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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in South Tacoma

Unique and cool spots

A unique space that feels genuinely cool rather than just trying too hard to follow the latest design trends.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Howdy Bagel image 1
Howdy Bagel image 2
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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.

Fresh, well crafted bagels use local ingredients and offer a flavor not found elsewhere. A small goodies section adds unique finds to take home, reflecting the shop's distinctive voice.

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."

"I found these bagels to be unique and amazingly fresh."

"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.

02
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.

Unique dishes like the concha breakfast sandwich and cheesecake stand out with their distinct flavors. Specials and biscuit sandwiches offer one-of-a-kind blends that feel both filling and fresh.

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 biscuits here are seasoned and cooked perfectly."

"I found the Bloody Mary to be the best I have had."

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.

03
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.

Robot servers deliver food quickly, creating a very unique dining experience. Ordering happens through a QR code on their site, adding to the distinct atmosphere.

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 staff here are so attentive and friendly."

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.'

04
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.

Drinking inside a giant teapot creates a one-of-a-kind vibe. The venue repurposes an old coffee shop into a unique dive bar with a welcoming community and a mix of history, drinks, food, and entertainment.

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."

"This place is a unique spot with a strange vibe everywhere."

"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.

05
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.

Robots deliver drinks directly to tables, creating a unique delivery system. The revolving sushi bar offers rare sushi options like raw octopus and sea urchin, adding to the distinct experience.

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 atmosphere here is really cool and fun."

"I loved the unique sushi dishes like raw octopus and sea urchin."

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.

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South Tacoma, Tacoma

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