The South Sound area is a rich and diverse community. A melting pot, if you will, surrounded by majestic scenery offering up the best of both urban adventures and nature-driven journeys. The Pierce County region also serves up a plethora of fabulous dining options, some of which are known far and wide (in the region anyway). From hole in the wall greasy spoon to classic fine dining, here are just 10 essential establishments you must visit to be a true South Sounder.

Frisko Freeze is a Tacoma landmark that has been greasy burger flippin' and milk shake slingin' for eons. There's nothing gourmet about it, just good ole, extra-napkins-please burgers, sides and shakes with awesome flavors that include hot fudge and marshmallow, delivered in a fun, classic drive-thru package. If you see the Frisko sign, you know you're in Tacoma.

[1201 Division, Tacoma, 253.272.6843]

MSM Deli stands for Magic Sandwich Makers and serves up some of the finest classic deli sandwiches in the area paired with convenience store munchies, sodas, brews and more. Calling ahead is recommended because everyone in the area knows it, too.

[2220 6th Avenue, Tacoma, 253.272.4814]

I once saw a nationally recognized speaker visit the Tacoma Community College campus who said that when he arrived, he was told he must visit one place to dine in the area: Harbor Lights. This is absolutely a must, especially if you're in search of seafood and stiff drinks. It has both and has since the 1950s. Plus its waterfront seating is spectacular.

[2761 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.8600]

Pacific Grill exemplifies casual fine dining in Tacoma and is perfect for date night or just damn good happy hour (which it has been voted best by locals time and time again). And it's no wonder, with its swanky, cool ambiance that plays home base to a man with a reputation for presenting flawless flavors, Chef Gordon Naccarato.

[1502 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, 253.627.3535]

Serving up hot cakes, delicious swine meats and other classic breakfast fare in a vintage diner atmosphere is the Poodle Dog in Fife. It's not fancy, but it has been there for eons. Can't miss the sign - it begs for you to come and find your hangover cure or imbibe the most important meal of the day.

[1522 54th Ave., Fife, 253.922.6161]

Stanley and Seafort's is the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or just do it big for date night with its classy, fine-dining vibe and higher-end menu. But the real reason Stanleys has found a way to our hearts and on this list is two words: the view. Glorious sweeping views of downtown Tacoma make it a must visit and will have you coming back again and again.

[115 E. 34th St., Tacoma, 253.473.7300]

Both Anthony's Homeport in Tacoma and Gig Harbor offer up fabulous fresh seafood dishes along the waterfront conveniently so that diners can stroll (or pop onto the ferry) with ease following their meal.  Outdoor deck dining is a bonus during the warmer months, too.

[8827 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253.853.6353; 5910 N. Waterfront Dr., Tacoma, 253.752.9700]

Shakabrah Java serves up delightful breakfast cuisine, but it's not your typical diner dive. The name alone hints at it ... it's hip, bohemian and a little rough around the edges. Its no-frill attitude makes dishes like The Chrissy, paired with tasty home fries and black coffee, taste that much better. 

[2618 Sixth Avenue, Tacoma, 253.572.2787]

Carr's Restaurant is greasy spoon perfection with portion sizes meant for those who live atop the bean stalk in Jack's fairy tales. Biscuits and gravy, flapjacks and more will feed you for breakfast and lunch in one visit with ease.

[11006 Bridgeport Way, Lakewood, 253.584.4622]

If you venture to Gig Harbor's sleepy historic downtown to take in the waterfront view and go antiquing and art ogling, Brix 25 is a required stop. Unpretentious fine dining highlighting phenomenal flavors paired with wines exclusively from the Washington and Oregon regions is what Brix excels in. PLUS they greet you with a sample of sparkling wine when you're seated.

[7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253.858.6626]