Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Food spots in Central Tacoma

You are looking for a reliable place to grab a meal that hits the spot.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Balcon Express image 1
Balcon Express image 2
Balcon Express image 3
View all
Salvadoran restaurant

Small Salvadoran spot offers authentic pupusas in a warm, family-friendly space with ethnic decor. Two dining rooms provide a quiet cozy or lively fast-casual vibe. Big windows add a people-watching charm to casual meals.

El Salvadoran food shines with authentic flavors and consistently high quality. Pupusas stand out as a 10/10 dish in a simple, no-frills setting.

People are saying

"I found the vegetarian burritos here to be very flavorful."

"I thought the carnitas were the best Iโ€™d had in the US."

"I found the food here to be amazing and excellent."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of residential street parking available nearby.

2

Balcon Express offers both meat and vegetarian options.

3

The prices at Balcon Express are reasonable compared to other places.

02
Little Bird Deli image 1

Small deli inside a hospital offers a calm, clean atmosphere with fresh ingredients and friendly service. Staff speak Spanish and English, serving breakfast items and Red Bull mimosas. Seating is adequate for quick meals or coffee breaks.

Food features great quality and consistent excellence with friendly service. Options satisfy a range of tastes and pair well with coffee.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and delicious."

"I enjoyed their coffee; it was perfect and delicious."

"The staff at the Deli always had a smile on their face."

Good to know

1

The deli offers weekday specials from Monday through Friday.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The menu features fresh ingredients for healthy meals.

03
Island vybz food truck LLC image 1

Food truck serves authentic Jamaican dishes with generous portions of well-seasoned oxtail and jerk chicken. Staff greet with genuine smiles, creating a welcoming vibe. Arrive early to enjoy the full menu and avoid shortages.

Succulent and tasty dishes deliver authentic Jamaican flavors with exceptional seasoning. This Caribbean food stands out for its rich, bold taste and is considered among the best on the West Coast.

People are saying

"I finally found the most authentic Jamaican food."

"The oxtail here is so tender and flavorful."

"I had the best jerk chicken I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid food shortages, especially for popular items.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a meal, including rice and beans.

3

Menu prices are clearly listed, but some items may not be available daily.

04
Yaki Raki image 1
Restaurant

Spacious interior with Japanese touches offers a clean, modern vibe. Food is fresh, tasty, and generous portions at a great price. Music blends 2000's R&B and Pop, creating a chill atmosphere that sometimes livens up.

Food comes out fresh, consistent, and tasty with high quality at an affordable price. Portions are generous, offering great value for about $25.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well-seasoned."

"The ramen here is amazing, just like in Japan."

"The staff here is so friendly, it makes the California Roll experience great."

Good to know

1

Yaki Raki is extremely clean and well-maintained.

2

The portions are very large, providing great value for the price.

3

They offer excellent vegetarian options on the menu.

05
Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 image 1
Fraternal organization

Fraternal lodge offers a welcoming atmosphere with fun entertainment and a steak special on the menu. Food is good quality and reasonably priced, perfect after golf. Space is quiet with nice golf carts despite limited golf options.

Food here is consistently good quality and reasonably priced, just a bit more than fast food. The menu offers solid options that satisfy after activities like golf.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be good."

"I enjoyed the golf course here."

Good to know

1

Steak meals are priced at $19 for their special.

2

The lodge offers a limited menu with only one steak meal available.

3

The restaurant is not busy and has very few patrons.

06
Caballeros Club image 1

Private venue offers a black-owned atmosphere with a DJ playing step and slow songs for an older crowd. Southern cuisine is affordable and flavorful, perfect for social nights. Friendly, intimate space invites dancing and meeting new people.

Food features excellent southern cuisine prepared by a skilled chef. Dishes are affordable and consistently flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and worth the money."

"The nightclub music kept everyone dancing all night long."

"I thought Caballeros Club was an amazing club with lots of history."

Good to know

1

The next big event at Caballeros Club is highly anticipated by many.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure entry.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during events.

07
Mimi Teriyaki image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers generous portions and a simple, clean layout with a Japanese Pop Culture mural. Food arrives fast, within 5-10 minutes, and tastes fresh and crispy. Atmosphere feels quaint despite the gas station setting.

Food comes out quickly, often within 5-10 minutes, with a focus on freshness and crispy textures. The dishes consistently taste delicious and show high quality in preparation.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and flavorful."

"I found the teriyaki here to be the best I've tried."

"The Korean fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and has a spicy honey garlic flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions at affordable prices.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for two plates and two drinks.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for small purchases.

08
Bar Rosa image 1

Cozy bar offers Neapolitan pizza baked in a brick oven and a chill vibe with walls that open up. Cocktails shine with an incredible amaro selection and creative mixes. Food is fresh and skillfully prepared, making every dish a flavorful experience.

Food here is consistently fresh and high quality, prepared with great skill. The menu features sensational pizza and cocktails alongside other dishes that impress with their flavor and presentation.

People are saying

"This Neapolitan style pizza is the best I've ever had."

"I enjoyed the delicious cocktails here."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and masterfully prepared."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted craft cocktails and beer.

2

Wings are available on Wednesdays, but they sell out quickly.

3

Turntable Tuesdays feature vinyl music for enthusiasts starting at 7pm.

09
Sig Brewing Company image 1

Concrete walls and loud atmosphere set a lively tone. High stools and outdoor seating invite a local crowd for casual hangouts. Scrumptious food pairs perfectly with incredible beer, while music keeps the vibe friendly and modern.

Food offers scrumptious options with excellent quality and pairs well with incredible beer.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the tasty beers and great selection."

"I thought the pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"The food here is delicious and has a good variety."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday; arrive early to reserve a table.

2

Kids are welcome until 7pm, making it family-friendly earlier in the evening.

3

Food typically comes out in under 15 minutes, ensuring quick service.

10
Allenmore Golf Course image 1

Golf course features amazing views of Mount Rainier and smooth, rolling greens. Full-service bar and restaurant serve crispy fish and chips with cold beer that pairs perfectly. Grounds feel well-kept yet relaxed, creating a welcoming vibe for all visitors.

Food offers good quality and tastes delicious. Cold beer pairs well with the meals, enhancing the overall experience.

People are saying

"I found the course to be a fun challenge."

"The food here is really good."

"The nice view of Mount Rainier is unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Golf cart rental for 9 holes costs $35.

2

Expect to pay $46 after tax for a 6:27 tee time, walking.

3

The restaurant is open to everyone, not just Elks members.

11
Pho Garden image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with soft music and charming artwork. Food is fresh and well-cooked with delicious flavors and great presentation. Seating is comfortable in a clean, relaxing space.

Food here is fresh and well-cooked with delicious flavors. Presentation stands out, making meals both quick and tasty.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food's pho broth is the best I've ever tasted."

"It's a wonderfully quiet spot that helps you relax."

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Pho Garden offers to-go options for convenient dining.

2

The meal costs around $30 for two people, making it affordable.

3

Complimentary sweet tea is available during certain hours for dine-in customers.

12
Pizza Time Pub image 1
Pizza restaurant

Dive bar offers college-style pizza with fair prices and good quality. Family-friendly vibe before 9 pm shifts to a full bar at night. Free pool, darts, and arcade games add fun, while old-time blues music keeps the mood relaxed.

Food features well done dishes with fair pricing and consistently good quality.

People are saying

"I loved the pizza's great crust and generous toppings."

"Their beer selection is great and the staff can answer questions."

"I found the food here super good and fairly priced."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 8pm.

2

The venue is family-friendly until 9pm when it converts to a full bar.

3

Pizza Time Pub fills orders in about 25 minutes.

13
Legendz image 1
American restaurant

Drive-thru with old school style and outdoor seating offers a unique vibe. Food shines with high quality burgers and cheesesteaks cooked to order. Prices stay affordable, making it a great spot despite its run down look.

Food comes out cooked to order with a wonderful taste that often exceeds expectations. Prices stay affordable while the drive-through offers real food and genuine service.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, hot, and fresh."

"I thought this Philly Cheesesteak was the best I ever had."

"The cheeseburger here is seasoned perfectly and incredibly delicious."

Good to know

1

Legendz is a drive-thru only with no indoor seating.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a meal, including a $3 soda.

3

Legendz opens at 11 AM, but food may not be ready immediately.

14
Flipping Out Burgers & Fries image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall spot offers a nostalgic vibe with a small indoor space and a pleasant outdoor patio. Burgers are delicious and traditional, served hot with fresh fries. Laid-back atmosphere makes it a great casual hangout.

Food arrives hot and fresh with the right amount on the plate. The burger and fries stand out as exceptional, and the overall taste is consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be great."

"The outdoor seating here is really nice."

"The food here is really good and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers build-your-own burger options or a selection of house specials.

2

There was a free shared parking lot right in front of the restaurant.

3

They made their own patties daily and cooked everything to order.

15
Cheney Stadium image 1

Small stadium creates an intimate atmosphere with great sightlines. Affordable food offers good value and plenty of choices. Family-friendly vibe shines with play areas for kids and friendly staff in suites. Several bars add to the lively energy.

Food here is affordable and offers plentiful options with good value compared to other sports venues. Staff in the suite are amazing, enhancing the overall experience.

People are saying

"It's a great place to enjoy a baseball game."

"It's a fun place for family activities and making good memories."

"The food options here are plentiful and really good."

Good to know

1

Parking at Cheney Stadium can be challenging, especially during game days.

2

Expect limited ADA accommodations; plan ahead if needed.

3

Friday night games feature a fireworks display after the game.

16
Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Club image 1

Ballpark features intimate seating with mountain views and a lively vibe. Kids enjoy the playground and mini field, while adults relax at the bar area. Food vendors offer many choices at affordable prices with easy access and climate-controlled seating.

Food options include tons of vendors with a wide variety of choices. Seating offers private climate control and easy access to food and drinks, all at affordable prices.

People are saying

"It's a great place to watch a ball game."

"The food options here are pretty good and varied."

"The ballpark's nice view of the game and mountains is beautiful."

Good to know

1

Tickets are affordably priced, making it a great value for families.

2

Expect a fun fireworks display after Friday night games.

3

The stadium offers a variety of food and beverage options.

17
Shakabrah image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Old building with graffiti artwork sets a lively scene. Food is hot and fresh with large portions and quick service. Loud music and cozy chairs create a dynamic atmosphere perfect for casual brunches.

Food arrives hot and fresh with large portions at great prices. Service is friendly and meals come quickly, offering a taste unlike typical diner food.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and a must crave."

"You have to try the breakfast potatoes and biscuit and gravy."

"The service at Brunch was great and friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking on 6th Street is difficult; consider using a side street instead.

2

Expect busy times during local events like Art on the Ave.

3

Takeout portions are the same as dining in and are well-packaged.

18
Tacoma's No1 Fried Rice image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright lighting and artful design create a warm, welcoming vibe. Chinese dishes impress with amazing taste and picture perfect presentation. Generous family packs serve more than 4-5 people, matching the place's family business feel.

Chinese dishes stand out with amazing taste and picture perfect presentation. The family pack offers generous portions, serving more than 4-5 people.

People are saying

"I had the best fried rice I've ever had."

"The sushi here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The Teriyaki Chicken food was perfectly cooked and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during lunch hours on weekends.

2

Parking is usually available nearby, but can be limited during busy times.

3

Prices for large meals are over $20, and they have increased recently.

19
IHOP image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Bright, clean space with quick service and tasty hashbrowns makes meals enjoyable. Trendy music and nice lighting create a comfortable atmosphere where regulars chat easily. Tables with varied syrup flavors add a special touch to breakfast.

Food arrives quickly and stays warm. Hashbrowns stand out as tasty and the overall meal is consistently good.

People are saying

"The food here is great and always comes out fast."

"The pancakes here are so fluffy and warm."

"It felt like stepping into a quiet little haven."

Good to know

1

Parking can be limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

IHOP offers a $7 all-day House Faves breakfast menu from Monday to Friday.

3

Expect higher prices compared to cooking at home.

20
Taqueria Hermanos Cardona #2 image 1

Food truck serves authentic Mexican food with fresh homemade salsa and spicy shrimp. Friendly, casual vibe with cooks often joined by family. High counter may be tough for short guests.

Mexican food here tastes authentic and brings a strong sense of heritage. The dishes are generally delicious and satisfying, served from a food truck in a gas station parking lot.

People are saying

"I loved this food truck; the food was amazing."

"I found this taco truck to be my new favorite."

"I thought the taco was delicious."

Good to know

1

The food truck is located in a gas station parking lot.

2

Prices for menu items are around $11.99 for a cheese quesadilla.

3

The food truck operates during lunch hours, typically from 11am to 3pm.

21
Urban Elk Bar & Restaurant image 1

Spacious interior with fireplace seating and a covered patio offers comfort. Food serves real, enjoyable flavors with nice golf views at fair prices. Live bands on Saturdays bring live music energy while pool tables and a gym keep it family-friendly and casual.

Food offers good quality and reasonable prices with nice golf views. Meals come at a slightly higher cost than fast food but deliver real, enjoyable flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and reasonably priced."

"I loved the live music and the staff every Saturday."

"The outdoor seating is nice when the temperature is right."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available for all guests.

2

Happy hour runs all day on Mondays with great drink options.

3

Live bands perform every Saturday from 4 to 7 pm.

22
Starbucks Coffee Company image 1

Drive-thru service is fast with fresh food and solid coffee. Seating is scarce and uncomfortable, with tilted rails offering no tables. Location feels isolated and unsafe, mainly serving passersby and bikers.

Food comes out fresh and the coffee is solid. Staff work quickly even when lines get long.

People are saying

"The coffee staff here are incredibly friendly and quick."

"The drive-thru staff here are so friendly and efficient."

"The staff here are incredibly friendly and quick with your food."

Good to know

1

This Starbucks location only offers drive-thru service.

2

There are no seating options available at this Starbucks.

3

The drive-thru line can be long, but it moves quickly.

23
West End Pub image 1

Spacious pub offers a sports-focused atmosphere with numerous TVs and pool tables. Food shines with perfectly prepared quesadillas and ribs. Renovated space includes a huge enclosed patio and a back room for large groups.

Food comes with good bar options and perfect preparation. Quesadillas and ribs stand out among the great service and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The food and drinks at this bar were excellent."

"The smash burgers here are delicious and juicy."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Most entrees are priced under $18, making it budget-friendly.

3

Food orders must be placed directly at the bar.

Discover more

Central Tacoma, Tacoma

Area guide
Loading Map...