Back to Features

Summertime (and the eating is easy)

The decks, patios, good times and stellar views of the outdoor eating season

THE VIEW FROM JOHNNY'S DOCK: It's even better with the salmon Benedict.

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

Days of sunshine all but demand lounging outdoors; harboring thoughts of roasted ears of corn, backyard grilling and hand-patted burgers smothered in melted cheese becomes commonplace.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, summer is fast approaching, and with it comes the all-American pastime of eating and drinking in the sun. From sidewalk seating, decks on the water and patios with stellar views to food-focused festivals and where to get the freshest catch and summer fare, we've got the lowdown on some of the best places to grub and imbibe with rays on your face.

Johnny's Dock on Tacoma's Thea Foss Waterway (1900 E. D St., Tacoma) scores big with a deck on the water and view of the Museum of Glass‘s outdoor sculptures. But where Johnny's really shines is in the seafood department. Co-owner Dave Bingham and Executive Chef Steve Ng are hypersensitive to rapidly changing seafood availability as it is affected by over-fishing, global climate and the seasons. They strive to offer locally caught and in-season seafood. Under Chef Ng's careful instruction and preparation, the dishes end up some of the tastiest in the area. Technically part of the lounge, the deck is open seating for anyone and a great place to watch boats come and go on the weekends over salmon Benedict, Dungeness crab and shrimp omelet and mimosas.

Already out on the water? Sail right up to Tacoma's Rock the Dock Bar and Grill on the Thea Foss Waterway (535 Dock St., Tacoma) or out to Gig Harbor's Tides Tavern (2925 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor) for stellar salmon and chips, or try jumbo beer-battered tiger prawns down at Olympia's Tugboat Annie's (2100 W Bay Dr. NW, Olympia).

In addition to golfing, Chambers Bay is a major sunset-watching location. At Chambers Bay Grill (6320 Grandview Drive W., University Place) enjoy views of four islands from a large, partially glass-enclosed patio complete with heaters (if necessary). Executive Chef Dustin Joseph's new menu debuts this month ripe with creative Northwest cuisine. Let's hope Joseph leaves the flash-fried calamari with cilantro-caper aïoli in place. Bonus: The North Dock Overpass, a walking bridge at the adjacent Chambers Creek Properties, spans the railroad tracks allowing public beach access for the first time in more than 100 years. Pack a picnic lunch and head to University Place for the open grassy spaces of the Central Meadow. 

Tatanka Take-Out (4915 N. Pearl, Tacoma), a Ruston institution, serves bison meat dishes and vegetarian fare. Get the Flawless Burrito or a bison burger to go and head for one of the many picnic tables and benches with views throughout Point Defiance Park. May the garlic hot sauce and the portion size of seasoned jo-jo potatoes blow your mind.

Masa's (2811 Sixth Ave., Tacoma) rooftop patio on a warm night is a personal favorite. Little white lights provide a sweet glow. Cool ceviche, a punchy lime-cured dish of white fish, prawns and scallops, is filling without being heavy or hot. Be warned: service can be slower upstairs, so take advantage of the birds-eye view for stealth people-watching on the Ave. to pass the time.

The Hub (203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma), Harmon Tap Room (204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma), Harmon Brewery (1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) and Engine House No. 9 (611 N. Pine St., Tacoma) all have outdoor seating. Check out great happy hour menus and handcrafted draft beer. Rosewood Café (3323 N. 26th St., Tacoma) near the Proctor District has a small sidewalk section for outdoor dining, though the real beauty is the cool shade inside on those freakish overly hot days. 

Not a fan of car exhaust? Laura's Bayview Bar & Grill (229 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma) has a secluded deck with a great view off the Sound on the backside of the building. It's one of Tacoma's best-kept secrets. Go for breakfast; chef Laura makes a French toast that's to die for. 

In existence since 1909, Vashon Island's Strawberry Festival is a celebration of the island in general, featuring 200 vendors, street dances, live music, a classic car parade and more, July 15-17. Get your fill of the sweet berries with everything from pancakes, short cake and funnel cake to sundaes, smoothies, lemonade and ice cream. And, of course, don't miss the Taste of Tacoma in Point Defiance Park; it's a 32-restaurant smorgasbord of tasty fair food, June 24-26.

Read next close

We Recommend

Through May 31: Angela Wales Rocket

comments powered by Disqus