Back to Reviews

Fish, brews and so much more

Fish Brew Pub and Eatery comes to Point Ruston

Fish Brew Pub and Eatery’s Cubano sandwich paired with garlic fries. Photo credit: Jackie Fender

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

ANNOUNCER: Olympia's Fish Tale Brew Pub takes its traditional pub menu, long list of taps and oyster bar north to Tacoma. Fortunately, Dutch and Jackie are at the ready to pop in and check it out.

DUTCH: The menu here is familiar to anyone who has visited the original location in Olympia. However, the atmosphere is new, fresh, wide open and big enough for 200 diners. And just for us in Tacoma, there are a few additions to the menu such as Mac n Cheese in four options including a spicy Cajun or a sweet Snow Crab option. Additionally, there are some higher end steak plates available on the Tacoma menu.

JACKIE: It feels like the epitome of waterfront dining here. I imagine once the summer months kick into high gear, having those garage door windows that we all admire, is going to be an attractive trait.

DUTCH: With all the beer selections available it was difficult to decide. So, I didn't. Instead I ordered a flight of four selections. That's right, four selections in small servings that together equal about one beer. With brews from Leavenworth Biers, Fish Tale Ales, or ciders from Spire Mountain Ciders, there's a flight out there for everyone.

JACKIE: I stuck with the Mud Shark Porter. Smooth, dark and with a hint of cacao seemed like just the thing to pair with the Cubano sandwich. The smoky and salty balance of pub-smoked pork shoulder and pastrami lays the base with ooey-gooey, Swiss cheese, crisp dill pickle slices and pub mayo finishing it all off on the pillow-y Amorosos roll. There are ample side options, but when given the opportunity, I will choose garlic fries, every time.

DUTCH: I went after the ham and brie sandwich, which is served on grilled sourdough with just the right buttery crunch. It's packed with thick sliced ham covered in melted brie that mixes smoky and sweet of ham with the nutty flavor of a good brie. The best part, however, is that this grilled ham and cheese has the sharp bite of horseradish and the sweet, crispy crunch of apples that are added to the sandwich. A cup of tomato soup tied it all together.

JACKIE: The menu as a whole is pretty diverse and will cater nicely to the wide array of Point Ruston clientele that will come bustling through the doors. The lunch special on one of my visits was a favorite dish of mine, Chiliquiles. I didn't order them, so I could keep to the regular menu offerings, but I was a little giddy to think they may make an appearance in the future. Also, the Boquerones was a treat to spy on the menu. Don't scrunch your nose at me, fresh Spanish anchovies with olive oil, parsley and garlic is a tasty and fresh nibble to start any meal.

DUTCH: At some point, I also felt obligated to order seafood at a place called Fish Tale located on the beach, so I got a plate of fish and chips. It's fair to say that I am picky when it comes to fish and chips because I don't like soggy fish or chips. I was not disappointed here as the fish was crispy and crunchy to the last bite with an emphasis on the cod, not the batter. The chips are fresh-cut, with the skins still attached and piled high on my plate in an overly generous portion.

JACKIE: Their fish tacos are on my short list to nosh next. And beer, so many more of the beers.

Fish Brew Pub and Eatery, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 5108 Grand Loop, Ruston, 253.507.4970, fishbrewing.com

Read next close

Arts

Play on

comments powered by Disqus