We finally have a spot for Swedish meatballs (that don’t come from your grandma’s kitchen). Manic Meatballs in Lakewood opened three weeks ago with a menu built for Scandis, but with broader appeal to those ...
Verone’s Italian Kitchen & Sausage Company in Fircrest opened in late December and it brought with it five-napkin deli sandwiches, a refrigerator case stocked with take-and-bake delights, a display case filled with freshly-made sausage and ...
Never have I been happier to see a calendar flip. At the close of a year that proved brutal for local restaurants, I want to take a moment to celebrate new restaurants that expanded the ...
Staying home and skipping the big gatherings is necessary, but certainly less fun than the way we all want to celebrate the end to what has been a horrible year for most. But it will ...
Tacoma’s Unique Bakery has opened at 925 Market St. And it brings with it something this city is short on – a deep selection of French pastries. Local diners can swoop up croissants, macarons, cream ...
Shortly before 11 a.m. on a Sunday in November, the line started to assemble on Sixth Avenue. A woman who clearly had become a regular at The Cat & Rabbitt Cakeshop, which opened Nov. 15 ...
Verone’s Italian Sausage could be one of the oldest food companies based in Tacoma that you’ve maybe never heard of. But that’s about to change with the opening of their new retail location. The five-generation ...
Traditionally around here, just after Thanksgiving, we all start thinking about al fresco dining season. Ugh. Not really. Out of necessity, and by state order, only outdoor dining is allowed right now. It’s not fun ...
Just in time for end-of-this-miserable-year stress eating there’s hope: A meatball restaurant is opening. If all goes as planned, Manic Meatballs will open in December in Lakewood’s Tillicum neighborhood just outside JBLM. UPDATE: The restaurant ...
Just announced by Gov. Jay Inslee on Nov. 15, 2020: New restrictions for dining in Pierce County and across the state. Here are a few take-aways: NEW DINING RESTRICTIONS * Indoor dining is paused at ...
Welp. This won’t be the Thanksgiving we want with all the pandemic concerns about group gatherings, but let me help you try and make the most of Thanksgiving 2020 anyway. With many families skipping the big ...
Five years ago, I used to have to send diners to King County when they’d ask me about a seafood boil/crawfish restaurant. Today, Pierce County not only has choices, it has multiple choices for seafood ...
In 2015, husband-wife baking team Roger Martinho and Mirtha Sanchez opened their tiny, tiny bakery inside Tacoma’s Freighthouse Square food court. La Waffletz and Macaron Station could barely fit two pastry chefs in its kitchen. ...
I love living in a town with such little pretense, especially when it comes to our food. Our economy relies on strip malls, so much so that strip malls have become ever present in our ...
The first thing you’ll notice about Old Town Wine Skins is how light and bright the space has become. That’s the work of co-owner Cosette Pfaff, who opened the wine bar and eatery on Monday ...
Chef Blake Lord-Wittig dug deep into hyper local ingredients at his last restaurant, De La Terre. With Spice Lab, his new restaurant opening in downtown Tacoma on October 21, the concept goes global in scope ...
Tacoma’s West End Pub very quietly opened its doors this week, during a period that has seen a slow roll of reopenings for bars and restaurants across Pierce County. So far this month, we’ve seen ...
We’re a city without pretense, which is why in Tacoma, it’s not unusual to find some of the city’s best eating in a strip mall. Enter Miyamoto, Tacoma’s newest sushi restaurant that opened September 24. ...
Restaurant work is grueling, but it’s just a little easier once you find your “people.” You rely on those people to make sure you don’t cut off your finger, get accidentally locked in the walk-in, ...
Well, this sounds awesome for restaurants and for diners. I saw that Pierce County Councilmember Marty Campbell posted about this new county program for restaurants. Pierce County Council just approved the program that aims to ...
It’s been two years since Bliss Small Batch Creamery opened its first brick-and-mortar location in University Place. Happy birthday to Bliss. Everybody gets a birthday benefit from their celebration. Get half-off ice cream (cups and ...
Opening a high-end concept restaurant in Tacoma is tricky right now, especially just after we lost the best fine dining restaurant in Tacoma. Cuerno Bravo in Tacoma’s St. Helens neighborhood quietly reopened two weeks ago, ...
Oh, what a glorious day for people in search of cheap eating. Wienerschnitzel opened today (Sept. 25) in Fife at 5156 Pacific Hwy E. and it brought with it $1.69 corn dogs, $1.99 chili dogs, ...
Fierce County Cider opened its public taproom today (Sept. 24) in South Hill. For now, Fierce County Cider will serve to the public Thursdays through Saturdays. The cidery resides in an industrial space at 9918 ...
Tacoma’s first Laotian restaurant, Sweet Rice, is opening in Tacoma in October. UPDATE: The restaurant opened October 23. Read more here. The restaurant will feature Laotian specialties, including sweet rice, the Lao staple for which the ...
Pierce County’s first Wienerschnitzel is opening Sept. 24 in Fife at 5156 Pacific Hwy E. The national hot dog chain is known for its long list of hot dogs and Tastee-Freez soft serve ice cream. ...
Costella’s Italian Restaurant and Market is now open in South Hill. The restaurant’s opening day is today (September 18). Costella’s is at 214 39th Ave. SW., which is the former home of the Hub South ...
Parkland’s newest taproom, Home Turf, opened at Garfield Station in late August. John Fosberg, founder of Gig Harbor Brewing Co., is one of the people behind the project. The taproom is within steps of Pacific ...
One bite into the brownie at newly opened Delish Bakery in Steilacoom, I knew it was in the top three brownies I’ve ever had in Pierce County. If you go to Delish Bakery for one ...
Pour Me Bar & Bistro has opened. The 21-and-older-only restaurant and bar opened last week on the border of Graham and Puyallup/South Hill (Graham-allup? Graham-Hill?). That’s an area with a small but growing locally-owned restaurant ...
Poodle Dog Restaurant general manager Charles Amner told me once that he calculated how many butterhorns the famous Fife diner had served in just the previous 30+ years. That’d be more than 1 million. That ...
It’s happening. BBQ Pete’s is opening its Lakewood restaurant today (September 4, 2020) at Lakewood Towne Center. The Peterson family founded the longtime barbecue restaurant in Pierce County all the way back in 1972. That ...
As I told you back in February, Tacoma’s Puget Sound Pizza is expanding. The Spanaway location of Puget Sound Pizza opens tomorrow (Sept. 2, 2020) at its new home at 124 146th St. S., which ...
Ice Cream Social is on the move, and it’s expanding. The Tacoma-based 8-year-old ice cream company founded by Layla Isaac operates two scoop shops. Isaac opened her first retail store in Tacoma’s Sixth Avenue neighborhood ...
The Main Ingredient, a new combo pizzeria and breakfast spot, has opened at 5419 South Tacoma Way. The restaurant is in soft opening mode with a limited menu as they work on building the kitchen ...
Step 1: Clear your schedule for Sunday brunch. Step 2: Secure a designated driver. Step 3: Reach into the back of your closet for your Thanksgiving pants. Step 4: Head to Gilman House, Tacoma’s newest ...
Two months ago, Mija Chang stood in the half-assembled dining room of BB.Q Olive Chicken in Lakewood and worried about the final details of opening her Korean fried chicken restaurant with her sister Mi Young ...
Today was a triumphant day for restaurant owner Tim Bartz. More than two years after a fire took out his popular downtown eatery Happy Teriyaki #4, he reopened the doors (August 3, 2020). “We’re very ...
Two years after he started work on the new home for his North End Tavern, Ron Kerns is still at it. The name is now North End on Pearl and when it’s done, it’ll be ...
Old Town Wine Skins is coming to Tacoma’s Old Town neighborhood. Late August or later is the target opening timeframe for the wine bar and small-plates cafe that will be across the street from The ...
In January, I wrote about BBQ Pete’s expanding to Lakewood. At the time, an opening was estimated for the spring. And then the pandemic hit. That slowed progress, but BBQ Pete’s fans will be happy ...
Delish Bakery is opening in Steilacoom and visitors can expect a menu of pastries, cakes, cookies, cake pops, macarons, cinnamon rolls, pies, croissants and “a little bit of bread.” The bakery is the project of ...
Little Radio in downtown Tacoma is all powered up. The restaurant and bar is from well-known Tacoma beer guy Ken Thoburn and his business partners at Tacoma’s Wingman Brewers. That brewery celebrated its ninth anniversary ...
Cooper’s Food & Drink is now open in Tacoma’s Westgate neighborhood. It brings with it the feel of a neighborhood restaurant, a family-friendly vibe and an outdoor dining area well equipped for socially distant dining. ...
The West End Pub & Grill in Tacoma’s Sixth Avenue neighborhood has new owners. The longtime bar that has operated since 1975 will join an arsenal of neighborhood bars owned by Jeff and Helen Fraychineaud. ...
For the first time, Los Amigos Taqueria does not come with a steering wheel. The longtime legendary taco bus that has operated in South Hill for more than 10 years has finally opened the doors ...
UPDATE: FIND MY WINTER OUTDOOR DINING STORY AT THIS LINK July 2020 – If you’re searching for restaurants with outdoor dining on patios, decks and other al fresco dining opportunities, you’re not alone. I’ve been ...
When Crystal and Bakaffa Casey were stationed in Italy while Bakaffa was in the Army, taking a trip to another European country became a weekend tradition. Those mini vacations allowed them to eat their way ...
Mija Chang stood at the entrance of her new restaurant, BB.Q Olive Chicken in Lakewood two weeks ago. Construction dust was everywhere. “It’s been a lot of work, but there’s still so much more to ...
Grit City Ciderworks is now open in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood.
South Hill residents, you’re getting a cidery taproom this summer. Fierce County Cider, the three-year-old South Hill based cidery, is expanding to its very own tasting space at 9918 162nd St. Ct. E., which is ...
Summer’s canceled. Or that’s how it feels right now. Concerts, festivals and fairs. We won’t be enjoying those this summer. But you know what’s not canceled, for at least three weekends? Elephant ears, Krusty pups ...
Coming soon to South Tacoma Way is The Main Ingredient, a combo pizzeria and breakfast spot operating in the same space that formerly housed Stonegate Pizza. UPDATE AUGUST 2020: The restaurant is now open. Read more ...
When Costella’s opens in South Hill, it’ll provide a little something for everyone: an Italian restaurant, deli counter, market and wine bar. All in one location. Mike Rubel is the building owner and also the ...
When Gilman House opens this summer in the Stadium neighborhood’s former Copper Door space, it’ll be a powerhouse cocktail and dining destination in a neighborhood full of solid eating and drinking. UPDATE AUGUST 2020: Gilman ...
Foss Waterway has a new deli destination for lunchtime dining. Dock Street Deli has opened at 1901 Dock St. in the home of West of the Waterway. That’s the event space that took over the ...
When Toast Mi opens, it’ll bring something to the Proctor neighborhood that it’s never had: a grab-and-go bánh mì sandwich shop. It’s not the first time a bánh mì spot has been destined for the ...
Summer seems to be the best time to open a soup shop around here. Really. Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito has proven that before when it opened in Parkland in July 2018. And don’t forget ...
When Cider + Cedar opens on Tacoma Avenue South, visitors might wonder: Is this a furniture gallery or a cider taproom? The answer is an emphatic “both.” The name appropriately combines the interests of Mia ...
We’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, but Phase 2 for restaurant dining is finally here, announced this morning by Pierce County. This is the phase when restaurants in Pierce County can once ...
Who would have thought six months ago that frozen takeout cocktails and giant see-through vinyl domes would be the key to successfully operating a bar? And yet here we are. Tacoma bar owner Patrick Haight ...
When the noodle and dumpling stand Mogoso debuts at the Tacoma Farmers Market Thursday (June 4), the pop-up restaurant will merge the palates of its Korean and Chinese owners. It’ll also fill a need for ...
Look out Tacoma, you’re getting another beer spot. Pint & Pie hopes for a June opening in the Stadium neighborhood. This one is a brewery that will serve a small and succinct menu of savory ...
The “open soon” sign that’s been up for months at Los Amigos Taqueria is finally true. It’s happening. They really are going to open soon at 4215 S. Meridian. A June opening for the South ...
Odin Brewing Company is expanding to Tacoma. The Tukwila brewery is opening a second Odin in the former Stadium neighborhood Hub space at 203 Tacoma Ave. S. UPDATE: Owner Dan Lee announced the brewery and ...
Lynette Boado got her start in the food world “separating Simex lumpia wrappers for a penny apiece in the basement of my parent’s house that was converted into a commercial kitchen,” she said. Thirty years ...
Opening during a pandemic is nothing short of a miracle, but it’s no surprise that Fiesta Taqueria’s planned grand opening Monday in South Hill comes with only a to-go menu. But, hey. It’s the only ...
In the last four years, Brianne Day has operated her Spilled Butter Desserts out of a cubbyhole window in North Tacoma, her mother’s catering kitchen and a rented kitchen space. Out of those temporary spaces, ...
The statewide shutdown of construction could not have come at a more precarious time for Ken Thoburn and his business partners at Tacoma’s Wingman Brewers, which celebrates its ninth anniversary this week. While their brewery ...
If you’re a local who is familiar with the area’s wine scene you already know the name Kris Blondin. Blondin’s Amitie Wine Company is downtown Tacoma’s brand new wine destination that opened in February at ...
The Berliner Beerhall is opening in downtown Tacoma this month. It’s not a wild hoax seven years in the making. It’s actually happening this month, as in March 2020. Seriously. I’m not making this up. ...
Until now, Fat Zach’s Wood Fired Pizza has operated on wheels, but the Puyallup mobile restaurant is expanding this month. Fat Zach’s will open its first brick-and-mortar pizza restaurant in the next week or so ...
Puyallup diners, here is big taco news. Taqueria El Rinconsito is opening its newest Pierce County location Friday, March 6. It will be located close to South Hill Mall at 305 39th Ave. SW, Puyallup. ...
Cooper’s Food & Drink is about to happen – about two years after co-owners and longtime restaurant owners Greg and Tanya Troger bought the building and land that was home to one of Tacoma’s diviest ...
If all goes as planned, by the end of March, the Foss Waterway will have a new deli destination for lunchtime dining and downtown delivery. Dock Street Deli will open at 1901 Dock St. in ...
Cafe Azure opened February 10 in downtown Tacoma and one of the first things owner Tracy Roberts likes to talk about with newcomers to her business is the pool in the building. “The building is ...
Pour Me Bar & Bistro, opening at 18810 Meridian E. this spring, was born out of Dean Pitigliano’s need for a date-night spot that comes with a full cocktail menu, carries great beers on tap ...
Move over White Claw, the hard seltzer craze has officially come to Tacoma’s craft beverage scene. Tacoma Seltzer Co. plans a March 14 grand opening and you’re all invited. Tacoma Seltzer Co. owner Morgan Alexander ...
Alfred’s Cafe in Tacoma’s Dome District has a new owner, but locals and regulars will recognize him. Longtime Alfred’s Cafe bartender Scott Wright is the new operator of the popular breakfast spot that previously was ...
Here’s some pretty big taco news. Taqueria El Rinconsito plans to open soon in South Hill. The good news about that is that the taqueria will be the first of what’s expected to be three ...
Any day is a good day to eat your way around the Lincoln District, but Sunday is the neighborhood’s annual Lunar New Year celebration. Don’t miss it. There will be dancers and other live entertainment. ...
Expect an opening later this month for Perry’s Cocktail Bar. The downtown Puyallup restaurant and lounge will be a decidedly grown-up destination. Perry’s will offer a polished cocktail menu and a menu of playful New ...
Tacoma vegan restaurant Viva is now open in its new location in the Proctor neighborhood.
Cuerno Bravo Prime Steakhouse will open in Tacoma's St. Helens neighborhood soon.
The annual February reopening of the Fife Pick-Quick Drive-In is kind of like our own Pierce County version of Groundhog Day. The staff cranks up the grill, heats up the fryer and gets those hand-cut ...
Lakewood, you’re getting a Philly cheesesteak sandwich shop. Go Philly will open its Lakewood location Tuesday (February 4) at 7421 Custer Road W. Where to Dine Pierce County members have been buzzing for months about ...
Tacoma’s Essence Lounge, which opened January 18 in the Sixth Ave neighborhood, has a familiar face behind it. Natural Allah is back with his unusual blend of cuisine that is a mashup of Latin American ...
Old Times Bakery in Tacoma got my attention recently with a post about piroshki buns. Then there were the photos of the alfajores, the Uruguayan cookies that you’ll have a tough time finding anywhere else ...
Happy Teriyaki in downtown Tacoma will reopen soon and the owner has expanded to DuPont with another location serving sushi, poke bowls and more.
Hong’s Restaurant is coming to Lakewood. You’ve probably seen the sign posted at the strip mall at 112th Street Southwest and Pacific Highway Southwest in Lakewood. UPDATE: the restaurant announced it will open March 14. ...
BBQ Pete's is going to open a location in Lakewood in 2020.
For that moment when you want to ditch that inevitable diet you started this month, here’s a bunch of delicious looking food you should eat this month. These are either new restaurants with something new ...
Here are the liquor license applications for December 17-31, 2019 in Tacoma and surrounding Pierce County cities. What I love about liquor license applications is that they give you all kinds of background details about ...
Real bagels. Delicious, chewy, real bagels that are boiled in a kettle. At Tacoma Baking Company. And laminated dough. So much laminated dough. And familiar pastry chef names, such as Ashley Baird. Desserts, hearth-baked breads, ...
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Dine Pierce County is managed by Sue Kidd, a career food journalist. No advertising or payment for articles is ever accepted by Dine Pierce County. This site is funded by volunteer subscriber contributions only. Sue is a member of the Association of Food Journalists and adheres to the AFJ’s ethical standards for food and restaurant writers. Reach out through Facebook or Instagram. Links on this page.
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