Grit City Guidebook
Essentials
Stadium Thriftway
618 N 1st StLocal grocery store.
Need a last minute grocery item, like an unusual cheese, or a prime rib dinner. This market is only a few short blocks away.
96 residents recomanen
Metropolitan Market Tacoma
2420 N Proctor StNeed a last minute grocery item, like an unusual cheese, or a prime rib dinner. This market is only a few short blocks away.
Safeway
2411 N Proctor StBreakfasts and Brunch
Great breakfast place. A Tacoma Classic.
2618 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98406
39 residents recomanen
Shakabrah Java
2618 6th AveGreat breakfast place. A Tacoma Classic.
2618 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98406
eatwafflestop.com
A fresh take on the classic diner experience, family-owned Waffle Stop proudly serves the Tacoma community only the finest breakfast and lunch fare. Locally sourced, made from scratch with the freshest ingredients, our unique creations are bridging the gap between breakfast and lunch in a major way. So the next time you’re in the mood for some high-quality comfort food for breakfast or lunch, there’s a spot for you at the Waffle Stop.
16 residents recomanen
Waffle Stop
2710 N Proctor Steatwafflestop.com
A fresh take on the classic diner experience, family-owned Waffle Stop proudly serves the Tacoma community only the finest breakfast and lunch fare. Locally sourced, made from scratch with the freshest ingredients, our unique creations are bridging the gap between breakfast and lunch in a major way. So the next time you’re in the mood for some high-quality comfort food for breakfast or lunch, there’s a spot for you at the Waffle Stop.
dirtyoscarsannex.com
21+ ONLY - NO MINORS.
Handcrafted moonshine cocktails, gourmet American food and a friendly bar setting make the perfect combination at Dirty Oscar’s Annex in Tacoma, WA. We have an amazing culinary team that serves innovative New American cuisine as well as American favorites.
Whether you go for a Down & Dirty Cheeseburger, Tasso Tacos or Chicken & Waffle, your food will be prepared with care and the highest quality ingredients. We were voted "Best Bar Food" in Tacoma by the Weekly Volcano. We give the same attention to detail when making great craft libations ranging from a Moonshine Mule to our own Oscar Punch! We also offer every whiskey & scotch on our shelves for only $5 on Wednesday!
Experience New American food and cocktails like never before at Dirty Oscar’s Annex. We are quickly becoming the best happy hour in Tacoma. Our lunch and dinner menus are available every day and breakfast is served Friday-Sunday. We offer a 10% military discount daily until 10PM.
82 residents recomanen
Dirty Oscar's Annex
2309 6th Avenuedirtyoscarsannex.com
21+ ONLY - NO MINORS.
Handcrafted moonshine cocktails, gourmet American food and a friendly bar setting make the perfect combination at Dirty Oscar’s Annex in Tacoma, WA. We have an amazing culinary team that serves innovative New American cuisine as well as American favorites.
Whether you go for a Down & Dirty Cheeseburger, Tasso Tacos or Chicken & Waffle, your food will be prepared with care and the highest quality ingredients. We were voted "Best Bar Food" in Tacoma by the Weekly Volcano. We give the same attention to detail when making great craft libations ranging from a Moonshine Mule to our own Oscar Punch! We also offer every whiskey & scotch on our shelves for only $5 on Wednesday!
Experience New American food and cocktails like never before at Dirty Oscar’s Annex. We are quickly becoming the best happy hour in Tacoma. Our lunch and dinner menus are available every day and breakfast is served Friday-Sunday. We offer a 10% military discount daily until 10PM.
https://www.arthousecafe.com/
Art House Cafe is located in the historic Stadium district of Tacoma, the Art House Cafe exemplifies the essence of Scratch American cuisine. The kitchen explores the bounty of the Pacific Northwest with an ingredient-driven menu. We invite you to rediscover what it means to cook and eat in Tacoma, Washington.
25 residents recomanen
Art House Cafe
111 N Tacoma Avehttps://www.arthousecafe.com/
Art House Cafe is located in the historic Stadium district of Tacoma, the Art House Cafe exemplifies the essence of Scratch American cuisine. The kitchen explores the bounty of the Pacific Northwest with an ingredient-driven menu. We invite you to rediscover what it means to cook and eat in Tacoma, Washington.
https://www.netshed9.com/
Gig Harbor
Our waterfront restaurant is open during the day for breakfast and lunch. After hours we enjoy hosting private events such as cooking classes, holiday parties and other fun celebrations.
Take a peek inside to see what we are all about!
44 residents recomanen
NetShed No. 9
3313 Harborview Drhttps://www.netshed9.com/
Gig Harbor
Our waterfront restaurant is open during the day for breakfast and lunch. After hours we enjoy hosting private events such as cooking classes, holiday parties and other fun celebrations.
Take a peek inside to see what we are all about!
TibbittsFernHill
8237 S Park Avehttps://tibbittsfernhill.com/
Award winning breakfast
Knapp's Restaurant
2707 N Proctor StCoffee
This is a nice walk from the house. A cute space that is frequented by the UPS college students good coffee and pastries.
10 residents recomanen
Lander Coffee
2716 N 21st StThis is a nice walk from the house. A cute space that is frequented by the UPS college students good coffee and pastries.
olympiacoffee.co
Cute coffee shop in the Proctor district
79 residents recomanen
Olympia Coffee Roasting
2601 N Proctor Stolympiacoffee.co
Cute coffee shop in the Proctor district
https://myanthemcoffee.com/
Gluten Free pastries
15 residents recomanen
Anthem Coffee & Tea - Downtown Tacoma
1911 Pacific Avehttps://myanthemcoffee.com/
Gluten Free pastries
Valhalla Coffee Co.
3918 6th Avehttps://www.valhallacoffee.com/
Local coffee roaster.
Popular coffee house with casual seating and pastries.
bluebeardcoffee.com
68 residents recomanen
Bluebeard Coffee Roasters
2201 6th AvePopular coffee house with casual seating and pastries.
bluebeardcoffee.com
manifestocoffeeroasters.com
Good coffee with hard rock music.
Neighborhood being the operative word. The community has been nothing short of wonderful since we opened up shop. With a wide dynamic range of locals making daily appearances in house, a dull moment is a hard thing to come by.
9 residents recomanen
Manifesto Coffee
1003 S 11th Stmanifestocoffeeroasters.com
Good coffee with hard rock music.
Neighborhood being the operative word. The community has been nothing short of wonderful since we opened up shop. With a wide dynamic range of locals making daily appearances in house, a dull moment is a hard thing to come by.
Cute little bakery with a good selection of gluten free and vegan baked goods. Regular too. Coffee and tea, quiche, breakfast sandwiches.
https://corinabakery.com/tacoma/
47 residents recomanen
Corina Bakery
602 Fawcett AveCute little bakery with a good selection of gluten free and vegan baked goods. Regular too. Coffee and tea, quiche, breakfast sandwiches.
https://corinabakery.com/tacoma/
Top Pot Doughnuts
2724 N Proctor StSeattle transplant.
Doughnuts and coffee
toppotdoughnuts.com
Olympia Coffee Roasting
2601 N Proctor StCampfire Coffee
1554 Market StreetGreat little coffee shop downtown.
Common Ground Coffee
💕💕This is a cute woman owned coffee shop. With great coffee.
Wren's Nest Baking Co.
Gluten free dedicated bakery
Drinks & Nightlife
Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern
3211 Ruston WayWaterfront Dining, Great Happy Hour, bar food.
Creative Hot Dogs, Large beer menu, some ciders. A fun place to hang out. Always busy.
redhottacoma.com
59 residents recomanen
The Red Hot
2914 6th AveCreative Hot Dogs, Large beer menu, some ciders. A fun place to hang out. Always busy.
redhottacoma.com
https://www.mcmenamins.com/elks-temple?utm_source=Google%20Maps&utm_medium=Website%20Button&utm_campaign=Elks%20Temple
60 residents recomanen
McMenamins Elks Temple
565 Broadwayhttps://www.mcmenamins.com/elks-temple?utm_source=Google%20Maps&utm_medium=Website%20Button&utm_campaign=Elks%20Temple
matadorrestaurants.com
Great Happy Hour (for Food)
Our downtown Tacoma restaurant and bar is as rich in authenticity as the city it thrives in. Located near the waterfront and minutes from the Tacoma Dome, Matador Tacoma's classic landmark building has been around for a long time — and so have our team members, many of whom have been with us since we opened in 2006! The first spot people in Tacoma think of when you mention “tequila,” the Matador is known for its lively happy hour, Mexican-inspired food, and fun atmosphere.
116 residents recomanen
The Matador
721 Pacific Avematadorrestaurants.com
Great Happy Hour (for Food)
Our downtown Tacoma restaurant and bar is as rich in authenticity as the city it thrives in. Located near the waterfront and minutes from the Tacoma Dome, Matador Tacoma's classic landmark building has been around for a long time — and so have our team members, many of whom have been with us since we opened in 2006! The first spot people in Tacoma think of when you mention “tequila,” the Matador is known for its lively happy hour, Mexican-inspired food, and fun atmosphere.
Okay Bar food. But the place to go for football games.
hankstacoma.com
30 residents recomanen
Hank's Bar and Grill
524 N K StOkay Bar food. But the place to go for football games.
hankstacoma.com
Jazzbones
2803 6th AveLive music
Bar
https://www.jazzbones.com/
Devil's Reef
706 Court CCozy themed bar.
706 Court C, Tacoma, WA 98402
oddotterbrewing.com
A group of people who just really love good beer. Military and LGBTQ+ owned, we love our community and do everything we can to give back.
We try to keep every day interesting…and dare we say, odd…so be sure to stop in and try some of our rotating seasonals
Food at Odd Otter!
We’ve partnered with Wooden City to bring you the best food and beer in Tacoma all right here at OOBC!
Dinner is served every day from 4-10(ish)pm – Check out the dinner menu!
Join us for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm – Check out the brunch menu!
13 residents recomanen
Odd Otter Brewing Company
716 Pacific Aveoddotterbrewing.com
A group of people who just really love good beer. Military and LGBTQ+ owned, we love our community and do everything we can to give back.
We try to keep every day interesting…and dare we say, odd…so be sure to stop in and try some of our rotating seasonals
Food at Odd Otter!
We’ve partnered with Wooden City to bring you the best food and beer in Tacoma all right here at OOBC!
Dinner is served every day from 4-10(ish)pm – Check out the dinner menu!
Join us for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm – Check out the brunch menu!
locustciderandbrewing.com
We specialize in modern ciders made with all locally sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients, adding an innovative spin on classic cidermaking methods to bring out the best in the everyday apple. In early 2019, we started a brand-new brewery born from a partnership with Dirty Bucket Brewing Co, creating a new and unique approach to brewing, inspired by cidermaking methods resulting in easy-to-drink, light-bodied beer that respects traditions but doesn’t anchor us to them.
Locust Cider & Brewing Tacoma
2805 6th Avelocustciderandbrewing.com
We specialize in modern ciders made with all locally sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients, adding an innovative spin on classic cidermaking methods to bring out the best in the everyday apple. In early 2019, we started a brand-new brewery born from a partnership with Dirty Bucket Brewing Co, creating a new and unique approach to brewing, inspired by cidermaking methods resulting in easy-to-drink, light-bodied beer that respects traditions but doesn’t anchor us to them.
We’re a craft beer taproom where brew nerds can wave their geek flags.
We’re a bottle shop with a broad and deep selection of craft beer and cider in bottles and cans, as well as growler fills.
We’re a mountain-themed tavern with tasty sandwiches, salads, appetizers and desserts.
We’re Peaks and Pints at Basecamp Proctor in Tacoma.
We’re a 21 and older establishment.
https://www.peaksandpints.com/
23 residents recomanen
Peaks and Pints Craft Beer Store, Taproom & Eatery
3816 N 26th StWe’re a craft beer taproom where brew nerds can wave their geek flags.
We’re a bottle shop with a broad and deep selection of craft beer and cider in bottles and cans, as well as growler fills.
We’re a mountain-themed tavern with tasty sandwiches, salads, appetizers and desserts.
We’re Peaks and Pints at Basecamp Proctor in Tacoma.
We’re a 21 and older establishment.
https://www.peaksandpints.com/
thespartavern.com
Tacoma's Oldest Saloon serving delicious food and drinks.
22 residents recomanen
The Spar
2121 N 30th Stthespartavern.com
Tacoma's Oldest Saloon serving delicious food and drinks.
Bar Rosa
Love this little bar. Great Happy hour. Pizza and fabulous drinks. Don’t think just go!!
Camp Colvos Brewing + Pizza Co.
Camp Colvos Brewing + Pizza Co.
Sightseeing
If you're into cars this is the place for you.
157 residents recomanen
LeMay - Museu de l'Automòbil d'Amèrica
2702 E D StIf you're into cars this is the place for you.
Very interesting and well done museum.
http://www.washingtonhistory.org/
87 residents recomanen
Museu d'Història de l'Estat de Washington
1911 Pacific AveVery interesting and well done museum.
http://www.washingtonhistory.org/
This park has a beach, a zoo, restaurant, Fort Nisqually, Japanese and rose garden and lots of hiking trails.
https://www.pdza.org/
338 residents recomanen
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl StThis park has a beach, a zoo, restaurant, Fort Nisqually, Japanese and rose garden and lots of hiking trails.
https://www.pdza.org/
Vashon Ferry Dock & 103rd Ave SW station
Take a short ride on the ferry then go exploring:)
Go on a clear day. Make sure to stop at all the interpretive centers. It is awe inspiring.
157 residents recomanen
Mont Saint Helens
Go on a clear day. Make sure to stop at all the interpretive centers. It is awe inspiring.
Mount Rainier National Park, an expansive Washington state reserve southeast of Seattle, has glacier-capped, 14,410-ft.-high Mount Rainier as its towering centerpiece. It has great trails.
607 residents recomanen
Parc Nacional del Mont Rainier
Mount Rainier National Park, an expansive Washington state reserve southeast of Seattle, has glacier-capped, 14,410-ft.-high Mount Rainier as its towering centerpiece. It has great trails.
If you ski it is fairly close. If you don't there is a gondola ride to the top that has a restaurant and on a clear day wonderful views of Mt Rainier.
60 residents recomanen
Crystal Mountain
If you ski it is fairly close. If you don't there is a gondola ride to the top that has a restaurant and on a clear day wonderful views of Mt Rainier.
Free!! A great place to visit and take pictures. Even if you aren't going to the museums.
9 residents recomanen
Bridge of Glass
Free!! A great place to visit and take pictures. Even if you aren't going to the museums.
Fort Nisqually was an important fur trading and farming post of the Hudson's Bay Company in the Puget Sound area of what is now DuPont, Washington and was part of the Hudson's Bay Company.
https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/fort-nisqually-living-history-museum/
16 residents recomanen
Museu d'Història Viva Fort Nisqually
5519 Five Mile DrFort Nisqually was an important fur trading and farming post of the Hudson's Bay Company in the Puget Sound area of what is now DuPont, Washington and was part of the Hudson's Bay Company.
https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/fort-nisqually-living-history-museum/
5 Mile Drive is at Point Defiance Park. Good to drive or walk, depending on the weather. Lots of amazing views, great easy hiking trails- perfect for families, couples or solo. Several great places to eat nearby, too. If your lucky maybe you'll get a suprise and see a pod of Orcas.
6 residents recomanen
5 Mile Drive
5 Mile Drive5 Mile Drive is at Point Defiance Park. Good to drive or walk, depending on the weather. Lots of amazing views, great easy hiking trails- perfect for families, couples or solo. Several great places to eat nearby, too. If your lucky maybe you'll get a suprise and see a pod of Orcas.
Free
Victorian conservatory in Wright Park with a big historical greenhouse housing 500+ plant species.
https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/w-w-seymour-conservatory/
18 residents recomanen
W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
316 S G StFree
Victorian conservatory in Wright Park with a big historical greenhouse housing 500+ plant species.
https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/w-w-seymour-conservatory/
A 71-acre tract of wetlands & forest around Snake Lake, featuring trails & a visitors center.
7 residents recomanen
Tacoma Nature Center
1919 S Tyler StA 71-acre tract of wetlands & forest around Snake Lake, featuring trails & a visitors center.
The Karpeles Manuscript Library is the world’s largest private collection of original manuscripts and documents. Always free.
http://www.rain.org/~karpeles/taqfrm.php
7 residents recomanen
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
407 S G StThe Karpeles Manuscript Library is the world’s largest private collection of original manuscripts and documents. Always free.
http://www.rain.org/~karpeles/taqfrm.php
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre wildlife park located near the town of Eatonville, Washington, United States. Its primary feature is a tram tour which takes visitors through a 435-acre.
nwtrek.org
106 residents recomanen
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
11610 Trek Dr ENorthwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre wildlife park located near the town of Eatonville, Washington, United States. Its primary feature is a tram tour which takes visitors through a 435-acre.
nwtrek.org
Places to go
What to do or go see while your visiting this wonderful city.
Need to visit the University of Puget Sound. We are a few short blocks from campus.
33 residents recomanen
University of Puget Sound
1500 N Warner StNeed to visit the University of Puget Sound. We are a few short blocks from campus.
Charming old style theater. One of my favorite places to catch a show.
bluemousetheatre.com
24 residents recomanen
Blue Mouse Theatre
2611 N Proctor StCharming old style theater. One of my favorite places to catch a show.
bluemousetheatre.com
The Grand Cinema
606 Fawcett AveArt house theater. 4 Screens.
grandcinema.com
I love going to this museum and watching them make glass in the hot shop.
museumofglass.org
268 residents recomanen
Museu del Vidre
1801 Dock StI love going to this museum and watching them make glass in the hot shop.
museumofglass.org
Arts & Culture
Chalet Bowl
3806 N 26th StWalk to our local bowling alley.
chaletbowl.com
Small but great Museum.
It is currently under and expansion project.
Great downtown location. Make a day of it and visit all the other Museums.
https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/
167 residents recomanen
Museu d'Art de Tacoma
1701 Pacific AveSmall but great Museum.
It is currently under and expansion project.
Great downtown location. Make a day of it and visit all the other Museums.
https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/
This is a new theater to Tacoma. Stadium reclining seats and on Tuesday it is $5.50 for the regular theaters.
cinemark.com
49 residents recomanen
Century Point Ruston and XD
5057 Main StThis is a new theater to Tacoma. Stadium reclining seats and on Tuesday it is $5.50 for the regular theaters.
cinemark.com
Gig harbor (toll)
If you don't mind paying the tolls this is a great theater. Really good reclining seats it has all been updated. VIP theater serves alcohol. IMAX
galaxytheatres.com
29 residents recomanen
Galaxy Uptown Luxury+ Theatre
4649 Point Fosdick Dr
Gig harbor (toll)
If you don't mind paying the tolls this is a great theater. Really good reclining seats it has all been updated. VIP theater serves alcohol. IMAX
galaxytheatres.com
Live theater. The theater serves as a community living room, showcasing world-class artists since 1918.
tacomaartslive.org
25 residents recomanen
Pantages Theater
901 BroadwayLive theater. The theater serves as a community living room, showcasing world-class artists since 1918.
tacomaartslive.org
Community performing arts center in a renovated movie house staging musicals for adults & children.
https://tmp.org/
6 residents recomanen
Tacoma Musical Playhouse
7116 6th AveCommunity performing arts center in a renovated movie house staging musicals for adults & children.
https://tmp.org/
The US Open came to the pacific NW for the first time in history.
Nestled on the shores of the Puget Sound, Chambers Bay was created to be a tribute to the ancient Linksland of Scotland.
chambersbaygolf.com
122 residents recomanen
Chambers Bay Golf Course
6320 Grandview Dr WThe US Open came to the pacific NW for the first time in history.
Nestled on the shores of the Puget Sound, Chambers Bay was created to be a tribute to the ancient Linksland of Scotland.
chambersbaygolf.com
Museu del Vidre
1801 Dock StMuseu d'Art de Tacoma
1701 Pacific Ave