Tucked away on MLK Jr. Way in Tacoma, Hilltop Kitchen is easy to miss. This is really too bad, because behind its unassuming façade, the chefs and bartenders of this neighborhood icon are producing some of the most creative concoctions this side of Seattle.

Featuring unique combinations and exotic ingredients, Hilltop's beverage menu gets people talking with one-of-a-kind libations like daiquiris made with a sauvignon blanc cordial; the Corpse, which features pisco (a Latin American brandy) and pineau des charentes (a regional French aperitif); and a Bartender's Batida made with cachaca (a distilled beverage made from cane juice) and fernet vallet (a bitter Mexican aperitif).

The food menu is just as creative, featuring locally sourced, respectfully prepared ingredients that reflect chef Matthew Schweitzer's Latin American influences. Pork crepinettes (a pork sausage dish); tacos made from ingredients such as rabbit or carrots with chipotle fig yogurt; shared plates, including truffle-sprinkled popcorn; and small plates featuring items like Duck Rillette, Smoked Elk Carpaccio, and empanadas stuffed with a mixture of asparagus, black beans and goat cheese means that even the designated driver is in for a memorable dining experience.

Even the space is unique, having been created from salvaged building materials like the bar's 100-year-old fir countertop. The intimate space is even decorated with jars of herbs and spices used in the preparation of Hilltop's food and beverages.

Hilltop Kitchen is a 21-and-over establishment, and all seating is first come, first served. Come early to beat the rush or be prepared to wait a bit.

HILLTOP KITCHEN, open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., with a popular happy hour from 3-7 p.m., 913 MLK Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.327.1397,
www.hilltopkitchen.com