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Food and date spots in South End

A dinner setting that feels special enough for a date without the stiff formality of fine dining.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Locus cafe image 1
Locus cafe image 2
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Bright, modern cafe with a cozy ambiance and comfortable seating invites guests to relax or socialize. Board games add a playful touch, making it a popular spot for friends and couples. The atmosphere combines uplifting energy with soothing music, creating a welcoming community space.

Food features amazing flavors and beautiful presentation. Dishes come at reasonable prices and deliver consistently delicious taste.

Community gathering space hosts couples playing games and friends catching up. Mini pancakes strawberry shortcake and chai stand out, though coffee costs 8 dollars for 16 ounces.

People are saying

"The banana pudding matcha at this cafe is amazing."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"You have to try the crepes and waffles here; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

They are open until 10pm, offering late-night waffles, crepes, and pancakes.

2

The parking is horrible, with very limited spaces right off Pacific Ave.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

02
La Cà 38th image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers cozy, modern vibe with heated outdoor patio and instrumental jazz music creating a relaxing atmosphere. Space feels tight inside but inviting, with a bar and multiple TVs showing sports and movies. Crowd includes casual diners enjoying flavorful Vietnamese dishes and local beers on tap.

Food here is fresh, flavorful, and made with care, especially noticeable in the herbs and chicken. Vietnamese dishes offer a soul healing quality with great taste and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food service was so kind and thoughtful."

"The food here is excellent, and the server made great recommendations."

"The food here is delicious, especially the banh mi."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has its own parking lot for easy access.

2

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

3

They offer booster seats and high chairs for families.

03
️Let it snow ️ image 1
Dessert shop

Dessert shop offers Hawaiian shaved ice and snow ice cream with fresh fruit flavors in a cute, welcoming space. The atmosphere feels cozy and friendly, with room for families and accessibility features. A wide menu and unique treats create a lively, diverse experience.

Food here delivers amazing flavors and delicious desserts that stand out. The menu can be confusing, but the sweet treats are favorites for kids and adults alike.

Offers a family-friendly vibe suitable for couples and kids alike. Works well for date nights or casual outings with little ones.

People are saying

"You have to try their snow desserts; they melt in your mouth."

"The specialty snow ice cream here is delicious and well-priced."

"I thought the food here was super great."

Good to know

1

Prices for Hawaiian shaved ice range from $6.50 to $9.00 based on choices.

2

Sides cost between $0.75 and $1.25, with ice cream scoops at $2.50.

3

The shop is family-friendly with large portions suitable for sharing.

04
Buddy's Chicken & Waffles image 1

Large restaurant with hip hop cafe vibe and Soul R&B music playing loudly creates an energetic atmosphere. Walls display artwork and paintings, while giant Connect Four game entertains children. Chicken and waffles stand out as the best, paired with notable lemon drop martinis.

Southern inspired food stands out with truly delicious and amazing flavors. The dishes consistently impress with rich taste and quality.

Soft, amazing waffles create a sweet spot for couples. The food feels like a little slice of heaven that makes spontaneous visits worthwhile.

People are saying

"I had the best waffles I’ve ever had here."

"The food here is fresh and tastes great."

"The chicken here is so flavorful and juicy, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

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

2

They do not take cash; only card payments are accepted.

3

Parking is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors.

05
Harbor City Tacoma Restaurant image 1

Chalupa shell-shaped building houses a hole-in-the-wall gem with a lively atmosphere and authentic Chinese food. Bright pink walls and worn interiors contrast with high-tech ordering via QR codes at each table. Large portions attract groups despite the unpolished setting.

Authentic Chinese food offers fresh, flavorful dishes with satisfying dim sum. The food stands out for its great taste and consistently delicious quality.

Dumplings and dim sum offer a tasty way to share dishes. Honey Walnut Prawns and Chow Fun provide flavorful options for a meal. The setting suits both dinner dates and casual lunches.

People are saying

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

"The dim sum here, especially the shrimp dumplings, is so good."

"The honey walnut prawns and chow fun were phenomenal for our Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses a QR code system for ordering from the table.

2

Parking can be difficult due to a small lot; street parking is available.

3

Prices are reasonable, with dim sum options available all day.

06
Little Jerry's image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Seinfeld-themed diner with compact seating and walls covered in memorabilia and episode references creates a cozy, quirky atmosphere. Tables are crowded, fostering a communal vibe reminiscent of classic neighborhood spots. Seinfeld plays continuously, adding to the unique, fun energy.

Food offers fresh ingredients and bold flavors not common in the area. Breakfast dishes stand out as delicious and well-prepared with consistent quality.

Biscuits and gravy come with a generous amount of sausage gravy and well-cooked scrambled eggs topped with cheese. The menu also features a Philly cheese steak sandwich and a Mac n cheese burger called The Uncle Leo.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and made with love."

"This diner is decorated with tons of Seinfeld memorabilia."

"You have to try the breakfast dishes here for your next date spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait during peak brunch hours, especially on Sundays.

3

Parking is available but can be tricky during busy hours.

07
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Restaurant combines sports bar vibe with family-friendly energy, featuring multiple TVs showing games and chill music. Atmosphere tends to be loud and busy, especially late at night, with a mix of families and sports fans. Decor includes balloons adding a casual, festive touch.

Food features amazing flavors and quick service. Pasta stands out as tasty and well-prepared.

Countless couples choose this spot for its memorable first dates and comfortable vibe. The Ribeye steak stands out as a solid choice, often compared favorably to steakhouses.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"Our server was so patient and kind with our wild kids."

"The servers here are amazing and so personable for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features half-price appetizers and drink specials after 9pm.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during late-night hours, especially after midnight.

3

The restaurant offers a $14.99 all-you-can-eat special that attracts crowds.

08
Thai Hut 2 image 1
Thai restaurant

Spacious Thai restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere and cozy, clean interior. Food features generous portions and perfect spice combinations, prepared personally by the family owners. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, suitable for casual dining.

Food comes freshly prepared and served hot with big portions. The menu features excellent Thai dishes with consistently great taste and friendly service.

Young waiter treats couples nicely and stays attentive throughout the meal. The Pad Se Ewe stands out as a favorite dish to share. The staff offers to-go boxes even as meals finish, showing thoughtful service.

People are saying

"I thought the crab fried rice surprised me beyond expectations."

"The food here is freshly made and authentic."

"I found the food here to be pretty good and tasty."

Good to know

1

The total cost is about $70 for two appetizers, two entrees, two drinks, and tip.

2

There is a 20% gratuity charge added to the bill.

3

The portions are generous, providing plenty for sharing or eating alone.

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South End, Tacoma

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