South Sound Eats

I really hope that this survives better than the repeated attempts at jazz-related restaurants down in the old La Costa space. Hopefully with a more visible location, and management who have actual prior experience running a restaurant, it will stand a better chance.
1 | Left by Joe Izenman | Mar. 26, 2009 at 3:38pm

I hate to be skeptical, but how long before this becomes yet another blues club (like Rock&BluesBones down the street)? Sadly, I'm not sure Tacoma can support a jazz club unless it's a low-rent divey sort of place like Kelly's was, or Tula's up in Seattle... Maybe I'm just feeling grumpy today, though, I wish Miles (good jazz name, at least) the best of luck–welcome to the neighborhood!
2 | Left by jamie | Mar. 26, 2009 at 4:04pm

...oh, just got the joke. Heh. (blush)
3 | Left by jamie | Mar. 26, 2009 at 4:09pm

Hello,
We are a local Jazz band(Electric Blue Sun), we play all original material, & we'd love the oppurtunity to play in your club.
How can I get in touch with Mr. Zuluaga?
4 | Left by Tom | Mar. 28, 2009 at 6:43pm

Tacoma,
Do we really need another, "look Tacoma can be like Seattle!" joint? Seriously. 6th is getting to much for me, food is decent at best, prices are ridiculous. Come on! Look at the rental market that is within walking distance of 6th! I've only, regularly, got $5 bucks in my pocket and no place on 6th ave to spend it (minus Red Hot/the OM)
5 | Left by joelchang | Mar. 30, 2009 at 10:23am

6th ave is not trying to be like Seattle. 6th avenue is providing entertainment options for people that don't like drinking bud and watching TV. I feel as though Tacoma deserves a genuine jazz club that where musicians play genuine jazz. There are some bad horn playin' cats out there who need a real venue where they are not forced to play through mutes all night.
6 | Left by Altered Chords | Apr. 1, 2009 at 1:57pm

I agree that 6th ave isn't trying to me like seattle.. I am happy that we are getting some nice spots on 6th.. if you like dive, this isn't for you or if you like cheap, this isn't for you! We need some classy places as of right now Asado is the ONLY NICE place on 6th.. I don't mind spending more for dinner and drinks so I don't have to sit with all you crazies that just destroy the place anyways!
7 | Left by Lisa | Apr. 3, 2009 at 2:13pm

Asado isn't the only nice place. Right across the street is Masa and on the other end of the block is the Primo Grill. As far as jazz, why does every restaurant have to be a "jazz" club? I personally hate jazz and love it when the venue changes to something more listener friendly, which they inevidently do, because so many have to feature blues night, etc. to keep people coming in. how about a place that just plays good music? Every kind of music, even (gasp) Jazz.
8 | Left by Carrie | Apr. 8, 2009 at 11:09am

To all that responded to my comment, fair. I'll agree that it is nice to have 'classy' places to go in Tacoma. Lisa, I'll try to keep my crazyness in check next time I go out for a drink and try not to destroy anything ;-). I guess I'll have to pass judgement later, I just want variety!!
9 | Left by joelchang | Apr. 9, 2009 at 10:43am

Everything and everyone copies something or someone! Those of us that appreciate good food, excellent jazz and can afford it, will go to Sax and have a good time. Those of you that don't have an appreciation for good jazz, great food or the wallet to support it, there are plenty of other options in Tacoma. So live and let live!
10 | Left by Aiks Azav | May. 3, 2009 at 10:22am

Wow looks like Miles did it again! Weekly Volcano printed a retraction saying he doesn't own SAKS! Cliff house says he was merely a contractor that remodeled the place and SAKS had to give the food they ordered to empployees=May 17th and they still haven't opened! Doesn't anyone verify this guys inforamtion before publishing it? He did the same thing to the owners of Alfred's!
11 | Left by Ken Crowell | May. 17, 2009 at 10:30am

I went to Sax the day after opening night and I have to say it should be pronounced Sucks. From the moment you enter this dark dungeon (and don't get me wrong i like dark atmospheres at good dining establishments) the clueless staff left me to wonder should I leave after my drink and run to the Olive Garden where I know what sub par food I will get, but hopefully with a witty and entertaining server. The wait staff was horrendous, the music was good but way loud and over the top. I went with two other friends. One friend order a salad like me with our meal and her husband ordered the soup. Well mine came out correctly and my friend got her salad with two sides of different dressings that she neither wanted or asked for and her husband got his salad too. Oh wait didn't we order the soup?!?! Our bad...how could we expect our nice never around server to remember such a big order. Then the food came...we wonder how does a someone justify to make their fish more expensive then their steak on the menu? The food was sub par just like the Olive Gardens with the exception that apparently they love to over use spring mix salad as garnishments for their main entrees. Thank goodness we did not stay for dessert. So let me save you a few dollars before you decide to go into this new cool trendy restaurant and come out hotter then a italian mob boss that didn't get his cannoli. Skip Sax go straight to the Olive Garden where atleast they pretend you are family.
12 | Left by Melissa K. Smith | Jun. 5, 2009 at 7:40pm

Wow! Joel Chang hasn't been to 6th ave for a while! You can get food from $2.75 up (& not "dives"). Il Fiasco also has $10 salad, bread & 3 serving spaghetti nights. 6th Ave has a range of food styles & atmosphere. 6th Ave business district has even put together Progressive Dinner nights once a month featuring different restaurants. So far those have been 3-4 dinner plates, desert, coffee&tea and live music for only been $35. I found info on Studio 6 Ballroom's web site. BTW-coming from Seattle, it wouldn't hurt to have some of that influence down here!
13 | Left by Hip Hips | Jun. 8, 2009 at 5:10pm

Sax-I thought the opening on Thurs, May 28 was hot. The dj was playing great music & the live music was very energizing jazz. My friend & I only ordered drinks and were both very impressed by both of the bartenders (we were at the bar). They were not only personable (even with it so packed) but they anticipated what we needed. They did a great job of noticing any possible signs we might need them-even extremely small ones. Just about felt like an upscale Cheers! The manager, Mischa, added energy and was fun to talk to. It was nice to see an upscale looking evening-people in suits & coctail dresses/classy listening to great music. A touch of class is nice! Made us want to get up & dance (and there was space!)!
14 | Left by Hip Hips | Jun. 8, 2009 at 5:19pm

I agree with pretty much all of you. I do believe Tacoma needs more variety like Joel Chang says. That's why Portland has a fantastic restaurant scene compared to Seattle... because they have nice restaurants as well as nice (everyday eats) restaurants... places you can afford to eat at often or everyday that aren't fast food chains. I also agree with Carrie's comments. Does every place have to be a jazz club? Y'all should read the "Stuff White People Like" blog (www.stuffwhitepeoplelike.com). One of the topics of stuff white people like is black music that black people don't listen to anymore... like jazz. It would be great to have a small quirky music joint in Tacoma much like Nectar or the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. And I do like the fact that 6th has become Tacoma's destination for nice restaurants too like Asado, Primo Grill, Il Fiasco, and Masa. Bottom line is food/atmosphere/character has to just be good. Sax and Six Olives are examples of restaurants that are expensive and NOT good... get it? If you want to be high end, you better deliver. People will try you once, but if you don't deliver, repeat business will disappear. If your prices are modest, you'll get second and third chances. There is a reason Gary's Steak Out is not around anymore.
15 | Left by James | Nov. 17, 2009 at 3:30am