Tacoma has a surprisingly diverse food scene. These aren't meant to be a list of every restaurant nearby. They're places we enjoy and recommend to our guests.
Breakfast & Brunch
Wren's Nest Baking Co.
Wren's Nest is a dedicated gluten-free bakery just a couple of minutes from the entrance to Point Defiance Park. You certainly don't have to eat gluten-free to enjoy it—everything we've tried has been delicious, and you'd never know it was gluten-free.
Our favorites: the kolaches and hand pies.
Biscuits Cafe
If you're looking for a classic diner-style breakfast, Biscuits Cafe is one of our favorites. They offer a wide variety of breakfast options, generous portions, and it's conveniently close to Wild Olive. For something a little more fun, they also offer a Bacon Bloody Mary and Mimosa flights.
Poodle Dog
The Poodle Dog is a classic family-owned diner that opened its doors in 1933. While you may not get a 75-cent T-bone steak like you could in 1933, you will get a fun atmosphere, good food, and a little taste of the area's history.
Lunch & Dinner
Duke's Seafood
Located right on the water along Ruston Way, Duke's offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and a classic Northwest seafood experience.
Our favorites: the chowder and fish tacos.
McMenamins Elks Temple
McMenamins Elks Temple is much more than a single restaurant. The historic building offers several different places to eat and drink, so the experience can be very different depending on where you end up.
The main pub serves breakfast and dinner, while The Old Hangout provides the tropical/Tiki-style atmosphere you like. And the hidden Vault is still there—the venue itself describes it simply as a secret guests have to find.
Indita Mia
Indita Mia is an upscale Mexican restaurant along Tacoma's Foss Waterway. It's next to the Museum of Glass, making it a great option for an evening that combines art, the waterfront, and dinner.
Our favorite: the Tacos de Barbacoa.
The Cliff House
For a classic upscale dining experience with an unforgettable setting, The Cliff House is one of our recommendations.
Perched on a bluff overlooking Commencement Bay, the restaurant offers panoramic views across Puget Sound and Tacoma, with Mount Rainier visible on clear days. The restaurant has been a local landmark since 1925.
It's especially beautiful around sunset, when the views become part of the dining experience.
The Mill Steakhouse + Spirits
The Mill is a family-friendly restaurant with a warm atmosphere and an upscale bar area. Their menu focuses on Pacific Northwest comfort food, with generous portions.
After Hours
The Boom Boom Room
For a nightcap after an evening out in Tacoma, The Boom Boom Room is one of our favorite places to stop. Inspired by the cocktail lounges of the 1960s, it has a very cool mid-century vibe, with classic cocktails alongside creative specialty drinks.
Drive times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.