While the new and improved Asian station and fro-yo at the sub can appease the typical freshman appetite for a few weeks, sometimes you just need more to excite your palette. So try taking these Tacoma favorites for a spin. Ranging from Mexican to vegan, these eateries will hit the spot for a variety of tastes at price points.
Coming in at the very low cost of two dollars and fifty cents for a cup of soup, Infinite Soups is a great hole in the wall spot on Tacoma Ave. South. While the restaurant is takeaway only, there are anywhere from 12-15 soups per day, one of the favorites being the corn chipotle chowder. Crackers are complementary, and a great snack for you on the walk over to a delicious picnic in Wright Park.
Taco Truck feasts can be had for three dollars every day of the week on 6th Ave. This will get you three tacos or a burrito. While there is not seating, unless you want to bring a lawn chair to the lot before O’Malley’s, this place is open late and has the best salsa in town.
Monday through Friday, the Varsity Grill on Broadway features a great happy hour from three to six. While this means inexpensive well drinks, one does not have to be 21 to enjoy the four dollar average meals on the happy hour menu. You can grab three mini cheeseburgers for four bucks, but other all American favorites are featured as well.
Unfortunately, the Matador on Pacific has no underage seating; however, their happy hour menu goes from 4-6 and 10-1 for late bites. No drinks are on special, but their blackened fish tacos and nachos (which can feed many) are a steal at five dollars. This tex-mex fusion has great ambiance and comfy booths that are great for groups.
Down on Ruston, seafood, burgers and creative drinks specials ring in all under five dollars seven days a week. The catch is, one must go between three and six or after nine, but their ceasers and steamers are amazing. For those over 21, the blueberry lemondrop is well worth having.
Just a walk from campus, located on 6th Ave., Bento is perhaps the best teriyaki in Tacoma, though this is controversial on campus as some would say Joy has it beat. Try their daily special, which has been the same for two years, for six and some change if you like tempura. This place can really give you two meals in one if you get the Bento box or combos, but do note: Bento is closed on Sundays.
Rosewood has long been a Puget Sound favorite both because of its amazing food and the close proximity to campus just over on 26th. If you’re going for snacks, their peasant plate is delicious, as is the butternut bisque when on special. What Rosewood is really known for though is their mac and cheese, which is eight dollars every day of the week.
The Bombay Bistro, at 4328 6th St., has the best Indian buffet for nine dollars, which is all you can eat. While the place doesn’t look like much from the outside, it’s a great family owned gem with tasty chicken tika and warm naan.
The best vegan dining bar none in Tacoma is Quickie Too on South MLK Way. Again family owned, this place is an eclectic blend of flavours and flair from all over the world. The exterior does not reflect the inside of the restaurant, which is cozy and creative. If you’re into spice, the crazy Jamaican burger is the way to go, but you really can’t pick wrong here.
While there might be a wait at Old Milwaukee Café on 6th, it is more than worth it for the pancakes, which are the size of a dinner plate. For protein lovers, their scrambles are also delicious, and keep an eye out for the specials. One of the great touches is the large range of hot sauces available at no extra charge. Note: this is a breakfast only place open till 2 p.m.
Lastly, Over the Moon Café, on Opera Alley, has some of the best ambiance anywhere in Tacoma. While dinner can be a bit pricy, everything on the lunch menu is under 12 dollars. Highly recommended is the Mediterranean sandwich with a cup of soup to start. Great bread, cozy chairs, and old wood tables make this an illustrious place for long lunches, althought it is closed on Mondays.
For those craving unique eating experiences, do not assume a drive to Seattle is in order. Tacoma’s tastes will surprise you at a budget that won’t shock the wallet.