Stephanie’s guidebook
Places to Eat
Cooks Tavern is a local favorite. It has solid dishes, and a nice atmosphere. Every few months they feature food from a different country/cuisine. They also commission artists to do the paintings and they are for sale. They always have some fabulous old-reliable dishes. It is one of our go-to restaurants in Tacoma.
I recommend the Cooks Tavern burger if you're in the mood for a nice quality burger. Yum!
33 locals recommend
Cooks Tavern
3201 N 26th StCooks Tavern is a local favorite. It has solid dishes, and a nice atmosphere. Every few months they feature food from a different country/cuisine. They also commission artists to do the paintings and they are for sale. They always have some fabulous old-reliable dishes. It is one of our go-to restaurants in Tacoma.
I recommend the Cooks Tavern burger if you're in the mood for a nice quality burger. Yum!
Thai Pepper
701 Pacific AveI think this is our best local Thai restaurant (my favorite cuisine).
This restaurant is a local favorite. It wins the best Pho in Tacoma every year it seems. It is not a fancy spot but on the verge of a dive restaurant. Great food, quick service, very affordable.
17 locals recommend
Pho King
1020 M.L.K. Jr WayThis restaurant is a local favorite. It wins the best Pho in Tacoma every year it seems. It is not a fancy spot but on the verge of a dive restaurant. Great food, quick service, very affordable.
For a special night out, when I crave seafood or surf and turf, we go to Asado on 6th Ave. It is a Argentine-themed steakhouse with some fantastic wines. One of my favorite dishes in Tacoma is the stuffed Pork Chop. It is incredible! Asado has won the best of Western WA's Best Latin American Restaurants for the past 6 years.
61 locals recommend
Asado Restaurant
2810 6th AveFor a special night out, when I crave seafood or surf and turf, we go to Asado on 6th Ave. It is a Argentine-themed steakhouse with some fantastic wines. One of my favorite dishes in Tacoma is the stuffed Pork Chop. It is incredible! Asado has won the best of Western WA's Best Latin American Restaurants for the past 6 years.
If you want a SPECIAL DAY TRIP and would like to travel to Vashon Island (by Ferry at the Ruston Waterfront) a short ferry ride, and you LOVE Thai food...you must go to Mays Kitchen! It is in the America's Top 100 Restaurant list. You can not just walk in when you get there, you must make a reservation ahead of time. The storefront is subtle but when you get there it feels like a private dining event in how it is run. The food will satisfy all of your East Asian/Thai food fantasies...I go every year for my birthday.
A couple of things: You will have to pay $19.20 for a normal sized vehicle and driver and $5.55 fare for an adult. The fare is $2.75 for seniors and children. The last ferry is around 10:30 pm...something to plan around!
Hope you will love it as much as I do!
92 locals recommend
May Kitchen + Bar
17614 Vashon Hwy SWIf you want a SPECIAL DAY TRIP and would like to travel to Vashon Island (by Ferry at the Ruston Waterfront) a short ferry ride, and you LOVE Thai food...you must go to Mays Kitchen! It is in the America's Top 100 Restaurant list. You can not just walk in when you get there, you must make a reservation ahead of time. The storefront is subtle but when you get there it feels like a private dining event in how it is run. The food will satisfy all of your East Asian/Thai food fantasies...I go every year for my birthday.
A couple of things: You will have to pay $19.20 for a normal sized vehicle and driver and $5.55 fare for an adult. The fare is $2.75 for seniors and children. The last ferry is around 10:30 pm...something to plan around!
Hope you will love it as much as I do!
This is where I go when I am in the mood for Mexican food. I like the food and atmosphere. It's also downtown in a nice location.
116 locals recommend
The Matador
721 Pacific AveThis is where I go when I am in the mood for Mexican food. I like the food and atmosphere. It's also downtown in a nice location.
Wooden City is a nice local restaurant with some great food and drinks. Highly recommend.
33 locals recommend
Wooden City
714 Pacific AveWooden City is a nice local restaurant with some great food and drinks. Highly recommend.
This is a sub sandwich stop that has great food in a dive kind of restaurant. It's the kind of thing I would call in and order and then take on a picnic to the Ruston Waterfront.
I recommend ordering the Mike's Deluxe sandwich, toasted. ;)
33 locals recommend
MSM Deli
2220 6th AveThis is a sub sandwich stop that has great food in a dive kind of restaurant. It's the kind of thing I would call in and order and then take on a picnic to the Ruston Waterfront.
I recommend ordering the Mike's Deluxe sandwich, toasted. ;)
Would you like to have the best ice cream of your life? Try the Buttered Pecan...you're welcome.
59 locals recommend
Ice Cream Social
2914 6th AveWould you like to have the best ice cream of your life? Try the Buttered Pecan...you're welcome.
Amazing cocktails and fresh made pasta! How could you go wrong? Plus, the weekend brunch menu is incredible. The outdoor seating is especially delightful on a summer evening.
22 locals recommend
En Rama
1102 A StAmazing cocktails and fresh made pasta! How could you go wrong? Plus, the weekend brunch menu is incredible. The outdoor seating is especially delightful on a summer evening.
Farm-to-table, fresh ingredients, always good. Great happy hour Monday to Saturdays: 4-6pm and 9pm to close.
25 locals recommend
Primo Grill
2701 6th AveFarm-to-table, fresh ingredients, always good. Great happy hour Monday to Saturdays: 4-6pm and 9pm to close.
Modern Southeast asian, fantastic curries and noodle bowls. Cool atmosphere. V and GF options.
32 locals recommend
Indo Asian Street Eatery
110 N Tacoma AveModern Southeast asian, fantastic curries and noodle bowls. Cool atmosphere. V and GF options.
Super fun local ramen place with lots of small plate options. Almost all of the components, including noodles, broth, miso, shoyu and vinegar, are made in-house from scratch. Great cocktails too!
13 locals recommend
Moshi Moshi
110B N Tacoma AveSuper fun local ramen place with lots of small plate options. Almost all of the components, including noodles, broth, miso, shoyu and vinegar, are made in-house from scratch. Great cocktails too!
Neighborhood cafe, soup, salads, sandwiches. Beer and wine. Small dinner entree menu. Treat yourself to the cowboy cookie for dessert... you won't regret it!
13 locals recommend
Rosewood Cafe
3323 N 26th StNeighborhood cafe, soup, salads, sandwiches. Beer and wine. Small dinner entree menu. Treat yourself to the cowboy cookie for dessert... you won't regret it!
Soul food including favorites such as fried chicken & collard greens served in a laid-back space
24 locals recommend
Southern Kitchen
1716 6th AveSoul food including favorites such as fried chicken & collard greens served in a laid-back space
House-brewed beer and ale plus burgers and comfort food in a historic former firehouse.
37 locals recommend
Engine House No. 9
611 N Pine StHouse-brewed beer and ale plus burgers and comfort food in a historic former firehouse.
Fujiya Japanese Restaurant
1130 Court CAmazing sushi. Enough said.
Local specialty grocery store with a wide selection of prepared foods. Great for a grab-and-go or stay and have a seat in their enclosed patio area
96 locals recommend
Metropolitan Market Tacoma
2420 N Proctor StLocal specialty grocery store with a wide selection of prepared foods. Great for a grab-and-go or stay and have a seat in their enclosed patio area
If you are looking for burger, fries and a milke shake in a casual setting, this place is for you! With over 20 milk shake flavors, you can't go wrong.
47 locals recommend
Shake Shake Shake
124 N Tacoma AveIf you are looking for burger, fries and a milke shake in a casual setting, this place is for you! With over 20 milk shake flavors, you can't go wrong.
Places to Go
Enjoy amazing views on the 11 acre Dune Peninsula which connects Point Defiance Park to Park Ruston. Local tip: there’s free parking at the Dune Peninsula with the ability walk for hours along Ruston without worrying about paying for parking.
14 locals recommend
Dune Peninsula
5361 Yacht Club RdEnjoy amazing views on the 11 acre Dune Peninsula which connects Point Defiance Park to Park Ruston. Local tip: there’s free parking at the Dune Peninsula with the ability walk for hours along Ruston without worrying about paying for parking.
Beautiful park to wander in, especially with the autumn leaves. 27 acre park filled with old growth trees, pond and a wonderful playground and splash pad. Don't miss the botanical conservatory!
84 locals recommend
Wright Park
501 S I StBeautiful park to wander in, especially with the autumn leaves. 27 acre park filled with old growth trees, pond and a wonderful playground and splash pad. Don't miss the botanical conservatory!
Rotating collections focusing on the Northwest and the broader region. Admission is free every day for military and their families, and if you happen to be in town on the third Thursday of the month, admission is free for everyone from 5-8pm.
167 locals recommend
Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific AveRotating collections focusing on the Northwest and the broader region. Admission is free every day for military and their families, and if you happen to be in town on the third Thursday of the month, admission is free for everyone from 5-8pm.
Beaches, zoo, aquarium, hiking, biking, gardens… this park has everything and you’re really missing out if you don’t make a stop here.
118 locals recommend
Point Defiance Park
5400 North Pearl StreetBeaches, zoo, aquarium, hiking, biking, gardens… this park has everything and you’re really missing out if you don’t make a stop here.
Situated on 29 acres in Tacoma's Point Defiance Park, the zoo and aquarium are home to over 500 animals.
338 locals recommend
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl StSituated on 29 acres in Tacoma's Point Defiance Park, the zoo and aquarium are home to over 500 animals.
Local theatre featuring foreign and independent films. Grab coffee and an almond croissant at Corina Bakery next door before the show.
64 locals recommend
The Grand Cinema
606 Fawcett AveLocal theatre featuring foreign and independent films. Grab coffee and an almond croissant at Corina Bakery next door before the show.
Reclining seats and plenty of restaurants nearby to check out before or after the movie.
49 locals recommend
Century Point Ruston and XD
5057 Main StReclining seats and plenty of restaurants nearby to check out before or after the movie.
Sundays from 10am-3pm from June to September. A rotating selection of fresh, local and seasonal fruits and veggies, honey, meat, jams and cheese, amazing bouquets of flowers as well as some hot food vendors and artists of many kinds.
22 locals recommend
Point Ruston Farmers Market
5101 Grand LoopSundays from 10am-3pm from June to September. A rotating selection of fresh, local and seasonal fruits and veggies, honey, meat, jams and cheese, amazing bouquets of flowers as well as some hot food vendors and artists of many kinds.
9am-2 pm from April to December, and the second Saturday of the month from January to March. A rotation of fresh, local and seasonal fruits and veggies, honey, meat, jams and cheese, amazing bouquets of flowers as well as hot food vendors and artists of many kinds.
21 locals recommend
Proctor Art Gallery
2702 N Proctor St9am-2 pm from April to December, and the second Saturday of the month from January to March. A rotation of fresh, local and seasonal fruits and veggies, honey, meat, jams and cheese, amazing bouquets of flowers as well as hot food vendors and artists of many kinds.
Thursdays from 10am-3pm May to October. Lots of fresh, local and seasonal fruits and veggies, honey, meat, jams and cheese, amazing bouquets of flowers as well as hot food vendors and artists of many kinds.
12 locals recommend
The Broadway Farmers Market
BroadwayThursdays from 10am-3pm May to October. Lots of fresh, local and seasonal fruits and veggies, honey, meat, jams and cheese, amazing bouquets of flowers as well as hot food vendors and artists of many kinds.
A full service hair and aesthetics salon in downtown Tacoma. It's where my whole family gets their hair done and we love it!
The Parlor
711 St Helens AveA full service hair and aesthetics salon in downtown Tacoma. It's where my whole family gets their hair done and we love it!
Point Ruston is at the waterfront on Puget Sound which is lovely. You can enjoy a walk/jog/ and rent various things along the waterfront and also shop or dine at the restaurants and shops.
109 locals recommend
Point Ruston
5020 Main StPoint Ruston is at the waterfront on Puget Sound which is lovely. You can enjoy a walk/jog/ and rent various things along the waterfront and also shop or dine at the restaurants and shops.
4-story museum on an 8-acre campus displaying cars, trucks & motorcycles in historic & tech exhibits. Even if you aren't a "car person", this is still a wonderful place to spend part of a day at.
157 locals recommend
LeMay - America’s Car Museum
2702 E D St4-story museum on an 8-acre campus displaying cars, trucks & motorcycles in historic & tech exhibits. Even if you aren't a "car person", this is still a wonderful place to spend part of a day at.
Glass blowing is a huge Tacoma thing! Dale Chihuly is a Tacoman! There are always many different exhibits and artists featured in the Museum of Glass...Stunning outdoor and indoor blown glass installations along Thea Foss waterway. Don’t miss the bridge of glass that stretches from the museum to Pacific Avenue.
268 locals recommend
Museum of Glass
1801 Dock StGlass blowing is a huge Tacoma thing! Dale Chihuly is a Tacoman! There are always many different exhibits and artists featured in the Museum of Glass...Stunning outdoor and indoor blown glass installations along Thea Foss waterway. Don’t miss the bridge of glass that stretches from the museum to Pacific Avenue.
Places to Drink (Coffee, Cocktails and More)
Fun atmosphere, great coffee and a full brunch menu until 2pm.
16 locals recommend
Honey at Alma Mater
1322 Fawcett Ave Fun atmosphere, great coffee and a full brunch menu until 2pm.
Offers a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. You're welcome to bring your own food, or enjoy tasty offerings from 7 Seas’ own food truck, The Galley
51 locals recommend
7 Seas Brewery and Taproom
2101 Jefferson AveOffers a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. You're welcome to bring your own food, or enjoy tasty offerings from 7 Seas’ own food truck, The Galley
Lander Coffee
2716 N 21st StGreat coffee and great atmosphere with a few small bites.
Fantastic selection of craft beer and cider in bottles and cans, as well as growler fills. The sandwiches are tasty too!
23 locals recommend
Peaks and Pints Craft Beer Store, Taproom & Eatery
3816 N 26th StFantastic selection of craft beer and cider in bottles and cans, as well as growler fills. The sandwiches are tasty too!
Community focused, great beer selection, boozy kombucha and small eats. Kids are welcome too. Try the pizza with arugula on top!
11 locals recommend
State Street Beer Company
606 N State StCommunity focused, great beer selection, boozy kombucha and small eats. Kids are welcome too. Try the pizza with arugula on top!
A 7 minutes walk from the Airbnb, Hanks is a North Slope staple. Beer and liquor and really good pizza.
30 locals recommend
Hank's Bar and Grill
524 N K StA 7 minutes walk from the Airbnb, Hanks is a North Slope staple. Beer and liquor and really good pizza.
Local watering hole. Great craft beer selection and bar food. Open until 2am.
40 locals recommend
Parkway Tavern
313 N I StLocal watering hole. Great craft beer selection and bar food. Open until 2am.
Good coffee and lots of seating, a short 12 minutes walk away. Pastries and donuts also available.
68 locals recommend
Bluebeard Coffee Roasters
2201 6th AveGood coffee and lots of seating, a short 12 minutes walk away. Pastries and donuts also available.
Craft beer, craft hotdogs, and delicious house-made sausages. 30 rotating tap handles. Bonus: breakfast on the weekends starting at 9am.
59 locals recommend
The Red Hot
2914 6th AveCraft beer, craft hotdogs, and delicious house-made sausages. 30 rotating tap handles. Bonus: breakfast on the weekends starting at 9am.
East Tacoma staple. Locals spot. Excellent food. Open late. Beer and liquor. FYI: gets busy on taco Thursday nights. Check out their weekly specials. It’s worth the drive over to the Eastside.
44 locals recommend
Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe
3529 McKinley AveEast Tacoma staple. Locals spot. Excellent food. Open late. Beer and liquor. FYI: gets busy on taco Thursday nights. Check out their weekly specials. It’s worth the drive over to the Eastside.
Great dive bar spot. House-made ginger beer featured in several drinks. Try the El Diablo or classic Moscow Mule. Bartender/owner is super friendly. Very limited food menu.
The Mule Tavern
5227 South Tacoma WayGreat dive bar spot. House-made ginger beer featured in several drinks. Try the El Diablo or classic Moscow Mule. Bartender/owner is super friendly. Very limited food menu.