BY JESSICA TRUJILLO for WEEKLY VOLCANO 6/27/25 |
As we welcome the warmer temperatures of summertime, it’s time to find the best places to enjoy food outside. Around here, we take our outside time seriously. The following are a few places in Tacoma to enjoy a view, soak up some vitamin D, and take the dog along for some bougie bonding time.
Chill Vibes
Rock the Dock Pub & Grill is a woman-owned business and a great place to enjoy happy hour after work. Their patio offers a great view of the Foss Waterway opening out into the rest of Commencement Bay. Pups are welcome, and there’s even a Facebook page—Dogs of RTD—where people can post pictures of their furry friends enjoying the deck. The menu offers good bar fare, beachy cocktails, and their own signature amber. If you can’t get there during the week, try the weekend brunch or the Saturday evening live music.
535 Dock St., Tacoma
https://rockthedockpub.com/
Neighborhood Feel
Head to the Twisted Fork Saloon at Point Ruston for a chill atmosphere. Their outdoor dining area offers a picturesque view. They even have a “Four-Legged Friends” menu for dogs and delicious comfort food for people. Wednesday night trivia and live music on Thursdays are also good reasons to visit.
5005 Main St., Ste. 131, Tacoma
https://twistedfs.com/
Best View
The Ram, another local favorite along Ruston Way, has a large outdoor dining area. This is a great place to sit on a sunny day with a cool breeze off the water and an expansive view of the area surrounding Commencement Bay. They welcome dogs, and the tables have umbrellas if you need a shady spot to rest while you enjoy some delicious seafood or a burger and the view. They offer happy hour all day on Tuesdays.
3001 Ruston Way, Tacoma
https://www.theram.com/tacoma-menu/
Staycation Time
McMenamins Spanish Bar at Elks Temple has a lovely outdoor seating area that evokes a restaurant in a Mediterranean town. If you happen to be taking a staycation this summer, the surrounding vegetation and architecture on this patio will make you feel like you’ve left town. Take the dog for a walk and stop for some delicious tapas-style treats and a glass of sangria or a craft cocktail. Return later to the Spanish Ballroom for a live music event.
565 Broadway, Tacoma
https://www.mcmenamins.com/elkstemple/spanish-bar
Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring a portable water bowl for your dog if you plan to be out in the heat. Let’s be thoughtful of others and keep our furry friends safely on their leashes.
