14 Hidden Hole In The Wall Restaurants Around Tacoma You’ll Want To Try
Tacoma has way more to offer than the popular dining spots everyone talks about. If you’re tired of the same old restaurant chains and want to discover something truly special, I’ve got you covered.
Hidden throughout the city are small, locally-owned gems that serve incredible food without all the hype. These hole-in-the-wall restaurants might not look like much from the outside, but trust me, they’re worth every bite.
1. Mama Stortini’s Kitchen & Bar
When you walk past this charming spot on Ruston Way, you might not realize what you’re missing. Mama Stortini’s serves up authentic Italian dishes that taste like they came straight from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen.
Their handmade pasta is cooked to perfection, and the marinara sauce has that slow-simmered flavor you can’t fake. I always order the chicken parmesan because the breading stays crispy even under all that melted cheese.
It’s tucked away from the main tourist areas, so locals treat it like their secret spot. The portions are generous enough to take home leftovers, and the garlic bread alone is worth the visit.
2. Pho King
Did you know that some of the best Vietnamese food hides in the most unassuming buildings? Pho King looks modest from outside, but step through that door and your nose will lead you straight to happiness.
Their broth simmers for hours with star anise and cinnamon, creating layers of flavor that warm you from the inside out. I’ve tried pho all over the Pacific Northwest, and this place consistently nails the balance of savory and sweet.
The spring rolls come with peanut sauce that’s addictively good, and the bahn mi sandwiches have that perfect crunch. Service is quick and friendly, making it ideal for lunch breaks or casual dinners.
3. Tacos Guaymas
How often do you find a place where locals line up at lunch without any advertising? Tacos Guaymas earns its crowd through word of mouth and consistently delicious street-style tacos.
Their carne asada is grilled fresh throughout the day, and you can smell it from the parking lot. I always get the al pastor because the pineapple adds just the right touch of sweetness against the savory pork.
The salsa bar lets you customize your heat level, from mild to make-your-eyes-water spicy. Prices are incredibly reasonable, and the tortillas are made in-house daily. It’s cash-only, so hit the ATM before you go.
4. The Red Hot
It’s easy to overlook a hot dog joint when fancier restaurants surround it, but that would be your loss. The Red Hot has been serving Tacoma since 1928, which tells you everything about their staying power.
Their Chicago-style dogs come loaded with all the traditional toppings, from sport peppers to neon green relish. I’m obsessed with their chili cheese dog because the chili has a slight kick that builds with each bite.
The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, with vintage decor and counter seating that encourages conversation with strangers. They also serve breakfast, and their hash browns are crispy golden perfection.
5. MSM Deli
Where else can you get a sandwich that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about lunch? MSM Deli operates out of a tiny space that most people drive past without a second glance.
Their secret weapon is the bread, baked fresh every morning with a crust that crackles when you bite into it. I recommend the turkey avocado because they pile on the meat without skimping on the vegetables.
The owner remembers regular customers by name and their usual orders, creating that neighborhood feel that chain shops can’t replicate. They also stock local snacks and drinks that you won’t find at bigger stores.
6. Silk Thai Cuisine
Are you ready for Thai food that actually delivers on the spice level you order? Silk Thai Cuisine doesn’t hold back when you ask for authentic heat, which sets them apart from watered-down versions elsewhere.
Their green curry has coconut milk that balances the spice, and the basil adds a fresh note that brightens every spoonful. I always get the drunken noodles with extra vegetables because they cook everything at high heat for that perfect char.
The restaurant seats maybe twenty people, so it fills up fast during dinner rush. Takeout is popular here, and the packaging keeps everything hot and fresh during the drive home.
7. Kow Thai Kitchen
Though Thai restaurants seem common, finding one that makes everything from scratch is surprisingly rare. Kow Thai Kitchen grinds their own curry pastes and sources ingredients that most places skip for convenience.
Their papaya salad has that addictive combination of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy that keeps your taste buds guessing. I’m particularly fond of their pineapple fried rice, served in an actual hollowed-out pineapple that makes you feel fancy.
The family running the place treats everyone like honored guests, explaining dishes and making recommendations based on your preferences. It’s located in a strip mall, so don’t judge this book by its cover.
8. Dirty Oscar’s Annex
If you’re looking for stuffy fine dining, keep walking right past this place. Dirty Oscar’s Annex embraces its dive bar vibe while serving food that rivals restaurants charging twice as much.
Their burgers are thick, juicy, and cooked to order with creative toppings that change seasonally. I can’t resist the mac and cheese burger because it combines two comfort foods into one glorious mess.
The beer selection focuses on Pacific Northwest craft brews, and the bartenders know their stuff. Live music on weekends adds to the laid-back atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Cash tips are appreciated, though they do take cards for food.
9. Indochine Asian Dining Lounge
When you want something beyond basic Asian takeout but don’t want pretentious atmosphere, this spot hits the sweet spot. Indochine blends flavors from across Asia, creating fusion dishes that respect traditional techniques while adding creative twists.
Their sushi rolls are beautiful to look at and even better to eat, with fish that tastes ocean-fresh. I usually order the crying tiger beef because the marinade has depth that develops as you chew.
The lounge area offers comfortable seating for groups, and the lighting creates an intimate vibe perfect for date nights. Happy hour specials make trying multiple dishes affordable, which I highly recommend doing.
10. El Gaucho Tacoma
It’s tucked away in a location you might walk past three times before finding the entrance. El Gaucho operates like a speakeasy for steak lovers, with an understated door that opens to an elegant interior.
Their steaks are dry-aged in-house and cooked over an open flame that adds smoky complexity to every bite. I splurge on the ribeye because the marbling melts into buttery richness that needs nothing more than salt.
The tableside Caesar salad preparation is theatrical and delicious, tossed by servers who’ve perfected the craft. Yes, it’s pricier than other spots on this list, but the quality justifies saving up for special occasions.
11. Primo Grill
Have you ever tried authentic Cuban food that transports you straight to Havana? Primo Grill serves island flavors that most people in the Pacific Northwest have never experienced outside vacation.
Their Cuban sandwich gets pressed until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts into the roasted pork and ham. I’m addicted to the ropa vieja because the beef falls apart with fork-tender ease and soaks up the tomato-based sauce.
Sweet plantains come as a side that balances the savory main dishes perfectly. The restaurant is tiny, with maybe ten tables, so calling ahead for takeout during peak times is smart.
12. Wooden City
Where can you find wood-fired pizza that rivals what you’d get in Brooklyn? Wooden City nails the thin, crispy crust with just enough char on the edges to add smoky flavor.
Their toppings rotate based on seasonal availability, meaning you’ll discover new combinations with each visit. I keep coming back for the mushroom pizza because they use multiple varieties that each contribute different textures and earthy notes.
The industrial decor with exposed brick and Edison bulbs creates an urban vibe without feeling cold or unwelcoming. Craft cocktails complement the food menu, and the bartenders mix drinks with the same care the kitchen puts into pizza.
13. Asado
If South American cuisine remains unexplored territory for you, Asado offers the perfect introduction. Their menu focuses on grilled meats and bold flavors that wake up your palate without overwhelming it.
The chimichurri sauce they make fresh daily brightens every dish it touches with herbs and just enough acid. I order the mixed grill to sample multiple meats at once, from chorizo to flank steak, all cooked over open flames.
Empanadas make excellent appetizers, with flaky pastry that shatters when you bite through to the savory filling inside. The restaurant stays busy but never feels rushed, maintaining a relaxed pace that encourages lingering over your meal.
14. Infinite Soups
When cold Tacoma weather hits, nothing beats a place that specializes in one thing and does it exceptionally well. Infinite Soups rotates through dozens of recipes, ensuring you’ll never get bored with their offerings.
Their clam chowder is thick and creamy without being heavy, loaded with tender clams and potatoes. I appreciate that they offer bread bowls that are actually sturdy enough to hold soup without falling apart halfway through eating.
The owner posts daily soup selections on social media, so you can plan your visit around your favorites. Vegetarian and vegan options always make the rotation, and they accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
