The Tacoma food scene is a glorious combination of traditional Pacific Northwest fare and dishes influenced by the city’s diverse population. Known for fresh seafood, artisan coffee, and craft beer – if you’re a foodie who is planning a trip to Tacoma, you’d better get your notebook out, because there are so many incredible places in the area that you just cannot miss!
As part of your food tour of Tacoma, remember to think about your transport options. While Tacoma has great transport links, there’s nothing worse than having to get on public transport with a full belly, so why not rent a car for the week and eat your way around Tacoma instead?
What You Will Find Here
Here Are Some Of The Best Local Eateries That You Simply Cannot Miss!
Field Bar & Bottle Shop
If you want to feel as though you’ve stepped inside a Wes Anderson movie, while you sip colorful cocktails, and chow down on seasonal delights, you could do a lot worse than Field Bar & Bottle Shop. The menu is ever-changing, making good use of the season’s offerings, while trying to be sustainable, as well as delicious. This super trendy spot also offers bread on subscription and a wine club membership too.
Buddy’s Chicken & Waffles
Buddy and his crew keep things simple with their menu, and it does what it says on the box: delicious halal crispy chicken tenders, with a choice of different waffles and sides. Waffle flavors range from Southern cornbread to red velvet cake and beyond, and you have to remember to order ahead as there is always a risk of Buddy’s selling out – it’s just that good!
Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse
Fancy a steak? Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse has some of the best steaks in the area, from 18 oz bone-in Angus ribeyes to huge 38 oz dry-aged T-bones. Or for something a little different, go for an 8oz table side A5 ribeye which is sizzled by the customer at the table, to their own preferences. Sure, there are things other than steak on the menu, but why would you want that?
Lunar’s Pho
Pho is a big deal in Tacoma, and it can be pretty overwhelming trying to decide which pho restaurant is worth your time, but there’s a reason Lunar’s Pho is so highly rated. The beef rib pho is a real favourite with customers because the meat is just so tender and sumptuous, but the oxtail and steak pho is also a fantastic choice. Vegetarians need not worry, as there is tofu and vegetable-based pho, and no one should leave without trying the banana cake for dessert!
Howdy Bagel
Their tagline is “fresh bagels, hot coffee, kind people” and that totally sums up this LGTBQ- owned bagel shop. With hand-whipped schmears a-top scrumptious bagels made with love, this is a perfect lunch spot before an afternoon adventure. As well as their standard offerings, they also have vegan cream cheese spreads, vegan egg alternatives, and vegan cheddar. Be sure to check out the hot sandwiches, or tartines as an alternative to the bagels.
Bob’s Bar-B-Q Pit
This family-run restaurant is a real favorite with locals who want good barbecue done well. The menu boasts all the best – ribs, pulled pork, whole chicken, sandwiches (or “samich”), wings, etc, and of course, topped with Bob’s Bar-B-Q sauce to give it a real kick. Leave room for a peach cobbler for dessert, and wash it all down with a 20 oz sweet iced tea – perfect!
Anthony’s at Gig Harbor
Anthony’s has a couple of locations but there is no better view while eating fresh seafood, than looking out onto the marina and Mount Rainier. Try the seafood fettuccine and Bailey’s Irish cream chocolate mousse or for date night, book in for the 3-course sunset dinners for the ultimate in romance by the water.
Manuscript & Dialogue
Cooler than cool, this boujee eatery is a one-stop shop, offering a bit of everything for those who want a real elevated experience. They serve Italian-inspired foods with a local twist, boozy brunches with a live DJ on the weekend, and quirky cocktails that look as good as they taste. Be sure to try the pizza al taglio, fresh oysters, and the deep-fried banana bread pudding for dessert (or ‘Epilogue’ as it’s called here. Very fun!).
Da Tiki Hut
If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to Hawaii in the 1960s, then you are in luck! Da Tiki Hut is fun-themed and a feast for the eyes (think palm trees, carved masks!), with
delicious food offerings. A spam moco, kalua pig BBQ, or Hawaiian mac salad are all top choices, but the cheekily named Basic Mainlander – 1/3 lb hamburger – will ensure that even the fussiest of eaters can be catered for. Be sure to seek out the secret bar in the back for stunning cocktails that will have you feeling like you’re on the island. A classic mai tai is a must, of course!
Dusty’s Hideaway
Set in a converted craftsman house, Dusty’s is super welcoming and family-friendly offering incredible stacked burgers (including a fully vegan option), wings, jalapeno poppers, grilled cheeses, and bite-sized corn dogs. This menu is vast and it’s probably going to take a little while to decide what you want, so factor in some menu-perusing time before you get too hangry!
The Church Cantina
Spooky yet fun, gothic, and Cuban-inspired, this place is a must-visit, especially if you’re looking for somewhere with a decent vegan offering (but not every dish is vegan – so perfect for a mixed group). The decor is quirky, and there’s always a fun event on (Talk Like a Pirate
Day for example!), so it’s worth popping in for an artichoke po’boy, poblano peach melt, or some corn queso crab rolls!
Tacoma really does have so much to offer, whatever your palate, or the occasion. Whether you want somewhere that caters to your dietary requirements, somewhere with the coolest Instagram-worthy cocktails, or just somewhere for a simply delicious, filling meal, the only problem you’ll have is choosing where to book first. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Tacoma today.
Please note this post is a collaboration.
