Have a pint at Narrows Brewing then head next door to Boathouse 19 and find a table overlooking the marina.

Yes to assorted party mix snacks and whatever’s on draft (in this case an IPA and peach sour) at Narrows Brewing.

Ownership changed, but you can still go sit on the patio with pickled veggies and an Old Fashioned at En Rama downtown.

It’s been a couple of years since we first published this guide—the Tacoma outdoor dining scene is a changing landscape, and sometimes we miss things (like entire patios), so now it’s time for this update.

As lifelong Pacific Northwesterners, we’ve learned to stick around July and August when the summer truly sets in. It can take halfway through July before we leave extra layers at home, before the tucked-in undershirt comes off, and sock-free sandals have their day. But even May and June offer their share of patio afternoons. The peak of summertime is nearing, and we’re doing our best to enjoy it in small, close-to-home ways like eating meals in the back yard, walking to the beach, riding the ferry, and choosing restaurants with patios for dining in the sun (well, often the shade, but in the fresh air nevertheless).

So. Want to go out and really be out, out in the open air, beneath a colorful umbrella, on a shaded patio, beside a bustling sidewalk, on a deck overlooking the water, pulled up to a bar counter by the street?

E9 Brewing Co. downtown serves up pizza and brews on the covered patio. They’re always creating special appetizers to keep things fresh.

We’ve gathered Tacoma’s outdoor dining spots by neighborhood to get you started (tell us if we missed any of your favorites!). Take a look at our list of restaurants, cafes, and bars with outdoor seating, then get yourself out the door, and into the life of Tacoma’s summer. See you out there!

Eat Outside! Tacoma Outdoor Dining Neighborhood Guide

Because of our significant rainy season (fall, winter, spring, early summer) we don't have as many big patios here as you might find in cities with drier climates, but when the sunny days arrive, the patio chairs come out, the umbrellas open, and the tables fill up.

Here's a list of cafes, restaurants, and bars where you can find some open air seating. These range from full patios with plenty of tables, to a few tables on a deck or seats along a sidewalk. Call ahead if you’re curious!

It’s probably time to branch out, but I’m going to keep on ordering the Melon Seed’s “Spiked” Tuna Salad!

Eat fish and chips al fresco at Northern Fish in Old Town.

Downtown

“Wear Black, Eat Pizza” as they say at Bar Rosa, but this time do outside.

En Rama - covered patio
Cider & Cedar - patio
Matador - patio seating along the sidewalk
Wooden City - just a few outside tables
McMenamins Elks Temple - sidewalk tables on Broadway and a full patio at the Spanish Bar midway up the Spanish Steps
E9 Brewing Co. - covered patio
Camp Colvos Brewing & Pizza Co. - patio
Sig Brewing Company - patio
Camp Colvos Outpost - patio, dogs welcome
Corina Bakery - tables along the sidewalk

Stadium

Hanks Bar & Pizza - patio
Shake, Shake, Shake - patio
Parkway Tavern - seating along the sidewalk
Poquitos Tacoma (took over the Rhein Haus building) - deck
Le Sel Bistro - covered deck

Hilltop

We tried The Mariner deep dish pizza with shrimp at Katie Downs on Ruston Way.

Bar Rosa - high bar seating along the sidewalk
Quickie Too - small patio beside the sidewalk
(RIP 1022 South J - closed this spring)

Dock Street

The Fish Peddler - water view patio
Indita Mia - patio with Museum of Glass views and water views
Rock the Dock Pub & Grill - deck on the dock, dogs welcome

Old Town

Visit Ruston’s Garden of Eatin’ at The Antique Sandwich Co.

Northern Fish - a couple of tables, and plenty of places on the Old Town Dock next door
Anthem Coffee - deck seating along the sidewalk and chairs beside Old Town Park
Curran Coffee - a few sidewalk tables
Proof - seating along the sidewalk and beside Old Town Park (Just like Anthem’s deck because it is! Proof takes over the Anthem space from 4-10 pm.)

Ruston Way Waterfront

Sit outside with views of the Salish Sea at WildFin.

The Ram - waterfront deck
Duke's Chowder House - waterfront deck
Katie Downs Tavern & Eatery - waterfront deck
Harbor Lights - small waterfront deck
Woven Sushi & Chophouse - waterfront deck
Lobster Shop - waterfront deck
Anthony's (Point Defiance) - waterfront deck

Point Ruston

Find a shady sidewalk table at the Rosewood in Proctor.

WildFin American Grill - water view patio
Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen at the Silver Cloud Hotel- water view patio
Stack 571 Burger & Whiskey Bar - patio
Boran Royal Thai Cuisine - patio
Farrelli’s Pizza - patio & balcony
Jewel Box Café - patio
Ice Cream Social - patio

Get a delightfully messy burger and take it out to one of the picnic tables so everyone going by can envy you and watch you wipe your face!

(Real) Ruston

The Antique Sandwich Co. - Garden of Eatin’
Macaluso’s Italian Restaurant - a few tables along the sidewalk
Coles Bar & Grill - high bar seating along the sidewalk
North End on Pearl - beer garden

Proctor

Sit out on the deck at Boathouse 19 for a meal or a milkshake by the marina.

Cactus - tables along the sidewalk
Rosewood Cafe - tables along the sidewalk
Brewers Row - high bar seating along the sidewalk
Cooks Tavern - patio

6th Ave

Espresso Yourself in Fircrest offers patio tables for enjoying your sandwich or scone.

Burger Seoul - parking lot picnic tables
MSM Deli - patio with a low wall alongside the sidewalk
O’Malley’s Irish Pub - covered outdoor seating behind the bar
Asado - a few cocktail tables outside with a roll-up door that opens up the interior too
Field Bar - sidewalk standing bar counter
State Street Beer - sidewalk patio
The Redd Dog - several sidewalk tables and roll-up doors
La Cà Bar - small 2nd floor balcony
Beer Star - patio, food trucks come to visit or bring your own grub
Tacoma Pie - patio and bocce ball court

West Side Waterfront

Boathouse 19 - deck
Narrows Brewing - deck, no food served (well, we actually do count the snack mix varieties), but you can bring your own!

West Tacoma

Coopers - covered patio

This shrimp bowl at The Church Cantina on South Tacoma Way is still calling my name.

Fircrest

Espress-O-Yourself Neighborhood Coffee House & Deli - patio
Wildside Wine - tables along the sidewalk

University Place

Chambers Bay Grill - patio with a sunset view over Chambers Bay Golf Course

Oakland Madrona + south Tacoma

Tots and the veggie sandwich at Dusty’s Hideaway on McKinley Hill taste especially good out on the deck.

Melon Seed Deli & Frozen Yogurt - sidewalk deck with 3 umbrellaed tables & a roll-up garage door with bar counter
Side Piece Kitchen - fenced sidewalk seating

South Tacoma Way

The Church Cantina - a couple of tables along the sidewalk
The Mule Tavern - back patio
Bluebeard STW Roastery & Cafe - bar counters along the sidewalk
Howdy Bagel - a couple of tables along the sidewalk