When the hamburger revolution happened in the 1950s, it wasn't all about the taste or affordability of burgers, it was about place. Burger joints were a place to eat, sure, but they were more a place to just be, to be seen. Alfred's Café and Bubble Room serves several tasty burgers, including a spicy Alfred's Burger with a beef and chorizo patty, salsa ranch, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions on a pretzel bun. It's a satisfying knife and fork meal. To us, though, Alfred's is about place. Its regulars are a colorful group who read print newspapers, sip scotch and white wine, and discuss mechanical things and the old days in a dark room lit by chandeliers and '70s pop and rock hits. These folks will grab the door for you, help you carry items to your car and, of course, give you their opinion. Sweet bartender Olivia manages the flow with a smile, first name acknowledgements and clever confirmations. It's all a thing of beauty.

ALFRED'S CAFÉ AND BUBBLE ROOM, 402 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.5491