Jake's

Living in Tacoma, we rarely drive down south to Olympia to "go out" but since we were down there for a dinner party, we decided to check out the city center area. Luckily, we went during a spring art event which was a blessing and a curse (blessing in that Olympia seemed to be super vibrant and there was lots of activity and energy all around, a cures in that there was way too many people on the streets and it was a mess driving around). The one and only gay bar I found on yelp was Jake's and as a fan of Capitol Hill, Jake's did not really do it for me.  It seemed like Tacoma's Silverstone's sister. It had its divey quality but sadly it just fell flat. As I mentioned in a tip, it was SUPER bright in there and majority of the crowd were straight girls with their super young gay guy friends. I was glad they were all having a good time though as I'm always a supporter of gay bars as a come as you are and have fun sort of place, perhaps I just wasn't feeling it that night.

I'd obviously patronize Jake's again if we ever come down here to Olympia but I can have the same experience at Silverstone or even The Mix up here in Tacoma.

The best, most unpretentious and fun club to go dancing! Jakes offers a large dance floor, a platform seating area above the dance floor, a ledge for voyeurs to watch everyone dance while they just stand there, tables all around the dance floor for sitting and drinking, a pool table, and a great full bar with two bar tenders on duty during busy hours at the front entrance (there is another smaller bar in back by the restroom area as well) They also have a hot dog/tots/burgers/other stuff food stand which gets totally swamped after last call!! (It's good stuff)

They tend to start off the night with 80's music and as the dance floor gets more and more packed, they start playing the current top 40 along with some old school faves that get everyone going crazy. They also have a neat outdoor smoking area with heat lamps above.

Tips:

1) They don't charge cover if you get there before 9:45. Get there early, get your stamp, and if it's too dead for your taste, go grab a drink or two somewhere else and then come back with your stamp, cover free! After 9:45, they usually charge $4-$5.

2) Most people seem to just tuck their belongings into a booth or along a ledge while they dance, but I have seen many people get things stolen this way, including myself. They offer a coat/item check that only costs $1/item. Use it! You'll be grateful you did later.

Oh Jake's...there is no place like Jake's. Obviously, a gay bar. Obviously, a good time. The drinks are good (tip well-you'll get a longer pour) the music is eh, top 40-ish. Great crowd, with a great "cast" of regulars. Added bonus-you can get hot dogs inside the bar!