Whether it’s some cheap grub on a study break, a chance to knock back a few on the weekend, or a meal with the parents when they’re in town, Tacoma has eateries and watering holes to meet a student’s every need. On this and the pages that follow, we celebrate 10 of our favorites.
Alumni, Community, Arches, Students
E9 FIREHOUSE AND GASTROPUB Built as a firehouse in 1907 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Engine House No. 9 is a go-to spot for wood-fired pizza, as well as beer from E9 Brewing, the city’s first craft brewery. Its outdoor seating and proximity to campus make it a favorite with students.
MSM DELI Unassuming on both the outside and the inside, Magical Sandwich Makers Deli on 6th Avenue offers some of the tastiest—and big - gest—sandwiches in town. Extra hungry? Try the Mike’s Deluxe.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL Layla Isaac has been making her own ice cream since 2012, and her shop, Ice Cream Social, now has three Tacoma locations. Besides mainstays like vanilla and chocolate, you might find coconut lavender, orange chocolate chip, grapefruit sorbet, or sweet potato marshmallow.
THE RED HOT “Hot dogs and beer” doesn’t begin to describe the Red Hot experience. The rotating selection of craft beer is impressive, and then there’s The Hound Dog, which includes bacon and peanut butter. On the first Friday of the month, try the fried bologna sandwich (!).
SHAKABRAH JAVA Serving all-day breakfast for more than 30 years, Shakabrah Java is famous for its ginormous pancakes and its endlessly customizable Shaka Potatoes. Shelves of games and books make it clear you’re welcome to hang out.
BOB’S JAVA JIVE This concrete coffeepot—nearly a century old—has been a speakeasy, a brothel, and a tiki bar (complete with two live monkeys). Today it’s a funky bar with live music, including jazz, and a big karaoke destination. Kurt Cobain was once a regular, and Neko Case used to tend bar there.
FRISKO FREEZE A Tacoma landmark, Frisko Freeze has been serving up burgers, fries, and shakes in the Hilltop neighborhood since 1950. From the neon sign to the drive-up window to the logoed T-shirts and other merch, this is the quintessential American burger joint.
SOUTHERN KITCHEN Gloria Martin and her crew serve comfort food so good that Guy Fieri once paid a visit to fawn over the cornbread stuffing, and Kevin Hart filmed an episode of Hart in the City there. Don’t miss the fried chicken, the biscuits and gravy, the slow-cooked red beans, the hush puppies...
MAGOO’S ANNEX This classic neighborhood bar is close to campus and might just have the city’s best Taco Tuesday. In operation since 1943, it once boasted a legendary jukebox and still offers darts, pool, and legendarily friendly regulars,
SILK THAI CAFE Carved wood decor, Siamese art, and delicious aromas complement the food offerings—which range from traditional Pad Thai to more adventurous dishes like the spicy Tom Kah Gai soup and the pumpkin curry.
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