Takeout Tacoma: Your best bets for to-go food in the Dome, Brewing and Museum Districts

The Tacoma Dome might be quiet these days, but the neighborhood continues to hum with locals and visitors hopping on the train, exploring the renewed historic brewing district or indulging in one of the city’s best sandwiches in McKinley.

For this takeout edition, we start near Tacoma Dome station at Freighthouse Square, jumping east on Puyallup Avenue before heading south to McKinley and then north to the plethora of restaurants and breweries surrounding the University of Washington Tacoma.

Looping in the museums, which reopened just last month, you’ll also find reason to hop on Dock Street for sandwiches or seafood.

You will probably notice the omission of El Gaucho, where the experience is half the fun. The steakhouse has reimagined its in-house dining for the pandemic era, and though nothing is the same these days, tableside fire remains.

We’ve also excluded Olive Branch Tea House — not in spite of its loveliness but because of it. The allure of sipping tea from a vintage cup atop an antique saucer cannot be replicated in a box.

And no Johnny’s Dock: It’s been closed since the March shutdown and won’t reopen until next year at the earliest, perhaps in another form.

This guide also tags into the historic brewing district — the only area in town where you can skip to several breweries within a few blocks of one another. You can order excellent pizza from E9 Brewing’s taproom, but it’s infinitely better if you enjoy it on-site.

As with our West End takeout guide, a few house rules: 1) no corporate chains, and 2) no links to third-party delivery platforms. It’s always best to call the restaurant directly whenever possible.

Paya Thai Fish & Chips

▪ 430 E. 25th St. (inside Freighthouse Square), 253-627-8432, facebook.com/PTFishNChips

▪ Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; easiest to order in person

▪ Best for: fried seafood

The petite fish-and-chips stand inside Freighthouse Square is always takeout-only, and it’s a top choice if you’re passing through and don’t just want an OK burger. The flagship two-piece cod starts at $11.95; add fries and coleslaw for $2, or both and a cup of chowder for $5. Pay a few more bucks for halibut. The seafood doesn’t stop there: choose among shrimp, scallops, oysters and clam strips, or feed a family for under $27 with the Captain’s Platter. If you want chowder — and you should — just get the bowl. It’s only $0.70 more.

Wingman Brewers

▪ 509-½ Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253-256-5240, wingmanbrewers.com

▪ Daily 2-9 p.m.; curbside pickup or walk-in

▪ Best for: local beer

OK, Wingman is but a taproom, but if you’re in the neighborhood, why not stop at your neighborhood brewery for the freshest of beer? One of Tacoma’s older craft breweries, Wingman covers your IPA bases but also makes a great porter, not to mention seasonal beers (Oktoberfest, Razma Attack) and collaborations, including the Lakeside Livin,’ a lager steeped in Campfire Coffee.

Sluggo Brewing & Kitchen

▪ 409 E. 26th St., Tacoma, 253-272-1047, sluggobrewingtapandkitchen.com

▪ Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; call to order

▪ Best for: falafel, lamb kabobs and other Mediterranean favorites

The perfect combination of relaxed bar and really good food, Sluggo would be a welcome addition to any neighborhood — but it’s the Dome it calls home. (Owner Ammar Mannaa co-owns The Alley Cat on Sixth Avenue, where you’ll notice his culinary inspiration.) Start with homemade hummus or tzatziki, dolmades or waffle fries drizzled with a garlicky basil sauce and, of course, feta cheese ($8-8.99). Thankfully you can choose any of the entree-sized salads as a side, like the bulgur tabouli or a simple Greek. Lamb gyros, house falafel and kabobs in four proteins ($12.99-$17.99), will leave you delicious day-after leftovers. Burgers and fried cod ($11.99-$16.99) also get the Mediterranean treatment.

The Valley

▪ 1206 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253-248-4265

▪ Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; call to order

▪ Best for: Peterson Bros. sandwiches, smashburgers

It’s a little off the beaten path, but thank goodness the Peterson Bros. and X Group decided to invest in The Valley. Go for a classic double-patty burger ($11.99-$13.99) or the brothers’ infamous subs. Try the toasted Brutus, an Italian of sorts with Swiss, pepperoni, salami ham and cheddar ($13.29), or the Smokestack, grilled chicken and bacon with pepperjack and a chipotle aioli ($12.99). Weekend breakfast, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., might just cure your 2020 blues with pork belly biscuits and gravy, two kinds of Monte Cristos and a “basic mess” of potatoes, bacon, biscuit with shrimp and grits hash.

Dusty’s Hideaway

▪ 723 E. 34th St., Tacoma, 253-292-0106, dustyshideaway.com

▪ Thursday-Monday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: creative sandwiches, cocktails to-go

The restaurant inside an old McKinley house exudes neighborly charm, and though we love sitting outside in the yard or inside the kitschy bar, takeout involves cocktails, too. Smashburgers with American cheese start at $10.99 with fries or tots, or get the “industry” burger-only for $5.99. Don’t sleep on the creative sandwiches ($7.99-$11.99), notably the turkey BLT plus cream cheese with a chipotle blackberry spread and the must-order hot honey chicken, a fried thigh with red cabbage slaw and pickles. Add a basket of fried buffalo cauliflower and popcorn chicken for $7 each, and at brunch, try the French toast sandwich ($9.99). Bonus: Dusty’s famous $10 boozy slushies to-go.

Top of Tacoma

▪ 3529 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-1502, facebook.com/TopofTacoma

▪ Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; call to order

▪ Best for: awesome sandwiches, vegetarian fare

Nothing can replace sitting at the Top bar, but the beloved Eastside spot is as much a destination for its food as its vibes. Quesadillas, prawn and pork belly scampi, a mezze platter with homemade tzatziki — the menu fulfills most any appetite, including an array of vegetarian plates, adored sandwiches ($13-$14.50) and sweet potato waffle fries that are way better than they have any right to be. Work in the addictive creamy pesto on the 253 Turkey with bacon and tomato on sourdough or the gourmet grilled cheese. Brunch runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (or so) on weekends, with breakfast sandwiches and burritos ideal for transport. No cocktails to-go, so grab a six-pack on your way: Food here takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Sig Brewing Company

▪ 2534 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253-503-6446, sigbrewingco.com

▪ Tuesday-Wednesday 3-8 p.m.; Thursday noon-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon-10 p.m.; Sunday noon-6:30 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: clever pub food, pizza and beer

Despite opening earlier in this wretched year, Sig’s crew is having so much fun — with the food and the beer. You would be remiss to not add a few four-packs or Crowlers, especially of the brewery’s anticipated limited releases. Every order should include the seasonal deviled eggs ($7) and the Sigs in a Blanket ($15), the pinnacle of Americana made here with house sausage and an herbed biscuit dough. Meatballs are packed with umami and travel well. The woodfired pizzas should ideally be enjoyed straight out of the oven, so promise you’ll return to try one in person soon.

Black Fleet Brewing

▪ 2302 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253-327-1641, blackfleetbrewing.com

▪ Wednesday-Saturday noon-9:45 p.m.; Sunday noon-8 p.m.; call to order

▪ Best for: pub food, beer

Tucked away on the hill of Fawcett and 23rd, Black Fleet churns out German-inspired ales, like the Rustgi, Freebooter’s dunkel weisse and Dungeness Cascadian dark ale. Tack on a Crowler or three to your food order of beer-battered fish and chips, spicy wings or fried cauliflower ($11-$13). Instead of your standard brats, try the lumpia-style rolls ($7) stuffed with meat and cheese, dipping sauce on the side. Served on a hoagie roll, the Chopper also covers those meaty, cheesy desires. Families will appreciate the homemade root beer, ginger ale and cream soda ($7 per 16 ounces).

3uilt at 7 Seas Brewery & Taproom

▪ 2101 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253-301-0262, 3uilt.com

▪ Sunday-Thursday noon-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon-9:30 p.m.; order online

▪ Best for: great sandwiches, vegan fare, beer

There’s nothing not to love at 3uilt, the restaurant inside 7 Seas Tacoma taproom. Many sandwiches ($12-$13.50) are keto-friendly, and most feature at least one fun house ingredient, like pickled snap peas, pineapple chutney, strawberry jam or “sacred sauce.” Even the vegetarian and vegan sandwiches deliver, such as the Mediterranean Green Goddess with chèvre and harissa-spiked tahini. Unshucked oysters are available to-go, but for easier seafood enjoyment, order the beer broth Manila clams and a pretzel for extra dipping. The best part of picking up at a taproom: six-packs and growlers of 7 Seas’ fine beers.

Happy Teriyaki #4

▪ 2223 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-1544, happyteriyaki.com

▪ Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: sushi burritos, teriyaki-Chinese combos

After a fire damaged the original downtown restaurant, Happy Teriyaki finally reopened this summer. The gigantic menu resembles that of the other locations, packed with Chinese dishes ($11.95-$12.95) including orange, kung pao and General Tso’s chicken, Mongolian beef and vegetable chow mein. Feed a crowd for under $40 with one of three Happy Chinese combos, or choose several of the more than two dozen crazy sushi rolls ($8.95-$12.95). Here is also one of the few places in town for sushi burritos ($11.95-$12.95), packed with tuna and salmon, bulgogi or popcorn shrimp.

Eternal Soul Bowl

▪ 2016 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-391-7873, eternalsoulbowls.com

▪ Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; call to order, or walk-in

▪ Best for: nutrient-packed breakfast

Nothing like a fruit and grain-packed power bowl to start your day right — or keep you going through the afternoon. All the bowls at this new shop cost $10. The açaí bowls start with a granola base, though you can choose Greek yogurt or oatmeal. From there, it’s your fruit, cacao, chia, coconut and honey adventure. For an even heartier snack, the Super Greens Power House bowls come with spirulina, spinach, banana, a vegan protein powder and apple juice. If you prefer to drink your nutrients, smoothies are $7 and all feature at least one power element such as turmeric, hemp seeds or bee pollen.

Abella Pizzeria

▪ 1946 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-779-0769, abellapizzeria.com

▪ Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: hot sandwiches, pizza and inexpensive pasta

With a far smaller footprint than nearby pizzerias, Abella offers a down-home Italian style of pie, available in three sizes, from the 10-inch ($11.75) to the 16-inch ($18.99). For the best texture by the time you get home, don’t be swayed by the heavy toppings; stick with simplicity in the Pesto & Artichoke with feta cheese and a pesto sauce, the Peppercotta with pepperoni, sausage and ricotta, or the always classic Margherita. For lunch, 8-inch, oven-baked grinders, including a meatball sub, chicken parmesan or hot Italian, fill you up for only $7.99. Pasta standards ($6.99-$9.49) — spaghetti marinara, fettuccine alfredo — complete a family meal for a very fair price.

Harmon Pac Ave

▪ 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-383-2739, harmonpacave.com

▪ Daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: classic pub food

Though not brewing beer at the moment, Harmon continues to churn out pub food on Pac Ave. There are Cajun tots and defiantly garlicky fries ($9), porter-soaked beef and bean chili ($8) and filling salads ($12-$16). Sandwiches stay classic — Reuben, club, pulled pork — but the fried green tomato with an array of sautéed veggies ($14) will please meat and veg-heads alike. In addition to kids’ meals, you can order a family-sized roast beef dip or vegetarian sub with four orders of sides for $55.

Indochine Asian Dining Lounge

▪ 1924 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-8200, indochinedowntown.com

▪ Tuesday-Sunday 4-9 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: fresh Asian favorites

The current Indochine menu focuses on the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Toasted sesame chicken wraps, coconut prawns, firecracker spring rolls and Thai lettuce wraps are a great place to start ($12-$14), as is the Crying Tiger beef salad ($14), a zesty mix of lime, habanero, lemongrass and fish sauce. Mains lean Thai with a couple classic Chinese-American options ($12-$16), while panang curry, tikka masala and Filipino pork adobo ($14) take you on a Southeast Asian tour. If you can keep it cold, finish your meal off with a few scoops of homemade salted caramel or coconut gelato.

Thekoi

▪ 1552 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253-272-0996, thekoitacoma.com

▪ Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m, Saturday noon-10 p.m., Sunday noon-9:30 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: date-night sushi, Japanese street food

The South Sound offers many places to enjoy basic sushi and teriyaki but only so many that specialize in omakase. Thekoi, sister to Tim Bartz’s Happy Teriyaki down the street, does the work for you, whether you stick with the “regular sushi” platter (seven nigiri, one roll, miso soup for $24), the “super deluxe” (12 nigiri plus roll and soup for $36), or go all-in on the 36-piece sashimi ($105). Rolls start at $6 and, yes, they go crazy — to Samurai, Sexy Scorpion, Sumo and Super Spider ($19). Did we mention the donburi, bento boxes, takoyaki and bao?

Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max

▪ 1716 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-627-4099, .samchoyspoke.com

▪ Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: poke, Hawaiian favorites

The UWT area is home to one of Sam Choy’s three Washington restaurants, plus three roaming food trucks. Enjoy poke over rice or salad, in a taco or a wrap ($13.99). You can order just the meat by the pound ($18.99) for a semi-homemade meal at home. Other Hawaiian favorites include Loco Moco, Aloha chicken and Kalua pork ($11.99-$13.99), as well as six varieties of musubi with everything from SPAM to ahi tuna and katsu chicken ($4.19-$13.99). Toss in a few orders of lumpia, kimchi and seaweed salad ($2.99-$5.49) — and cans of Maui Beer — for a veritable island feast.

Zeeks Pizza

▪ 1702 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-269-7604, zeekspizza.com

▪ Daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: pizza and slices

Unusual names, pretty good pizza, starting at $14.50 for a 9-inch “mini” house pie to $32 for a 17-inch large. Zeeks aims to please with 14 pizzas topped with everything from pepperoni, Canadian bacon and Italian sausage (Puget Pounder, John Candy) to salami, roasted red peppers and pepperoncini (Grand Salami). Cheese doesn’t stop at mozzarella, either, as in the Spanish Steps with gorgonzola and the Organic Drift with feta. Try an “adventurous base” for pizzas you won’t find elsewhere, like the Veggie Thai with a peanut sauce base or the Legion of Shroom with caramelized onions on the bottom instead of sauce. For the basic in you, they let you start from scratch.

The Social Bar & Grill

▪ 1715 Dock St. (at Thea’s Landing Waterfront Apartments), 253-301-3835, thesocialbarandgrill.com

▪ Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; order online or by phone

▪ Best for: Asian-inspired Northwest fare, date-night at home

Though the view from The Social is half the fun, the food has enough flair to make dinner at home feel special. Mix and match shareable plates ($9-$14) like Shanghai steak bites with coconut rice and wasabi slaw, chicken wings and smoky sautéed mushrooms. Beyond sandwiches, the current menu leans into Northwest noodles with a Sumo Bowl of salmon with seaweed and cucumber, ginger chicken and a vegan yakisoba ($15-$18). From a Cadillac margarita to a Manhattan or whiskey mule for two, cocktails ($12-$24) bring happy hour home without having to squeeze one lime.

Dock Street Deli

▪ 1901 Dock St., Tacoma, 253-212-0665, dockstreetdeli.com

▪ Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (7 p.m. Tuesday);

▪ Best for: deli sandwiches

At the foot of The Henry apartments inside West of the Waterway, the families behind Galucci Catering and The Spar opened a deli with build-your-own and custom sandwiches ($8.99-$10.95). Each has its own Dock Street spin, such as the nutty chicken salad with a teriyaki bent, dill mayo and honey-roasted peanuts, the pastrami with Asian kale slaw on a pretzel bun, or the Monte Cristo with brie and raspberry chutney. Instead of chips, ask for the caprese skewers as your side. To make it a feast, add a pound of classic penne pasta salad, sliced strawberries and rhubarb with mint and hazelnuts, or peas and prosciutto ($9).

This story was originally published October 12, 2020 at 8:00 AM.