DINGODANGO Travels – Mission Log #001
Date: April 15th, 2025
Location: McMenamins Elks Temple, Tacoma, WA
Mood: Ecstatic | Slightly Haunted | Very Well Fed
How To Get There
Getting to the Elks Temple is part of the adventure. If you’re driving, most of the parking is on Broadway Street, right near the main entrance. There are a few free spots, but most are paid with a two-to-three-hour limit. You’ll need to refill the meter depending on how long you plan to stay.
There’s also parking down below near the light rail stop, which sits at the very bottom of the hill next to the Bottle Shop. It’s a bit pricier—anywhere from five to twenty bucks depending on duration.
Pro tip: Take the free light rail from the Tacoma Dome parking lot—it’s a quick 10-minute ride and drops you off right in front of the Bottle Shop. Just remember, it stops running at 10 PM.
Arrival & First Impressions
Enter from Broadway and you’re on the fourth floor, the main level. You’ll immediately see the McMenamins Pub straight ahead, and if you take a left, you’ll find the hotel check-in desk and foyer area. Here, you can:
Hotel Check-In
McMenamins Passport Stamps
Buy souvenirs or merch
The Fourth Floor: McMenamins Pub
Visiting on Friday or Saturday night? Reservations highly recommended but not required. If you don’t mind waiting, you’ll have no shortage of bars and lounges on-site to keep you entertained while you wait for a table.
At the pub, go right to the bar or wait to be seated by the host. Cozy, classic pub vibes with vintage décor and artwork galore.
Upper Levels: Floors Five, Six, and Seven
These are hotel-only floors. Rooms are cozy, colorful, and loaded with personality—perfect for winding down after exploring.
The sixth floor also features unique wall art, which ties into the McMenamins scavenger hunt. Stop by the front desk for clues and keep your eyes open.
The Third Floor: Vault Secrets & Games at Doc’s
Access by elevator or stairs at either end. Hidden behind a secret door is The Vault—a moody, underground-feeling bar (no food) with light filtering in from the sidewalk above. Glows at night. It’s spooky in the best way.
Doc’s Bar is also here with:
- Pool Tables
- Shufflelboard
- Pinball Machines
The Second Floor: Spanish Bar & Ballroom
Spanish Bar offers its own exclusive food and drink menu. Outdoor seating on the Spanish Steps is ideal on nice days, with great views of Commencement Bay.
Also on this floor: the entrance to the Spanish Ballroom—hosting concerts, comedy, and dance nights.
Bonus: free guided tours leave from the Bottle Shop:
- Weekdays @ 3pm
- Weekends @ 2pm
Meet at the Bottle Shop!
The First Floor: The Old Hangout & Bottle Shop
Access via stairs, elevator, or from the light rail stop. If The Old Hangout is closed (usually opens 3 PM), access may be limited. Check hours first.
The Old Hangout features:
- A covered bar
- Water feature & fountain
- Fire pit table seating
- Mainly booth seatings
- Menu leans spicy and tropical. Great vibes!
Bottle Shop & Brewery Tasting Room, offering:
- Beer, wine, and spirits to go
- Local gifts and merch
- Fresh pours from the Elks Temple Brewery
(No tours offered, but still worth a visit!)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Passport
If it’s your first time visiting a McMenamins, grab a Passport. They cost $35 and give you access to a scavenger-hunt style experience across all McMenamins properties. It easily pays for itself in rewards.
This location offers lots of stamps—from each bar to the bottle shop and hotel check-in.
Food-wise? Go for the tater tots and burgers. Specials vary, so check the menu. Some locations offer regional or seasonal dishes too.
All in all, the Elks Temple is more than a place to eat or stay—it’s a full-on experience. History, mystery, cocktails, music, art… all under one roof. You’ll leave with stories—and maybe even a new stamp or two.