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PHOTO BY BEN MILLER

DOG HOUSE. The Red Hot has become a popular destination on the Sixth Avenue bar circuit.

Tacoma flavor abounds at new hot spot

By John Larson

After Chris Miller got hurt on the job as a carpenter, an injury that put a halt to his career in construction work, he pondered two ideas: opening a bar or a hot dog stand. Regulations on the latter made him back off on a dog stand. He decided to combine the ideas and open a tavern that served hot dogs. “I like that basic idea,” Miller remarked.

The Red Hot was born seven months ago. Located at 2914 Sixth Ave., the establishment often draws people for a drink or bite to eat before hitting shows at Jazzbones or Hell’s Kitchen.

Miller’s family has owned bars on the East Coast where he grew up. Back there children are allowed in bars and Miller wanted to recreate the atmosphere and practices of the neighborhood taverns he remembers from his youth. As an example, he serves beer in pint glasses, not plastic cups.

The walls are adorned with historic photographs of Tacoma and other items that celebrate the city’s history and heritage, such as pennants for the Tacoma Rainiers and Tigers and old maps. “I have more, I just don’t have time to put it all up,” Miller remarked.

Hot dogs with names like Murray Morgan Bridge Brat, 6th Ave. Strut, Naked Narrows and Ruston Ragin’ Cajun prove the place is in touch with the local flavor.

Miller has lived in cities around Puget Sound and has called Tacoma home for the past 10 years. He wanted to open his business in the City of Destiny. “People here care about their city,” he observed.

They seem to care about their brews and dogs as well. An indication of the bond that Tacomans have formed with The Red Hot is its selection as Best New Business in Tacoma Weekly’s Best of Tacoma readers’ poll. Miller attributes his success to selecting a location on Sixth Avenue and low price points.

The Red Hot is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. For more information call (253) 779-0229.

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