3 Best Restaurants in Tacoma, Washington Cascade Mountains and Valleys

The first thing you notice inside this bustling tavern and hot-dog joint are the dozens of beer taps hanging from the ceiling, each one representing a particular ale that's been poured here. Indeed, this quirky spot is a must for beer lovers, with plenty of interesting varieties on tap and available by the bottle, but it's the dogs and brats that set Red Hot apart. The kitchen serves up the classics, like a Chicago-style beef dog topped with mustard, relish, and celery salt, as well as unusual versions, like the Hound Dog, which is slathered in peanut butter and crowned with crispy bacon. Vegan dogs are served, too.

The spacious, high-ceilinged downtown branch of this local chain is steps from the Museum of Glass and other attractions. It's a great place to kick off the day with a well-crafted espresso drink and breakfast sandwich, or linger later in the day over a naan flatbread pizza.

This artisan ice-cream parlor has a few locales in Tacoma, but the newest one in the lively Point Ruston district is especially appealing because you have to walk only a few steps to enjoy your treat while strolling along the beautifully restored waterfront. Flavors here range from classic (mint chocolate chip, strawberry) to seasonally inspired (pumpkin, wild blueberry).