Bob’s Java-Jive

Currently my favorite bar in the Seattle Tacoma Olympia area. It is a dive alright; quirky, kitschy, eclectic, and run down, but it’s a blast. Decent karaōke. Fun crowd!
The bartenders and owner are great.
My primary complaint is that the pink things they have in the troth urinal in the men’s bathroom are too strongly fragranced and they will smell up your clothes if you’re in the bathroom for more than a few seconds. You don’t want to sit in the seating right by the bathroom either for the same reason.
My secondary complaint is, again, about smell – I wish they’d use something like Zep industrial degreaser instead of pine sol, something that doesn’t leave behind such a strong fragrance.
But those are trivial complaints, which is why I still give this a 5 star rating.

The place smelled like a skunk got hit by a shit wagon and covered up with pine sol I could barely stand being in there 30 minutes

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 karaōke, 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!

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 :)

Finally got a chance to check out this spot, after years of driving by/​near it, but never doing so. Kind of kicking myself for not coming here while I lived closer!
Despite the giant-​coffee pot architecture (Totally vintage Americana), and the name of the place, it’s not a coffee spot, but a total dive bar, and a damn fine one at that. Cheap booze, thrashed, but cozy and comfortable booth seats, random writing/​art all over the walls, live music, and greasy food. Basically, the ideal type of no-​frills hang-​out spot, as far as I’m concerned!
If you like dives, this one certainly won’t disappoint!

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!

Well… What to say about bobs. It’s a tea pot. With a coffee name. That’s actually a bar. Took me a few years to be brave enough to go in, but now I’m glad I did. Come as you are. This is a place for weirdos, hipsters, alcoholics, the cool kids, and everyone else. You might see a cross dresser singing karaōke, or some trendy young parents on date night making out in the corner. The middle of it feels like you’re in a Tarantino movie, and the bar feels like you’re in a small town diner. It’s a great hangout spot, away from the pushy crowds but with just enough people to have a ‘we’re all in this together’ vibe. Everybody knows everybody, so be on good behavior, if you make fun of the cross dresser belting out some great tunes it’s very likely that the huge guy in the corner alone with a beer is gonna stick up for them. If you like dive bars with a lot of character and heart, you won’t find better. A Tacoma institution and for good reason.

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 karaōke 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 karaōke 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.

2 choices beer or wine. Awesome karaōke… 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

If you’re a musician looking to book at Java Jive, this is all you need to see in terms of how their booker Brandon Cassette speaks to bands:
so professional of you! for the record, Neko Case tended here for years, the Ventures were the house band for years, everyone who is anyone has played here (and continues to do so)…so good luck with your shitty music, looks will only get you so far
Completely ridiculous and unnecessary. Good luck getting bands like ‘Neko case’ to play your bar again. I would give this ZERO stars but it made me select 1.

My parents used to frequent this bar years ago in law school and I’m assuming not much has changed. It has a lot of character and spunk! The hosts were all very friendly, welcoming and eager to please. It was a night of karaōke for better or worse. They have a great cider selection, as a friend asked about. Apparently the chili burger was delicious as were the fries (which I did eat). Highly recommended. But loud. As are most bars. Great funky spot. Enjoy it! Oh, the (Star Trek!!) pinball machine might take the ball away for a bit but it did end up giving it back, thankfully. The prices were cheap and it is a dive bar but honestly, even though I’ve read other reviews stating otherwise it was fairly clean. The bathrooms were respectable and usable. Good place. If you’re looking for funky, karaōke, beer, chili burgers and company this is the place. Definitely going back.

Dive bar nirvana. Drink beer from a can, only.

I love tha Java Jive! Its in an amazing historical building shaped like a coffeepot. Its a dive, but in the best sense ever. No pretensions, cheep beer, and lots and lots of fun! The jungle burger is delicious too. I always end up happily dancing to karaōke at some point before I leave too.

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.

the java jive is the most tacoma place in tacoma. a landmark, a tradition, and practically all that remains of our cultural past. built as a dine & dance joint in the 20s, then morphed into a rock club for the nascent garage/​punk scene in the early 60s (think the sonics and the wailers), this roadside attraction is shaped like a giant coffee pot and like alice’s wonderland, holds a mysterious variety of spaces inside. come here for a cheap pitcher of coors and a «jungle burger»: a basic frisko freeze-​style cheeseburger that’s absolutely tasty and cooked to order. karaōke most nights, and occasional live music with a dance floor. just a great hang.

Almost got weepy at the excellent karaōke. A place where we knew we weren’t being catered to, and it was good.

Ah, the Java Jive. It’s a Tacoma landmark. It’s survived through the decades and changing fads and music styles, and still stands as a monument to a bygone era. That’s where my praise ends though. Bob’s Java Jive is the dive bar of all dive bars. Yeah, it’s fine to visit just to say you’ve been there, which I did, but you don’t want to stay too long. Located in Tacoma’s horrible industrial area north of the Tacoma Mall, the Java Jive still stands out and can be seen from the freeway. My experience there was a nightmare a few years ago. I remember going with a couple friends. I literally stood at the bar for more than five minutes, while others walked up and were served immediately. The bar was not busy at all either. I turned to my friend and said «what the hell? Do I have to stand five feet to the right to get served?» Turns out yes. I stepped over a few feet and was served right away. Glared at the scumbag bartender like I was going to kill him. Got a beer and sat down near the front. Before I could enjoy it, a drunk woman walked in, swung her purse and knocked over my beer. I looked at the bartender and waited for a response. Again, there was none. Finally yelled «Hey, can I get some help?» He rolled his eyes, then threw, yes threw a paper towel roll at me! Thanks buddy. I cleaned the mess up myself, then asked if I could get a replacement beer. His response was «Yeah, Four bucks». I was on the verge of exploding by that point. I followed drunk lady outside and informed her of what she did. She was actually apologetic and gave me the money I spent on the beer. I took the cash and went to a different bar, though… one that didn’t treat me like crap. So now I can say I’ve been there and seen it. Will I go back? Hell No!

Bob’s Java Jive is Tacoma’s hidden gem. Dirty? Yes! Off-​putting décor? 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.
Karaōke 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.

This place is great for having fun and letting loose with good friends. Pool and a few video games, Karoke, and some totally random bands! I have always had fun here. Knowing the history of the place makes it even cooler. How can you not have fun in a place shaped like a teapot?!

Don’t call the bartender «Super-​Dave»!
He is a great sport and put up with our craziness.
Cheap PBR and fun karaōke!