5 Hidden Gem Restaurants near Downtown Tacoma

 



If you’re anything like me, I love the opportunity to eat out a couple nights per week. Even though inflation the last couple years has made the prospect of dining away from home, more expensive than ever, it’s important to go out and support local when you can. 


As a Tacoma local, there are many places I love to go, and since I live closer to downtown, I find myself drawn there for convenience. If you haven’t spent much time in downtown Tacoma, here are five restaurants I recommend for vastly different reasons. 


En Rama


A boutique cocktail and tapas bar located in the historic Courthouse Square building in downtown Tacoma. They serve up classic cocktails like Old Fashioned, Capiriniha, Negroni and various Amaro’s with many other custom coattails for a quirky and sophisticated taste. They also serve Spanish small plates and house made pastas. It’s a cozy escape after work or for a date night bathed in indirect accent lighting. Though they cater to carnivores, more than half their menu is vegetarian with seasonal ingredients sourced locally. 


Art House Café 


Located closer to Stadium District off Downtown Tacoma, this locals favorite offers what’s called Scratch American cuisine. They’re focused on sourcing Pacific Northwest ingredients for their ample breakfast and lunch only menu. Offering both sweet and savory dishes, pizzas, eggs, salads and various bowls, they attract an eclectic clientele from all over Tacoma. Their house made cinnamon roll is not to be missed. My personal favorite is the Captain Travis’ Scramble which features local potatoes, rosemary (my favorite herb) and Beechers Cheddar cheese. Come hungry and be open to waiting a few minutes for a table, and they get busy quickly!


Ooh La La Burgers


If you’re looking for the #1 ranked hamburger in the state of Washington, this place made it on the 50 States, 50 cheeseburgers” list to sink your teeth into. It’s not much more than a food stand, but Ooh La La, is a hidden gem you’d miss by blinking if you drove by. If you’re looking for fries made from scratch, and exclaiming “incredible” and “wow” - this is the burger joint for you in Tacoma. Not to be topped, their milkshakes make the perfect finish to a truly memorable hamburger extravaganza. Come hungry and order one of everything. 


Over The Moon


Located in the Theatre District in downtown Tacoma, this literally hidden gem is located in Opera Alley. When you’re able to land a table at this 36-seat quaint destination, you’re instantly aware that you’re somewhere special. Over The Moon always reminds me of dining along a quiet French avenue, with windows looking out onto the alley. Small and romantic, it’s the perfect place for a date night or anniversary dinner. Their entrees generally run between rib-eye, salmon and duck breast, with memorable pasta dishes and even a wonderful Ratatouille. Their house made bourbon ice cream and turtle pie are desserts not to be missed. 


Le Sel Bistro


This perfectly quaint French inspired surf and turf restaurant without any of the attitude, features both incredible brunch and dinner. Come for the Benedict’s and choose between nova, pork belly, bacon or filet mignon. They have memorable dinners like seared duck breast. Lamb chops with grits and a lovely cocktail pairing menu. Whether you eat near the fireplace, or dine al fresco overlooking Commencement Bay, it’s a wonderful escape from a chain restaurant experience. If you decide to take in brunch some amazing dishes are, pain perdue, with caramelized bananas, pecan butter and Grand Marnier-infused maple syrup, the escargot with garlic pernod butter and fresh baked baguette, and the chicken and crepes with bearnaise-brined crispy chicken, crepes, espelette maple syrup and scallions. You’ll be so glad you stopped in!


As your resource for real estate in the Puget Sound, I welcome hearing from you on this topic or any other real estate topic.

https://erikmolzen.bhhsnw.com/Contact/erikmolzen


#tacomafoodie #restaurants #PNWeats #eatout #Dining

Location: Tacoma, WA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Your Washington State 2025 Market Forecast

Image
As we move through 2025, Washington state's real estate market shows a blend of stability and gradual growth, influenced by various economic and demographic factors. From a top Seattle agent viewpoint, here’s an in-depth look at the current trends and forecasts shaping the market. Moderate Home Price Appreciation Statewide, home prices are anticipated to experience modest increases. Analysts predict that median home prices could rise by approximately 3% to 4% annually over the next two years. This steady appreciation suggests that Washington will remain an attractive market for both homeowners and investors. In Seattle, the median home price is around $850,000 as of December 2024, with expectations of continued growth into 2025. Limited inventory and sustained demand, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods, are key drivers of this trend. Inventory Levels and Market Dynamics The state's housing inventory remains tight, contributing to a competitive market environme...
Read more

Gig Harbor, Washington: A Blend of History, Growth, and Livability - Why Are People Moving?

Image
Nestled along the scenic Puget Sound in Washington State, Gig Harbor combines its rich maritime history, small-town charm, and modern amenities, making it an exceptional place to call home. Often referred to as the "Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula," Gig Harbor has transformed over the years into one of the Pacific Northwest's most desirable communities for both families and retirees.   A Glimpse into Gig Harbor’s History   Gig Harbor's story began in 1841 when Captain Charles Wilkes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition sought shelter in the harbor during a storm. Using a small boat called a gig, the area earned its name and began its legacy as a safe haven. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town flourished as a fishing and boatbuilding community, drawing Scandinavian immigrants who left a lasting cultural imprint. Today, the maritime traditions of Gig Harbor are celebrated at landmarks like the Harbor History Museum, offering residents and visitors alik...
Read more

5 Things You Have To Consider Before Buying a Home

Image
  5 Things You Have To Consider Before Buying a Home Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you'll make in your lifetime. The process can be exciting yet overwhelming, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. While it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of a potential new home, it’s crucial to consider various factors that could affect your investment long-term. Here are five key things to think about before signing on the dotted line. Deferred Maintenance One of the first things to assess when considering a home purchase is the state of its maintenance. Deferred maintenance refers to necessary repairs and upkeep that have been postponed, often leading to larger problems down the line. When touring a home, it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs of neglect, such as peeling paint, outdated appliances, or leaky roofs, which are very common here in Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest. These seemingly minor issues could be indicative of more sign...
Read more