Temperatures are rising, and everyone’s wearing skimpier clothes — even those of us who should exercise a bit more modesty. With summer comes all the attendant delicious imagery: flip-flops, sparkling pools, tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas, sun-bronzed towel girls … OK, maybe that last one’s just me.

Sea Grill has pulled out the patio tables, introduced complimentary validation for guests parking in the garage next to the restaurant. And fired up two new sangrias.

I told bartender Nick to skip the Vinho Verde Sangria — peach schnapps, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries — and bring me a carafe of Grenache Rose Sangria, a fruit-filled adventure all its own. He said it only comes in a carafe. I said very well my good man.

The sweet elixir consists of Malibu Mango rum and dominating champagne — but that’s just the beginning — chunks of mango dive bomb to the bottom as cranberries keep watch atop.

The 20-somethings flanking me snickered as I made my way through the large carafe of chick juice.  

The sangrias have been on the menu for less than a month, but they’re already a sensation with the tony customers of this seafood-centered establishment in downtown Tacoma. With a circular bar, light summer snacks such as tuna poke ($9), skewers and basmati rice ($6-$7), and wicked shrimp ($6), and these swoon-worthy sangrias ($15), Sea Grill is definitely worthy of summer exploration. 



[Sea Grill Restaurant, patio opens at 4 p.m. daily, 1498 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.5656]