Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of New Tacoma

Cool food spots

Made for those who refuse to dine in uninspired settings and prioritize a meal that feels as relevant as it is satisfying.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Fusion Donut Cafe & Lounge image 1
Fusion Donut Cafe & Lounge image 2
Fusion Donut Cafe & Lounge image 3
View all

Combination of donut shop and cozy cocktail bar creates a unique vibe. Space feels beautiful and spacious with trendy decor. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed daytime to lively late night, welcoming dogs and offering an outdoor dining area.

Late night hours let people enjoy fantastic food and great drinks until midnight. The menu features amazing donuts and margaritas alongside other tasty options.

Vendor setups add a cool vibe to the space. Friendly staff complement the cool interior with many cool lights and decor.

People are saying

"I found the donuts here to be delicious and incredibly tasty."

"The donuts here are amazing, tasting like love in the dough."

"The donuts here are amazing, especially the blueberry fritter."

Good to know

1

The cafe is open until midnight on weeknights, which is rare in Tacoma.

2

After 4 pm, the lounge becomes 21 plus.

3

Fusion offers vegan donuts on weekends.

02
The Crafty Beaver Bar image 1

Small bar with cozy, charming vibe and stylish, thoughtful decor creates a welcoming atmosphere. It offers local beers on tap and artisan flatbread-style pizza with fresh ingredients and a charred crust. Sidewalk seating and good music add to the relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Food tastes genuinely homemade with consistently excellent quality. Service complements the delicious dishes well.

Small size gives it an intimate feel. The vibe is a hidden gem with a really cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The pizza here is perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor."

"The pizza here is fantastic, crispy, and flavorful."

"I found the bar to be really cool."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of street parking available out front.

2

The pizza is reasonably priced and offered in a unique flatbread style.

3

The bar is connected to a gelato shop for a convenient dining experience.

03
Berliner Beerhall image 1
German restaurant

Large space with long communal tables and an industrial loft style creates a lively yet cozy atmosphere. German beers on tap and fireplace seating add authentic and unique touches. Community seating suits big groups while maintaining a fun, open vibe without excessive noise.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with flavorful German dishes. Service complements the meal well, making the overall dining experience solid.

A fire pit inside adds a unique touch to the setting. Trivia nights and a cool building vibe make it a great spot to watch a game or catch up with friends.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I loved the awesome beer selection here."

"I found the vibe and the fire pit here to be super cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with half-liter pilsners for $6.50.

2

Trivia night occurs every Wednesday evening, starting at 8 PM.

3

Parking is limited, so consider using public transit.

04
E9 Brewing Co. & Taproom image 1

Small brewery space offers cozy interior with views of brewing equipment and heated outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere stays relaxed and lively, drawing a friendly crowd that enjoys rotating beers and top-tier pizza.

Food pairs well with great beer and a laid-back vibe. The pizza stands out as excellent and satisfying.

The building has a historical vibe that stands out. The brewery offers a cool taproom atmosphere with a unique character.

People are saying

"I thought the beer here was the best in Tacoma."

"The food here is delicious and just perfect."

"I found the pizza here to be delicious and my new favorite spot."

Good to know

1

Breakfast pizza is available on Sundays, a popular choice among visitors.

2

Wild wood waffles are served on weekends at E9 Brewing Co. & Taproom.

3

The establishment is 21+ only, making it an adult-only venue.

05
Doyle's Public House image 1

Old building with weathered wood decor and football champion scarves creates a true pub atmosphere. Big screens show Premier League matches, drawing many locals who bring a lively, loud energy. Dog-friendly space includes an outdoor area and a private booth for groups.

Food stands out with exceptional quality and Irish pub classics that consistently impress. Dishes deliver great flavor and exceed typical pub expectations.

Busy spot with a great vibe and cool signage. Decor features football champion scarves and old Jameson bottles.

People are saying

"It's a great spot to watch soccer games with other fans."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"It's a cool place with a great vibe and friendly locals."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Dinner could be crowded during trivia and soccer evenings, so plan ahead.

3

Food is served until about 12:45 AM, sometimes until 1 AM.

06
Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito - Downtown Tacoma image 1

Private booths decorated with Naruto art and anime references create a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a K-pop soundtrack adding energy. Seating options include manga-themed booths that offer a warm, welcoming vibe. The space combines modern, whimsical Korean art with a lively, fun environment.

Food offers great flavor and is very filling. Every meal is consistently delicious and wonderful.

Cool art and decor fill the space, featuring manga drawings, barn doors, and cork and plywood boards on the walls. The atmosphere feels unique and inviting, making it a standout spot.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"The artwork and decor here are really cool."

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.

07
Manuscript image 1
Restaurant

Eclectic decor blends vintage typewriters, street art, and film posters with a cozy, warm atmosphere. Live DJ spins 70s and 80s soul and hip hop, creating a lively vibe that suits date nights and social gatherings. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, and a back room offers a roomy yet intimate event space.

Food here stands out for its freshness and rich, flavorful house-made tomato sauce. Breakfast dishes like eggs in purgatory and ricotta frittata have a fantastic texture and taste exceptional.

Unique and charming vibes create a cool spot to meet, eat, and drink. The atmosphere feels fresh and has potential to grow into something really big.

People are saying

"I loved their brunch options; everything was great."

"The food here is delicious and fairly priced."

"The food here is delicious, especially the pork belly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as it gets busy after 10am.

2

Street parking is available near the venue.

3

Happy hour pricing is available for certain appetizers and drinks.

08
Alfred's Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Space blends 50's diner and sports bar styles with retro decor and historic signage. Atmosphere shifts from laid back and cozy to loud and lively during busy times. Frequented for breakfast and socializing, it draws a family-friendly crowd.

Food features home-style comfort with dishes like biscuits and gravy, spicy breakfast burrito, and Monte Cristo sandwich. Portions are large and prices are great for the quality and service.

Cool vibe shines through the vintage decor and classic diner style. Friendly service adds to the dive bar atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and has a home cooking style."

"I loved my breakfast; the portions were so generous!"

"The food here is great, and the vibe is cool."

Good to know

1

Parking at Alfred's Cafe is often unpredictable and can be a gamble.

2

Expect to wait during busy hours, especially on weekends.

3

Breakfast prices are reasonable, with tacos costing $10.95.

09
The Camp Bar image 1

Camp-themed bar offers a divey vibe with friendly energy and a lodge-like atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio, and karaoke adds lively entertainment. Space fits small groups comfortably, blending laidback ambiance with bursts of loud activity.

Food stays consistently good and is reasonably priced. The quality is strong enough to make a bear trade its honey for a bite.

The place has a cool outdoorsy vibe with a strong camp atmosphere. The bartender adds to the scene with a friendly and cool presence.

People are saying

"They host fun karaoke nights with lots of crowd participation."

"The food here is good and consistently great."

"I found the atmosphere here to be really cool and outdoorsy."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens almost every day, with lively crowd participation.

2

Trivia night is every Thursday, attracting a younger crowd in their 20s-30s.

3

Bingo night is on Tuesdays, popular with a middle-aged audience.

10
Devil's Reef image 1

Dark, pirate-themed bar with flickering lights, bamboo, and Pacific islander decor creates a Lovecraft-inspired vibe. The atmosphere feels fun and immersive, perfect for date nights or casual evenings. Drinks focus on tiki cocktails and grog, paired with distinctive food like bacon-wrapped pineapple and large, shareable nachos.

Food hits the spot with clear, strong flavors. Drinks and food pair well, making the menu feel solid and satisfying.

A cool tiki vibe fills the space with a weird and visually interesting decor. The menu is huge, and even the restroom area stands out as pretty cool.

People are saying

"The drinks here are amazing, with fresh squeezed fruit and great rum."

"The drinks here are unique, intentionally crafted, and top-notch."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and visually interesting."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes around 10pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect a limited menu with many items often out of stock.

3

Reservations are recommended as they will text you when a spot opens up.

11
Rock The Dock Pub & Grill image 1

Outdoor seating overlooks a river with dog-friendly patio and live music creating a lively atmosphere. Inside, the space fills quickly during games, becoming loud and busy with a bar vibe. Views include Mount Rainier, adding a scenic backdrop to the energetic setting.

Food features great quality and reasonable prices with an emphasis on waterfront dining. Outdoor seating offers shade and is pet friendly, enhancing the dining experience.

Live music sets a cool tone and lifts the atmosphere. The crowd feels relaxed and adds to the overall chill vibe.

People are saying

"The views from the deck were amazing."

"I found the food here to be great."

"The crowd here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Open mic night happens every Thursday, starting at 7pm.

2

Meat Bingo is a fun weekly event, typically held on Wednesdays.

3

Parking is only allowed in yellow-lined spaces; otherwise, you may get a ticket.

12
Ebony and Ivory Coffee image 1

Spacious coffee shop with high ceilings and an upscale appearance featuring a unique old bank vault and a two-story moving nature scene. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, suited for working, meeting, or relaxing with ample seating including comfy chairs and couches. Amenities include a piano, a private couch nook upstairs, a safe room for solitude, and free password-protected WiFi.

Food here is consistently delicious and matches the quality of the wonderful coffee offerings. Staff like Alaya and Maya help pick out drinks and food, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Space feels modern and spacious with a high-end atmosphere. Plenty of seating creates a cool vibe for sipping coffee.

People are saying

"This coffee spot is a great space to study and work."

"This cafe is so classy and beautiful, I loved the ambience."

"The food here is delicious and always right on point."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available nearby and easy to find.

2

Expect a pre-made breakfast sandwich to cost around $8.50.

3

The bathrooms are clean and require a passcode for access.

13
Tacoma Comedy Club image 1

Small venue offers intimate seating with great sound and lighting. Atmosphere feels upbeat and cheerful, drawing crowds close to the stage. Entertainment includes full service food and a stocked bar, alongside comedy classes for aspiring performers.

Food includes cowboy burger, gouda burger, and a sampler platter shared among three. Service is quick with no long waits between drinks and food. Prices stay affordable.

Super cool atmosphere and seating create a relaxed vibe. The venue holds a very cool energy throughout the show.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food and drinks; they were great."

"The staff here makes the nightlife amazing and they're so attentive."

"I found the atmosphere and seating here to be super cool."

Good to know

1

A minimum of two food or drink items per person is required.

2

Parking costs $5 and is located across the street.

3

Gratuities are automatically added to your bill.

14
The Office Bar & Grill On Pacific Avenue image 1

Edgy dive bar with dark lighting and loud music creates a chill, friendly vibe. Local crowd gathers for sports and enjoys a jukebox for music selection. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, with a focus on whiskey and solid bar food.

Food here stands out for its high quality and fantastic bar offerings. The menu features a great selection that pairs well with drinks and complements the lively atmosphere.

Security feels laid-back and friendly. The pub offers a local vibe with a cool atmosphere that's easy to relax in before heading out.

People are saying

"The food here is great and affordable."

"The bartenders here are fantastic and friendly."

"It's a really cool local place with an enjoyable atmosphere."

Good to know

1

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

2

Prices for entrees and burgers are around $15-20.

3

The establishment has faced safety issues with recent violence.

15
McMenamins Elks Temple image 1

Building showcases psychedelic atmosphere and eclectic decor with multiple levels and balconies offering vibrant city views. Venue hosts five bars, including a secret speakeasy and tiki bar, creating a lively and casual vibe. Rooms are spotless and comfortable, blending unique design with practical comfort.

Food here offers a solid mix of flavors and satisfying dishes. The menu features well-prepared meals that complement the overall experience.

Multiple bars include a tiki bar with a cool pool and a speakeasy. The decor is eclectic with unique rooms and interesting artwork. Architecture and views of the port add to the atmosphere.

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."

"I thought the food here was amazing and exceptional."

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.

16
Dorky's Arcade image 1
Video arcade

Old school arcade space blends classic pinball machines with modern digital games under loud music and flashing electronic lights. Atmosphere shifts to an adults-only vibe at night with dimmed lighting and strobe effects. Frequented by those seeking nostalgic entertainment and a lively, energetic setting.

Lots of snacks and food options come with a great selection of drinks and beer. Food pairs well with the games and adult beverages available.

Super cool old school arcade vibe with many classic pinball games and older arcade kiosks. A restaurant and bar add to the atmosphere, while a DJ plays requested songs.

People are saying

"Many of the arcade games were not working during my visit."

"It's a cool old-school arcade with classic and newer games."

"The food here is great, with a good selection of drinks."

Good to know

1

The admission fee is $10 for unlimited play, but many machines do not work.

2

Taco Tuesdays are a popular event at Dorky's Arcade.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during kids' birthday parties in the evening.

Discover more

New Tacoma, Tacoma

Area guide
Loading Map...