The holiday season is here, and with it comes festivities all around - indeed, there's no need to limit the festivities to the weekends and evenings. The holidays are a great time to get out of the office with your co-workers of choice (and maybe a few that aren't of your choice because, hey, it's the holidays). Head to a restaurant and kick back for a long lunch with some amazing food. Fortunately, there are plenty of options - ritzy and casual alike. Come on, it's the holidays! Splurge a little!
Fujiya
Sometimes the only thing you need is a giant plate of sushi. Fujiya has got your back with some of the best lunch deals in town. Sure, you can get a bowl of ramen or the chicken katsu if that really floats your boat, but the Sushi Plate, Makisushi Plate and Sashimi Plate come with miso soup, salad, and the aforementioned giant plate of sushi or sashimi of your choice. Bonus: the restaurant is fairly quiet, so conversation is easy. 1125 Court C #1, Tacoma, http://fujiyatacoma.com
Pacific Grill
Four words - all day happy hour. It's rare to find a restaurant that opens happy hour up to the busy lunch time, but Pacific Grill does just that. Of course, there are drink specials, but food specials include oyster shooters, olives, the restaurant's signature meat candy, tacos, ribs and more. The full lunch menu is available, too. 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, www.pacificgrilltacoma.com
Marzano
Located near Pacific Lutheran University, Marzano is a great choice if you work in south Tacoma or Lakewood. Italian cuisine from lasagna to piccata is joined by more casual lunch fare like pizzas and sandwiches. What makes Marzano especially unique is that it's situated in a converted two-bedroom home, so it's got a warmth and coziness you won't find in most restaurants (and the food is just yummy). 516 Garfield St., Tacoma, http://dinemarzano.com
The Ram
A fine casual lunch spot with an expansive menu, The Ram also has locations in Lakewood, Puyallup and Lacey. Tacoma's location is perched on the waterfront, so you can peer out over the Puget Sound while you ponder your co-workers not in attendance, sip on a slightly naughty lunch beer, or order a round of appetizers for the table. The menu is large enough that this is a good spot for groups - there's literally something for everyone, from vegetarians to carnivores to gluten-free diners. 3001 Ruston Way, Tacoma, www.theram.com
Stanley and Seaforts
If you seek to impress during your holiday luncheon, look to Stanley and Seaforts. Perched high on a hill in east Tacoma, you'll dine while taking in all of downtown Tacoma and the port. The menu veers toward steak and seafood, but also serves up a pretty mean cup of French onion soup. The décor is classic and a bit old school, so you can pretend just a little bit that you're on Mad Men, if you want. 115 E. 34th St., Tacoma, http://stanleyandseaforts.com
Indochine
With cherry wood tables and seats, draped fabrics and exposed brick walls, Indochine has some of the most unique décor in town. There's also an amazing large round table in the center of draped curtains that might just make your lunch group feel like you're dining in a foreign land (if you're lucky enough to score the table). If you don't, no worries. Order all the appetizers to share and you'll be the happiest lunch group in T-Town. 1924 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, http://indochinedowntown.com
Meconi's
Oly likes to keep it casual, and there's no finer way to do that than with the favorite local sub shop. Meconi's hosts senators and the downtown lunch crowd alike. This place is popular for a reason. It's delicious. There are locations in Lacey, Tumwater and Hawks Prairie as well. 1018 Capitol Way S., Olympia, www.meconissubs.com