Where to eat and drink outside around the South Sound, updated
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new locations and a map as of Oct. 27, 2021.
Maybe you fell in love with sitting outside last winter. What’s so bad about layers?
Some pandemic-induced changes to the restaurant industry might disappear some day with our daily mask, but many — digital menus, touchless payment, higher prices, better-paid staff — are here to stay. Place outdoor dining in that transformative column.
In June 2020, when restaurants reopened in Washington state after that initially shocking three-month hiatus, it was freeing to return, even to makeshift patios. By that point, we had learned that COVID-19 was less a sanitize-all-surfaces problem and more of a wear-a-mask issue. It was safer to sit outside, and so we flocked to outdoor tables, especially as the midsummer sun wore late into the night.
Seasons change, and it seems, so do we.
As temperatures cooled and dining rooms closed once again, I, for one, layered up with sweaters and scarves and the occasional gloves, enduring drizzles and chills for the sake of carrot lasagna and panna cotta, a cheeseburger and hand-cut fries.
It’s difficult, no doubt, to choose the outdoors amid rain and wind, or hail and snow. But business owners watched carefully as customers returned again and again to these air-chilled seats, often eagerly.
Look around and you’ll notice major upgrades to the region’s patios: no longer ramshackle cones and construction-orange safety fences but permanent (or semi-permanent) wooden or metal structures with roofs and planters and bistro lights.
Those that invested in their outdoor setups will, I believe, be rewarded in the coming months and years.
Originally we created a list of only heated patios, but for 2021 we expanded to include most any establishment where you can eat and drink outside, with an accompanying map. A majority do have heaters, but again, layers! Each listing details what the place is known for and what to expect from the outdoor situation. Hours vary wildly these days, so we removed that information and advise checking the restaurant’s website or calling ahead.
For those nights when you don’t want to cook but don’t want to leave the house, our Takeout Tacoma series is here for you in every neighborhood: North End, West End, South End, South Tacoma, Dome/McKinley/Museum District, Hilltop, Lincoln, Sixth Ave., Stadium District and Downtown.
Did we miss one? Drop us a line, or message TNT Diner on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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ORIGINAL POST, NOVEMBER 2020: Here we are again, only this time the skies have swelled with raindrops and snow has fallen in the Cascades.
With restaurants and bars forced to close their dining rooms and taprooms for the second time this wretched year, they beg of Mother Nature to bestow tolerable temperatures upon our pandemic-weary souls.
Damp though it may be, we’ve got options.
If you are healthy and feeling well enough to sit outside, find your favorite sweater, cover it with your raincoat and pretend we live in Fern Gully’s rain forest — because in some parts of Western Washington, we practically do.
The following restaurants have heaters in their outdoor spaces. A couple have those hot-ticket items headed their way any day now. This equipment doesn’t come cheap, after months of extra costs for protective gear and sanitizer, and much lower revenue. Tip gratuitously to the staffs that remain employed, and please, follow the distancing guidelines and say thank you through your mask.
Note that hours are subject to change. Call or check social media before heading out.
MOSTLY HEATED OUTDOOR SEATING IN TACOMA, PIERCE COUNTY & SOUTH KING COUNTY
*listed in alphabetical order
2121 Pub
▪ 2121 112th St., Tacoma, 253-536-2100, 2121pub.com
▪ Best for: fried chicken and pub food
▪ What to expect: tented parking lot patio with neighborhood feel
7 Seas Brewing
▪ 2905 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-514-8129, 7seasbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local brews
▪ What to expect: semi-covered back deck with waterfront views
Acorn Brewing
▪ 2105 E. Meridian, Edgewood, 253-517-8899, acornbeer.com
▪ Best for: local brews with frequent food trucks
▪ What to expect: tented parking lot patio with picnic tables
Ale House Pub
▪ 2122 Mildred St. W., Tacoma, 253-565-9637, alehouseup.com
▪ Best for: pub food and large draft beer selection
▪ What to expect: tented and fenced parking lot patio with high-top tables and TV
Alleycat Lounge & Patio
▪ 2708 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-327-1956, instagram.com/alleycattacoma
▪ Best for: Mediterranean inspired bar food, beer and cocktails
▪ What to expect: covered back patio with backyard feel, plus sidewalk seating in front
Anthony’s at Point Defiance
▪ 5910 N. Waterfront Dr., Tacoma, 253-752-9700, anthonys.com
▪ Best for: seafood favorites
▪ What to expect: tented waterfront patio decorated with flower pots and bistro lights
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
▪ 4801 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma, 253-472-0246, aztecamex.com
▪ Best for: Mexican mainstays with vegetarian options
▪ What to expect: built-in, covered side patio
Bar Bistro
▪ 1718 99th St. E., Tacoma, 253-537-3655, barbistrotacoma.com
▪ Best for: eclectic American plus cocktails
▪ What to expect: partly covered, secluded side patio
Beach Tavern at Titlow
▪ 8612 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-564-9984, facebook.com
▪ Best for: fried seafood and classic pub fare
▪ What to expect: tented sidewalk patio with TV
Beer Star Tacoma
▪ 4328 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-300-7747, beerstarusa.com
▪ Best for: beer hall with packaged snacks and permanent food truck
▪ What to expect: tented sidewalk patio and semi-covered side patio with fire pit
Boathouse 19
▪ 9001 S. 19th St., Tacoma, 253-565-1919, boathouse19restaurant.com
▪ Best for: seafood and American classics
▪ What to expect: semi-covered deck patio overlooking Narrows Marina
Bourbon Street Creole Kitchen
▪ 401 S. Meridian, Puyallup, 253-604-4404, bourbonstreetpuyallup.com
▪ Best for: Cajun classics and cocktails
▪ What to expect: sidewalk seating with festive feel
Brewers Row Tacoma
▪ 3205 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253-327-1757, brewersrowtacoma.com
▪ Best for: New Mexican tacos and burritos, plus beer and cocktails
▪ What to expect: uncovered, bar-style sidewalk patio
Brimstone PNW
▪ 7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253-858-2709, bbqbrimstone.com
▪ Best for: cross-country BBQ, beer and cocktails
▪ What to expect: covered porch in front of restaurant, with drink specials
Cactus Proctor
▪ 2506 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253-458-9900, cactusrestaurants.com/location/proctor
▪ Best for: warming Mexican favorites with solid cocktails
▪ What to expect: covered sidewalk patio with a few tables
Camp Colvos Brewing + Pizza Co.
▪ 2104 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253-314-5704, campcolvos.com
▪ Best for: local brews and NY-style pizza, whole and by the slice
▪ What to expect: spacious built-in brick patio, uncovered for now
Caskcades
▪ 106-A N. Meridian, Puyallup, 253-256-4210, caskcades.com
▪ Best for: beer and sandwiches
▪ What to expect: covered parklet with a table-top fire pit and winter green decor
The Church Cantina
▪ 5240 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-292-0544, facebook.com/thechurchcantina
▪ Best for: modern Latin fare and inspired bar food
▪ What to expect: uncovered sidewalk patio with picnic tables
Cockrell Hard Cider
▪ 6613 114th Ave. Ct. E., Puyallup, 253-905-5800, cockrellbrewing.com
▪ Best for: heirloom ciders on a working farm, plus food trucks
▪ What to expect: covered deck patio plus ample uncovered yard tables
Cole’s Bar & Grill
▪ 5811 N. 51st St., Tacoma, 253-267-1914, colesruston.com
▪ Best for: beer and pub food, including $5 appetizers
▪ What to expect: a few tables on a covered sidewalk patio with bistro lights and view of televisions
Cooks Tavern
▪ 3201 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253-327-1777, cookstavern.com
▪ Best for: eclectic American with rotating brunch and dinner menus
▪ What to expect: semi-covered sidewalk patio with neighborhood feel
Cooper’s Food & Drink
▪ 5928 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253-503-0329, cooperstacoma.com
▪ Best for: varied pub food suitable for families
▪ What to expect: covered patio with fire pits and televisions
The Cloverleaf
▪ 6430 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-565-1111, cloverleafpizza.com
▪ Best for: old-school pizza, pub food and beer
▪ What to expect: semi-covered front patio, small but fully fenced
Craft 19 Espresso + Creperie
▪ 1201 Main St., Sumner, 253-447-7957, craft19coffee.com
▪ Best for: coffee with homemade syrups and crepes
▪ What to expect: semi-covered parklet and sidewalk patio
Crudo & Cotto
▪ 2717 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253-292-1120, crudoandcotto.com
▪ Best for: modern Italian with Northwest ingredients
▪ What to expect: fully covered deck patio with bistro lights in cozy environs
Doyle’s Public House
▪ 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-7468, doylespublichouse.com
▪ Best for: pub food, whiskey and beer
▪ What to expect: tented parking lot seating with TV projector and Doyle’s famous familial feels
Dawson’s Bar & Grill
▪ 5443 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-476-1421, facebook.com
▪ Best for: pub food, beer and live music
▪ What to expect: uncovered front sidewalk patio with neighborhood feel
Duke’s Seafood
▪ 3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253-752-5444, dukesseafood.com
▪ Best for: seafood favorites and daily happy hour
▪ What to expect: tented deck patio on the Ruston Way waterfront
Dusty’s Hideaway
▪ 723 E. 34th St., Tacoma, 253-292-0106, dustyshideaway.com
▪ Best for: creative sandwiches and burgers, plus cocktails
▪ What to expect: covered house-deck patio, plus yard tables with umbrellas
E9 Beer & Pizza Works at E9 Brewing
▪ 2506 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253-383-7707, e9brewingco.com
▪ Best for: wood-fired pizza and beer crafted on-site
▪ What to expect: fenced-in and tented with high-top tables in view of that hot pizza oven
Electric Coffee House
▪ 905 Main St., Sumner, 253-447-8621, electriccoffee.co
▪ Best for: coffee and modern cafe bites, plus wine and cocktails
▪ What to expect: covered sidewalk patio with a few low-slung tables
en Rama
▪ 1102 A St., Tacoma, 253-223-7184, enramatacoma.com
▪ Best for: Italian and Spanish-influenced fare with excellent cocktails
▪ What to expect: covered courtyard patio outside Courthouse Square
Farm 12
▪ 3303 #B 8th Ave. SE, Puyallup, 253-697-9486, farm12.org
▪ Best for: wholesome foods, housemade pastries and coffee bar with nonprofit business model
▪ What to expect: semi-covered woodsy wonderland “ski lodge” with holiday decor
Fierce County Cider
▪ 9918 162nd St., Ct. E., Puyallup, 253-693-8783, fiercecounty.com
▪ Best for: locally made cider and rotating food trucks
▪ What to expect: covered rustic patio with fire pits in a backyard garden setting
Fills Growlers
▪ 1634 Porter St., Enumclaw, 253-457-3859, fillsgrowlers.com
▪ Best for: wide selection of regional brews, with Cascadia Pizza Co’s wood-fired pies available next door
▪ What to expect: tented patio with holiday lights around an old craftsman house
The Fish Peddler
▪ 1199 Dock St., Tacoma, 253-627-2158, fishpeddler-tacoma.com
▪ Best for: seafood and American favorites
▪ What to expect: sizable, partly covered patio overlooking Thea Foss
FOB Forward Operating Base Brewing Co.
▪ 2750 Williamson Place, DuPont, fobbrewingcompany.com
▪ Best for: local brews with rotating BBQ-based foods
▪ What to expect: semi-covered beer garden with umbrellas
The Forum Puyallup
▪ 208 S. Meridian Ave., Puyallup, 253-446-6704, eatattheforum.com
▪ Best for: pub food and four hours of daily happy hour
▪ What to expect: tented parklets in front of restaurant
The Forum Tacoma
▪ 815 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-830-2151, eatattheforum.com
▪ Best for: pub food and happy hour
▪ What to expect: covered sidewalk patio on Pac Ave
Gertie & The Giant Octopus
▪ 4747 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-649-0921, gertieandthegiantoctopusrestaurant.com
▪ Best for: seafood and new American
▪ What to expect: tented patio with ambient lighting and a free pot of tea
Gig Harbor Brewing
▪ 3120 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-474-0672, gigharborbrewing.com
▪ 3155 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-474-0672
▪ Best for: local beer
▪ What to expect: sidewalk patio in Tacoma, deck seating in Gig Harbor
The Gourmet Burger Shop - Gig Harbor
▪ 4120 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-858-5205, facebook.com/GourmetBurgerShop
▪ Best for: crafty burgers and beer with homemade sides
▪ What to expect: small covered deck patio in downtown Gig Harbor
Hank’s Pizza & Beer
▪ 524 N. K St., Tacoma, 253-627-3480, hankstacoma.com
▪ Best for: pizza, wings, sandwiches and beer
▪ What to expect: fully covered, built-in patio with TVs, great for groups
Harmon Pac Ave
▪ 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-383-2739, harmonpacave.com
▪ Best for: creative pub fare with local beer in historic building
▪ What to expect: uncovered sidewalk patio with picnic tables on Pac Ave
Headworks Brewing
▪ 1110 Marshall Ave., Enumclaw, 253-263-5318, headworksbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local beer
▪ What to expect: semi-tented alley patio and spacious sidewalk seating
Heritage Distilling Company
▪ 3118 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-514-8120, heritagedistilling.com
▪ Best for: cocktails made with local spirits, plus take-home cocktail kits
▪ What to expect: individual tents for each table with cozy fire pits
Hop Pharm
▪ 3216 Judson St., Gig Harbor, 253-525-1369, hoppharm.com
▪ Best for:regional beer, wine and cider on tap
▪ What to expect: spacious built-in, covered patio with fireplace
Hometown Charm Cafe
▪ 1012 Main St., Sumner, 253-987-7633, facebook.com/sumnergals
▪ Best for: comfort food with homemade cinnamon rolls and pies
▪ What to expect: parklet with a couple of tables and umbrellas
Home Turf Taproom
▪ 323 Garfield St., Parkland, 253-267-5437, hometurftaproom.com
▪ Best for: local brews with ample TVs
▪ What to expect: garage door opens to spacious sidewalk patio
The Hub Gig Harbor
▪ 1208 26th Ave. NW, Gig Harbor, 253-853-1585, thehubgigharbor.com
▪ Best for: bar food, pizza and local beer
▪ What to expect: semi-covered front patio, back beer garden and side patio with view of Narrows Airport runway
Il Lucano Ristorante Italiano
▪ 3119 Judson St., Gig Harbor, 253-514-8945, illucanoristorante.com
▪ Best for: bar food, pizza and local beer
▪ What to expect: low-key, semi-covered sidewalk patio
Incline Cider House
▪ 2115 S. C St., Tacoma, 253-327-1923, inclineciderhouse.com
▪ Best for: locally made cider, including taproom exclusives
▪ What to expect: covered curbside cafe with picnic tables outside the taproom
Indochine Asian Dining Lounge
▪ 1924 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-8200, indochinedowntown.com
▪ Best for: fresh Asian favorites
▪ What to expect: sidewalk patio with umbrellas and sophisticated feel
Island Lodge by Al Lago
▪ 20818 Island Parkway E., Lake Tapps, 253-862-6641, islandlodge.net
▪ Best for: eclectic American club fare, plus Sunday brunch
▪ What to expect: lakefront deck patio with umbrellas and a view
It’s Greek To Me
▪ 1702 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-1375, itsgreektomerestaurant.com
▪ Best for: Greek classics plus very cheesy pizza in fast-casual setting
▪ What to expect: garage door opens to no-frills back patio
Jack’s BBQ Algona
▪ 35731 West Valley Highway S., Algona, 253-249-7728, jacksbbq.com/algona
▪ Best for: Central Texas-style barbecue, cocktails and beer
▪ What to expect: tented parking lot patio with casual vibes
Java & Clay Cafe
▪ 3120 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-851-3277, javaclaycafe.com
▪ Best for: coffee, tea, smoothies and light bites for breakfast or lunch
▪ What to expect: sidewalk patio with a few tables and umbrellas
Kelly’s Cafe & Espresso
▪ 7806 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253-851-8697, facebook.com/kellyscafegigharbor
▪ Best for: breakfast, diner classics, sandwiches and coffee
▪ What to expect: semi-covered, simple sidewalk patio for people-watching
Kimball Coffee House
▪ 6659 Kimball Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-858-2625, kimballcoffeehouse.com
▪ Best for: coffee and breakfast sandwiches
▪ What to expect: covered courtyard with a few cafe tables
Le Sel Bistro
▪ 229 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253-327-1015, leselbistro.com
▪ Best for: French bistro brunch and dinner favorites
▪ What to expect: candlelit and fully covered deck patio overlooking Commencement Bay
The Lobster Shop
▪ 4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253-759-2165, wp.lobstershop.com
▪ Best for: seafood and American classics
▪ What to expect: uncovered deck patio overlooking Commencement Bay
The Loose Wheel - Tacoma & Puyallup
▪ 6108 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-301-1647, theloosewheel.com
▪ 715 River Road, Puyallup, 253-848-4444
▪ Best for: pub fare with a burger challenge and daily specials
▪ What to expect: fenced front patio with sand floor in Tacoma, fenced parking lot patio in Puyallup
Lucky Silver Tavern
▪ 2605 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-472-0360, lucky-silver-tavern.business.site
▪ Best for: pub fare and beer in old-school setting
▪ What to expect: no-frills fenced and semi-covered back patio
Macaluso’s Italian Restaurant
▪ 5101 N. Pearl St., Ruston, 253-267-1340, macalusositalianrestaurant.com
▪ Best for: updated Italian favorites with familial service
▪ What to expect: small but covered sidewalk patio
Main Street Bistro
▪ 754 Main St., Buckley, 360-829-8912, mainstreetbistrobuckley.com
▪ Best for: wine, beer and cocktails with deli sandwiches and flatbreads
▪ What to expect: tented curbside cafe with bistro lights and a bar feel
Marzano Restaurant
▪ 516 Garfield St. S., Parkland, 253-537-4191, dinemarzano.com
▪ Best for: fine Italian dining with homemade pasta and PNW ingredients
▪ What to expect: intimate, individual heated tents on spacious deck patio
Matador
▪ 721 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-627-7100, matadorrestaurants.com/locations/tacoma
▪ Best for: Mexican favorites and contemporary cocktails with happy hour
▪ What to expect: covered, mesh-walled sidewalk patio that feels built-in
McMenamins Elks Temple
▪ 565 Broadway St., Tacoma, 253-300-8754, mcmenamins.com/elks-temple
▪ Best for: pub food with Cajun flair, or Spanish tapas, plus cocktails, house beer and wine
▪ What to expect: urban getaway on the Spanish Steps
Meconi’s Pub
▪ 709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-383-3388, tacomapub.com
▪ Best for: sports pub with Italian bent and plenty of beer
▪ What to expect: sidewalk patio with a couple of tables and umbrellas
Mini Oscar’s Annex
▪ 813 Academy St., Sumner, 253-750-3157, oscarsannex.com
▪ Best for: American fare from Tacoma’s famed DOA
▪ What to expect: built-in, fenced side patio with umbrellas near Sumner train station
The Historic Mint Restaurant & Alehouse
▪ 1608 Cole St., Enumclaw, 360-284-2517, thehistoricmint.com
▪ Best for: bar food and steakhouse-style favorites, plus happy hour
▪ What to expect: tented parking lot patio between historic brick buildings
Millville Pizza Co.
▪ 3409 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-514-8626, millvillepizzaco.com
▪ Best for: wood-fired pizza
▪ What to expect: sidewalk seating for takeout pies
Moctezuma’s
▪ 4102 S. 56th St., Tacoma, 253-474-5593, moctezumas.com
▪ 4628 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, 253-851-8464
▪ 10315 Silverdale Way NW (at Kitsap Mall), Silverdale, 360-698-6080
▪ Best for: Mexican favorites and margaritas with happy hour
▪ What to expect: glass-covered patios with festive atmosphere
Morso Wine Bistro & Market
▪ 9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor, 253-530-3463, morsobistro.com
▪ Best for: wine, charcuterie and tapas
▪ What to expect: uncovered side patio with homey vibes and a view of the marina
Mother Fern Brewing
▪ 610 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 253-319-8818, motherfernbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local brews with build-your-own mac and cheese
▪ What to expect: semi-covered alleyway patio
The Mule Tavern
▪ 5227 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-212-3112, themuletavern.com
▪ Best for: cocktails, beer and pub snacks
▪ What to expect: fenced back patio with picnic tables and umbrellas with laid-back vibe
Narrows Brewing
▪ 9007 S. 19th St., Tacoma, 253-327-1400, narrowsbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local brews with a view
▪ What to expect: tented back patio overlooking the Narrows Bridge and marina
Netshed No. 9
▪ 3313 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-858-7175, netshed9.com
▪ Best for: creative brunch dishes with meats from sister restaurant Brimstone, plus dinner
▪ What to expect: waterfront semi-covered porch
North 47 Brewing Co.
▪ 1000 Town Center NE, Tacoma, 253-517-9865, north47brewery.com
▪ Best for: local brews with occasional food truck
▪ What to expect: fenced, tented parking lot patio
Odin Brewing Tacoma
▪ 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253-301-3636, odinbrewing.com
▪ Best for: stone-oven pizzas and sandwiches, weekend brunch and German-inspired ales
▪ What to expect: tented deck patio connected to garage door space, with TV projector view
The Office on Pacific
▪ 813 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-572-3222, theofficeonpacific.com
▪ Best for: pub fare with homemade touches and lots of TVs
▪ What to expect: sidewalk patio with a few tables
Off Camber Brewing
▪ 6506 114th Ave. Ct. E., Puyallup, 253-312-8796, offcamberbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local brews from a converted residential garage
▪ What to expect: semi-covered, spacious backyard patio
O’Malley’s Irish Pub
▪ 2403 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-627-9403, omalleysirishpubwa.com
▪ Best for: Irish and American pub fare
▪ What to expect: uncovered casual back patio
The Opal Lounge
▪ 5226 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-302-5650, facebook.com/opallounge253
▪ Best for: barbecue, whiskey and beer
▪ What to expect: semi-covered, private back patio plus uncovered sidewalk patio
The Patio at Alma Mater
▪ 1322 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253-507-7289, almamatertacoma.com
▪ Best for: cafe all-day vibes, always outside, with coffee and cocktails
▪ What to expect: garden vibes under two covered areas with personal heaters at each well-spaced table
The Parkway Tavern
▪ 313 N I St., Tacoma, 253-383-8748, parkwaytavern.com
▪ Best for: craft beer haven with pub fare
▪ What to expect: uncovered sidewalk patio with neighborhood feel
Parky’s Pizza Bar
▪ 3551 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, 253-212-2367, facebook.com/parkyspizzabar
▪ Best for: great pizza in renovated decades-old bar
▪ What to expect: fully fenced, covered backyard beer garden with fire pit
Pint & Pie Public House
▪ 204 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253-244-7943, pintnpie.com
▪ Best for: cold brews and hot pot-pies
▪ What to expect: beer garden side patio with several tents and picnic tables
Pizzeria Fondi
▪ 4621 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-851-6666, fondi.com
▪ Best for: stone-oven sourdough pizzas, creative salads, Italian wine and beer
▪ What to expect: covered sidewalk patio well-suited for families
Rosewood Cafe
▪ 3323 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253-752-7999, rosewoodcafe.com
▪ Best for: cafe fare with coffee, wine and beer
▪ What to expect: sidewalk patio with a couple of tables and umbrellas
Rhein Haus Tacoma
▪ 649 Division Ave., Tacoma, 253-572-4700, rheinhaustacoma.com
▪ Best for: modern Bavarian with homemade sausage, pretzels and plenty of beer
▪ What to expect: semi-covered deck patio near Wright Park
Shakabrah Java
▪ 2618 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-572-2787, shakabrah.love
▪ Best for: breakfast, brunch, coffee, etc.
▪ What to expect: no-frills, tented sidewalk patio
Shake Shake Shake
▪ 124 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253-507-4060, shakeshakeshake.me
▪ Best for: old-fashioned burgers and shakes in both classic and fun flavors
▪ What to expect: grassy side patio with picnic tables and a fire pit
Shaken in Eatonville
▪ 130 Mashell Ave., Eatonville, 360-832-1891, shakentogo.com
▪ Best for: casual steakhouse with seafood and sandwiches
▪ What to expect: semi-covered, built-in side patio with bistro lights
Simple Goodness Sisters Soda Shop
▪ 533 Church St., Wilkeson, 360-832-1891, simplegoodnesssisters.com
▪ Best for: cocktails, sodas and floats with housemade syrups, plus sandwiches and snacks
▪ What to expect: family-friendly backyard patio in historic town (closes for season around December through April)
Sluggo Brewing Tap & Kitchen
▪ 409 E. 26th St., Tacoma, 253-272-1047, sluggobrewingtapandkitchen.com
▪ Best for: Mediterranean pub fare plus local beer
▪ What to expect: covered front patio, great for groups
The Social Bar & Grill
▪ 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253-301-3835, thesocialbarandgrill.com
▪ Best for: Asian-inspired bar bites and seafood, plus cocktails
▪ What to expect: semi-covered, built-in patio along Thea Foss with personal propane heaters at most tables
Sorci’s Italian Cafe
▪ 1012 Ryan Ave., Sumner, 253-891-8400, sorcisitaliancafe.com
▪ Best for: comforting Italian with wine and after-dinner drinks
▪ What to expect: covered back patio and front garden seating with neighborhood vibes
Spud’s Pizza Parlor
▪ 7025 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-475-3366, spuds.pizza
▪ Best for: thin-crust pizza and sandwiches
▪ What to expect: parking lot patio with several tents and a fire pit in game-day vibes
State Street Beer Co.
▪ 606 N. State St., Tacoma, 253-627-8215, statestreetbeer.com
▪ Best for: artisan pizza with regional beer, cider and wine on tap
▪ What to expect: tree-lined sidewalk patio with bench and counter-style seating
Susanne’s Bakery & Deli
▪ 3411 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-853-6220, susannesbakery.net
▪ Best for: pastries and coffee, plus sandwiches, soup and salad
▪ What to expect: deck patio with homey cafe feel
Terry’s Office Tavern
▪ 3410 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253-752-6262, terrysofficetavern.com
▪ Best for: pub fare and fried chicken in timeless setting
▪ What to expect: no-frills tented parking lot patio
Tides Tavern
▪ 2925 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-858-3982, tidestavern.com
▪ Best for: seafood and classic pub fare with lots of history
▪ What to expect: uncovered deck patio overlooking marina
The Tipsy Tomato Bar & Kitchen
▪ 3878 Center St., Tacoma, 253-302-4101, instagram.com/thetipsytomatotacoma
▪ Best for: build-your-own pizza, sandwiches and calzones
▪ What to expect: no-frills, fully covered and fenced back patio
Top Down Brewing
▪ 15355 Main St., Sumner, 253-447-8632, topdownbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local brews with regular food trucks
▪ What to expect: semi-covered sidewalk patios on quiet stretch
Top Rung Brewing
▪ 8343 Hogum Bay Lane NE, Lacey, 360-915-8766, toprungbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local brews from two firefighters, with a burger pop-up every other Friday
▪ What to expect: semi-covered side patio and fully-covered parking lot beer garden
Topside Bar & Grill
▪ 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, 253-212-3690, topsidebargrill.com
▪ Best for: pub fare in busy neighborhood setting
▪ What to expect: covered deck patio with Anderson Island water views
Trackside Pizza
▪ 1114 Main St., Sumner, 253-750-3187, pizzatrackside.com
▪ Best for: pizza, beer, etc.
▪ What to expect: uncovered but spacious sidewalk patio with picnic tables
Urban Elk at Allenmore Golf Course
▪ 2013 S. Cedar St., Tacoma, 253-343-6090, allenmoregolfcourse.com/urban-elk-restaurant-bar
▪ Best for: pub food and craft beer
▪ What to expect: fully covered patio with televisions overlooking the golf course
The Valley
▪ 1206 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253-248-4625, thevalleytacoma.com
▪ Best for: Peterson Bros. sandwiches, hangover brunch
▪ What to expect: tented back and parking lot patio with picnic tables and a fire pit
West End Pub
▪ 3840 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-759-2896, westendtacoma.com
▪ Best for: pub fare from owners of Hank’s, Terry’s, etc.
▪ What to expect: semi-covered, secluded parking lot patio
Wet Coast Brewing Co.
▪ 6820 Kimball Dr., Gig Harbor, 253-432-4966, wetcoastbrewing.com
▪ Best for: local brews
▪ What to expect: covered sidewalk patio
Wicked Pie Pizza
▪ 112 S. Meridian St., Puyallup, 253-256-4698, wickedpiepizza.com
▪ Best for: solid Italian-American pizza
▪ What to expect: three sidewalk tables and four covered in two of the city’s curbside parklets
The Windmill Bistro
▪ 16009 60th St. E, Sumner, 253-826-7897, windmillbistro.com
▪ Best for: cafe favorites including omelets, chicken-fried steak and seasonal salads
▪ What to expect: tented garden seating outside lovely craftsman house
Wooden City
▪ 714 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-503-0762, woodencitytacoma.com
▪ Best for: creative American, plus woodfired pizza and great cocktails
▪ What to expect: tented, sleek curbside cafe, plus uncovered sidewalk seating
The Y Sports Bar & Grill
▪ 19306 Mountain Hwy E., Spanaway, 253-366-0303, facebook.com/TheYSportsBar
▪ Best for: pub fare and daily specials
▪ What to expect: semi-covered, fenced gravel patio with barrel tables
Zeeks Pizza
▪ 1702 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-269-7604, zeekspizza.com
▪ Best for: pizza with lots of toppings, including by the slice
▪ What to expect: uncovered sidewalk patio near UWT and museums
Zog’s on Fox Island
▪ 585 6th Ave. Fi, Fox Island, 253-549-2124, facebook.com/zogsonfoxisland
▪ Best for: local beer haven
▪ What to expect: covered deck patio plus backyard patio with fire pits
This story was originally published November 22, 2020 at 7:30 AM.