There's a good chance that since your last visit to Pierce County, the lineup of restaurants, bars, and cafés has grown, evolved, expanded, and maybe even exploded. If you’re the type who likes to discover and visit places before they blow up and the line forms, this list is for you. And worst-case scenario: you might end up in line, making new friends with good culinary taste.
Chez Lafayette (Tacoma)
Opened: July 2024
From the darling handmade sign to the vibey salmon-pink walls, this Creole brasserie is begging to accent your social feed. Just make sure and tag Tacoma, so people won't think you're out in New Orleans. Lest you think it’s all style over substance, a bite of their excellent gumbo or slow-cooked beef po’ boy will tell you that they know their stuff.
Burger Seoul (Tacoma)
Opened: August 2024
This cult-favorite Korean fusion burger joint has finally opened its brick-and-mortar location. These thick burger patties are juicy, topped with unique ingredients (spicy kimchi, bulgogi beef, and gochujang sauce are just the beginning), and the loaded fries are not to be missed.
Huckleberry Club (Tacoma)
Opened: September 2024
What does it take to be a great neighborhood bar? When the owners introduced the concept of The Huckleberry Club—cheekily nicknamed THC—last fall, they promised “immaculate vibes in an accessible and inclusive environment…affordable food, cocktails, beer, wine…and plentiful non alcoholic options.” This equation has proven to work, as locals wax poetic about their huge loaded baked potatoes and great prices. Come catch the neighborhood flavor.
Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup (Lakewood)
Comfort food translates well in just about every language and cuisine, and the rich, silky Seolleongtang at Yi's in Lakewood is crafted from generations-old family recipes. Each bowl is a perfect blend of tender beef, savory broth, and tradition. For an authentic taste of Korea, Yi’s is the place to be.
Corbeau (Tacoma)
Opened: September 2024
We know you prefer to skip the line, but with this next restaurant, the line formed on day one. James Beard-nominated restaurant The Table closed last year, and the local grief was tangible. Luckily, the duo behind The Table—Trevor Hamilton and Craig Tronset—quickly announced their designs for Corbeau, a “Franco-Tacoman Eatery” described as the restaurant of their dreams. When you let creatives run wild with their vision, beautiful things can happen; just taste their steak frites, featuring fries cooked in beef tallow, to see how well they’ve nailed the French bistro experience.
Hole in the Wall (Inside ISCREAMERY - Gig Harbor)
Opened: September 2024
Like a turducken of stoner food, this new smash burger spot can be found inside ISCREAMERY, an ice cream spot founded by the owners of Netshed No. 9. The smashed patties are crispy, the dogs are loaded, and the vibe is pure indulgence.
Campfire Coffee (New Locations)
Opened: October 2024
The OG Campfire Coffee (now called their Heritage Store) is known for its smoky brews and cozy atmosphere, and now there’s more to love. Same great coffee, same cozy vibes, but now several more new locations and upcoming locations coming in the STAR Center, Eastside Community Center, Tacoma Public Utilities, a flagship store on Pacific Avenue, and within a couple blocks of Tacoma’s Museum District.
Three Hearts (Tacoma)
Opened: October 2024
This new spot has frankensteined its way to a wild combination that just works: it’s a self-described bakery-meets-coffee-shop-meets-brunch spot, it’s owned by two families, and the menu is gluten-free and vegan-friendly while also including meat and bread aplenty for those who partake. The thru-line? Sneaking up on a 5-star rating on Google reviews.
Velvet’s Big Easy
Opened: October 2024
Like Burger Seoul, Velvet’s Big Easy earned their brick and mortar after assembling a large local following with their food truck. Owner Brenda Miller is originally from Louisiana, and if her recent interview with King5 didn’t make you crave a shrimp po’boy, we’re not sure what will: “I’m gonna make sure you get a shrimp in every bite.”
Coming Soon (Because Pierce County isn’t done yet)
Third Place Café (Tacoma)
Opening early 2025
Is there a better third-space in the Pacific Northwest than a café? For those unfamiliar, a “third space” is a sociological term for a place, other than work or home, where people can connect. Owner Kevin Lee is documenting the opening process on Instagram @thirdspacetacoma, including taste-testing Korean-inspired breakfast goods, so you’d better follow along!
Grann Restaurant (Tacoma)
Opening early 2025
Grann is in the process of opening in what used to be The Table’s restaurant space on 6th Ave. It’s hard to follow a James Beard-nominated act, but we only expect great things from owners Reginald Jacob Howell and Denzel Johnson. Why? So far, the pop-ups have been excellent (and very sold out, including Valentine’s Day). The intriguing collaboration of local chef Howell and BBQ pitmaster Johnson results in a cuisine they describe as “Southern BBQ, Creole, and Indian Fusion.”
Reyna Filipina Kitchen (Tacoma)
Tacoma | Opening sometime in 2025
Though we’re awaiting opening date details, we already know the goods are truly fit for royalty (“reyna” means “queen” in Tagalog) because of owner Jan Parker’s presence at the Proctor Farmers Market. Her chili garlic noodles are a cult-level favorite, and her riffs on traditional dishes (fried chicken adobo, anyone??) unlock new cravings.
Have you tried out these new spots? Tag us in your food adventures @visittacomapiercecounty!
