8 old-school Tacoma breakfast spots to visit as Old Milwaukee Cafe closes

Longtime Tacoma diner Old Milwaukee Cafe officially closed this month, following more than a quarter-century serving Tacoma hot coffee and fresh omelets.

Not to fret: There are still old-school American eateries for big plates of comfort food. Sadly none are open late-night, so rise and shine for flaky biscuits, homemade cinnamon rolls, Monte Cristo sandwiches and hashbrowns — or a burger, if that’s your jam.

One name missing here is Harvester, the Stadium District diner from the Sound Restaurant Family, sister to a couple of spots on this list. The restaurant has been closed since the pandemic began, and it’s unclear when it will reopen. Harvester Gig Harbor, under different ownership, closed June 30.

Anglea’s Restaurant

7511 Portland Ave. E., Tacoma, 253-531-9329, facebook.com/AngleasRestaurant

Known for its fried chicken and jojos as well as homemade cinnamon rolls, simply glazed or swirled with caramel and pecans, this Midland cafe has been in operation since 1947 — though the current owners have reigned since the early ‘90s.

Alfred’s Cafe

402 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253-627-5491, facebook.com

Located in the former Brunswick Hotel, constructed in 1918, this Dome District restaurant has been around for decades, featuring all-day breakfast, lots of sandwiches and a full bar prepped for bloodies and mimosas.

Browns Point Diner

6622 East Side Dr. NE, Tacoma, 253-952-3743, facebook.com/brownspointdiner

In Northeast Tacoma, this spot considers itself “the community’s stop for good old fashion American cooking,” serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. With The Sand Bar and Grill next door, it also boasts a full bar with specialty cocktails.

Hob Nob

716 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-3200, hobnobtacoma.com

Part of the Sound Restaurant Family — which also owns Bur’s in Lakewood, The Poodle Dog in Fife and Knapp’s in Proctor — this one across from Wright Park has been serving Tacoma since the 1940s. The historic building originally housed three businesses: a general store, candy shop and laundry.

The Homestead Restaurant & Bakery

7837 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-476-9000, homesteadwa.com

Serving South Tacoma for more than three decades, Homestead — inside a converted red barn — is hard to miss. Enjoy breakfast classics, updated sandwiches and a slice of cherry pie.

Knapp’s Restaurant

2707 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253-759-9009, knappsrestaurant.com

Sister to Hob Nob, this Proctor restaurant serves a shorter menu of essential breakfast dishes, including The Poodle Dog’s famous butterhorns, alongside sandwiches, soups and salads. At Knapp’s Lounge next door, the bar menu focuses on fried apps.

Marcia’s Silver Spoon Cafe

2601 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-472-0157, facebook.com/marciassilverspoon

Long cash-only, Marcia’s now accepts credit and debit cards while continuing to serve huge portions of Americana favorites, including homemade biscuits and gravy, with specials handwritten on a dry-erase board.

Patty’s Burgers

5615 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253-474-0844

This South Tacoma greasy burger destination also serves morning meals, ranging from omelets to waffles, pancakes, country fried steak and breakfast burritos.

*Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Marcia’s Silver Spoon Cafe is no longer cash-only.

This story was originally published August 3, 2021 at 2:33 PM.