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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in South Tacoma

Cool spots

You want food that actually has a pulse and a personality.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacoma Shawarma image 1
Tacoma Shawarma image 2
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Restaurant

Restaurant combines cozy atmosphere with pool tables in the back for a relaxed vibe. Space feels clean and comfortable, welcoming families and casual diners alike. Service blends quick counter style with a sit-down feel, creating a unique dining experience.

Food arrives hot and fresh with prompt service. Dishes are authentic and delicious, complemented by amazing coffee and desserts.

Casual and good vibes set the tone here. The spot feels super cool with a friendly crowd and solid Middle Eastern food.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The atmosphere here feels so cozy, like being home."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers food truck-style service with fine dining prices.

2

The price of $19 for the Lamb Shawarma is reasonable for the portion size.

3

They serve a HALAL menu despite being non-Muslims.

02
Howdy Bagel image 1

Small bakery with immaculate decor and a welcoming, cozy vibe that fosters camaraderie and local pride. Lines often wrap outside, reflecting its popularity and authentic NYC-style bagels. Offers a full espresso bar and thoughtful touches like dog treats outside.

Fabulous food draws long lines here. The menu offers consistently great options that make the wait worthwhile.

Atmosphere bursts with fun decor and a cool cowboy bagel guy. Branded merchandise adds a fresh, cool-casual vibe inside and out.

People are saying

"These bagels are light, chewy, and have a slight crunch."

"The food here is flavorful and satisfying."

"The staff here is so cool, always happy and friendly."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially on Saturday mornings, so arrive early.

2

They often sell out of bagels before closing time, so come early.

3

The seating area fills up quickly, making it hard to find a spot.

03
Side Piece Kitchen image 1
Brunch restaurant

Retro 70's decor creates a nostalgic and immaculate vibe in a tiny space with minimal seating. Post-hardcore music plays, adding to the cool atmosphere. The crowd is strictly 21 and over, giving the place an adult-focused energy.

Food here is consistently phenomenal and often described as heaven sent. The menu delivers an amazing dining experience with every visit.

A laid back vibe with retro decor sets a cool tone here. The space attracts many tattooed hipster types and feels thoughtfully curated.

People are saying

"These biscuits are surprisingly good with kimchi and pork belly."

"The food here is delicious, especially the biscuits."

"The biscuits here are seasoned and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Side Piece Kitchen does not accept cash; credit cards only.

2

The restaurant is 21+ for dine-in; takeout is available for all ages.

3

Expect long lines, especially if arriving close to event times.

04
Sumo Sushi & Grill AYCE - Tacoma image 1

Robot waiters shaped like cats deliver food in a large, modern dining area with booth seating and Japanese decor. Atmosphere feels fun and innovative but can be crowded and cold with some discomfort in seating. Alcohol options include a variety of sake, adding to the unique dining experience.

Food here is consistently delicious and satisfying. Robots deliver dishes, adding a unique dining experience alongside friendly and helpful service.

Robot servers deliver food directly to tables, creating a unique dining experience. The place uses an app-based ordering system and features robot cats that serve meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and prepared fresh."

"The sushi delivery robots are so fun and keep food moving!"

"The robot delivering food to the table is a cool experience."

Good to know

1

It is an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet where leftover food incurs additional charges.

2

I paid $20 per person for lunch all-you-can-eat.

3

There was a Pierce County health sign indicating food safety 'needs improvement.'

05
Bob's Java Jive image 1

Building shaped like a giant teapot with eclectic decor and jungle motifs creates a unique setting. Constant live karaoke fills the space with energy, drawing a friendly crowd that feels like a close community. Outdoor seating and a rooftop stage add variety to the lively, colorful ambiance.

Food shows steady improvement with amazing flavors and delicious dishes. Prices stay reasonable around $70 before tip.

Graffiti-tagged bathroom walls and karaoke create a cool dive bar vibe. Drinks and the overall super cool ambiance add to the experience.

People are saying

"I want to come back for the karaoke."

"The food here is good."

"It's so cool inside with a wild collection of decor everywhere."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every night, starting around 9 PM.

2

Expect long wait times for karaoke slots, especially on weekends.

3

The bar is open until 2 AM every day.

06
Lucky Silver Tavern image 1

Old school dive bar with an art deco back bar and a cool back patio featuring personal fire pits and misters. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy, encouraging easy conversation with solid music and occasional live performances. Games like pool and darts add to the relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Food features top-notch quality with consistent satisfaction. The mushroom burger stands out as a highlight among the offerings.

An old school dive bar vibe mixes with a very cool back patio featuring personal fire pits. The bartender Ray adds to the scene with his master salesman skills and super cool presence.

People are saying

"The wings at this dive bar are freshly fried and loaded with flavor."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"It's a cool old school dive bar with a low-key vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available any day of the week with great deals.

2

Karaoke happens every Saturday night, ensuring a fun atmosphere.

3

Expect a relaxed karaoke rotation with minimal wait times.

07
Airport Tavern Music Hall image 1

Large concert hall with festival seating and multiple bars creates an open, energetic space. Top-tier sound system and dynamic lighting deliver clear music and vibrant visuals. The venue hosts live bands and DJs, offering a lively atmosphere with ample room to dance.

Food comes with a limited selection separate from the bar but stays good and affordable. Staff work hard to keep both drinks and food flowing smoothly.

The venue offers a very cool space that works well for music events and hanging out. The bar and overall vibe make it a great spot to spend time with friends and it's easy to get to.

People are saying

"The drinks here are top-notch with awesome sound."

"I thought the food was great and affordable."

"I enjoyed the live music and gigs here."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with a two-drink minimum.

2

Trivia nights are interactive and take place every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Taco Tuesday features live music and a mini rave event.

08
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Multiple conveyor belts and robots deliver sushi and drinks, creating a high-tech Tokyo Metropolitan feel. Seating booths offer privacy with visibility through the sushi belts, while the atmosphere feels like being in Tokyo with a relaxed vibe. Sushi is fresh and varied, including unique dishes not commonly found elsewhere.

Authentic Japanese sushi arrives via a conveyor belt while robots deliver drinks and wasabi. Ordering happens on a screen at the table, making the food experience smooth and well-priced.

Sushi arrives on a conveyor belt, making the dining experience interactive. A Pikmin collaboration adds a unique touch. Collecting 15 plates earns a toy from top machines.

People are saying

"The sushi here is served with such kindness and genuine willingness."

"The food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and fun."

Good to know

1

Every 15 plates, you receive a prize during special events.

2

The average price per person is $25-$40, depending on appetite.

3

You must download an app to pay at the table.

09
The Mule Tavern image 1

Dive bar with classy cocktails and a chill vibe hosts a diverse crowd including LGBTQIA+ and bikers. Covered back patio offers a cozy, secluded spot while games like darts add casual fun. Drag shows bring lively energy with bright spotlights.

Food features good variety with a focus on flavorful dishes. Nacho toppings lean toward plant-based options, with some feedback on the taste of the beyond beef alternative.

Decor stands out with a very cool vibe. The atmosphere feels laid-back and you meet friendly people.

People are saying

"It's a dive bar with classy cocktails and handcrafted ginger beer."

"I thought the food here was pretty good."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and the decor is too."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices for drinks, with mules costing around $20.

2

The menu includes limited options, primarily panini-type sandwiches with chips.

3

Every other Thursday, a tarot reader visits and offers readings.

10
Woobling Korean BBQ - Tacoma Mall image 1

Restaurant offers interactive table-side grilling with a modern black and gold interior and K-pop music videos playing on big TVs. Atmosphere balances comfortable and lively, though music volume can be high. Cocktails and soju drinks complement the upscale dining experience.

Food here features authentic Korean cuisine with high-quality ingredients and pairs well with great drinks. Service matches the food's quality, creating a consistently satisfying dining experience.

Cool drinks come in a variety of flavors. Ordering happens on a tablet, adding a modern touch. The atmosphere feels laid-back and trendy.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and very good."

"The Korean food here is amazing, and the servers are so nice."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9:00 p.m. to close Monday through Friday for $19.95.

2

Expect limited menu options during happy hour despite advertised lower prices.

3

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat options for a fixed price.

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South Tacoma, Tacoma

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