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New McMenamins Elks Lodge in Tacoma
There's good news on tap for local McMenamins fans — and there are lots of us. McMenamins' newest hotel opens this month in downtown Tacoma. McMenamins' Elks Temple celebrates its free, all-ages grand opening event on Wednesday, April 24, with free access to all and free live music performances. The doors open at 7 a.m.
Visitors can have breakfast in the pub starting at 7 a.m., enjoy the bagpiper playing at 11:30 a.m., take a look inside the Spanish Ballroom event space starting at 5 p.m. and listen to free live music from local bands from 5:30–10 p.m. Explore all seven floors and marvel at the artistic surroundings and restoration.
The historic 1916 Elks Temple building in Tacoma is now ready for its next life, re-birthed as a hotel, restaurant, brewery and music venue. Serving both the local community as well as travelers, Elks Temple features 45 hotel rooms (book online); McMenamins Pub, the main restaurant; a trio of bars; an onsite brewery; and the Spanish Ballroom, a 700-person concert hall and event space.
Families will be intrigued by fun and artistic features such as the Secret Graffiti Hallway, a collection of chandeliers, lights and lamps, an indoor atrium and views across the tide flats and Commencement Bay.
McMenamins is a Northwest brand that inspires a cult-like following. If you're not a fan already, you may soon become one. Based in Oregon, the McMenamin family operates over 50 pubs, restaurants and historic hotels. Most of these properties are in Oregon, but McMenamins' presence in Washington is expanding.
McMenamins opened the Anderson School in Bothell in 2015, joining a wave of redevelopment making Bothell an increasingly popular town. The Anderson School features fun places like a bar in the principal's office and a movie theater. Its saltwater swimming pool is already a legend among local families.
Last year McMenamins opened the Maui-inspired Kalama Harbor Lodge in Kalama, Wash. This riverside hotel is a new property whereas many McMenamins hotels are historic restorations, though its decor is in keeping with McMenamins' signature artistic and character-filled style. Kalama is located on the Columbia River about 135 miles south of Seattle 40 miles north of Portland. The hotel makes a great stopping point for families traveling up and down I-5.
