Guidebook for Tacoma
Food Scene
Right across the street, super convenient. All ages. Diner food, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and full bar. Fast, tasty, and filling.
Alfred's Cafe
402 Puyallup AveRight across the street, super convenient. All ages. Diner food, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and full bar. Fast, tasty, and filling.
Chill and quiet, outdoor seating right on the Foss Waterway, walkable. Northwest seafood, sandwiches, beer, cocktails. Such a pretty view.
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Johnny's Dock Restaurant & Marina
1900 E D StChill and quiet, outdoor seating right on the Foss Waterway, walkable. Northwest seafood, sandwiches, beer, cocktails. Such a pretty view.
High-end, old-school steakhouse & bar offering an elegant, dimly lit setting with live music. Expensive but delicious and perfect for a special date night. You could walk or ride a bike, but many prefer to drive or take public transport.
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El Gaucho Tacoma
2119 Pacific AveHigh-end, old-school steakhouse & bar offering an elegant, dimly lit setting with live music. Expensive but delicious and perfect for a special date night. You could walk or ride a bike, but many prefer to drive or take public transport.
Our favorite place for breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian friendly options, but not exclusively veggie. Well priced and very tasty. Nearby but you'll probably want to drive or take public transport (unless you really like to walk or ride bikes...it's doable).
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Happy Belly eatery + juice bar
1122 Market StOur favorite place for breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian friendly options, but not exclusively veggie. Well priced and very tasty. Nearby but you'll probably want to drive or take public transport (unless you really like to walk or ride bikes...it's doable).
Bit of a drive but this breakfast is big, delicious, and old school. Kind of like an old fashioned diner or truck stop but way better. Expect a wait and expect to leave with a full belly. Food is really inexpensive too.
Marcia's Silver Spoon Cafe
2601 S Tacoma WayBit of a drive but this breakfast is big, delicious, and old school. Kind of like an old fashioned diner or truck stop but way better. Expect a wait and expect to leave with a full belly. Food is really inexpensive too.
Pretty Good Pizza. You could walk or ride a bike, but many prefer to drive or take public transport.
Elemental Pizza
1702 Pacific AvePretty Good Pizza. You could walk or ride a bike, but many prefer to drive or take public transport.
Big green building just up the hill a couple blocks featuring quirky shopping mall and local food vendors. Think of the food as indoor food trucks; lots of quick, tasty, and cheap options. The historic building is a circa-1909 railroad building
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Freighthouse Square
2501 E D StBig green building just up the hill a couple blocks featuring quirky shopping mall and local food vendors. Think of the food as indoor food trucks; lots of quick, tasty, and cheap options. The historic building is a circa-1909 railroad building
High end, New American grill offering seasonal, globally influenced fare in a warm, brick-walled dining room. Good date night.
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Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific AveHigh end, New American grill offering seasonal, globally influenced fare in a warm, brick-walled dining room. Good date night.
Seasonal April-September. Collection of local growers, specialty food producers & artisans gather for a Thursday marketplace.
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The Broadway Farmers Market
BroadwaySeasonal April-September. Collection of local growers, specialty food producers & artisans gather for a Thursday marketplace.
Fresh fish market featuring some of the best fresh fish around (to take home and prepare). There is also a lunch menu featuring classic friend fish, oysters, shrimp, and more. Poke and ceviche is also yummy and available. The Northern Fish co is at the beginning of the Ruston Water front and features an amazing dock-side view of the Puget Sound.
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Northern Fish Co
2201 Ruston WayFresh fish market featuring some of the best fresh fish around (to take home and prepare). There is also a lunch menu featuring classic friend fish, oysters, shrimp, and more. Poke and ceviche is also yummy and available. The Northern Fish co is at the beginning of the Ruston Water front and features an amazing dock-side view of the Puget Sound.
The best part of CI Shenanigans is their Sunday brunch. It's a bit pricey but it's perfect if you have something to celebrate or just want to spoil your self with a seriously decadent buffet complete with mimosas. Amazing views and perfect for a Sunday morning date. Call ahead if you're planning to go to brunch and make a reservation. Also open for high end dinner and lunch.
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C.I. Shenanigans
3017 Ruston WayThe best part of CI Shenanigans is their Sunday brunch. It's a bit pricey but it's perfect if you have something to celebrate or just want to spoil your self with a seriously decadent buffet complete with mimosas. Amazing views and perfect for a Sunday morning date. Call ahead if you're planning to go to brunch and make a reservation. Also open for high end dinner and lunch.
A lovely little coffee shop. Really good coffee, friendly staff. Gluten free options.
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Corina Bakery
602 Fawcett AveA lovely little coffee shop. Really good coffee, friendly staff. Gluten free options.
Such a delightful little coffee, pastry, and sandwich shop.
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Susanne's Bakery & Deli
3411 Harborview DrSuch a delightful little coffee, pastry, and sandwich shop.
Amazing wood fired pizza. So so so good! Make sure you get a wood fire cooked chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
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Millville Pizza Co.
3409 Harborview DrAmazing wood fired pizza. So so so good! Make sure you get a wood fire cooked chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
Thai Hut
4116 Harborview DrA fantastic spot for great Tahir Food.
Best Burgers in Gig Harbor, possibly the best burgers in the PNW!
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The Gourmet Burger Shop
4120 Harborview DrBest Burgers in Gig Harbor, possibly the best burgers in the PNW!
Tokyo Teriyaki
3111 Judson StBest Sushi in Gig Harbor, possibly the best sushi in the PNW!
Such a cool and unique cafe. Healthy choices like you've never experienced. Smoothies, unique coffee blends. Nutrient dense, primal, and organic goodness.
Better Eats
3308 Uddenberg LaneSuch a cool and unique cafe. Healthy choices like you've never experienced. Smoothies, unique coffee blends. Nutrient dense, primal, and organic goodness.
Best Mexican food in the PNW. If there's a wait, which there probably will be, it's worth it.
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Senor Moose Cafe
5242 Leary Avenue NorthwestBest Mexican food in the PNW. If there's a wait, which there probably will be, it's worth it.
Drinks & Nightlife
Our favorite local brewery. Seriously good beer. Food, kombucha, and coffee also available in their amazingly impressive tap room, all ages welcome.
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7 Seas Brewery and Taproom
2101 Jefferson AveOur favorite local brewery. Seriously good beer. Food, kombucha, and coffee also available in their amazingly impressive tap room, all ages welcome.
Gritty bar atmosphere with seriously amazing food...seriously! The music gets loud. 21 and over. Just up the road, you can walk but you may want to drive as the neighborhood down that way can sometimes be unsavory late at night.
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The Valley
1206 Puyallup AveGritty bar atmosphere with seriously amazing food...seriously! The music gets loud. 21 and over. Just up the road, you can walk but you may want to drive as the neighborhood down that way can sometimes be unsavory late at night.
Hip taproom for a beer, just up the road: 509 1/2 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421- just beer, no food
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Wingman Brewers
509 1/2 Puyallup AveHip taproom for a beer, just up the road: 509 1/2 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421- just beer, no food
The New Frontier Lounge
301 E 25th StEasy and chill, just up the road. Beer and cafe.
Roomy spot offering craft beers, pub food, live music & a game room in a century-old building.
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The Swiss Restaurant & Pub
1904 Jefferson AveRoomy spot offering craft beers, pub food, live music & a game room in a century-old building.
Lively club presenting touring comedians & open-mike nights, plus a full food & drink menu.
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Tacoma Comedy Club
933 Market StLively club presenting touring comedians & open-mike nights, plus a full food & drink menu.
Sluggo Brewing Tap and Kitchen
409 E 26th StAn iconic local brew pub. Good beer and nice atmosphere.
The Gig Harbor location for our favorite brewery and pub. We have nicknamed 7 Seas Gig Harbor's unofficial community center. Kids welcome, you can bring your own food.
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7 Seas Brewing
2905 Harborview DrThe Gig Harbor location for our favorite brewery and pub. We have nicknamed 7 Seas Gig Harbor's unofficial community center. Kids welcome, you can bring your own food.
Tides Tavern
2925 Harborview Dr21 and over iconic restaurant and bar. Right on the water.
This is our beloved neighborhood public house. Perfect beer and wine selection. Stunning views, super chill. Lovely spot, the folks who run the place are delightful.
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Island View Market and Public House
7102 Ray Nash Dr NWThis is our beloved neighborhood public house. Perfect beer and wine selection. Stunning views, super chill. Lovely spot, the folks who run the place are delightful.
Perfect spot to grab a beer in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.
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Ballard Beer Company
2050 NW Market StPerfect spot to grab a beer in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.
Parks & Nature
Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington is a large urban park in the United States. The 702-acre (2.84 km2) park includes Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Garden, beaches, trails, a boardwalk, a boathouse, a Washington State Ferries ferry dock for the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route to Vashon Island, Fort Nisqually, an off-leash dog park, and most notably a stand of old-growth forest. More than three million people visit it every year. Point Defiance Park is maintained and operated by the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma.
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Iphakamisa i-Point Defiance
5400 North Pearl StreetPoint Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington is a large urban park in the United States. The 702-acre (2.84 km2) park includes Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Garden, beaches, trails, a boardwalk, a boathouse, a Washington State Ferries ferry dock for the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route to Vashon Island, Fort Nisqually, an off-leash dog park, and most notably a stand of old-growth forest. More than three million people visit it every year. Point Defiance Park is maintained and operated by the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma.
Oh such a beautiful thing to see when roses are in full bloom. If there's even a chance the roses are in bloom, this is a must see. You'll love it, go.
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Uhadi lwe-Rose lwe-Point Defiance
5400 N Pearl StOh such a beautiful thing to see when roses are in full bloom. If there's even a chance the roses are in bloom, this is a must see. You'll love it, go.
So many Rhododendrons, you might loose your mind. There's almost always some in bloom no matter what time of year it is. Spring is the best. Great stop along the Point Defiance park drive.
Point Defiance Rhododendron Garden
Five mile RoadSo many Rhododendrons, you might loose your mind. There's almost always some in bloom no matter what time of year it is. Spring is the best. Great stop along the Point Defiance park drive.
Nice spot for a picnic or just a quiet afternoon. There is a pretty cool arboretum here that is worth checking out. It's very small but packed with wonderful plants, sure to make you smile.
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Wright Park
501 S I StNice spot for a picnic or just a quiet afternoon. There is a pretty cool arboretum here that is worth checking out. It's very small but packed with wonderful plants, sure to make you smile.
A lovely forested park. Perfect for an afternoon hike. Trails and old trees.
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McCormick Forest Park
10301 Bujacich RdA lovely forested park. Perfect for an afternoon hike. Trails and old trees.
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl NWBeautiful Seattle beach int he Ballard neighborhood.
Sightseeing
The Ruston Way waterfront has a lot to offer including amazing views, running/walking paths, high end restaurants, and movie theatre. Great place for a picnic or energizing run. You'll need to drive, ample parking available.
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Ruston Way
Ruston WayThe Ruston Way waterfront has a lot to offer including amazing views, running/walking paths, high end restaurants, and movie theatre. Great place for a picnic or energizing run. You'll need to drive, ample parking available.
Walking the Foss waterway is a lovely an easy stroll from the studio. Great for boat watching, kayaking, or paddle boarding. This walk also pops you out right in front of the Glass Museum and gives you access to downtown Tacoma.
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Foss Waterway Seaport
705 Dock StWalking the Foss waterway is a lovely an easy stroll from the studio. Great for boat watching, kayaking, or paddle boarding. This walk also pops you out right in front of the Glass Museum and gives you access to downtown Tacoma.
Way cool! A stunning site to see!! Watch boats small and large rise and fall before your eyes. Really amazing salmon fish ladder too. Great place to plan a picnic or go fro a stroll.
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Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th StWay cool! A stunning site to see!! Watch boats small and large rise and fall before your eyes. Really amazing salmon fish ladder too. Great place to plan a picnic or go fro a stroll.
Entertainment & Activities
You might be catching a show at the The Pantages Theatre or Jones Building. Lovely building and very iconic of Tacoma. Near the Thursday Farmers Market.
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Pantages Theater
901 BroadwayYou might be catching a show at the The Pantages Theatre or Jones Building. Lovely building and very iconic of Tacoma. Near the Thursday Farmers Market.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl StTacoma Dome
2727 E D StOur top pick for movie-date night. An independent theater that shows off the beaten path films and independent movies. Well run and very cool. Old theater with strong Tacoma roots.
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The Grand Cinema
606 Fawcett AveOur top pick for movie-date night. An independent theater that shows off the beaten path films and independent movies. Well run and very cool. Old theater with strong Tacoma roots.
Your standard modern-box-office movie theater complete with huge lazy-boy recliner style seats.
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Century Point Ruston and XD
5057 Main StYour standard modern-box-office movie theater complete with huge lazy-boy recliner style seats.
Arts & Culture
Exhibits feature Dale Chihuly glass works, European Impressionism, Japanese prints & American art.
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I-Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific AveExhibits feature Dale Chihuly glass works, European Impressionism, Japanese prints & American art.
America's Car Museum is a museum in the city of Tacoma, Washington. The Museum is adjacent to the Tacoma Dome and opened on June 2, 2012. Many of the cars on display were donated to the museum by the family of Harold LeMay. Located right across the street from the Tacoma Dome.
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LeMay - Imuze yezimoto yaseNingizimu ye-Amerika
2702 E D StAmerica's Car Museum is a museum in the city of Tacoma, Washington. The Museum is adjacent to the Tacoma Dome and opened on June 2, 2012. Many of the cars on display were donated to the museum by the family of Harold LeMay. Located right across the street from the Tacoma Dome.
Museum with 5 playscapes offering hands-on exploration designed to entertain & educate children.
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I-Museum yabantwana yaseTacoma
1501 Pacific AveMuseum with 5 playscapes offering hands-on exploration designed to entertain & educate children.
One of the most iconic scenes in Tacoma. Live glass blowing with full observation area and a unique museum experience. Glass artists from all over the world come here to learn and showcase their work.
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Igumbi leGlass
1801 Dock StOne of the most iconic scenes in Tacoma. Live glass blowing with full observation area and a unique museum experience. Glass artists from all over the world come here to learn and showcase their work.
Essentials
Safeway
1112 S M StOur top choice for grocery store in Tacoma. Smaller market with organic food. Good deli and salad bar. Fresh organic produce is excellent.
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Marlene's Market & Deli
2951 S 38th StOur top choice for grocery store in Tacoma. Smaller market with organic food. Good deli and salad bar. Fresh organic produce is excellent.
Whole Foods Market (under construction)