South Tacoma Way Guide: Discover Local Businesses & Community

Discover South Tacoma Way: A Hidden Gem Community

South Tacoma Way is more than just a street - it's a vibrant community filled with unique businesses, great food, and unforgettable experiences. At Tacoma Axe Throwing, we're proud to be part of this thriving local scene. Here's your guide to the best spots on South Tacoma Way and how to make the most of your visit to our area.

Start Your Adventure at Tacoma Axe Throwing

Your South Tacoma Way adventure begins at Tacoma's #1 rated axe throwing venue. Whether you're looking for a unique date night, team building activity, or just a fun time with friends, we offer an experience you won't forget. Our expert coaches will guide you through the basics, and our individual lane design ensures a safe, focused throwing experience.

After working up an appetite throwing axes, you'll want to explore the amazing food and entertainment options nearby. Here are our favorite local spots:

Radnor's Burgers & Beignets: Home of the South Sound Smash Burger

Located at 5415 S Tacoma Way, Radnor's is our go-to partner for food when you want to combine axe throwing with a great meal. As "Home of the South Sound Smash Burger," they serve delicious smashburgers, beignets, and more. The restaurant honors Radnor Pratsch, who built the original Edison Square theater in 1919, continuing the legacy of community gathering on South Tacoma Way.

Whether you're planning a corporate event, birthday party, or just a casual outing, Radnor's provides the perfect dining option to complete your South Tacoma Way adventure. They're open late on weekends, making them ideal for post-axe throwing meals.

Airport Tavern: Live Music & Community Hub

Just down the street at 5406 S Tacoma Way, Airport Tavern is a beloved live music venue, bar, and community gathering space. The tavern gets its name from the South Tacoma Airport, which operated from 1936 to 1975 nearby. In 2017, Danno and Jessica Rankin transformed the space into a vibrant venue that combines Tacoma's rich history with a forward-thinking vision for arts and music.

With their recent addition of a Music Hall in 2024, Airport Tavern now hosts bigger acts while maintaining the intimate, community-driven vibe Tacoma locals love. They offer live music, pinball, arcade games, darts, cocktails, mocktails, and food - perfect for continuing your South Tacoma Way experience after axe throwing.

The Church Cantina: Cuban-Inspired Bar Food

At 5240 S Tacoma Way, The Church Cantina serves incredible Cuban-inspired bar food in a unique goth/horror-themed atmosphere. With horror film screenings, billiards, and gaming, they create a creative and engaging environment that's perfect for groups looking for something different.

Their menu features excellent vegetarian and vegan options, including highly-recommended jackfruit dishes and delicious Cuban sandwiches. The friendly staff, dressed to fit the vibe, serve tasty items like corn dogs, potato wedges, and prawn tacos. It's a popular spot that people travel from afar to visit.

Studio 56 Collective: Vintage Furniture & Art

Studio 56 Collective, located at 5440 S Tacoma Way, is a vintage furniture collective specializing in bespoke 50s through 90s pieces. Their showroom is filled with refurbished vintage furniture and solid wood quality at reasonable prices. With music creating a great vibe and staff offering assembly services, it's a unique shopping experience on South Tacoma Way.

Open Thursday through Sunday, Studio 56 offers an alternative shopping experience for those looking for unique, quality furniture pieces that tell a story. It's a perfect stop for those who appreciate mid-century modern design and vintage aesthetics.

Crafty AF: DIY Craft Studio & Local Makers

Crafty AF at 5442 S Tacoma Way is a beautiful craft studio where adults can reconnect with creativity, community, and the joy of making things with their hands. They offer a variety of craft kits including embroidery, macrame, painting, and much more. Their retail section features work from over 50 local makers, making it a great place to shop for unique handmade gifts.

They host workshops for painting, plants, resin working, and more, and can accommodate private parties for bachelorettes, girls' night out, clubs, or team building meetings. Their specialty includes laser engraved items and wood signs, and they can create custom gifts for any occasion.

Sober AF: Zero Proof Bottle Shop & Social Space

Sober AF at 5222 S Tacoma Way is Tacoma's premier zero proof bottle shop and social spot. This colorful, vibrant space offers 100% alcohol-free beverages while delivering a fun, social atmosphere. Whether you're fully sober, sober curious, or just taking a break from drinking, Sober AF provides a judgment-free space to socialize without alcohol.

They host regular events like First Friday Karaoke, Queen Sativa Drag Bingo, Brushes & Beve (their NA version of paint & sip), and LEGO building events. The shop offers a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages including NA beers, wines, ready-to-drink cocktails, and creative signature mocktails. It's a revolutionary addition to South Tacoma Way, proving that the best moments don't require alcohol.

Planning Your South Tacoma Way Day

Here's how to make the most of your South Tacoma Way adventure:

• Start at Tacoma Axe Throwing: Begin with an exciting axe throwing session to get your adrenaline pumping.
• Grab a Smash Burger at Radnor's: Enjoy their famous South Sound Smash Burger and beignets at 5415 S Tacoma Way.
• Catch Live Music at Airport Tavern: Check their schedule for live performances or enjoy their pinball and arcade games at 5406 S Tacoma Way.
• Experience Unique Dining at Church Cantina: Try their Cuban-inspired bar food in the goth/horror-themed atmosphere at 5240 S Tacoma Way.
• Shop Vintage at Studio 56: Browse their collection of mid-century modern furniture at 5440 S Tacoma Way (Thu-Sun).
• Get Creative at Crafty AF: Join a workshop or shop local maker goods at 5442 S Tacoma Way.
• Sober Socializing at Sober AF: Enjoy zero-proof beverages and their fun events at 5222 S Tacoma Way.
• Make It a Full Day: With so many options within walking distance, you can easily spend the entire day exploring South Tacoma Way.

Why South Tacoma Way is Special

What makes South Tacoma Way unique is the sense of community and the variety of experiences available in one area. Unlike many commercial districts that feel generic, South Tacoma Way has character, local ownership, and businesses that genuinely care about the community.

The businesses here support each other, creating a collaborative ecosystem that benefits everyone. When you visit South Tacoma Way, you're not just supporting individual businesses - you're supporting a whole community of local entrepreneurs and creatives.

Perfect for Groups and Events

South Tacoma Way is ideal for group activities and events. Whether you're planning a corporate team building day, a birthday celebration, or a friend meetup, the concentration of diverse businesses makes it easy to create a full itinerary without traveling far.

At Tacoma Axe Throwing, we regularly partner with these local businesses to create comprehensive event packages that include axe throwing, dining, and other activities. Our staff can help you plan the perfect South Tacoma Way experience for your group.

Supporting Local Business

When you visit South Tacoma Way, you're supporting local businesses that are the backbone of our community. These aren't chain restaurants or corporate entertainment venues - they're locally owned and operated by people who live in and care about Tacoma.

Your patronage helps keep these businesses thriving and ensures that South Tacoma Way continues to be a vibrant, diverse community destination for years to come.

Ready to Explore South Tacoma Way?

Start your South Tacoma Way adventure at Tacoma Axe Throwing, then discover all the amazing businesses that make our community special. With great food, unique entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere, South Tacoma Way has something for everyone.

Book your axe throwing session now and begin your South Tacoma Way exploration. Our staff can provide recommendations and help you plan the perfect day in our vibrant community!