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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Tacoma

Interesting places

You have no patience for the mundane and only seek out places that offer something genuinely interesting.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park image 1
Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park image 2
Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park image 3
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Waterfront park offers peaceful views and historical installations confronting racial injustices. Sculptures and monuments provide detailed history about Chinese emigrants. Seating areas invite quiet reflection amid natural beauty and cultural depth.

Lots of interesting sculptures and monuments highlight the park. Signs on rocks share detailed history about Chinese emigrants.

People are saying

"This park offers beautiful waterfront views and a peaceful place to reflect."

"I found the historical sites beautiful with great waterfront views."

"I found the history and information here really interesting."

Good to know

1

The park is wheelchair accessible and has free parking available.

2

The entrance to the park can be tricky to find without directions.

3

The park commemorates the Chinese immigrants who were expelled during the Chinese Exclusion Act.

02
Dickman Mill Park image 1

Park blends historic lumber mill artifacts with waterfront views and native plants. Paths invite calm strolls amid coastal scenery and local history. Old band saw and metal sculpture add unique charm.

Historic elements stand out with an old band saw and a metal sculpture on display. The site offers informative insights into its past along the waterfront.

People are saying

"I found the historical sites beautiful with interesting logging history."

"I saw a cool mill type of machine left behind."

"I found this historic site to be an interesting and beautiful place."

Good to know

1

Dickman Mill Park has informative signs detailing its historical significance.

2

The park offers beautiful views of the Tacoma waterfront.

3

Restrooms are available nearby for visitor convenience.

03
The Press Room image 1
Event venue

Venue blends historic charm with eclectic antiques and artwork. Intimate space suits moody photography and live bands. Separate suites offer private preparations for events.

Charming venue offers interesting history and a variety of textures and backdrops that create great portraits.

People are saying

"The staff here made our party amazing and worry-free."

"It's got this interesting historic charm that adds so much depth."

"The food here was delicious and fantastic."

Good to know

1

The Press Room is ideal for private parties and events.

2

Jonz Catering is the exclusive caterer for events at The Press Room.

3

The venue is located in downtown Tacoma, close to multiple hotels.

04
GRANN image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue spot blends southern comfort with Indian spices in a lively, cozy space. Inventive cocktails match the vibrant vibe and 90โ€™s R&B tunes. Unique textures and bold flavors make dining here a memorable twist on classic barbecue.

Dishes combine southern and Indian flavors in a unique way. Textures vary, adding an unexpected twist to the flavors.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the greens and cornbread, is amazing."

"The fish and grits here are a revelation."

"The food's interesting fusion of southern and Indian flavors is phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy evenings.

2

Happy hour offers great food deals from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using public transport.

05
Slice of Life image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza spot blends live music with iconic art on the walls. Chill, hippie vibe invites a community crowd to enjoy great food and tunes. Indoor and outdoor seating make it perfect for hanging out.

Unique atmosphere features interesting artwork and a killer music setup. A band often rehearses during dinner, adding to the vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was super fresh, hot, and tasty."

"These sandwiches are humongous and piled high with meat."

"The pizza here is amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 8pm daily, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

They offer custom pizzas made fresh daily upon request.

3

Expect live music events and karaoke on weekends.

06
Sanford & Son Antiques! image 1

Three-story cathedral with a marble staircase offers a maze-like adventure full of vintage clothing boutiques and art galleries. Stained glass windows add a historical atmosphere blending stories with a slight creep factor. Visitors enjoy exploring cultural artifacts and unique items.

The building offers a super interesting layout that makes exploring fun. Inside, many interesting artifacts and items catch the eye.

People are saying

"You can explore this three-story maze for hours, finding vintage clothing and antiques."

"I found so many cool shops and interesting items here."

"I found many interesting items and artifacts to explore here."

Good to know

1

There is no public restroom, so visitors should go before they visit.

2

Some shops have extremely limited hours, so check ahead.

3

The market has three floors to explore, with many unique vendors.

07
Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito - Downtown Tacoma image 1

Private booths with Naruto art create a cozy vibe while a K-pop soundtrack adds energy. Japanese-fusion menu features sushi burritos offering unique flavors. Manga-themed seating blends modern Korean art with a fun, lively space.

Japanese-fusion menu offers interesting flavor combinations. Sushi burritos and drinks provide unique options to try.

People are saying

"I loved the sushi burritos; they were big and tasty."

"It's a cozy spot with a welcoming ambiance."

"The K-pop music playing on the TV is really interesting."

Good to know

1

Parking is scarce near the downtown location; consider public transport.

2

The downtown Tacoma location has limited seating, especially during lunch.

3

Takeout is popular due to limited seating options.

08
McMenamins Elks Temple image 1

Building offers a psychedelic atmosphere with eclectic decor and vibrant city views from multiple balconies. Five bars, including a secret speakeasy and tiki bar, create a lively vibe. Unique ceiling design and live music shows add to its interesting history and art.

Interesting history, art, and architectural details stand out here. The ceiling design and room layout add to the unique vibe. Many interesting shows come through, offering live music without a long drive.

People are saying

"The staff at the bar were so caring and helpful."

"It's cool how many unique bars and secret rooms there are to explore."

"The interior is gorgeous with lots of interesting things to look at."

Good to know

1

The Spanish Ballroom hosts live music events and tapas dining.

2

Concerts at Elks Temple often sell out, so arrive early.

3

Reservations are recommended for dining, especially during events.

09
Half Price Books image 1

Huge bookstore offers narrow genre rooms and a nostalgic vibe with creased spines and dust. Rare media and collectibles behind the counter make it a treasure for collectors. Atmosphere is relaxed but somewhat chaotic, perfect for casual readers and enthusiasts.

Rare and interesting media appears regularly. The store holds collectibles behind the counter and massive volumes that stand out in a book collection.

People are saying

"I found a huge collection of books at this bookstore for great prices."

"I found so many books here, it's a great reading spot."

"I found so many interesting books and rare media here."

Good to know

1

Half Price Books offers a large selection of books, movies, games, and records.

2

Expect to find great deals on both new and used items.

3

Parking is easy and safe at Half Price Books.

10
Sumo Sushi & Grill AYCE - Tacoma image 1

Robot waiters shaped like cats create a fun, innovative dining experience with Japanese decor. Seating is crowded and cold, which may affect comfort. A variety of sake options enhance the unique atmosphere.

Robot cat servers deliver food, creating an interesting environment. The buffet uses an app for ordering and robots for delivery, making the concept quite unique.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and prepared fresh."

"The sushi delivery robots are so fun and keep food moving!"

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

It is an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet where leftover food incurs additional charges.

2

I paid $20 per person for lunch all-you-can-eat.

3

There was a Pierce County health sign indicating food safety 'needs improvement.'

11
Corbeau image 1
Modern French restaurant

Modern French spot blends art gallery vibe with luxe dining. Menu features North African harissa for bold flavors. Atmosphere is cozy but can get loud near the bar.

Menu offers interesting flavors like shallot and North African harissa in the Gnocchi. The overall vibe feels unique without pretension, though some combinations can be confusing.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the onion soup and steak frites, was delicious."

"The food here is delicious and thoughtfully composed for a great date spot."

"The cocktails here are lovely and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

2

The menu is limited, so check it beforehand to see if there's something you like.

3

Happy hour offers great deals on burgers and frites.

12
Waterfront Market at Ruston image 1

Market buzzes with lively atmosphere and offers fresh local produce alongside unique gadgets. Beautiful patio overlooks water, perfect for relaxing after exploring interesting shops and walking trails. Children's area adds family-friendly charm.

Exploring reveals interesting knickknacks and gadgets along with unique little shops. Some vendors stand out as more interesting than others.

People are saying

"The Grocery Store vendors are warm, friendly, and helpful."

"I found so many unique gifts and local crafts at this Local Spot."

"I found the market interesting with unique little shops."

Good to know

1

Parking is paid, with fees reaching $6 per hour.

2

Expect parking to be challenging; plan extra time for it.

3

The best time to visit is on weekends or during events.

13
Jollibee image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small, modern spot with fresh fried chicken that's often the best in town. Cramped, loud space adds to the busy vibe. Try the light Bolognese spaghetti with a BBQ twist for an interesting flavor.

Spaghetti stands out with its light Bolognese style mixed with BBQ and ketchup flavors. This combination creates an interesting twist on a classic dish.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I thought the fried chicken was excellent, crispy, and juicy."

"The spaghetti here is interesting, with a light Bolognese vibe."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available at this location.

2

Expect long wait times due to high customer volume.

3

The menu does not include PALABOK or Adobo Rice.

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Tacoma, Washington

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