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Red Hot
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
139 reviews for Red Hot
Review Highlights
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"Great beer selection, almost all really pleasant servers." In 9 reviews -
"Of course peanut butter and bacon tastes good." In 4 reviews -
"PAC AVE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH: Thick gooey bread, thinly..." In 5 reviews
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139 reviews in English
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Review from Ilona H.
ASTORIA, NY
4/4/2012
Om nom nom.
This place was great to go to in the summer. Hell, even when it wasn't hot out it was still nice.
They've got some tasty and creative dogs on the menu, and some pretty great beers and cider to boot.
Sure, sometimes it might be hard to find a seat... but that's usual for a lot of bars, no? That doesn't mean the place is any less wonderful to check out. -
Review from Kayla P.
Tacoma, WA
5/8/2012 13 Check-ins Here
My only complaint about this place is that half the time I come in, there's no seating. Not really their fault. Just means they're popular, and I'm impatient.
Love the beer selection and their sausages. Service is always fast and friendly. -
Review from Laura N.
Tacoma, WA
4/28/2012
Red Hot is a great place for a great beer (and wine) selection. And hot dogs. Of course, hot dogs. They have interesting toppings, and are not crazy-expensive. The ambiance is friendly, occasionally a bit hipster-infested, but whatcha gonna do, right? Bartenders are on top of their game for the most part, albeit a bit surly on occasion. But I have a few friends that work or have worked there, and I hear the owner is a real asshat, so I guess you can't blame them for being cranky sometimes.
My fave dog there has coleslaw and mustard on it. It typically also has chili and onions too, but that's a bit much for me. They've also got one with peanut butter and bacon, also good. And of course, cream cheese and tomatoes, also good.
Beer selection is broad, interesting and quality, and they always have cider too, which I love. Wine selection is not broad, but usually good.
Downsides include lack of ample parking (6th ave street parking can be bad), and lack of ample seating. It's not a huge place, and it fills up fast, so you might end up standing if it's hoppin'.
Red Hot is a Tacoma institution...give it a try! -
Review from Trish S.
Gig Harbor, WA
5/24/2012
Great beers to go with my dog. Always seems busy and can be tough to get a seat. Good problem for them.
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Review from Julie S.
4/1/2012
We were meeting new friends on 6th. They suggested Red Hot, so we went with it. How could you go wrong with beer and hot dogs?
Our only problem was there was no sitting room at 5:30 on a Friday. Just like everyone else in there, we had had a long week and work and just wanted to take a load off. We soon were able to squeeze into a 2 person table.
Now, on the positive side, they had a great local beer selection as well as cider. We let the regulars pick a beer for us. It was perfect! Then we ordered hot dogs. Can't remember the name (mostly local/ witty names, which I'm a sucker for), but mine had cream cheese and onions on it. So good that I still can't believe it was jut a hot dog and two items that I could find in my fridge right now, but it would never taste as heavenly as this.
Bottom line: I'm not a fan of crowds, but I would definitely come back. -
Review from Alex M.
Tacoma, WA
5/20/2012
Great beer selection, good dogs. The staff can be really hit or miss. Closes earlier than the rest of 6th street.
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Review from Mike W.
Olympia, WA
5/1/2012
I wouldn't bother coming here unless you like waiting and staff with an attitude you could go to the bar to ask if there are servers that walk around but expect to get an attitude. Please send someone over as I do not know what the rest of the people at my table want to drink and YES I am well aware it's a bar. Thanks for the attitude it was reallllly needed... The guy that just came on and started helping us was cool. For the most part the crowd is young starving artist looking.
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Review from Chris B.
Updated - 3/7/2012
If you like really good beer and really hot dogs this is the place! The tap list is unreal, amazing and ever changing. The ceiling has all the taps that have been used there, that alone is really impressive.
Now to the hot dogs. My first go-to dog is the RAINIER REUBEN, All beef dog with light stone ground deli mustard, thousand island, sliced all-natural Swiss cheese & sauerkraut. My other favorite is the DESTINY CITY SLAWDOG, Our very own Southern-style coleslaw & our own all meat chili paired up w/onions & yellow mustard. As more dogs are consumed, more reviews will come to follow! Enjoy!Listed in: Beer is bubbling up from my…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/20/2010
I had a friend tell me about Red Hot and raved about the hot dogs and on top of that the beer, so I… Read more »
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Review from Chris S.
Tacoma, WA
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good selection of craft beers for a good price. No frills place with a great vibe. Dont eat meat, but I know that their hot dogs get a lot of press. They do have veretarian dog substitutes that you can sub in for any hotd dog but I have not had the courage to try them yet. You will be finding me here frequently now that I have discovered it.
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Review from Marisa S.
Silverdale, WA
4/29/2012
Great food, but not the best atmosphere. Small bar. I give it 5 stars for the food.
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Review from Brogan A.
Tacoma, WA
2/26/2012
This place has become a staple in my life.... Much like brushing my teeth and sleeping.. They have outstanding food, the price is great.. the staff is friendly, fast and knows their beers. They have a huge rotating selection of some of the best beers around... If you love beer or hot dogs or beer and hot dogs get in there... They only draw back i can find if that they are always busy... so sometimes its hard to find a seat.
Check it out. -
Review from Carady M.
Tacoma, WA
3/4/2012
So let me tell you a funny story. Actually, let me tell you the END of a funny story.
I got married here.
No joke.
We didn't really intend on tying the knot in a bar, but it just kind of worked out that way. It was more "us." We wanted to sit down with our ordained buddy and two witnesses at a place where we could get good beer, dinner, and actually hear each other talk. Little did we know that he let the cat out of the bag, so about 20 people ended up showing up. Luckily it was early and they weren't too packed! We had a lovely--if not unique--ceremony. We were plenty happy with all of that, and then, on top of being awesome and not kicking us out [or even blinking an eye], the bartender picked up our beer tab and gave us a Red Hot emblazoned mason jar as our first wedding gift. We grabbed a bunch of coasters and sharpies, and that mason jar is now our guest book :D
For real though, this place is awesome. They use Hebrew National dogs so you know you're not eating pig rectum and cow lips in a tube. Typical Tacoma tattooed, flat black, grungy divey place, except it's actually really clean--it's all in the ambiance and the crowd. And what kind of brilliant idea is a bar that serves only beer and hot dogs? [that is a hypothetical question, don't answer that!] Super brilliant. They traffic heavily in microbrews, especially of the local/regional and very tasty variety. They'll even pour you a growler to take home. Well, you know, if you pay for it. When I worked for the Best Damn Tattoo Shop in Tacoma, we would call ahead for takeout orders. The place is a little... "cozy"... but I haven't been in late enough to see it fill up. They also have lots of crazy events like movie nights.
I haven't been back as often as I should... but you can bet your ass that since we'll be in town this year, we are totally going back for our anniversary! -
Review from Nick B.
Puyallup, WA
Updated - 4/20/2012
Great little bar, great dogs, the staff is laid back and welcoming. My favorite lunch spot in T-town.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2011
Love the atmosphere in this place. Small, good service, great beer, and a Hilltop… Read more »
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Review from Ryan G.
2/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't know many gourmet hotdog spots so I can safely say that this is one of my favorite gourmet hotdog hangouts from here to infinity. The Red Hot offers some classic hot dog selections while also going out on a limb and offering some crazy collaborations that really aren't done justice by the words that I am typing at this very minute. You really have to try them for yourself.
Staff is friendly...let me reiterate my last statement..as long as you aren't a douche the staff is friendly and is very happy to whip you up whatever you desire.
Haven't drank here yet but the selection of beer is huge and it is always changing.Listed in: Wiener Mania!?
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Review from Kristen F.
Portland, OR
4/1/2012
Unconventional hot dogs for the win. I was up in the Tacoma area at a work training and met a cool local who invited me to Red Hot. The night turned out to be infinitely better than watching crap TV at the Holiday Inn. I had way too much fun, and Red Hot was our first stop. This place is a little slice of Portland in Tacoma with a grimy-cool hipster ambiance. They have a great rotating selection of beers and a Wednesday night wine special. This was the first time I've eaten a dog in years and it was amazing. Red Hot has the most unique and unconventional hot dogs ever. I had a dog topped in bacon, tomato, and mayo. Yum. Definitely check it out for some cheap eats.
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Review from Chantelle E.
Tacoma, WA
12/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Came here last night for the first time, was extremely impressed! Friendly, fast service, great energy in the place, and packed (on a wed night)! The menu is not as long as i had hoped, but what they had on there was pretty authentic. My husband was really impressed with the Chicago dog! They have a great selection of rotating beer and wine.
Weekly drink specials, $4 beers and $4/5 dogs.
We will definitely be back!Listed in: Tacoma Grub
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Review from Kristi E.
Tacoma, WA
2/11/2012
Love this place! It is our go-to hangout. The dogs are great, the beer selection is outstanding, and the great service makes this place even better. The BLT, Destiny City, Ragin' Cajun and frito pie are my standard choices.
This place is the reason I work out as much as I do. -
Review from Sarah E.
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beer and hot dogs... probably the best combo ever! I've been wanting to try this place after hearing amazing things about it from friends and awesome reviews. So, we finally make it here one fine Sunday afternoon. It wasn't busy, so parking was easy. I can see that parking may be an issue on weekends though. Anyway, I tried the Chicago dog and the Hosmer aka peanut butter and bacon dog. The Chicago dog was pretty close to a real Chicago dog, but as always you can't beat the real thing. It is worth noting that their relish is home made and was delicious! The Hosmer was freakin' amazing! Ii love peanut butter and I love bacon, and there was the perfect amount of each.
I was a bit bummed about their beers on tap. They didn't have any that sounded good. They rotate them out constantly, so that's a good thing. They serve sodas in cans and don't have iced tea, which pretty much makes you order a beer. Which isn't always a bad thing. -
Review from Mallory S.
Boston, MA
Updated - 1/2/2012
The Red Hot still holds up as a great local bar and the best place for hot dogs in Tacoma. This time I tried the Destiny City Slaw dog (chili, yellow mustard, coleslaw) and loved it. My mom, brother and husband all raved about their selections as well.
For $8 you can have a delicious craft beer (great selection on tap that rotates regularly) and a hot dog. Perfect!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/31/2010
I am so excited to finally write this review. I used to live, work and play nearby and then I moved… Read more »
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Review from Quinn R.
12/2/2011
It's good to have a reason to travel to places. Before I'd travel to Tacoma cuz they have a gun range, now I'll travel to Tacoma because they have really REALLY good hot dogs.
Putting "really" in front of a weak adjective to describe Red Hot is a horrible disservice to this place but my mind is still filled with hot beef....hmm I should rethink that last sentence.
In short I went here for beer and hotdogs and was incredibly pleased. I had the Tacoma Boys BLT and some sort of Pilsner. I'll be back soon..really soon. -
Review from Marta C.
Tacoma, WA
9/5/2011
If you're looking for a place to relish in, look no further than Red Hot to ketchup with friends and find great staff...
I'm not the biggest hot dog person, in fact, I refuse to eat hot dogs, but bratwurst, now that's a meal I can sink my teeth into. Thank you, Red Hot, for expanding upon the possibilities one can do with a hot dog bun. The Ragin' Cajun brat, accompanied by some filthy nachos, and an ice cold beer, perfect combo of spicy and sweet! -
Review from Stacey C.
Tacoma, WA
4/21/2012
Great beer variety and tasty dogs. The staff are friendly
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Review from Paul R.
Tacoma, WA
2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great spot. The hilltop dog was delicious!
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Review from Joe G.
Tacoma, WA
8/30/2011
I have 3 words; Cheesey, Italian, Beef!!! Holy hot mess of awesome flavor!!! Red Hot is known for their hot dogs, which are tasty, tasty hot dogs, but you have to have the cheesey Italian beef. It is a meld of meaty, cheesey, sloppy, juicy goodness. And it is fun!
The staff is very friendly, the prices are right, and the beer list is amazing. If you haven't visited the Red Hot it is one to stop and enjoy. -
Review from Tim G.
Seattle, WA
8/3/2011
If you love hot dogs, you will love Red Hot. If you don't love hot dogs, you probably don't like food at all and shouldn't be reading this review.
The people are Red Hot are amazingly friendly, the service was fast and the fare was delicious. Their all-meat chili doesn't hurt either and we also tried the Frito-pie, which when covered in their all-meat chili and a good cheese sauce, was incredible as well.
And if you go on Wednesday, it is $3 beers. -
Review from Deena M.
Tacoma, WA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
As soon as I walked into this place I knew I liked it. Atmosphere is laid back, music was good and the employees are super friendly and down to earth. I appreciate the straightforward menu and impressive beer selection. Hot dogs are cheap and scrumptious as are the old school, salty, addictive 'nachos'.
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Review from Colleen C.
Tacoma, WA
9/21/2011
It's hard to know what to say about the Red Hot because so many people have covered it. Great dogs and great beers, yeah yeah yeah...no doubt!
I think the COOLEST thing about the Red Hot is all the characters you meet when you are hanging out there, both behind the bar and sitting on the stool next to you. A good cross section of Tacoma gathering in a small space to BS, heckle, meet up, watch sports, jaw, eat some dogs and pound some beers. The other great thing is the music fascism - the staff picks the music, and they have serious taste and opinions, it's not your usual bar background noise. The owners and bartenders are beyond colorful, and don't worry, if they give you a bunch of crap, it (probably) means they like you.
Filthy nachos with extra slaw and jalapenos and a cold pale ale is my eff the diet meal - unparalleled ungourmet! -
Review from Stephanie B.
Tacoma, WA
1/3/2012
This is five stars for doing two things --and doing both well: beer and hot dogs. Yes they also have wine and cider. Yes there are sandwiches and chili and other snacks. But he dogs and the beers are the stars. Nice vibe - was there twice in the last week and the service was warm and friendly both times. Got the reuben dog and the destiny slaw dog. Both were great. This is a pub, 21 and over only. Top marks!
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Review from Peggy sue R.
Puyallup, WA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great hot dogs, atmosphere is unique. Went here with my husband as a get away night and I enjoyed the food and company. I would definitely recommend this place to others.
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Review from Katie O.
Puyallup, WA
1/4/2012
pros: clean, awesome, fun, friendly, delicious, inexpensive, good specials, rotating taps, wine, cider, veggie dogs, good music, movie nights and you can buy your wedding dress or get your dog groomed on the same block
cons: if you are from Tacoma, your ex probably goes there as well -
Review from Ashley F.
Tacoma, WA
1/18/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I have only been here once but that one time has left a wonderful memory to get back there again. It's a small place but has a lot of personality. I had a Chicago dog which was great,the hot dogs they use have great flavor and have that snap that any really good hot dog would have. The only thing that I will complain about is the parking but what's new in these parts I suggest get there early if that's the only place you are going to visit on 6th street.
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Review from Michael K.
Seattle, WA
3/22/2011
I held out... I avoided at all costs... How hard is it to make a flippin' hot dog... All of these five star reviews keep flooding in... Mikal's poem is pretty terrible... Alright I'll try the damn hot dogs.
Ruston Ragin' Cajun - I sat simply breathing for a moment after this one arrived. It smelled so good my stomach started doing a tantric dance inside of my body. The first bite was explosive. The flavor, the juices, the slight crunch of a perfectly prepared bun... God... It's a hot dog... how did you guys do this... Spicy Andouille is my favorite thing in the world when I'm willing to ignore the fat content, and man, they do it right. I was sweating (ever so slightly) when I finished this masterpiece, and I sat wishing I had a beer. Luckily, i had two.
Hosmer Hound - Ummm... Seriously WTF. It's not that I'm surprised... Of course peanut butter and bacon tastes good... but... I mean... WTF.
Italian Beef w/ Cheese - Oy Vey... I can't believe how good this was... I don't even want to get into the flavors and tenderness of the beef and perfect bread and melty cheese... I'm really, really angry at my chewy granola bar right now.
I'm not sure how I feel about this whole thing. I'm looking forward to BBQ season with great anticipation and yet, am I now doomed to make second rate brats and dogs? Here are your five stars... jerks. -
Review from Giovanna G.
Bay Area
Hot Dog Bar. Need I say more? This place is really relaxed. Its a good place to hang out have a beer and plenty of hot dogs! I like the Apple/Pear Cider. Don't laugh I am not a beer drinker especially dark beer. Ack!
I do know about the hot dogs though. I think most are $3.75. The hot dogs are juicy, the sausage link was good, bread was soft , toppings fresh and crunchy. I am notorious for going to a place that is famous for one thing and ordering something completely different. I was tempted to order an Italian Beef Sandwich but I got the evil eye from my guy.
Yup, they have an Italian Beef and even one with a hot dog inside of it! Might be overkill but you only live once. Anyway, something to try next time. Oh and you can also build your own hot dog.
This place is definitely on the Hot List.
BTW don't ask for water because they'll get annoyed. "I'll refill your glass this time but FYI there's a self serve pitcher in the back" OK EMO dude you could've told me that without the eye roll. JK don't spit in my food. -
Review from Crystal K.
Federal Way, WA
1/22/2012
What goes better with beer than a warm, juicy Chicago-style hot dog? That's right, nothing. That's why The Red Hot in Tacoma is pretty much my favorite place to be in Western Washington on a week night. Just hold the mustard.
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Review from Kim P.
Finally, I get the chance to make it here!!! The only gripe is being a parent and this establishment is a 21 and over spot but it isn't going to detour from me giving them 5 stars, it just took a little longer to get away and make a visit.... and visit again soon we will!!!
The staff/owners were very friendly, we sat at the bar. Both Hubby and I tried a different board selection that each employee picked out from the available taps. We each sampled and agreed, more please!
We had the Frito pie which was deelicious, not too hard to mess that up. I tried the Ruston Ragin' Cajun, as I tend to like the spicier things and it did have a kick to it! My honey had the tideflats and that's one of the best I'm told, I had a bite and would agree.
Overall this will be a spot we will visit again and keep on the list of quick eats and drinks at a good price!!!
Wooo hoooo, Red Hot!!!! -
Review from B K.
Portland, OR
6/25/2011 2 photos
Red Hot screams t-loke (Tacoma-local) central.
For a few bucks, this all-beef, mustardy; plump; juicy; onions, peppers, tomatoes, and relish-loaded hot dog with a poppyseed bun is pretty freakin good. They have turkey and veggie dogs to satisfy most, and a beer selection that isn't half bad. I had a delicious porter.
What do you know, a dog and a beer pair well together, and I didn't even feel that bad after a dog and a half with a beer. Their friendly bartenders are a plus. Service was pretty fast which was great. The only downside might be finding seating...the joint is pretty small, but it is packed with regulars. -
Review from Leah C.
10/27/2011
Friendly. Fast. Full of locals. Large selection of beers on tap, rotates daily. Two vegan options include a standard hot dog plus a brat, both available with tons of fixings.
Listed in: 253
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Review from Rick V.
Tacoma, WA
3/10/2012 1 photo
No BS. Just good beer, good hot dogs and great people! Frequently rotating handles focused on craft breweries. A definite go-to spot.
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Review from Kim J.
Seattle, WA
4/25/2011
Great beer joint. Great hot dogs. Great atmosphere. Service has just the right degree of surliness mixed with preferential treatment for regulars. This is a good thing in my book.
Summertime means the beer patio opens and even more taps are flowing. Makes this Seattleite consider moving to T-town. -
Review from Mat R.
Seattle, WA
3/2/2011
The quick review:
-Nice beer selection, with a wide range of tastes (from Rainier tall boys to micro IPAs)
-Awesome dogs. I personally recommend the 6th St Strangler, I had two! :)
-A bit small, so you'll be hard pressed to find a place to set your beer during busy times.
-Nice staff, good music
I'll have to head down to Tacoma more often!
