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New Yorkers 1st Choice
New Tacoma's best

Unique food spots

A meal that offers something genuinely different instead of the same tired options found everywhere else.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
The Crafty Beaver Bar image 1
The Crafty Beaver Bar image 2
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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.

Unique presentation of pizza in a flatbread style stands out. The neighborhood locale adds to the distinct vibe.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the unique flatbread pizza presentation."

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.

02
Third Space Cafe image 1

Small cafe offers comfy work vibe with Wi-Fi and outlets amid a warm, creative atmosphere that feels community-centered. Space is well-designed and clean but can be loud and echoey. Frequented by those seeking a cozy spot to hang out or get work done.

Food features homemade dishes with a focus on mastering basics and adding a little extra sparkle. The kimchi cheese steak stands out as a notable item, alongside consistently good coffee and drinks.

Homemade syrups and specialty lattes stand out here, especially the blueberry basil latte with its unique flavor. Homemade biscuits add another layer of distinctiveness to the coffee offerings.

People are saying

"These biscuits are flaky, buttery, and made with care."

"The food here is so good, with fresh ingredients and great flavor."

"I loved their unique house-made syrups and specialty lattes."

Good to know

1

The cafe is not open on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially on weekday mornings.

3

They do not charge extra for alternative milks, which is great for lactose intolerant customers.

03
Fusion Donut Cafe & Lounge image 1

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.

Donuts come in a variety of unique flavors like mango tajin and lemon fritter, offering fresh and inspired tastes. Cocktails also stand out with their distinctive and delicious blends.

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 unique donut flavors are inspired and delicious."

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.

04
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.

Anime-themed decor uses classy black and white colors creating a distinct atmosphere. Broth stands out with a creamier Tonkatsu style. Sushi burritos offer a fresh, unique texture and taste.

People are saying

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

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

"The ramen broth here is uniquely creamy and delicious."

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.

05
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.

Square fireplace seating adds a unique touch. The building has a German aesthetic and the mug club stands out as one of a kind.

People are saying

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

"I loved the awesome beer selection here."

"The unique atmosphere here feels authentically German."

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.

06
The Press Room image 1
Event venue

Event venue blends historic charm with eclectic decor featuring antiques and unique artwork. Space feels intimate and versatile, with areas for ceremonies, live bands, and presentations. Lighting suits moody photography, and separate suites support private preparations.

Food prices catch attention at first but fade during the event. Guests find the food and drinks delicious and the overall taste fantastic.

Historic charm shapes the atmosphere with antiques and old-fashioned artwork decorating the space. The decor stands out as truly unique compared to ordinary event venues.

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."

"It's got this unique historic charm with cool antiques and artwork."

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.

07
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.

Authentic Mexican dishes stand out with well-presented plates and flavors that go beyond typical TexMex. Sopas and other offerings deliver a delicious and fantastic taste experience.

Unique menu offers a variety of dishes with a selection of hot sauces. Drinks stand out as unique and delicious. The decor features a tree-like centerpiece bar with woven basket lights creating a warm glow.

People are saying

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

"I loved their great cocktails."

"The food here is unique, layered with authentic Mexican flavor and creativity."

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.

08
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.

Several unique and creative dishes stand out, including a pork belly hash that highlights quality ingredients. The brunch menu offers options that differ from typical local fare, creating a charming and cool spot to meet, eat, and drink.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and fairly priced."

"You have to try the unique pork belly hash; it's sublime."

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.

09
Mirรณ Tapas image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Space features joyful, colorful decor and amazing artwork, creating a warm, modern, and lively atmosphere without excessive noise. Guests enjoy fantastic cocktails alongside incredible, shareable tapas full of flavor. The vibe blends classy, artsy energy with a relaxed, inviting feel.

Food shows skill and expertise in preparation with phenomenal flavor throughout. Patatas bravas stands out as a notable dish with excellent taste.

Six or seven different items offer completely unique and fresh flavors. Decor stands out as unique and tasteful, creating a fun atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the vegetarian paella."

"The cocktails were unusual and delicious."

"The food here is creative and expertly prepared."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available on Mondays with discounted drinks.

2

Trivia night occurs every Monday evening, making it a fun outing.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

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.

An extremely unique atmosphere sets this place apart. It features lots of unique seating options and intentionally crafted drinks that stand out.

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 decor here is so unique, with a cool tiki-pirate vibe."

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
Luv-a-Latte Espresso image 1

Small cafe filled with bright pink decor and gorgeous heritage artwork creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with strong feminine energy. Music plays a key role in setting the sweet, on-point vibe. Friendly staff and unique offerings make it a local hub for work or relaxation.

Delicious food pairs well with stellar coffee and drinks. Personal touches add to the overall experience.

Drink specials feature super unique flavors that stand out. The menu offers a variety of delicious and unique options to try.

People are saying

"This cafe is super cute and refreshingly pink."

"I thought the food and coffee were delicious."

"The drink specials here have super unique flavors."

Good to know

1

Drea hosts events at the cafe, including The Manifest That Shit class.

2

They offer new drink specials weekly and monthly.

3

Expect to wait if there is a line, as the shop is small.

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.

Old bank vaults create a unique atmosphere. The menu features unique drink concoctions and valentines specials that stand out.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the coffee flights; they're pretty impressive."

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
Campfire coffee co. image 1

Rustic, nature-inspired decor creates a campfire theme with faux lanterns and an outdoorsy vibe. Cozy interior offers plenty of seating and views of the mountains, though seating comfort varies. Plenty of outlets and WiFi support a work-friendly atmosphere.

Food comes in plastic boxes with a focus on food safety and quality. One employee handles orders, drinks, and reheating, while coffee and food maintain a good standard.

Beans roasted over a fire of PNW woods create a very nice roast. Drinks and treats include unique flavors like the Turkish Delight with soothing notes. Service stays stellar alongside these offerings.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great and the staff are friendly."

"Their seasonal drinks are so creative and perfectly balanced."

"Their seasonal drinks are creative and always taste amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking in downtown Tacoma may be a little of a hassle, sometimes requiring parking a block or two away.

2

The place is usually packed, so expect a busy atmosphere during peak hours.

3

They offer vegan breakfast sandwich options for those looking for plant-based choices.

14
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.

Quirky, eclectic artwork and unique decor fill every corner, making each visit a visual adventure. Every floor offers distinct character with historical elements and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

People are saying

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

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

"It's so unique with all the eclectic art and chandeliers everywhere."

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.

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