OK, I havent been here since about 1989, but it was my first bar experience as a young man and I LOVED it. It is a no frills, grab your beer and chill sort of place.
Quirky classic little Tacoma dive bar in a coffee pot-shaped building (4 stars for nostalgic purposes alone) this place has been standing since 1927 when they 1st started selling cups of Joe then converted to a bar in 1955... if you like karaoke and a limited beer & wine selection then this place might just be for you
I started coming to the Jive about 6 years ago and havent left! As soon as an opening was available for a karaoke host, I offered my services and, 2 years later, Im the manager aka Den Mother! I absolutely love this place, the history, the eclectic vibes and of course our staff and patrons are AMAZING!In the last year or so, we painted the building, got new booths, re-felted the pool table and have been shining her up! Even during this craziness, Covid 19, weve been doing all the improvements we can to keep The Jive in shape. However, we are still unable to reopen, due to the governors mandates, until phase 4. Dont worry though... Tacomas favorite dive will be re-opening with a big party! I already have it planned, so please come and see us then!Stay healthy ️The Den Mother
Funky little spot that is a necessary dive to visit at least once for all locals. It encapsulates that Tacoma vibe. Theyve cleaned up recently and it shows (thank you!). Wish there was more than wine and beer. Next steps: make the outside lounge section nicer. Bonus - the karaoke and hosts (especially Mercy Me) are incredible. Tip em nicely!
A slice of Tacoma history. These walls talk and they have stories to tell. The staff is friendly, the beer is cheap and the vibes are laid back and comfy. Travis, and Gordy and Gabe are talented, hilarious individuals that make karaoke so much fun. If this is an example of what karaoke is supposed to be, then a lot of other bars are coming up short.In the words of a friend, and regular:Its like a blanket fort that serves booze
Been by this place not sure how many times and have always thought about going in. It wasnt till a friend asked me if I had seen the coffee shop shaped like a teapot yet? Such a neat place. Was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasnt a coffee shop at all, but, a tavern instead. I may not have known about it at first, but now after walking in the front door, Ill never forget it and Ill definitely be going back. They also have pool table, arcade games, and karaoke. The food is inexpensive as well.
It was amazing. Something different everywhere you looked. Disappointed in myself for not going there before now and Ive lived here 40 + years
Tacoma landmark!Love this place. The building is a giant coffee pot, great atmosphere, Karaoke and was featured in movie, I Love you to death, which was based on a true story!
Yes this was posted while you guys were closed but google asked me to rate you so I did. Has nothing to do with the fact that you were closed. Cheers.
Stepping into this place, you can just feel the good vibes of the last nearly hundred years. Dont be intimidated by its industrial location. Just inside the door is a kind bartender with a cold beer waiting to tell you the long, fantastical history of this little coffee pot that could. It is on the historic register now. Im not telling you too much, because I want you to go find out for yourself, but some keywords would be chimpanzees, secret tunnels, and ghosts. Try to find Ace Frehleys signature on the wall amongst all the graffiti! Do karaoke, its every night of the week!
If you are looking for a no-judgement bar with fun karaoke, comedy, and interpersonal adventures look no further. There is visual stimulation anywhere you look and captivating conversation elsewhere. Go, frolick, be free, and be kind to all others.
Great communication.
Definition of a dive bar. Great people and atmosphere. Unique decorations.
Great dive bar. Karaoke is available and the hosts are amazing and super fun. They dont serve hard alcohol, but beer and wine. The food they have is so good too! If youre looking for a place to go out and sing karaoke with your friends, order a few brewskies, and not be OVERLY CROWDED, Bobs Java Jive is where its at!
One of Tacomas Gems. A must go see and enjoy have a beer meet the owner she is wonderful. Dive bar? No its got heart that beats to a different drum.
Needs More Space = More People and More Fun ! Came here with a friend in October and she knows how to be country singer on the karoke machine. Great Bartender and slow weekdays obviously but the weekends HELL YEAH ! Funny And rocking announcer for the karoke machine.
Haha, what a dive bar, but oh so much fun! Date night without the kid could not get any better if you visit Bobs Java Jive. You KNOW some funky stuff has gone on there through the years but its rife with local flavor and history. Not very good drinks outside of beer, but karaoke was a hoot and the fabulous woman hosting it was an amazing singer. My kid cousin and I had an absolute blast, a truly care-free, let it all loose kind of night here. Was great to relax, laugh, and know Im in a friendly community of Bob Java Jive go-ers. I didnt get a chance to try the food, so that will be on the menu next time I visit.
When you close your eyes and picture a dive bar you will have visions of Bobs Java Jive. The decor can only be described as a collection of oddities that have taken up residence. I attended the Open Mic comedy show they hold on Thursdays. It was a well organized show with wonderful comedians. The bar does not serve liquor only beers and wine.
The best dive bar in Tacoma, hands down. They have great karaoke (inclusive, non-judgemental), and the decor is both fiercely unique and cozy. The staff are wonderful as well.
Incredible staff with great personalities and service, cheap beer, and some astonishingly good karaoke guests!! very fun environment no lames all0wed
Great atmosphere and Karaoke 7 nights a week!! And the building is in the shape of a TEA-POT!!!! How cool is that?
Definitely a dive bar. Pretty decent karaoke talent mostly because they came with me.. only beer and ciders. No shots here!!
Honestly thought this place was closed because Ive never driven by at night. Although they do not offer food, that I was able to see, they do have a very good cider as an alternative to beer.Attended this Dive bar for my first time Karaoke and now Im hooked. People were great and really enjoyed the decorations.
Great place with great food and amazingly good and different people
Bartender Dave is the best and he has some great stories to tell if you sit and engage him in conversation. This bar has the best karaoke ever cuz you dont have to be a good singer to sing and everyone will still enjoy the song. Overall this idea an amazing place to be.
I have yet to be served anything other than comedy from this venue, but so far I enjoy it.
It was great nice people real friendly
Fun atmosphere, good karaoke selection!Friendly staff!
The Java Jive is a hidden gem that has been the spot to go to for so many over the years. Under new management the past year...it has improved drastically for the better!! But dont just take my word for it...go visit Bobs Java Jive and experience it for yourself!
One of a kind! Great got dogs! Fun karaoke!
I love dive bars and Bobs is a classic. Vintage everything. Cold, strong drinks all inside a giant coffee pot. Groovy! Thursdays and other days they do comedy and open mic and karaoke, too.
This is a locals favorite. They do live shows on Saturdays, and karaoke every night. Once a month is the infamous Pirate Karaoke night, when a huge crowd dressed as pirates takes over. My favorite time to visit.They dont have a huge selection of beer, cider and wine, and there is no hard liquor. But its all very affordable. Food is simple but good; burger, fries, chili.The décor is wild and organically built over time.
Open mic comedy was great.
Best dive bar in America. Its just that simple. (Would say best in world but theres a place in Svitz thats marginally better.)
Love the positive feelings !!
The ultimate dive bar experience. You must go to there. Karaoke night is the Best! No liquor served only beer and cheap wine. Food decent! Small crowd, lots of locals and you always get a chance to sing a few times at least! Be sure to memorialize yourself by writing your name on a star or dollar bill to put on the ceiling. I heart Bobs Java Jive!!
Great place, great karaoke, great people.
I love the Teapot its been around so long I remember riding by as a kid and wanting to go there now that I am old enough I get to go in and sing karaoke on that stage and have some fun with people. I love JR and his wife so kind and fun to talk with and they have a variety of DJ hosts for karaoke who like to dress up and make the atmosphere more fun. They have themed events and if your into comedy they have comedy nights followed by Karaoke and they do live music too.
The place is awesome and so are the people
Its dingy, dark, beautiful and eclectic. The best dive bar Ive been to throughout my travels accross this country.The crowd is a mixture of people, from goths, punks, and pirates. To hipsters, grandparents and everything in between.Most recently I spent my 40th birthday there singing karaoke and had a blast.Everyone usually gets along (one incident of a jerk in the past 20 years is pretty darn good in my book) and its a very relaxed and electric environment at the same time.
Fantastic location, friendly service, and a slow but very very worth it cook!
Good beer, good room, good fun! Love that Thursday open mic!
Bartender seemed mentally unstable. We were a party of two who sat down ordered 1 beer a piece and he became aggravated and irritable because we interrupted his movie (Braveheart), we paid and left won’t be back. The place seems simple and retro but the bartender an older gentleman with gray long hair and beard wearing fatigues is doing a great job of driving away customers.
Best Karaoke Ive ever been too, and thats all I go to the bar for.
Its cozy and full of history Rockin karaoke, good food, good people! A must!
The Java jive is Tacoma baby. That tea pot is a icon from years ago. Kings burgers was just down the street from Atlas foundry where I ate lunch. But many a night home from work at Atlas we all stopped in for a beer with Bob.Great bar, great theme.Loud and proud BobGood luck man.
I personally love every aspect of Bobs Java jive!
Great place great people
Probably the sleaziest bar in Tacoma. The Jive is legendary, but dont get your hopes up about the place. Beer and wine, plus karaoke most nights. Unpretentious, comfortable, and theres pinball.
Love me a good divey coffee pot!
Dave, Jenna, Mike & everyone who works here is so nice and down to earth. Really really divey so its not going to be everyones cup of tea. Theres a great free comedy open mic every Thursday @ 8:30 if you need a reason to check it out!
It was cool. They dont like italio disco.
Came from out of town and this was by far my FAVORITE place in Tacoma, the locals that frequent this place make it feel like you are hanging out in a living room with old friends despite the fact that we had just met them. Got great pool lessons, played some darts, had awesome conversation, and the bathrooms are pretty rad too. Karaoke and dancing is a plus too if you are into it!
I love this place, I love Dave and Jr.I agree with a few other reviewers here, the smell of cleaning chemical is so freaking strong the last year that Ive had trouble breathing after being in there for a few hours.Ive asked about it, and either dismissed with I dont smell anything or we dont use chemicals in here. Not sure what the deal is with that. This place is fun and a great place to meet your tacoma natives.
I could not begin to list all the things that are rad about this place!
I do like run down dive bars. This place was my favorite in the Tacoma Seattle Olympia area and I had originally given it 5 stars. But the last couple times I tried going to the Java Jive, the smell of Pine Sol was SO strong that I could hardly breathe, and the last time I was there for less than 3 minutes and my clothes smelled as if Pine Sol had gotten spilled on them.The bathrooms smell like outhouses covered up with Pine Sol and those little pink or blue short cylinder things you pee on. I dont know if they have plumbing issues in the bathrooms or what, but its the most extreme of anywhere Ive ever been.The female karaoke host is fantastic, one of the male karaoke hosts is also very good, but the karaoke host I recently experienced on pirate night couldnt get the slips he was given merely entered into the at least 10 year old computer as he sat there not actually entering the slips he had already been given, and there were no pens, and he couldnt take requests as a result. They really need to upgrade that computer. You could get a better computer for FREE through Craigslist.But the ridiculous over usage of Pine Sol is the main thing that has me not wanting to come back. People know its a run down place, you dont need to try to cover it up with products. How about bleach water instead?One more thing: They really need to get hard alcohol so they can do mixed drinks.
Ok, this place is a dive ;) But an awesome one. I go here for Karaoke when I am in town and to enjoy some typical bar food and drinks. I am giving this place 5 starts because it is an authentic roadside attraction. Everything about it screams roadside attraction. Dont expect five star service, and dont expect five star food, but if youre coming here for the ambience and environment, its all here.
Its the atmosphere and staff that give this place 5 stars. A little piece of music/movie history in an unlikely place.
Great dive bar. We go on comedy nights and always have a good time.
Fun and nostalgic. Friendly staff. Beer & wine only.
Best dive bar in the city. Great karaoke and comedy.
This is definitely a unique place! The decor reminds me of TGIFridays on a Goodwill budget, but it is lots of fun. There is a great comedy open mic on Thursdays and there is karaoke too. Great place to hang out.
Quirky and one of a kind. A must see at least once
Amazing karaoke staff! Great place altogether. Not a lot of alcohol choices though.
Local landmark with good beer. Hamburgers are very salty but the beer is cheap and flowing.
They only serve beer. Not a problem, just info.
Awesome little dive. Small karaoke stage but sounds good. Great place to hang out.
Very neat place for a beer and karaoke, but dont leave without asking for a bit of info on its history!
Friday nite karaoke had a good time.
Historic and epic, its the last bar standing with a Cabaret license in WA state. Its been the backdrop in several films, and has a hell of an interesting history. They do not serve hard alcohol here. They do have karaoke, bands and comedy. A last standing gem of an era long gone.
Better than expected
They have a cool interior.I had so much fun
While I wish they had more of a selection, at least gin, I love the ambience at this bar and the karaoke singers were really entertaining.
Great staff, good food, and really fun shows. Just a heads up, they only serve beer.
So Fun
Good place to stop and have a beer. Sing some karaoke.
Best dive bar in the pnw.
Who doesnt love Bobs Java Jive. Say Anything
I allways have a good time at the jive.getting hang with steven and jenna is just a bonus
One of a kind dive bar. You just have to experience it to truly understand. A gem.
Still my kinda place after 20+ years. Big big BIG LOVE FOR THE JIVE...
Great place to do karaoke and throw back a few drinks
Fun karayoke and a unique atmosphere. Welcoming people as well.
Karaoke was sub par. Beer was nice and cold. Location is industrial. Not bad but not great.
Vibe? Great! Karaoke? Great! Comedy? Great! Great? GREAT!
Quite unique
One of best places in Tacoma , karaoke and live music . Chill staff and patrons , and great history . Gotta see for yourself .
Its amazing...only serves beer. Ahhh mayzing
Love bobs java jive.. everyone is soo nice
Good karaoke but dont expect more than cheap beer
Best place for karaoke in Tacoma. Love the the unrefined hole in the wall motif.
- Address:2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409, United States
- Phone:+1 253-475-9843
- Night club
- Bar
- Outdoor seating:Yes
- Takeaway:No
- Bar games:Yes
- Karaoke:Yes
- Live music:Yes
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
- Beer:Yes
- Dancing:Yes
- Food:Yes
- Wine:Yes
- Toilets:Yes
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