. Â The bartenders will even create a drink catered to your tastes if you desire.
Did I mention that their food is also fantastic?? Â There are "small bites" like almonds and cherries, goat cheese-stuffed peppadews, green beans with a balsamic sauce, orange zest and sea salt, charcuterie plate, assorted olives, etc. (All of them are highly recommended.) Â Their sandwiches and salads are also divine. The BLT and muffuletta sandies are a couple of my favs, and they come with a balsamic-dressed side salad. I wish they offered more desserts, but I usually just order the green beans instead. Â The chocolate/espresso torte is good.
It's a cozy spot where you may have to sit near people, but only interesting people go there. The atmosphere is jazzy yet comfortable. There's always good music and conversation in the air. The place is lit with candles and vintage-looking, light bulb pendant fixtures. Beautiful bottles fill the wall behind the bar.
There is a single, unisex bathroom in the back. Bicycle parking is available as well as
plenty of on-street spots. There are hooks to hang your coat in the back. Â People don't mind scooting down a table or barstool to make room for everyone.
I hope this review encourages you to go to 1022 and try something; you can't go wrong. A new, Spring menu will be launched soon--Can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Sometimes the food & drink fates just line things up perfectly for me. Â Case in point: I had plans to go see a movie with my boyfriend and his parents in his hometown of Tacoma, and immediately 1022 South and all the rave yelp reviews I'd read of it popped into mind. Â I wanted to suggest it, but I also didn't want to overstep, since this is THEIR city. Â Dilemma dilemma.
Then fate winked at me when post-movie, my boyfriend's mom suggests heading to a place called 1022 South, a little spot she had heard great things about. Â Huzzah! Â
I was so excited to stop by for happy hour and try the Lavender Cocktail, which was mentioned so many times in yelp reviews it made my head spin. Â It was every bit as delicious as everyone says. Â Not overly floral, it was creamy from the coconut milk, with a perfect amount of sweetness, not cloying at all. Â Typically I keep pace with others at the table, only ordering a second drink if others do. Â So it's a testament to how outstanding this drink was that I eagerly ordered a second, no shame that I was outdrinking my company.
We also had the small cheese plate which was ok, but nothing overly special. Â I definitely plan to try more small plates on our next visit, and until then I'll be dreaming about that spectacular cocktail.
From the moment I stepped into 1022 South, I was blown away. This place is an absolute gem. The level of craft mixology that is happening is comparable with some of the most well known NYC bars.
Owner, Chris has created a liquor cabinet that is not only enviable, but he knows how to create and utilize every single bottle behind the bar.
He makes his own syrups, bitters, juices, tonics, and probably more items that were included in my drinks. Feel free to ask questions, my husband is a strong craft bartender and he was positively giddy learning about how the different ingredients involved.
The massive drink menu changes seasonally, and I just saw on twitter that the winter one is out, I can't wait to check it out.
I'm such a fan of 1022, and I'm not just saying that because my roommate works there.
I first came here about a year ago and was so excited to try some of the drinks on the menu, which are inventive and delicious.
My favorite little snack on the menu are the Almonds and Parmesan, perfect to go with a cocktail or glass of wine and the rotating menu always delivers.
As a Seattleite who doesn't know Tacoma at all, this seemed like a hidden gem in a bizarre area of town.
Really cozy, intimate atmosphere with a speakeasy feel. Good service and great cocktails and nosh. The owner? Manager? Bartender? was super helpful and accommodating as they were out of quite a few menu options. They make their own cola and ginger beer! Definitely worth a try!
Wow... how did I not know about this place in Tacoma???
1022 a cozy bar that is speak easy style!!! :)
Small bar that has both inside and outside seating. Â Cocktails inspired by literature. Â Bartender who has a sparkle in their eye when you ask them... what they may recommend!!! Â
FOod that just seems... healthy.... and... good!!!
Ccome to enjoy your company with social lubercant!!! Nobody has nothing on T town!!!
OH yeah.. the whole lavendar cocktail..... wow... that's good... and... no it's not girly.
When I moved to Tacoma I thought, "Great. Tacoma. At least it's near Seattle." Then I discovered a bunch of places that added pleasure to my hastened move here. One of these places was 1022 South. It's one of the
best bars I've been to not only in Tacoma, but anywhere!
Beware, the Rooibus and Holy Word Elixers, and Les Fleur du Mal are salaciously wicked. Plan on taking a cab home! :oP
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