Hear Ye: The Forum is Puyallup's New 'It' Place

Nestled in near the corner of South Meridian and Pioneer Ave. is a new American gastropub, serving local food and a social atmosphere that lives up to its name.

The Forum, owned by Tim Mellema, opened July 17 and has been buzzing ever since, playing 2000s rock music and bringing people together.

"It's a really great feeling in here later in the evenings when it starts getting packed," manager Jonah Elliott said. "We want people to stay here for a long time and spend time with each other."

Unlike many pubs which focus on English or Irish heritage, the Forum produces food found across America, such as the Cuban sandwich ($9.95) and shrimp po' boy ($9.95). 

Elliott said the Cuban, which consists of pork and ham on a baguette, has been most popular. Happy hour favorites such as corn dogs and bruschetta are also community favorites.

The po' boy, also on a baguette, has a nice kick in the seasoning, with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. The Caesar salad that came with it had the perfect combination of dressing and parmesan cheese, with a richness I've hardly ever tasted in a salad.

The drink list is also quite extensive. The Forum has invested in local breweries and distilleries, including Parliament in Sumner. Even more importantly, their interest in local food and drink extends to the local people who stop by.

"Someone came in here the other night whose mortgage I did 15 years ago," Mellema said.

While Elliott and Mellema are still working through the kinks of running a new pub, they indicated that they can fix anything the minute it comes up. For instance, one night, when 400 customers came through within a 5-hour period, they ran to Safeway to get 62 liters of Coca-Cola when the machine stopped working. 

The Forum is nothing too fancy, but it is a cozy place for a meal and a chat. Happy hour runs from 2-6 p.m. daily and 9-close every day except Friday and Saturday. It's located at 208 S. Meridian.