The header above is the original 2018 site banner — its links are part of the picture. To move around this archive, use the “Site navigation” menu just below, or the “Start here” links at the top of the page. The photos for the guide will be re-added over time.
Restaurants & Eating Out
Recovered from the Internet Archive capture of 15 March 2018. Images not recovered: 4.
Restaurants & Eating Out
Local Treasures, Community Quality
The Menu: How it Works
image: Picture
Every restaurant in this Guide is local: Eating here guarantees you original, homemade foods or house specialties that can't be claimed by a restaurant chain or franchise. Below are select recommendations from our community across a wide variety of eating experiences.
We tell you who our Sponsors are: We invited them personally because they are great examples of the quality of life our community provides, and they support our work financially.
When you visit, tell them we referred you, and that you appreciate them supporting Artists 4 Life in the Sound.
We tell you who our Sponsors are: We invited them personally because they are great examples of the quality of life our community provides, and they support our work financially.
When you visit, tell them we referred you, and that you appreciate them supporting Artists 4 Life in the Sound.
|
Antique Sandwich Company Ruston
5102 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407 (253) 752-4069 Website Homemade goodness and the Magic Victory: Milkshakes, fresh squeezed OJ, house crafted salad dressings, breakfast and sandwiches to die for and more make this quintessential Northwest palace an authentic delight. Community pillars for decades running, the spirit and quality of these environs are unlike you will experience anywhere else on earth. We love them so much we created their own page. Marrow Kitchen & Bar 6th Ave 2717 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 267-5299 http://marrowtacoma.com/ I vote this Tacoma’s most unique meal for under $20. Most of us have never had anything like it. Great drinks, Veg friendly, Fantastic Burgers. . Quickie Too Hilltop 1324 Martin Luther King Jr Way; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 572-4549 http://www.hillsidequickie.com/ Tasty, vegan Jamaican Barbecue ? Well, yes. This is many a local’s absolute favorite dish in town - can’t get this anywhere else off island. Over The Moon Cafe Downtown 709 Court C/Opera Alley; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 284-3722 http://www.overthemooncafe.net/ Tue-Thu 11a-8p; Fri-Sat 11a-9p Make reservations with the loved one to enjoy this little hidden treasure - European and Northwest fare paired with fine wines will not disappoint. 1111 (a Bar) 1111 So. 11th St.; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 284-1111 facebook Beer and sandwiches with a good staff have created an instant hit for the Tacoma Hilltop. Good opportunity to experience what we here consider a solid choice for an evening out for a basic $9 sandwich we'll enjoy. Hilltop Kitchen 913 Martin Luther King Way Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 327-1397 website Hours:Mon-Sat 3p - 1:30a Kris Keil's visionary dedication to establishing quality food craft in Hilltop is well established with an unparalelled history of highest-quality craft our neighborhood (and maybe our city) has ever known. His pioneering work continues with partner Matthew Schweitzer in this newest manifestation of truly forward-thinking Northwest fare. Discover the detail and dedication to craft on Post Defiance here. Maxwell’s Restaurant & Lounge Downtown - Theater 454 Saint Helens Ave; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 683-4115 www.maxwells-tacoma.com Both romantic and professional, this space is versatile - don’t hesitate to bring a date, host a business luncheon, or just hit up happy hour at the bar. Much of Maxwell’s food is locally sourced, all of it is high quality and fully deserving of their delicious reputation. A great place for private parties, business meetings and special occasions, too. Tatanka Take-Out Ruston 4915 North Pearl Street; Ruston, WA 98407 (253) 752-8778 http://www.naturalchoice.net/review/tatanka.htm Bison . . and Vegan - side by side make this a place for you and everyone. They call their burrito the “Flawless” for a reason: It is. And fresh squeezed lemonade refreshes. Bison, in fact, is one of the leanest, healthiest meats you can feed your body, and is available here in a wide variety of forms, cooked, and also packaged fresh for preparation at home. Be friendly and they’re likely to share cooking tips. Indochine Asian Dining Lounge Downtown (Multiple Locations) 924 Pacific Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 272-8200 http://indochinedowntown.com/ 4612 North Pearl Street; Tacoma, WA 98407 Ruston (253) 761-2727 http://indochinepearl.com/ Amazing asian dining in a beautiful, well lit atmosphere, just about every artist or person of taste in Tacoma appreciates this place. Up for fine, affordable Asian cuisine? Indochine is among our local, family-owned finest. The Red Hot 6th Ave 2914 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 779-0229 http://beerandhotdogs.wordpress.com/ Mon-Thu 11a-11p; Fri-Sat 11a-12a; Sun 11a-10p Hot dogs and beer - oh dear ! They’ll make ‘em pretty much any way you like it, and have a great selection of genuinely good beers here. Sushi Tama Restaurant 6th Ave. 3919 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 761-1014 I love this place. An unassuming exterior hides the personable, cozy touch these beautiful people provide. The sushi is always delicious and fresh, as reasonably priced as anything in this town, it’s a great place to sneak away. Excellent choice for a good, casual experience with your loved one, but equally nice for a table of 6 with friends. Good conversation space. Affairs Chocolate & Desserts University Place 2811 Bridgeport Way W #15; University Place, WA 98466 (253) 565-8604 http://www.affairs-chocolate.com/ Tues - Thurs: 8a-11a Breakfast; 11a-3p Lunch *Bakery open to 4p. Fri. & Sat: 8a-12p Breakfast; 12p-3p Lunch *Bakery open to 4p. Sunday: 8a-2p Breakfast only Infinite Soups Downtown 445 Tacoma Avenue South; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 274-0232 http://infinitesoups.com/ Many of us simply love this place - they have a huge variety of fresh-made, unique and traditional soups. Not for sit-down, stop in and pick up! Puget Sound Pizza Downtown 317 South 7th Street; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 383-4777 Mon 11a-9p; Tue - Fri: 11a-2a; Sat 9a-2a; Sun 9a-9p So worthy I built them their own page here 1022 South Hilltop 1022 South J Street; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 627-8588 http://1022south.com/ Mon 4p-11a; Tue 4p-11p; Wed-Thu 4p-12a; Fri-Sun 4p-2a It is difficult to overstate the refined character and quintessential elegance of 1022 South, its masterpiece cocktails or its menu - the hundred last bars you visited do not compare to this. Nestled up in the Hilltop neighborhood, the owner and staff realize what the NY Times calls “home to some of the most fascinating apothecary cocktail work on the West Coast.” The atmosphere here is refined yet ultimately approachable - 1022 is the exceptional example of highest grade Artesian fare made accessible to every kind of person, and typifies the Progressive nature of our city with an elegance and class beyond any familiar experience. Every mixer is made in house, more than 40 herbal liqueurs with 35 selections of whiskey are offered with a carefully chosen display of small-batch rums. Hand crafted infusions titillate; fine, simple foods satiate; the atmosphere befits the divine. Passer-through: Love yourself, and do not miss this place. Galanga Thai Cuisine Downtown 1129 Broadway; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 272-3393 Mon - Fri 11a - 9p; Sat, 5p - 9p See listing under “Linking in - Mad Hat Station” Cloverleaf Pizza 6th Ave / Pearl 6430 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98406-2024 (253) 565-1111 www.cloverleafpizza.com Mon-Thur 5p-9p; Fri 5p-10p Sat 11:30 a-10p; Sun 11:30a-9p A Tacoma tradition 50 years and running, the Cloverleaf might be our best loved pizza spot. Football and $2 Dos Equis nights and more . . The New Frontier Lounge Downtown 301 E. 25th Street; Tacoma, WA 98421 (253) 572-4020 http://thenewfrontierlounge.com/ Tue-Fri 4p-2a; Weekends 6p-2a Music in Tacoma starts here. The menu is better-than-normal bar food, and good music food - pizza, great burritos, good crispy tots and more. Our generation’s benchmark for live, independent music, the NFL is a quintessential Northwest music venue that inspires respect from every corner of Northwest music culture. It's clean, has the city's only .25 cent pool table, and on any given night you can expect everything from flamenco to metal to indie rock to a cello project. Check their website for show dates, times and details. Google the bands, see what you like, and attend (enjoy tasty vittles like burritos and crispy tots, and cocktails including Tacoma’s “Best White Russian”). The Harmon Brewery & Eatery Downtown 1938 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 383-2739 http://harmonbrewingco.com/ See listing under “Linking in - Union Station.” Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe McKinley 3529 Mckinley Ave; Tacoma, WA 98404-2162 (253) 272-1502 http://www.topoftacoma.com Mon - Fri 2p~2a; Sat & Sun Noon ~ 2a Cafe Hours Sun-Wed Open - 11Pm; Thurs- Sat Open -1AM See listing under “Bars & Dives”. More a Bar than dive, worth your visit. Pho V & V Southside 5434 South Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 475-6165 www.phovandv.com Tacoma’s first NO MSG Pho restaurant, this noodle house is run by mom and pop, so you know the food is homemade and authentic. Fine-tune the flavor by adding lime, fresh basil, fish sauce, and bean sprouts. Adjust the sweet and spicy scale with homemade hoisin sauce or Sriracha. Great spring rolls. Some personal input, some adopted from website Pacific Grill Downtown 1502 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 627-3535 www.pacificgrilltacoma.com See listing under “Linking in - Convention Center Station.” Villa Bistro and Imbibery Downtown 1328 Market St, Tacoma, WA (253) 222-4184 www.thevillacaffe.com A great little delicatessen, enjoy handcrafted beverages, excellent salads, malt waffles, gourmet paninis, croissant sammies and much more. Or, have a seat at the bar and enjoy a Margarita made from scratch. Hob Nob Stadium 716 South 6th Avenue Tacoma, WA (253) 272-3200 http://hobnobtacoma.com/ Pho Bac 1115 S 11th St, Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 272-7270 Many a Tacomans favorite place for pho, also try their real deal iced Vietnamese Coffee. Pho King Hilltop 1020 Martin Luther King Jr Way; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 272-6287 Not just a pho 'n good name, Hilltoppers eat here and not many other places - legitimate vegetarian options here. Vuelva a la Vida Eastside 5310 Pacific Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98408 (253) 473-7068 The best mexican food in this town, la Vida serves authentic style mexican food, fresh daily. Known for their tamales, also enjoy the carne asada, taco platters and more. Large portions, best in town and a great value. The Shanghai House Downtown 1126 Commerce St.; Tacoma, WA 98402 or 1127 Broadway (back door, downstairs) (253) 627-1859 www.shanghaihouserestaurant.net MSM (Magical Sandwich Makers) Grocery II & Deli 6th Ave 2220 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98403 (253) 272-4814 Best subs in town - hands down. Call in your order if you like to - there will probably be a line when you show up. Wait for it . . Magic is true. Shakabra Java 6th Ave 2618 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 572-2787 Good cafe food in a casual atmosphere, the ‘bra serves up tasty foods on big plates all day. Great for breakfast. Southern Kitchen Central 1716 6th Avenue Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 627-4282 www.southernkitchen-tacoma.com Getcha catfish on with our best fried chicken, okra, gumbo, cornbread stuffing and more in one our most locally and nationally awarded restaurants. It’s Greek to Me Central 1703 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 272-1375 Driving up to 6th Ave from Stadium or Downtown, you can’t miss this place - and if you enjoy gyros and scrumptious salads, you don’t want to. Old Milwakee Cafe & Dessert Co. 6th Ave 3102 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 761-2602 Serving thick sliced bacon, cinnamon roll french toast, pancake mounds, hash browns, scones, scrambles and more, Old Milwakee is down-home style cooking at its finest. Usually pretty busy - stop in a little earlier than you actually want to eat. Great people, fantAstic biscuits & gravy. Mediterranean Palace Eastside 430 E 25th St # 22; Tacoma, WA 98421 (253) 272-0845 www.palacemediterranean.com They take a lot of pride using only fine, fresh ingredients, and experience real joy doing what they do. The claim to have the best Greek food in Tacoma. They might well be. Frisco Freeze Stadium 1201 Division Ave; Tacoma, WA 98403 (253) 272-6843 http://friskofreeze.com/ Maybe our greasiest eatery, Frisco’s the boss for burgers, milkshakes and fries. Closest comparison is Dick’s burgers in Seattle - Tacoma style. Sakura Japanese Steak House Southside 3630 South Cedar Street Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 475-1300 www.sakurasteakhouse.com The food here is grilled in front of you, sushi is also available, and you’ll enjoy the flames, knife tricks and food flips. Check website for coupons. Fish House Cafe Hilltop 1814 Martin Luther King Jr Way; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 383-7144 1814 Flipping Out Burger S. 12th / Proctor 4008 South 12th St.; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 267-7002 Inexpensive, good quality burgers - right next to Hidden Treasures and Mandolin Cafe. University Place Gyro Downtown 1914 Pacific Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 572-9737 Inexpensive Gyros loaded how you like, quick lunch specials, tasty fries. Peanut Sauce Thai Cuisine Southside / Mall 5003 Tacoma Mall Blvd #105; Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 475-4889 A huge vegetarian menu that is easily made vegan if it isn’t already, head here for reasonably priced, good thai cuisine. Silk Thai 6th Ave. 3401 6th Ave # F Tacoma, WA 98406-5449 (253) 756-1737 www.silkthaicafe.com 28 beers and 25 wines in one of Tacoma's most aromatic, savory thai houses. Very good soups, warm, welcome surroundings and friendly servers make for very pleasant dining. Good place to steal away to private. Tacos Guaymas of Tacoma Southside / Mall 2630 South 38th St; Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 471-2224 tacosguaymas.com Sit down or on the go, the staff is very friendly, the food is good and good quality. Try their wet burritos - yummmm Dirty Oscar’s Annex (D.O.A.) 6th Ave 2309 6th Ave; Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 572-0588 Nice menu for good prices, you’ll get live music some nights as well. Great place to get away from the coeds and mingle with real Tacoma. Engine House 9 6th Ave 611 North Pine Street; Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 272-3435 www.ehouse9.com Kin’a classic Tacoma. Good place for burgers and fries, a decent chili dog, beers with friends and / karaoke. Popular space for coeds. The Lobster Shoppe Waterfront 4015 Ruston Way; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 759-2165 http://lobstershop.com Classic Tacoma waterfront finer dining, TLS is good for business meetings, family gatherings and the occasional time away with the loved one. Excellent reputation for a well rounded dining experience. Stanley & Seaforts McKinley Hill 115 East 34th Street; Tacoma, WA 98404 (253) 473-7300 http://stanleyandseaforts.com Landmark, panoramic views over the Bay and Downtown have been company to untold numbers of romantic and business rendezvous over the years at this classic American grill. Steak an seafood for lunch and dinner, together with a fine bar, make this a safe bet for an outing well done. Zara Mediterranean Cuisine Downtown 1498 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 98402 253-572-1222 zaracuisine.com Proudly serves shawarma - this is a far cry from the pressed meats of quick-stop gyro stops. Expect a fine, mediterranean dining experience. Bruno’s European Café Parkland 10716 A St S Tacoma, WA 98444 (253) 719-7181 All homemade, German and Polish dishes and baked goods like potato dumplings, latkes and spaetzle are worth the likely wait. Excellent prices. Harbor Lights Old Town 2761 Ruston Way; Tacoma, WA 98407 (253) 752-8600 Tacoma Tradition - and rightfully so. Strong drinks are in this seafood house, but the little secret of some is this: The Lights has many a Tacoman’s favorite local (charcoal pit grilled) steak. You’ll enjoy it here, and it's close to the waterfront. El Gaucho Downtown 2119 Pacific Ave; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 272-1510 www.elgaucho.com Perhaps Tacoma’s most understated happy hour value for quality of food at a reasonable price, the Gauch does have one of our town’s best steaks. Lele's Hilltop 1012 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma (253) 572-9491 Southeast Asian food, including Vietnamese and Thai are hilltop staples a decade running. Good portions priced right in this neighborhood classic. |
image: Picture
Supports Artists 4 Life in the Sound 2603 6th Ave Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 552-5022 website These friends of our community have made this is a treasure of a place to experience. Genuinely warm, inviting and laid back, the atmosphere is ideal for loved ones, family and friends. Plates steam, aromas tantalize, the food satiates and the drinks (like authentic Indian Chai) satisfy.
image: Picture
You really can't go wrong here, and a visit ensures that you discover the charm our community possesses, the best of our hospitality and a taste of the ways that set our neighborhood communities apart. Also, they support our Farmer's Markets - every year. So supporting them, you support us all. On the Menu (Click dish names to be taken to the menu Lamb, Chicken, Vegetarian and Tandoori entrees are staple fare here; authentic Indian Breads are *amazing* and Appetizers come with a warning: They sometimes turn into meals . . (we recommend combining them) ** The House Chai is an extraordinary addition to a meal. Happy Belly
Substantial Simplicity 1122 Market Street Tacoma, WA 98402 253.365.6706 Website Supports the work of Artists 4 Life in the Sound Dare a little - this place is so good you won't want to wait to return. This may be the most accessible introduction to the foodie experience you could imagine, and it is so reasonably priced you can safely take your favorite friends more than once a week. First off, everything here is healthy: Simple, thoughtful dishes are familiar but creatively combined. Especially good health-conscious vegetarian and vegan fare with a small selection of quality meat dishes creates means options for everyone, whatever your mood. A comfortable micro-restaurant in downtown Tacoma serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 6 days a week. The vegetarian focused cuisine features a globally inspired menu with health and flavor at the forefront of its creation. Specializing in fresh juices and smoothies, Happy Belly is locally owned and operated, and sources organic, locally grown produce and fruit when able and in season. Curries, rice bowls, sandwiches (hot and cold), tacos, salads, savory and sweet pastries, soups, raw vegan and baked desserts... are made in-house. Menu selections rotate with the seasons. On the Menu
Smoked Salmon Sandwich Savory yogurt (pickled red onion, capers, dill + basil), smoked salmon, peppery arugula, lightly toasted gluten-free bread. A simple sandwich with bright flavors that captures springtime in the Northwest. Broadway Bahn Mi Sesame rice wine vinegar pickled cucumber + red bell pepper, fresh zucchini, julienne carrots, red onion, and cilantro on toasted French roll. A spicy sambal aioli heats up rainy days. Red Pepper Kale Soup Packed full of veggies in a rich tomato based broth, this hearty vegan soup delivers a little kick of spicy heat. Served daily. In addition to fresh juices and smoothies, Happy Belly serves locally made Mad Hat tea, Vimana Culture kombucha, and Valhalla coffee. Press: Tacoma News Tribune |
|
|
Own a Restaurant? Want a Window like PSP? Contact me
This Guide is an aggressive promotional source for those promoting our Tacoma ways by over-achieving the standards in their field. If you do that, or have a buddy that does, send 'em here. Visitors will find the experience much better than the B-game boring big box restaurants industry corporates bring to our city. They'll have better food and appreciate the other things we do better, too.
|