Tacoma Restaurants: Tacoma's Best Bar Food
In this is article we share some of Tacoma’s best restaurants, with a focus on Tacoma’s Best Bar Food.
American bar food can often get a bad rap - greasy and uninspired, and it's seen as the last resort when you can't decide on a restaurant or want some cheap grub to accompany your drinks. But in Tacoma, bar food is elevated to something special.
Tacoma's bar food scene is buzzing with delicious options for bar bites, but which ones are genuinely worth the binge-eating? From smoked pork chops to truffle mac and cheese, here are our top picks for the best bar food in Tacoma.
Next time you search for a drink and a bite to eat, head to one of these top spots for bar food in Tacoma.
Primo Grill
With a menu that includes options like smoked pork chops, house made pasta & applewood-fired pizzas, Primo Grill is a top pick for tasty bar bites in Tacoma. Their open kitchen allows customers to watch as their meals are expertly prepared, adding to the overall dining experience.
It is located on 6th Ave next to the sister establishment, Crown Bar, making it the perfect spot for dinner and drinks. But what separates Primo Grill is their dedication to using local farmers and the freshest ingredients in their Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Dishes we love:
Apple Wood Smoked Pork Chop with a peach chutney and butternut squash hash $28
Tagliatelle with Emilia style Pork Ragu, Romano, parmesan $21
Porcini crusted Black Cod with broccolini, shallots, citrus beurre blanc $33
Google: 4.5 stars with 498 reviews
Sig Brewing
When people think of a brewery, they don't necessarily associate it with good food, but in Tacoma that’s changing. Sig Brewing, located at 2534 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA, is one of the exceptions to the brewery stereotype. Their kitchen serves up some seriously delicious bar food to accompany their extensive selection of craft beers.
Some standouts on the menu include their deviled eggs, fried Brussels sprouts, and house made pizzas, and don't forget to wash it all with one of their brews, like their Red cap or Vanilla Porter.
Dishes You Can Try Out
Margherita Pizza: $17
Deviled Eggs: $8
Spekemat Pizza: $20
Red Cap: $5.5 - $7.5
Google: 4.6 stars with 222 reviews
Katie Downs
Sitting right on the Ruston Way waterfront, Katie Downs boasts stunning views of the Tacoma coastline and serves up some of the best classic bar food in town. The extensive menu features everything from deep-dish pizza and burgers to fresh seafood, all expertly paired with local wines and brews. Sidenote: this is one of our favorite pizzas in Tacoma!
Don't forget a happy hour from 4-6 pm, where you can get discounted bites and drinks. So come on down to Katie Downs for some tasty grub and waterfront views.
Dishes You Can Try Out
Deep Dish Pizza: $24-$34
Katie’s Fresh Fish n’ Chips: 2 piece $23 3 piece $28
Guacamole Burger: $19
Google: 4.2 stars with 1,888 reviews
Top of Tacoma
Located at 3529 McKinley Avenue, Top of Tacoma is a good vibes, no-frills neighborhood “dive bar” offering twice affordable daily drinks and happy hour specials. “The Top” serves casual food, including sandwiches, tacos, and other options for vegetarians and vegans made with organic ingredients.
In addition to its laid-back atmosphere and tasty menu offerings, the bar also boasts a stunning view of the Eastside from its hilltop perch. Top of Tacoma is a favorite among locals for its down-to-earth atmosphere and high-quality drinks and food.
Dishes You Can Try Out
Gourmet Grilled Cheese: $13.5
Buddha Wrap: $14.75
Hen House: $17.25
253 Turkey: $14.5
Google: 4.5 stars with 2,061 reviews
Boathouse 19
Casual waterfront spot serving local seafood, burgers & other American eats, with a deck overlooking Puget Sound. It’s one of the only ocean front restaurants in Tacoma on the West Side, so it’s a great spot for sunsets. Featuring fresh seafood and the most stunning view of the Narrows Bridge the Puget Sound has to offer, Boathouse 19’s roots can be traced back to 1912 when a Douglas Fir lumber mill operated at this location.
The history of this location is honored throughout Boathouse 19, with pieces from the old Day Island bridge repurposed as the bar top, and each table top is made from vintage Nalley Valley Pickle barrels. With unmatched views, every detail of the dining experience, from the service to the quality of our fresh northwest seafood, is designed to create a memorable meal.
Dishes You Can Try Out
Smokehouse Burger: $18.99
Crispy Fish Sandwich: $15.99
Grilled Pear Salad: $8.99
Triple Chocolate Brownie Sundae: $8.99
Google: 4.5 stars with 2,061 reviews
La Ca Bar
Located at 606 S Junett St, Tacoma, WA 98405, right on Tacoma’s popular 6th Avenue, La Ca Bar offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere for patrons to enjoy authentic Vietnamese street food. The menu features popular dishes such as Bahn Mi, Gỏi Đu Đủ Khô Bò, all prepared with traditional techniques and flavors.
In addition to the food offerings, La Ca Bar has a wide selection of drinks, including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. With its unique fusion of Vietnamese cuisine and a relaxed bar atmosphere, La Ca Bar offers an enjoyable dining experience for all, and it’s open late!
Dishes You Can Try Out
Bánh Mì Pork: $10
Nem Cuốn: $9
Gỏi Đu Đủ Khô Bò: $9
Google: 4.5 stars with 608 reviews
The Matador
A favorite bar and food spot among locals, The Matador Tacoma's happy hour is not to be missed, featuring specials on their extensive selection of tequila and delicious Mexican-inspired dishes. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and attention to authenticity make it the go-to spot for a fun night out in downtown Tacoma.
With a team of experienced staff members, many of whom have been with the establishment since its 2006 opening, Matador Tacoma consistently delivers a memorable dining experience. Whether you're looking for a lively happy hour or a delicious Mexican meal, Matador Tacoma is the obvious choice in the downtown Tacoma area.
Dishes You Can Try Out
Street Tacos: Price varies
Camrones A La Diabla: $22
Dip Flight: $15
Carne Asada
Google: 4.3 stars with 2,829 reviews
Summary
Now it’s worth mentioning that these are just a few of the delicious bar food options in Tacoma, and there are plenty more! Get out there and explore, because it's safe to say that this city knows how to do bar food right. Whether you're looking for traditional pub fare or something a little more adventurous, there's a spot for everyone.