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Best of Tacoma

Lunch and dinner spots

You need a reliable place to eat whether it is the middle of the day or well into the evening.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Berliner Beerhall image 1
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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.

Early Saturday lunches offer a welcoming atmosphere with prompt service. The experience feels smooth and enjoyable for a midday meal.

Dinner comes quickly with prompt service. The spot offers a great atmosphere for evening meals and hosts special dinners like whole roasted pig events.

People are saying

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

"The German Dinner Spots here are delicious, especially the enormous pretzels."

"The food and beer at this Lunch Spot are excellent."

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.

02
Indita Mia image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with marina and waterway views offers both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating with tabletop heating. Atmosphere blends classy and family-friendly vibes with a vibrant, welcoming energy. Music tends to be loud, creating a lively backdrop for dining.

Tacos de barbacoa and a wagyu beef lunch sandwich stand out as flavorful lunch options. A single tamale offers a light meal that doesn't cause sleepiness. Service stays attentive even during busy lunch hours.

Dinner offers great views and good value during early hours. The spot suits occasions like boat parades with a festive vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the birria tacos."

"The food here is delicious, especially the fresh tortillas."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was outstanding and attentive."

Good to know

1

Indita Mia offers unique Mexican fare, including ceviche, guacamole, and margaritas.

2

Happy hour features great prices on drinks and appetizers.

3

Parking at the new Indita Mia location can be difficult.

03
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.

Authentic Irish pub offers a solid spot for lunch with a lively atmosphere. It suits group lunches and staff meetings well, with screens showing soccer matches to keep things engaging.

Dinner offers a homey vibe with dishes like the corned beef dinner that feel like a special Sunday meal. Staff and chefs provide top-tier service ensuring a solid dining experience.

People are saying

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

"The food at this lunch spot is amazing and flavourful."

"The service here is exceptional, making for a great dinner spot."

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.

04
Thai Pepper image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space with traditional decor and authentic Thai atmosphere. Energy ranges from quiet and suitable for dates to busy and lively during peak times. Staff create a welcoming vibe that complements the affordable, well-regarded food.

Lunch specials offer excellent value with dishes like the Bangkok Fried Chicken Lunch Special standing out. This spot serves consistently good deals that make it a reliable choice for midday meals.

Massaman Curry and Crab Curry stand out as flavorful dinner choices. Seating happens quickly even when it gets packed, with some guests arriving just before the dinner rush.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The vegetarian options here are plentiful and incredibly flavorful."

"The Massaman Curry makes for a delicious dinner."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a struggle, so arrive early.

2

The prices at Thai Pepper are very affordable.

3

The portions are huge and often provide leftovers for two meals.

05
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.

Waterfront seating offers a relaxed vibe for lunch. Many bring dogs or dock boats nearby to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere and quiet pace on weekdays.

Dinner here comes with a lively atmosphere where noise is part of the experience. Meals often follow recommendations, and conversations usually pick up after eating.

People are saying

"The views from the deck were amazing."

"You've got to try the fried oysters and fish and chips for dinner."

"The crab dip at this Lunch Spot is amazing and has real crab."

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.

06
The Forum image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with historic decor and a beautiful bar offers a lively local vibe that shifts from calm early evenings to a busy, loud late-night scene. Outdoor patio welcomes dogs and provides a pleasant downtown strip setting. Cocktails stand out as some of the best in the area, featuring unique infusions and rotating craft beers.

Offers a solid spot for lunch or happy hour with options like takeout burgers. Welcoming for quick stops or casual meals with others.

Dinner features a focus on steak with options that satisfy before or after events. The setting suits an early dinner or a longer stay for a full meal.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty and came out hot."

"The pulled pork sandwich and French onion bisque were incredible dinner spots."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is really good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, especially on busy nights like game nights.

2

Expect to pay around $89 for two drinks and a quesadilla.

3

The venue hosts game nights and music bingo events regularly.

07
Happy Teriyaki #4 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi restaurant offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere with a welcoming vibe ideal for couples and small groups. The space stays calm and unhurried, creating an inviting setting without fine dining formality. Plenty of parking behind the building adds to the convenience.

Lunch specials and bento boxes come at a good price with generous portions. Food tastes very good and offers solid value during lunch breaks.

Dinner offers a dinner bento with a good deal. The orange chicken and spicy tuna roll combo costs $21 and tastes very good.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was delicious and plentiful."

"The lunch specials here are a great price and proportioned well."

"The dinner here is so delicious, I finished everything."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available behind the building.

2

The dinner bento offers a great deal for the price.

3

Portion sizes are large, often enough to share between two people.

08
Mexico Magico Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant offers an authentic Mexican feel with dark, quiet atmosphere and comfortable booths. The space fills with content diners enjoying flavorful dishes and well-made margaritas. It maintains a nice and chill vibe suitable for conversation even on busy nights.

A single woman handles the late lunch crowd and bar by herself with ease. Lunch service stays consistent even when the restaurant is pretty empty on weekdays.

A fun spot for busy weekend or weeknight dinners with a clear pricing policy that charges dinner prices 15 minutes before lunch. Business can be slow, so timing your visit during dinner hours matters.

People are saying

"You have to try the street tacos; they're amazing."

"The salsa verde and roja were both great tasting."

"The service at these dinner spots is super friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations for large parties are difficult to secure last minute.

2

The restaurant charges for chips and salsa after the first refill.

3

Seniors receive a 30% discount from 3 pm to closing.

09
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.

Outdoor patio at the Spanish Steps offers a relaxed spot for lunch. The pub serves lunch alongside tapas and dinner, with live music events in the nearby Spanish Ballroom.

Dinner features very good food with options like tapas in a setting that includes a Spanish Ballroom and bar hosting live music and events.

People are saying

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

"I loved exploring the unique, hidden spaces while looking for dinner spots."

"This Lunch Spot is amazing 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.

10
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.

Menu includes breakfast for lunch options alongside lunch and dinner. Offers a mouthwatering selection that suits a midday meal.

Dinner includes a variety of options alongside a bar serving drinks. The spot works well for a casual meal before events and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.

People are saying

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

"The food and drinks here are delicious."

"I found the food delicious at this lunch spot."

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.

11
Johnny's Dock Marina image 1

Waterfront restaurant offers live music on the deck with a beautiful harbor view and cozy herbal aromas inside. Atmosphere shifts from quiet to loud when the band plays, creating a dynamic vibe. Interior shows signs of wear but the remodeled areas add some freshness.

Lunch offers a casual vibe with options suitable for special occasions. Outdoor seating on the dock adds a pleasant touch on sunny days.

Dinners here offer a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service. The food quality is solid, and groups often enjoy their meals together on the deck or marina setting.

People are saying

"The nice view of the city lights is pretty great."

"The dinner here was really good; everyone enjoyed their meals."

"This lunch spot has great waterfront views and outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Music is played on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 8 pm.

2

Reservations are required for outside deck seating during live music events.

3

The happy hour menu reduces entree prices by $1.

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