Bob's Java Jive
Bar · Tacoma ·

Bob's Java Jive

Bar · Tacoma ·

Retro watering hole with live music, beer & karaoke in a coffee-pot building

Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null
Bob's Java Jive by null

Information

2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 Get directions

$10–20

Information

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2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 Get directions

+1 253 475 9843
bobsjavajive.com
@bobsjavajive
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@bjavajive

$10–20

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Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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@atlasobscura
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Bob's Java Jive – Tacoma, Washington - Gastro Obscura

"People had some unusual dreams in the 1920s. Dr. Otis G. Button, a veterinarian from Tacoma, Washington, dreamed of something other than a waiting room full of furry patients. He came up with a giant coffee pot diner, 25 feet tall, 30 feet wide. It’s been 89 years, and his coffee pot is still right where he put it down. It was 1927, and Dr. Button’s unique piece of mimetic architecture started out as the Coffee Pot Restaurant. Over the years it ran the gamut from diner to drive-in, speakeasy to juke joint to go-go bar. In 1955 it became someone else’s dream, when Bob Radonich, along with his wife Lylabell, turned it into Bob’s Java Jive. With a Polynesian flair popular at the time, Bob and Lylabell opened their pot up to live music, and it’s been cranking out live tunes (and some karaoke) ever since. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Bob’s Java Jive is working hard to hold onto its spot as an important landmark and cultural music hub for Tacoma. Going back to its early years when surf guitar luminaries The Ventures were the house band, they have provided a space, albeit a tight one, for local musicians to follow in their footsteps. Beer. Burgers. Bands. In a coffee pot. It’s not clear whether or not they serve coffee. Know Before You Go Bob's Java Jive is in south Tacoma, just west of the Rt. 16 overpass and north of I-5. Call ahead (253-475-9843) for hours and who might be playing." - Sharona71, Fairy Princess Lolly, erjeffery, weirdbug, MikeInSanFrancisco, onejayson

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bobs-javajive
Bob's Java Jive
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

A teapot‑shaped, National Register‑listed dive bar with decades of local music lore. Celebrated by The News Tribune and pop‑culture writers, it hosts karaoke, shows, and an only‑in‑Tacoma atmosphere that’s proudly unpolished.

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article289585952.html
Things to Do in Tacoma (2025)
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Bob's Java Jive

Bobby M.

Google
Top dive bars in America right here. Love the history, the eclectic decor, the layout, the constant karaoke, the actual sociable main bar, and of course the teapot design. Food is meh, but drunk food is wowza, so have a few. Didnt have high expectations, its a bar! Beer is freshy fresh.

Captain A.

Google
What an amazing bar! Found this place on a pee mission, had to go. Definitely a unique spot. Can't wait to go back and party it up.

Ashley A.

Google
Great place, good vibes, fun karaoke, cute. Bar tender /cut/ me and my friends off after my first drink of the night. There was no communication so I don't know why that happened. I was charged for my second drink, the one that seemed to only be juice/water, I bought one for myself and one for my friend ~ so with a tip that SHE charged me for... I paid $20. I came in with a small group of friends, and we arrived sober. We all agreed the drinks were non alcoholic. The atmosphere is great and if you just want somewhere to hang out late at night without buying drinks I do recommend this place. This was my first experience here, I thought it was super cute. I wonder if it would be different if I was a regular, as the other patrons were being treated with more kindness and a better attitude. I would be concerned about buying more drinks here, as I do feel scammed.

Helena

Google
Dive Bar in Tacoma holds a special place in my heart as my go-to spot for a fun night out. Steeped in history, this establishment, originally known as the Coffee Pot Restaurant, has a rich legacy dating back to 1927. Its iconic status is further accentuated by the fact that it has been featured in several movies, including scenes with the talented actor Keanu Reeves in the 1990 film "Love You to Death." One of the standout features of Dive Bar is its impressive selection of local and international beers that cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you're a beer aficionado or looking to try something new, this bar has you covered. Additionally, their menu boasts delicious food options, my favorite are Jungle Fries and Lamp Burger 🍔 What truly sets Dive Bar apart is the welcoming and hospitable staff, who make every visit a memorable experience. The owner's active presence on most days adds a personal touch that contributes to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the bar. Dive Bar isn't just about drinks and food; it's also a hub for entertainment. With daily karaoke sessions, trivia nights on Mondays, open mic nights for musicians on Tuesdays, and open mic nights for comedians on Thursdays, there's always something exciting happening here. These events provide patrons with the perfect opportunity to showcase their talents or simply enjoy some live entertainment while socializing with friends. Overall, Dive Bar in Tacoma is a gem of a spot that seamlessly blends history, great drinks, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, this bar is sure to charm you with its unique charm and vibrant atmosphere. Cheers to Dive Bar for being a standout destination in Tacoma's nightlife scene!

Mike

Google
Good food, great music, great karaoke and host, plenty of seating, kind of cramped but it's a fun place to hang, had a great time and looking forward to going back!

David J.

Google
Stage Name: The David Although I cannot give an Honest review about the food, because I don't indulge, the people here are incredible! Secure location, great service, friendly atmosphere; What more could you ask for? THE KARAOKE HERE is FABULOUS! Great KJ Hosts throughout the entire Week because Bob's Java Jive is ALWAYS LIVE! 7 Days a WEEK / Until 2AM! So Now you have No Excuses! Are you One of The Brave Ones? Will You Come Join me, "The David", and a host of others on the Stage to Conquer Your Fear Right Here? We've Got Your Back! Friday & Saturday Nights; let's just say; "It's Gettin Hot in Here". Let's Go!

Mat

Google
Every time I've come to this bar myself and the women in my group are treated significantly worse than the men. Bartenders have yelled at us, karaoke DJ has refused to let my friend sing when she simply asks why she was skipped, they blatantly flirt with male members of our group even with their partners present. A little bit of class from the staff would take this place a long way.

Justine B.

Google
I absolutely love this bar/restaurant. I have been coming here for almost a year now. I have never felt so at home anywhere. I love the different personalities and different ppl who come in. The food has always been amazing but I the food definitely just gets better over time. They are alway finding new ways to improve their food, drinks and service. If you are passing through Tacoma you have to stop at bobs Java jive.
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Carter E.

Yelp
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.
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Iris V.

Yelp
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.
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Lauren P.

Yelp
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!

Celeste C.

Yelp
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
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David D.

Yelp
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.

Clifford M.

Yelp
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.
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Amy R.

Yelp
HEADS UP: Open at 4 now, limited hard alcohol is served, and the bathrooms are all fixed up! I've been going to the Jive through several incarnations, since well before Covid, through the Covid scare where it almost went out of business, and now out the other side to new ownership. It's hard to believe that this building is still standing after all it's been through, but the people of Tacoma have spoken and helped instead by keeping this place afloat somehow. Things have changed a lot since pre-Covid days, and I think overall this bar is going to survive and thrive. My partner (goes by Flava Dave for his karaoke moniker) and I came here to sing, and we've gained so much more from it. It's our "Cheers" now. Most of the regular patrons are like family. We love it. Call and find out when/if Flava Dave is hosting! I'll be there and we always love making new folks feel at home.
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P S.

Yelp
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.
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Michael D.

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

Yelp
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

Taylor F.

Yelp
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!! :)
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Gina P.

Yelp
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!
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Leanna A.

Yelp
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!
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Morgan U.

Yelp
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.
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Sean A.

Yelp
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.
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Ross J.

Yelp
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.
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Owen R.

Yelp
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.

Eva W.

Yelp
Fun atmosphere and amazing clientele and staff. They really take care of you there. It's a unique place and definitely worth visiting! Thank you for a great time
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Jessica G.

Yelp
Always nostalgic, best karaoke, best fries. Simple food, simple beers. A true part of Tacoma History. :)
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Kizzume F.

Yelp
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 don't know if they have plumbing issues in the bathrooms or what, but it's the most extreme of anywhere I've 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 couldn't 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 couldn't 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 it's a run down place, you don't need to try to cover it up with products. How about bleach water instead? One more thing: They really need to get hard alcohol there.
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Sean G.

Yelp
Everything that I hoped it would be. Such an incredible place. The weirdest mix of people. There was a guy named "Sean dizzle" who sang simple man. It was the best karaoke attempt at simple man ever. His raspy voice gave it such a unique twist. "Chelsea" sang the Doors and David Bowie...Omg nailed it. I did my standard stuff, Sinatra and Zeppelin. I ended the night with Alice in Chains Junkhead, which was a first for me and it felt and was very appropriate. I had arrogant bastard beer all night and people were like who you calling an arrogant bastard? Messing with me of course. And yes these same bartenders joined in the karaoke fun. It's beers only. Some nice chicks drove me home and got me Jack in the box. It was like family. This is now the top Tacoma fun bar for me.
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Stephanie G.

Yelp
I was very pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoy this place. Great karaoke, awesome people, wonderful atmosphere. I feel like this is a place where everyone is welcome and accepted which means a whole lot to me. I will most definitely be back and would absolutely recommend this spot to my friends!
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Richie D.

Yelp
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.
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Jeremy C.

Yelp
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.
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August P.

Yelp
My wife and I (and friends) have gone a few nights. Our first visit was during the week (karaoke) and was okay. The steady bartender seemed to enjoy watching television more than assisting customers, but we enjoy dive bars and are not too pretentious about that sort of thing. The building is in a bad state, but maybe it's usable... However, the latest trip was horrendous. It was a Saturday night before Halloween and we paid the $5 cover charge, excited to potentially stay there the majority of the night. That fantasy all ended when the band began (forget name of band). The hard-rock band opened with a classic original called "Dicks," in which the lead singer sang about (you guessed it) his dick for 5 mins. The second song was amazingly called "Eat the Meat" (more geared toward the ladies' genitals, I guess). I don't even think they were being ironic...it was that bad. There was another party of about 6 people who gave us similar horrified looks as we had, and the room quickly emptied as we all got the hell out . There may have been two people left in the room, on a Saturday night! I know this place has history in Tacoma and I would love to frequent it, but it's too far gone with current management. They need change. The iconic booths are covered in what feels like gym mat covers (a crappy job at that) and the patio is almost unusable. The bathrooms are worse than anything I've seen in Seattle dive bars. Things are held together with strings, literally and figuratively. Bottom line, I like dive bars, but this place does not seem to want ANY customers.
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Joel S.

Yelp
Like one reviewer stated, Java Dive is probably the best name for the place. Where else can you go drink in a coffee pot and feel great about your life choices? Bob's Java Jive is a true gem. Tacoma should feel lucky to have such a place. The hours are later in the day so if you're looking for an afternoon drink you won't find it here. The interior is without a doubt one which belongs in a dive bar. It's small and there is only so much seating around the center. Over the years people have written their name on paper stars any stuck them to the ceiling. The oldest I found was from almost 20 years ago. There is a back room where bands play and a couple of booths for a group to hangout. There's an outside section for the smoking types as well. The beer selection is small and from what I can tell, there is no hard liquor. They have the basics on tap if you feel like grabbing a classic American beer. They make food but I've never had anything so I can't say what that is like. Yes there's parking out front and around the area. The staff is a couple of older guys who bar keep. They didn't say a whole lot but they were nice to us.
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Gloria D.

Yelp
Seriously, if you're looking for a good time...go here! We came on a Friday night and had a blast. They have regulars that come in for karaoke, but the atmosphere for new comers is great! Beer selection is fantastic and the owner is always walking around picking up empty glasses and talking with his customers. They don't open until "around 8" so show up later. Grab a bite to eat somewhere close, then go sing your heart out!
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Jay S.

Yelp
Vernacular Architecture Treasure in T-Town. You come here to get piss faced and hang out with friends on the cheap - doesn't get simpler or better than that! The Java Jive was built in 1927, but didn't get the "Bob" or "Java Jive" names til after WWII. The first time I came here was soon after I turned 21 (so very very long ago)...I insisted a group of friends come down with me on a road trip from Seattle. We walked in for an afternoon beer....so fun! So dive-y! There were a handful of old timers having their afternoon glass of beer - even then the Java Jive was friendly. It's been too dark and crowded on return visits for me to check and see if they still have the leopard skin jeep seats somewhere...but those made a huge impression on me during that first time in. I'm glad the place is still going strong. I'm glad there are young people still loving the Java Jive; a hangout for those who prize something different, something gritty. Note to groupie types: Dockyard Derby Dames derby girls are often found here!
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Trevor W.

Yelp
I've been to dive bars all over the country and this one is easily in the top three. In. The. Nation. It's old, kitschy, cheap, and awesome. Get out of your comfort zone and just go.
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Amanda L.

Yelp
I have finally found a place to call home. The decor was beyond amazingly kitsch. When you have Christmas lights up all year round in multicolor you had me at hello. Staff was fun, engaging, and gave great history and stories about the place. Part of our Dive Bar Bingo tour, one of our squares needed a bra hanging from the ceiling. When they noticed that was not part of their Decor that was simply remedied by one of the female staff. Magical. Thanks Dave for the great service!!
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Billy D.

Yelp
If you're in Tacoma and don't make time to stop at the BJJ, you're doing it all wrong. It's like someone's living room meets a dilapidated 70's dive bar... in the best way possible. Everyone is pretty welcoming and polite. The karaoke scene is on point. Try their limited food menu - the tiger burger is really good and they hand-cut their fries. No hard alcohol... but that's for the best at BJJ.
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Eric A.

Yelp
Really great spot. Great people great vibe. No tap, but decent selection. Comedy on thursdays, karaoke on weekends.
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Meaghan B.

Yelp
Karaoke, beer, once-smoky, pool tables with zero felt left - what more could you ask for? Bob's has a lovely selection of wines, as the bartender told my friend one night "red, white and mer-LOT." This was the first bar I visited of-legal-drinking age. (Having been working in the music industry for a number of years and having previously lived in states that were so Puritanical about drinking/dancing establishments, I had been in many, many bars.) It'd definitely something to check out if you just want a beer and possibly some entertaining karaoke.
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Jami L.

Yelp
This place is a Tacoma MUST. I am at a loss for words as to how awesome and funky and amazing this place is. First of all its shaped like a huge teapot and while it looks closed and or condemned it is actually quite open just not till 5pm. They have great double bar seats, cheap burgers and fries. Cheap beer and a pretty good selection. The bartender is endearingly rude and the karaoke guy is a riot. The place is decorated like something out of a cartoon or a old carnival or a...I can't even explain it. Its a dive in the best most unique, intriguing, grimy, grungy, fun kind of way. Go hear, bring friend and out of towners. Its an experience you will remember and there is NO place like it.
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Meredith S.

Yelp
I love Bob's Java Jive. I considered not putting up this review because I don't want it to be overrun by hipsters and change for the worse, although it would probably be good for business. But their Monday night karaoke could use some spicing up! It's been pretty much the same 8 people give or take 2 or 3 random visitors. It would be nice to have a few more people in the rotation - so come on down! I go almost every week to sing because the folks are nice and it sounds good. The Jive is definitely a dive. They have the best hamburgers and fries, too! They also started a Rockband/Guitar Hero night on Sundays - come check it out!
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Bones R.

Yelp
What a crap hole... UNTIL I WENT IN BACK! The back room has a Star Trek pinball machine, and Karaoke, so this is now my favorite place in Seattle... Or Tacoma, I mean.
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Travis V.

Yelp
Bob's Java Jive is Tacoma's hidden gem. Dirty? Yes! Off-putting decor? Yes! Extremely limited menu? Yes! Cheap? Yes! I mean, come on! This place used to have caged bonobo chimps and go-go dancers. Now the Java Jive sits in Nalley Valley like a once popular high school cheerleader. It shows the scars of a life of being rode hard and put away wet. Decorated dollar bills adorn the ceiling, sexualized images are carved in the bar and seats and graffiti in the restroom. What sets the Java Jive apart from the other dives that litter the South Tacoma Way strip is heart. The staff is friendly and caring. The only resemblance of a menu are the random box of food items stapled against the wall. When you order fries, they go in the back and cut up a large potato and fry it just for you. Beyond that, I am not quite sure about the source and quality of food. Karaoke seven nights a week is note worthy. There are a couple of DJs and they are all friendly and fun. The beers are generic and/or cheap, but cold! I will continue to return to this spot, if not only to see Walter sing.
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Hannah L.

Yelp
COFFEE POT BUILDING + dive bar+BANNING KEANU REEVES FOR LIFE= MEGAWESOMAZING The karaoke is always pretty empty, but always awesome, and the guy remembers you. I love the grizzly men who work there. I love the decor and the graffiti (along with the no graffiti sign). I believe your looking for the word "YES"
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Dave E.

Yelp
I give Java Jive 5 stars for WHAT IT IS. If you've not been there, you have NOT seen any place like it. It's funky, cramped, campy, kitschy, dirty (sorry but true), weird, not a "first date" place, and just plain strange. But I go back far enough to remember the caged monkey (orangutan?), and the strange regular "band" that consisted of a dazed ex-heroine junky on the organ and a kinda challenged guy singing the Batman theme song. It was even WEIRDER then. But they have fresh cold PBR on tap, great unhealthy bar food, crappy bands and sometimes good ones, and the decor continues to go downhill which just contributes to the whole Java Jive milieu. The Java Jive is an INSTITUTION. Not a "nice place" and I LOVE it for that. I can go there in a suit and tie, and sit at the bar and have a beer and have no concerns about not fitting in. I can go there with my wife and watch a crappy band (sometimes a good one too) and drink beer and eat popcorn and NONE of the 20-something pierced tatted people give us a second look. I always say you have to experience the Jive at least once before you die. DO it! Not to mention every dollar you spend there helps this struggling little place afloat. If the Jive closed, Tacoma would lose a very cool part of it's heritage. By the way - just noticed it says "full bar" in the main section. NO. IT'S BEER AND WINE ONLY!!! And that's probably a good thing...
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David G.

Yelp
2 choices beer or wine. Awesome karaoke.....got introduced to Thee Moose song....long story. There is a surprise every where you look...especially when it's Pirate Night....great people watching
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Bobo J.

Yelp
We had a great time at Bob's Javajive. The people were so friendly and welcoming! The decor is kooky, but that's just part of it's charm. Note that it's beer and wine only, no mixed drinks, and some tasty fried bar snacks (good fries and spicy mozarella sticks for us). It was a Tuesday night and we were checking out the karaoke...it was pretty much just us, but never let that stop us! JJ is a great karaoke host: played our favorite songs, let us sing as much as we wanted, kept the party lively. And the bartender and another random patron were sweet enough to get my partner free drinks for her birthday. If you're stuck up, don't go here. If you like to have a good time and you're not pretentious, it's a lot of fun. My partner said she had her best birthday in many years.
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Daniel L.

Yelp
Manages to be divey without being skanky. The phrase "ragged glory" comes to mind. I have seen some great, all-too-obscure bands here - it brought out the sweaty best from all of them (I'm thinking of you, Mexican Blackbirds, RC5, Gloryholes, Dollarstore Cowboys, Swinos...). The Java Jive was made for the kind of raunchy, homebrew, guitartastic spawn-of-the-Sonics rocknroll that the kids will - someday - appreciate again. May she live to see that day...
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Constance C.

Yelp
Went here a lonnnnnnnng time ago with a great person, terrific memories and great vibes. It's a terrific place for good burgers and great memories.
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Taj J.

Yelp
Went here with my roommates for the first time a few days ago and I had a great experience. Plenty of people including myself probably have passed by this place never really thinking to stop in. The overall building is lovely to look at. Has a very homey and old school vibe about it. I didn't even care that it was slightly crammed in the bar area and the decor was obviously worn with time. It just worked. I didn't mind that it isn't a liquor bar. People were very friendly and encouraging about exploring the place and getting on that stage. Saw some strangers with lovely voices. Next time I'll try food because we only shared a large plate of fresh made French fries. I would stop in to get that karaoke fix.
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Caitlin S.

Yelp
Heading home from Seattle, being roadside attraction enthusiasts, our group decided to stop and take some pics of this coffee pot shaped bar. After taking a peek inside we could not resist the call of a leopard print bar and decided to go in for a quick beer. We were absolutely enchanted with this bar, it's a mix of kitschy vintage items, local character, and crazy fun garbage! They even have a vintage Star Trek Pinball Machine... It was like a punk rock Pee Wee's Playhouse. Our bartender JR was a complete doll and offered iced water for the ladies while serving up Mac & Jacks and PBR ON TAP! He even took our group picture. Such a gentleman! The local patrons offered great conversation and bar history. It was a cool mix of people and we never felt out of place. The ladies room was suprisingly clean, keeping in mind that I had extremely low expectations, they even had hand lotion. Lol. Our local dive bar doesn't even have a ladies room door sometimes! If you are looking to have a unique bar experience or some "Afternoon Delight" on the Juke Box and don't mind a beer and wine drink menu you have to check this place out... You will not be dissapointed! If you are looking for a more generic, clean-cut place to have a fruity mixed drink... go to Applebees!
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Adele C.

Yelp
Dont sit by the mens bathroom. Its too strong, the urinal cake. But if you want to meet new people & actually make pals...THEN COME TO THE JAVA JIVE dont be scared. Sometimes its fun to have the karaoke guy sign you up for a suicide song. The whole bar ends up way more intruiged because one night me, drew, danny told joe to just put any song up. Drew ended up with the best little mermaid song, speech comedy ive ever heard, & what are you anyways, a talking fish. How does that even work. You have gills.
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Just The G.

Yelp
This place is awesome, and Bob is super cool and he makes great French fries :) despite reading that they only serve beer, I was thrilled to get some great pear cider when I visited :)

Gus J.

Yelp
Used to go to this place quite a bit back in the day, was a fun little dive bar and a great place to have a few drinks and shoot some pool. However the last two times I have tried to come here the entire back room (the best part of the place by far) was taken up by some kids doing a stand up comedy show. Their show took up the entire room for a few hours and made it impossible to do anything (play pool, play the arcade game in the room, etc). This wouldn't have been that bad had the comedy been at least semi decent, but there didn't seem to be any real comedians on the show, just a bunch of college aged friends who seem like they get together just to make each other laugh. It's not a bad bar, I just suggest maybe calling ahead to make sure there isn't a comedy show on the day you go, because from what I heard they do shows there very often.
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Erin M.

Yelp
I wish there were more stars to give the Java Jive, eight is appropriate. You won't get a Maker's and 7, you could get a good story or some bad karaoke, or a mediocre bragging right that you got wasted on PBR in a coffee pot.
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Brooke C.

Yelp
Whoever thinks this is a 5 star place to hang out is out of their mind. What was once a very nostalgic stop and fun place to enjoy a pitcher with friends has seriously gone down hill. It has now become hole in the wall of all hole in the walls and I don't mean that in a good sense. I suppose if you are lonely and need a place to find someone who will talk to you, there is a great bartender who may just fill your ear, but I have seen the Java Jive in its better days and these are not it. The pictures posted with its entry here on Yelp, are from better days, don't be deceived by their attractiveness! Very disappointing.