I've been going to this bar for probably about a decade now. It has been through several different incarnations and three different owners in this time. It has remained one of the coolest dive bars I've ever been in. In the last couple of years, they started serving some really, really yummy food. I get the Philly cheesesteak, but have them use cheddar and put extra onions on it. It is absolutely to die for. Steve, the mastermind behind the majority of the menu, also recently added on Browned butter cocoa puff marshmallow treats. ZOMG! They no longer just have beer and wine, they have hard alcohol now. This is resulted in some, how you say, "more interesting" evenings than it did before, but overall the crowd is really friendly and supportive of the nightly karaoke singers. Had my first date with Flava Dave there. I don't drink and neither does my now husband (Flava Dave) so we go up and do duets and call ourselves The Sober Barflies. The karaoke hosts are always a lot of fun. Flava Dave picks up fill-in karaoke shifts there occasionally. Sam Cori is adorable, upbeat, and a classically trained singer and songwriter. She makes *another* performance of Bohemian Rhapsody fun and fresh again! We even had Gabe (one of the Karaoke hosts with a heartthrob vibrato bass voice), sing the music for our wedding and host karaoke at in my parents' sizeable rec-room afterward! He knocked my folks out signing Unchained Melody, their song, at our little reception. A lot of momentous occasions, birthday gatherings, and bachelorette parties take place there. I've seen a number of people get proposed to, and once saw a very spontaneous, actual wedding. There's a lot of really cool history in that place. It's over 100 years old and it's an official historical landmark in the United States. There's a lot of lore behind it. Stories of being haunted. It's a really amazing place to see. Plus, it's shaped like a coffee pot, how can you beat that? read more

Bob's Java Jive - Amy! + Flava Dave - Dive Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I'm so excited to have discovered Bob's Java Jive in Tacoma, WA. It's a Coffee pot-shaped building that houses a bar and music venue in a rough and tumble neighborhood. This place has a fun history dating back to 1927! The building has served many purposes over the years, serving the public as everything from a fast food drive-thru to a speakeasy. The building has also been featured in several films, including "I Love You to Death," and Cameron Crowe's "Say Anything." These roadside America kitschy buildings amuse me greatly, and I'll always go out of my way to visit them when I can. Bob's Java Jive doesn't disappoint! read more

Bob's Java Jive - Bob's Java Jive - Dive Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

It is pretty ridiculous how long Steve and I have lived in Tacoma and we haven't been to Bob's Java Jive until quite recently. In our defense it seemed like every time we drove by it it looked like they weren't open and the other half of the time they were open but we had to be somewhere else and couldn't commit to a stop. Well it finally happened and we are so glad it did. We made it into the iconic giant coffee pot building and had a blast enjoying it's quirky atmosphere and dive bar vibe. There once used to be monkeys behind glass way back when. We saw where they were once located in the back which adds to the history of the place. Some people may not know that since it isn't attention grabbing at this point and the monkeys are long gone but it definitely adds to the oddity of it. The Java Jive serves food which is a nice perk. I had a pretty decent B.L.T. sandwich and they have an exclusive beer dedicated just to the Java Jive by Sig Brewing named Bob's Light Lager. It's a tasty one too and kind of indicates the long history the Java Jive has for the area. We took all kinds of pictures of the unusual atmosphere and had a blast doing it. For film buffs the Java Jive appeared in several films, Say Anything (1989), I love You To Death (1990), Three Fugitives (1989) and 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). The Java Jive is also on the Tacoma Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places. We are going a return visit there tonight (12/05/25) for a friend's book release party. So super stoked for a fun return to the Java Jive ! read more

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Bob's Java Jive located at 2102 South Tacoma Way in Tacoma, WA is Fast Becoming the best Karaoke location in Tacoma. This location will celebrate 100 yrs in 2027 and is already a Historic location. Friendly service and atmosphere 7 days a week till 2:00am. Weekends are packed, with a moderate crowd on Sundays. The Owners have been upgrading, as allowed (historic site), maintaining the integrity of the original decor. Fearless peeps from the streets Come, Challenge the Stage; if you dare! read more

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Great dive bar with friendly service from the staff. We ordered wine, gin and tonic, and a I love you to death. Pool table is a perk and my friends enjoyed playing. Definitely a unique spot to visit! read more

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This is a fun place. We stopped by the first time on a whim and thought it was so cute. I was so entertained just looking around the place at the walls, ceiling, etc. We came back for Mosa-Roke on a Sunday and luckily, I had a beer in my car because the bartender overslept and was about an hour late. Then, we went again for an event. Each time we had so much fun! read more

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An experience...Its everything you hope a story-tell dive bar would be. I won't say too much but you have to see for yourself.

This was one of the more interesting bars I have been to in Tacoma. Not because its great, but because the clientele are clearly regulars and create a space for everyone to come and do karaoke without feeling embarrassed. The beer was average, if unremarkable. The karaoke was set up really well, and there was a small dance floor that was liberally used. My only problem with this bar is my friend accidentally broke a glass and the staff refused to let him sing after that. It was a damper on his night, but we still had fun. read more

The Mai Thai's are great, and the food blew my expectations. Our bartender ended up being one of the owners and told us a bunch of history on the building, and was a nice guy. We had a great time and will definitely be back! read more

Bob's Java Jive - Bar area with our Mai Thai's! - Dive Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I'm being generous with a 2 star. Went in to sing karaoke on our tour around different bars. 1st impression was horrible layout, very cramped, severely outdated and grungy. Bartenders were friendly and pleasant but no service at tables, had to fight crowd through narrow passages to get back to bar. It was a young and energetic crowd of what seemed like regulars. The main problem aside from all the things that I've listed was the karaoke host. I've done a lot of karaoke and my guest from out of town is incredibly talented with far more experience than I have. The line up roster and karaoke app seemed about as old as the building and we believe that she does that on purpose as to be able to fill her regulars in as she pleases. She spent most of the night distracted by another female patron that stood on the steps all night. We put songs in and waited our turn which was a mystery. The rotation was chaotic at best and a guy got up to sing just before us, then we each got a song that went well with the crowd. While waiting for our 2nd song the guy just before us got up 3 more times solo and once more as a duet? After about 3 hours, we got up to leave after his 4th song when she made it real clear that he was her favorite singer in the place. She seemed far too comfortable in that position and did as she pleases which I saw as unprofessional. As a singer, I'll go elsewhere and I'd recommend you singers that are questioning going there, find other accommodations. She can run her karaoke any way that she pleases but in turn I can explain my experience and choose to sing elsewhere. We won't be back and I'm sure that doesn't bother her a bit. I may do more investigating and find who she works for, they might be interested in knowing how she runs their show's? Very disappointing experience for us both. read more

Unusual, I have been told that Java Jive is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's definitely worth checking out. While you are in town be sure to swing down to 6th where you can continue bar-hopping and get the full vibe of the town, which is quite varied. read more

Cool bar but the brunette bartender was so rude we left immediately (it's your job to put the book away btw)

I've been to this place twice with my friends, the first time was great. The vibes, bartenders, everyone were nice. I went the 2nd time for my friends birthday, but this time we decided we wanted to sing. Gave the DJ karaoke (named Gabby, caucasian, short hair & wears glasses) our paper slip, just like what everybody else did, & NO, it was not the same DJ as the first time. But of course we knew it was going to be a wait. Time passes by, my friend asked Gabby nicely at DIFFERENT TIME FRAMES, how far we were in the waitlist & Gabby gave my friend a disgusting look, proceeds to ignored my friend TWICE, then shooed him away. We ignored it & let it pass by, understood that it was busy. 2+ hours later (still waiting) I then gave Gabby another slip of paper with our song choice & names again. & she told me she'll put us on the list (when I thought we already were?). As I was sitting at the tables watching people sing, trying to enjoy myself, I noticed there were a couple of people that went up on stage ALREADY & sang multiple times (including the DJ karaoke Gabby sang herself?? LOL). I don't want to make this about the color of our skin, but yes all of my friends were people of color & all the people who got to sing multiple times were Caucasian. Our names were never called, every interaction that we had with Gabby was unpleasant. She was extremely rude, always had a disgusting look on her face, & attitude. Made us felt unwelcome every interaction. BIG SHOUT OUT TO THE SECURITY GUARD SEAN THOUGH, HE A REAL ONE. read more

With the amount of foot traffic, energy, and beautiful chaos that passes through this Tacoma relic, stepping into Bob's Java Jive truly feels like entering another realm. I've had mostly incredible experiences here between the great food, vibrant karaoke nights, and genuinely warm service from the bartenders and hosts, it's a place that welcomes you like an old friend. You're bound to feel at home here, creating unforgettable memories singing, dancing, eating, socializing, and simply living. Any minor gripes I've had are far outweighed by the love and spirit that fills this special fragment of Tacoma. read more

Listen, their rating Should Be at least 4.9. This is The Spot for Karaoke in Tacoma's west side of town off the 38th exit; Period! This place is Laid Back, but Lit as Karaoke kicks in Every SIngle Day till 2:00AM. Great Release of Stress and Anxiety, but you won't know until you try it. Outstanding support, even if you Can't Sing a Lick, They Got You Boo! Not to mention, I am Tha David, so I should know. Started singing here over a year ago. The brothers that own Bob's Java Jive are down to earth, cool on approach, and attentive to your needs; as is their outstanding staff there! The Food, the Drinks, The Karaoke, Pool, and atmosphere is a Must See for Yourself. read more

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Bob's is my FAVORITE place for karaoke. All three hosts, Gabe, Collin, and Sam are phenoms - great singers and amazing hosts. The bartenders are the best, too. I always feel welcome and my friends who join me LOVE it. I am especially treated kindly by my no-nonsense Sam (ask her to sing I Feel Like a Woman) and sweet singing Briar, but every single person who works here from security to kitchen staff are fabulous. Bobs feels like family to me and I'm grateful for a place that welcomes and accepts me (and calls me Karaoke Mom). read more

Bob's Java Jive is one of my favorite local dive bars. The decor makes no sense, it's kind of cramped, they *just* started offering hard alcohol, and they have a decent selection of beers/ciders/seltzers. And, they have local performances and karaoke! Don't come here starving, because they only offer deep fried/previously frozen bar bites. Unless that's your jam, then you'll have a few options to choose from. Also, Bob's Java Jive has so much fun history behind it. You wouldn't expect much from a rather dingy looking teapot building, but it's super cool. It received cultural landmark status in 2014 and Covid almost shut them down (or so I heard) so I'm so glad it's still around. Also, did you know Keanu Reeves tried to buy it and move it to Hawaii?! Seriously, look it up. Bob's isn't a spot to expect anything fancy, at all. You gotta appreciate a good dive bar to have a good time here. It's definitely one of the best! read more

It's definitely a dive bar with a motley crew of regulars. Karaoke every night and all night. Don't show up too late in the evening and expect to get up on stage. Mediocre food selection and alcohol is a little pricey if you like to drink alot. Recommend prefunking. read more

Food was good. Fries were pretty good the Philly cheesesteak could have used green bell peppers and onions and some kind of sauce other than that the service was good and ambiance was okay. read more

I'm a newbie to this dive joint, and hands down, it's got to be the hottest spot around! Fridays karaoke tonight was off the charts! Pure entertainment! I liked the set up...if you want food or drink...everyone had to head to the bar, and it ran so smoothly, considering a house full of folks having hella fun lol! I'm definitely hitting this spot again! You should check it out, if you're looking for a place to come as you are and have a freaking great time! read more

I give it 3 stars because its decor and ambiance. As for amenities, ITS HOT IN HERE...they dont have Jack(?) and their whiskeys are bottom shelf OR weird. I almost gave it a 1 star because that must be the shortest pour for a double in history. I've had better pours at a sports venue...and that says a LOT. read more

Bob's Java Jive - a glass of beer on a table - Dive Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Atmosphere interesting. The place has unexpected areas. It's bigger than you think. There are a lot of trip hazards in this bar. Step up to the womens bathrooms. Drop downs to the bar area. Uneven pavement. Someone with a walker or wheelchair bound should be cautioned. There are no signs or highlighted areas for those uneven areas. There is indoor and outdoor seating plenty of places to sit, but be careful. Some seating areas will surprise you as they move. Also, the prices of drinks are high and be weary of what is being served to you. I ordered 3 vodka wells and a bit and ended up with a $44 bill and charged for titos. Which i never asked for. Oh also, they charge for soda water $1/drink. I guess that's a thing now a days. It's easier to drink at home with these prices. BLT was good. read more

My favorite bar, dive or otherwise. Whether I bring my friend here for karaoke or come on my own just to relax, it is always a great group of people here, a great atmosphere, and a lot of fun. Shy and Sam behind the bar always take great care of me, as do all the bartenders, and Briar delivers great food from the kitchen and is a fantastic singer when she's not cooking. read more

Bob's Java Jive is a staple in Tacoma. Araura the bartender was super nice and helpful every time I needed a new cold bev or my 2 separate orders of wings. The food is hella dank! Ive heard of many stories from the Jive and it's such a fun place to just chill for dinner then do some Karaoke! 5 stars A plus keep it up! read more

Comfortable place. They didn't have much white wine, but offered us rose' (after asking for pinot grigio and chardonnay). My friend and I were wanting to catch up and were largely left alone. Will come back and try some food soon! read more

Great place! Be fully prepared for the atmosphere before you have anything negative to say: this place is spacious for a teapot, but crowded nonetheless. It's very well known and well loved, it fills up quick. You get ID'd upon walking in the door by friendly bartenders. There's karaoke, great drinks, good food, an outdoor space, booths, tables, pool, and bathrooms. Very popular for many reasons, I recommend for anyone looking for a good time and some drinks. read more

Tonight I dined upon another fine menu item at the Jave Jive: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Calzone. The creamy filling was reminiscent of peanuts crushed with love and jellied grapes from the foothills of Italy. The bread was soft like a pillow made with Egyptian silk. All fine meals are made of contrast. The gourmet pb and j, the fun disco lights and broken tiled floor, and exquisite atmosphere culminate into an experience you shan't forget. read more

Bob's Java Jive - Beauty - Dive Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Don't come here looking for frills. Don't come here looking for hard alcohol! And despite the name don't come here looking for coffee!This is your lowdown, dirty, fun dive bar. The only thing you come here for is the crazy environment, a cold beer and to watch a good comedy show. Once I figured out the feel of the place I really enjoyed my stay. And hey, drinks are safer when they're not poured into a glass for people to roofie read more

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Wanted to like this place because it's an iconic building....... But it is less than a cool dive bar. We went in the early afternoon and were the only ones in booth area ( may have been some folks at the bar), having fun, laughing loudly and was told to leave. Not sure why but haven't been back. read more

Lots of room and good service. There isn't the greatest drink specials but being in a giant coffee pot is really cool.

The workers and people that come there are amazing! I chatted with the owner, he is an amazing person overall 10/10 vibes on point ;P

One of the best taverns, ever. The incredible exterior. Throwback, you will never see something like this in this day and age. Excellent prices, check it out. read more

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We just happened on this place, loving dive bars as we do, and it was perfect. Kitschy, friendly. Great staff. And beer cheese...WTH?! Ghetto fabulous! NYer boyfriend called it pretzel fondue. It was quiet when we were here...apparently the fun starts at 9. We're coming back for the karaoke and comedy... this place belongs on Route 66! read more

Good service, but was a dirty, stinky place. I know they cant do the ceiling, but omg those buss seats for the bar and everything else should be in garbage. Place needs to be overhauled badly. But, what sealed the deal on never coming back was 8 dollars for one beer. Most expensive in town. read more

Started going here recently with a friend. Fun environment. Clean, drinks are good, plenty of seating, and my friend said the food is good too (I have allergies so I eat at home) karaoke is fun. My advice tho is if you dont want to deal with rowdy college kids, to leave by 12am/1am if its a busy night. The older crowd, and regulars are really nice tho. Its an accepting place to sing karaoke which is cool, because I'm a young mom whos been a hermit for years, but outting myself back into socializing, and still pretty shy when I do karaoke currently. I do reccomend this place tho. There are booths if you want to bring stuff to do or read you can as well. My friend brings noise canceling earplugs because karaoke can get really loud sometimes, and she gave me a pair, which I reccomend doing. Also as for the ppl complaining about bathrooms, I am a pretty hygiene obsessed virgo, and I had no problem with the bathrooms they were fine, better than most places actually. They also have an enclosed outside area with a fireplace I believe. Seen it thru a door but havent went out there because its still too cold for me to want to be outside in feb. read more

Bob's Java Jive - Me + red wine. The red wine they have is good. - Dive Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I would give it 0 if I could. This place was disgusting! Fun people but the bartender was terrible. We ordered tequila shots for 12 people and they tasted like straight water. Also they refused to make food because "it takes too long" . I hope this place get shut down. read more

stopped in and saw they had a new menu altogether! came in for lunch and Trinity helped me out. great options and the food itself was too good to stop for a pictures!! :) read more

Bob's Java Jive - back of menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Always nostalgic, best karaoke, best fries. Simple food, simple beers. A true part of Tacoma History. :) read more

More like Java Dive... I came here simply for a nostalgic picture. Yes, while singing "I'm a little [coffee]pot, short and stout." As an outsider, I truly thought it was a coffee shop. I was extremely disappointed to not get my caffeine fix. With that said, I don't imagine I'm missing out on much based on the look of the coffee pot and the sloppily, hand-written note on the door. read more

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Whenever someone mentions Bob's they will inevitably point out one of two things: first, that the building is shaped like a teapot and second that it's a dive. I won't contest the first point. We all have slightly different connotations of what constitutes a dive and Bob's may well fall within that variance. It's built of dark wood with dim lighting, was at one point quite smokey and attracts its share of regulars that huddle around the bar sharing war stories. Nonetheless, I think Bob's is far too *stylish* to possibly qualify as a genuine dive (albeit not in that pretentious high-society sense one might associate with the term "style"). Perhaps the most interesting thing about Bob's is the mix of people it attracts. Bob's is one of those rare bars that draws a combination of young and old: hipsters, rockabillies, bikers and hicks. On my last visit, ordering a pitcher of beer at the bar, I overheard a conversation to my left about big rig engines and to my right something about the latest indie band to define the Tacoma scene (and yes, allegedly there is such a thing as the "Tacoma scene"). From the perspective of a Seattle boy, Bob's is way too far to travel without a special excuse. If you live in Tacoma or happen to be in town, though, then this is a place worth visiting. At least once. read more

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