By CASEY DEY
Got an itch to have a unique dining experience? Want to learn how to line dance? Head to Steel Creek Steakhouse! Country not your thing?
Here are some unique Tacoma restaurants to check out.
STEEL CREEK WHISKEY STEAKHOUSE offers a variety of steaks, burgers and seafood within the $10 to $30 range.
Come at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights to learn a variety of Western dances, including the polka, two-step, freestyle cha-cha, four-count swing and line dancing, on the largest whiskey barrel oak dance floor in the south sound.
Tickets for dance lessons cost $5 and include a free beverage.
Guests under 21 are not permitted on the dance floor after 9 p.m., nor on the mechanical bull, but it is well worth it for anyone looking to learn a variety of fun and unique dances, whether a huge country music fan, dance enthusiast or merely friend dragged along as a dance partner.
Guests do not need any experience to take these non-formal lessons. Local Western-style dance instructors Char Alexander and Alan Provencher take good care of their students, making sure everyone has a good time and does not run into any trouble.
They start every lesson slowly for the beginners, then provide a “fast lane” or small area designated for those already familiar with the dance moves or who have picked it up quickly.
They provide several variations of each dance, increasing the complexity each time, all to the beat of some classic and modern country songs.
While the drink menu is limited for those under 21, food options include rib-eye, top sirloin, flat-iron and porterhouse steaks with a variety of sauces; six different kinds of burgers, such as the Wild West Burger—cheese, barbecue sauce and bacon —and even a salmon burger; sandwiches, such as French Dip made with prime rib and Korean BBQ sloppy joe; and seafood, including lobster mac n’ cheese, cedar plank salmon, jumbo prawns and shrimp-stuffed salmon.
The prize dessert is the Fireball Bread Pudding, made with ambrosia chocolate, raisins and almonds and topped with a cinnamon whiskey glaze.
Steel Creek is located on 1114 Broadway in Downtown Tacoma, and is open Tuesday-Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Steel Creek is not the only place in town to find a dining experience with more than just food. Tacoma offers a wide variety of unique and relatively inexpensive restaurants.
Looking for barbecued “soul food” with a fun and loveable owner? Check out UNCLE THURMS FINGER LICKIN’ RIBS AND CHICKEN on 3709 S. G St., open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Looking for traditional Japanese teppanyaki, where the chefs cook right in front of you? Check out MANDOLIN SUSHI AND STEAK HOUSE on 3023 S. 12 St., open for lunch Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner every day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Willing to pay a little more for a truly unique breakfast or lunch?
Check out BABBLIN’S BABS on 2724 N. Proctor St., open Wednesday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Willing to pay a little more for a beautiful view of the Sound and beautiful Chihuly glass artwork? Check out THE SOCIAL BAR AND GRILL on 1715 Dock St., right next to the Museum of Glass, open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
