Living on the West Coast has its advantages: mild weather, beautiful, picturesque mountain views and lots and lots of water.
In Pierce County, there are dozens of things you can do on or near the water: boating, skiing, swimming and eating.
There are several prime waterfront eateries in Tacoma offering a wide variety of native foods and drinks as well as breathtaking views of the Puget Sound.
Below is a list of some of the local waterfront restaurants to check out:
Anthony's at Point Defiance
5912 N Waterfront Dr., Tacoma
(253) 752-9700
This seafood restaurant highlights dishes made from seafood provided by their own seafood company, as well as Northwest wines and microbrews.
C.I. Shenanigan's
3017 N Ruston Way, Tacoma
(253) 752-8811
Opened almost three decades ago, C.I. Shenanigans Seafood & Steakhouse's menu features fresh oysters, seafood, steaks and deserts such as Crème Brule. Located on the Tacoma waterfront, C.I. Shenanigans offers diners indoor and outdoor dining, complete with views of Commencement Bay, Browns Point, Vashon Island, Dash Point and the Olympic Mountains. Occasionally, diners also spot whales, seals or bald eagles.
Cliff House
6300 Marine View Dr., Tacoma
(253) 927-0400
Located high above Commencement Bay, the Cliff House Restaurant and Lounge, which is almost 80 years old, has panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, the entire Puget Sound and the Tacoma skyline. The restaurant serves mainly seafood dishes and steaks, including specialty items such as pan seared diver scallops and gulf shrimp linguini.
Duke's Chowder House
3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma
(253)752-5444
Duke's Chowder House on Tacoma's waterfront offers spectacular views and an outside deck. The eatery offers a variety of chowders, Duke's famous Macadamia Halibut, Wild Alaska seafood and hamburgers.
Harbor Lights
2761 N Ruston Way, Tacoma
(253) 752-8600
www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/harborlights.html
Located on Ruston Way, this restaurant is sits on the shore of Commencement Bay in Tacoma. Harbor Lights is known for serving large portions of seafood such as the four-pound bucket of steamed clams.
Katie Downs Tavern & Restaurant
3211 N Ruston Way, Tacoma
(253) 756-0771
This Northwest-themed tavern serves award-winning pizza, gourmet burgers and seafood in addition to Northwest brews, wines and spirits. Almost 30 years old, this restaurant provides over-the-water dining with views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
Tacoma Yacht Club
5401 North Waterfront Drive, Tacoma
(253) 752-3555
The Tacoma Yacht Club offers several nightly specials, including all-you-can-eat pork spare ribs, Wild Alaskan salmon, giant prawns, Wednesday night scampi, Thursday night deck barbecue, and a Friday and Saturday night prime rib special.
The Ram Restaurant & Brewery
3001 Ruston Way, Tacoma
(253) 756-7886
Opened in 1971, the Ram is a casual, family restaurant located on Ruston Way. It distinguishes itself from the others with Barefoot Wit beer, a large seafood menu and happy hours. The Ram also offers new 100 (calories) or less skinny drinks.
Woody's On the Water
1715 Dock St., Tacoma
(253) 272-1433