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12 great restaurant decks

Eat outdoors with a gorgeous view of the Sound while you still can

An afternoon on the Tides deck in Gig Harbor. Photo credit: mappies.wordpress.com

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Hurry - the sunny summer weather is coming, but it won't last for long.  Make plans now to enjoy the amazing South Sound views of blue skies, glistening mountain peaks and stunning shorelines from the deck of a local restaurant.  If you start the minute the sun peaks through the clouds, and stay diligent with your reservations and calendar, you can enjoy all 12 local decks before the fall rains are upon us.  Here's your to-do list.

COMMENCEMENT BAY

1) Katie Downs

This one is a classic, and frankly, it's only here because it would be odd to not include it. Katie Downs has a factor that makes it unique: it's 21 and up. The whole restaurant is no-minors-allowed. This makes KD the perfect option for those who are a bit child (or teen)-averse. The outdoor dining is definitely on the classier side of things, and with incredible pizza to boot.

3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on weekends)

2) Harbor Lights

Don't be fooled by the rickety exterior; Harbor Lights isn't about to fall into the Sound anytime soon, and it's a definite diamond in the rough. Like Katie Downs, it's one of the nicer locations on the Ruston waterfront, but it still has a casual feel to it. Besides, it's been a Tacoma staple since 1959.  They have one of the best "pours" in town, too.

2761 Ruston Way, Tacoma, open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. on weekends)

3) The Ram

They have lots of locations around the Puget Sound area, but this one on Ruston Way is by far the best view.  The Ram's deck is huge and includes sweeping views of Brown's Point, Vashon Island, and incoming and outgoing container ships.  The burgers are awesome, too.

3001 Ruston Way, Tacoma, open daily 11 a.m. until close.

4) Johnny's Dock

Much closer to downtown Tacoma on the Thea Foss is one of the area's oldest restaurants with an intimate feel and views of the Tacoma Skyline - Johnny's Dock.  If you like sitting in a marina, this is your perfect spot for finely crafted foods and an excellent bar menu.  They've been doing this since 1953.

1900 East D St., Tacoma, open daily weekdays at 11 a.m., breakfast on weekends opening at 9:30 a.m. Closed most days by 8 p.m.

5) Rock the Dock

Now, I get it. If you've lived here for a while, you've probably hit up the Ruston Way joints many, many times. So here's an alternative that's still relatively close: Rock the Dock is right underneath Tacoma's downtown on Dock Street, one of the fastest-growing areas in the city. Not only is this hidden gem relatively inexpensive, making it perfect for lunch, but it also has an absolutely stunning view of Mt. Rainier. It might be one to avoid if you're not a fan of seagulls, though, as they like this place as much as its patrons.

535 Dock St., Tacoma, open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (open for breakfast at 9 a.m. on weekends)

NARROWS

6) Boathouse 19

This restaurant has already become a West Tacoma staple in its short existence, and it isn't hard to see why. While many waterfront dining experiences in Tacoma are on Commencement Bay, Boathouse 19 is on the opposite side of the city, which not only provides easier access for those living on that side of the Tacoma area, but it has a completely different view. The deck is small (and fills quickly, so if you don't want to wait, come at non-peak hours), but if you can make it out there, you'll be treated with the Narrows Bridge smack in your face.  Narrows Brewery is also next door - an added plus!

9001 S. 19th St., Tacoma, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. past Memorial Day)

7) Tides Tavern

If you live on the peninsula, you probably already know about this one. For those of you that want more of a classic, salty waterfront bar experience, Tides Tavern is the perfect spot. You might even meet an old, crusty sailor (or some Gig Harbor elite).  The Tides has terrific marina views with an all-day show of sailboats passing in and out of the harbor.

2925 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (open early for breakfast on weekends)

8) Massimo Grill

Massimo is an outlier on this list. While most waterfront decks are going to focus on seafood or other American fare, Massimo is an Italian restaurant that just happens to overlook Henderson Bay in Purdy. It's a perfect compromise between the prices of Olive Garden, the food of an authentic Italian place (sorry, Olive Garden), and the outdoor deck of a Ruston Way bar. It's simple, but the outlook and dining experience are unique.

13802 Purdy Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, open 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends)

FAR SOUTH SOUND

9) Topside Bar & Grill

Surprise - this one isn't technically on the water. So why is it on this list? Topside still dominates in the views department, with its location being at the top of an office building. Not only can you look out onto Anderson and McNeil Islands, but you also get a bird's-eye view of the adorable waterfront town of Steilacoom.

215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends)

10) Budd Bay Café

Budd Bay, for the most part, is simply Olympia's version of the tried-and-true waterfront deck formula - great setting, delicious seafood, etc. However, it also happens to be right next to the Martin Marina, so you can sneak a peek at some yachts. In fact, most nights, one of the owners will come out of his boat to play "Taps" on his trumpet. Dinner and a show? You can't beat that.

525 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

11) Dockside Bistro and Wine Bar

This is Budd Bay's swanky cousin (in fact, they're literally right next to each other), complete with a fully-stocked wine bar, as the name would imply. The view (and trumpet performance) is nearly identical to Budd's, but be aware - they don't allow alcohol on the deck. So if you prefer not to drink, or you have kids, this might be the smart option.

501 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (closed on Sunday mornings)

BARELY SOUTH SOUND

12) Salty's at Redondo Beach

It's debatable whether Des Moines counts as the South Sound or not, but what isn't debatable is Salty's quality and breathtaking views of ... the mid-Sound.  The ambiance at Salty's is a bit on the fancier side, but it's worth it; with the restaurant's spectacular food and spectacular ambiance, you'll forget that you're basically in Sea-Tac.

28201 Redondo Beach Dr. S., Des Moines, open 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m. on weekends)

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