Start salivating

Dining establishments we are eagerly anticipating

By Jackie Fender on November 9, 2017

The South Sound dining scene is forever evolving. New dining establishments are popping up here, there and everywhere and fulfilling hankerings of all sorts. The beauty of the culinary culture is it's everchanging. Chefs move on to new endeavors, owners embark on refreshing journeys and entrepreneurs are choosing Tacoma as the place to set their roots. The offerings are just as diverse as the city itself. Here is just a sampling of some up-and-coming dining establishments we have our sights set on:

Lovers of kitsch and the craft cocktail in the South Sound are well acquainted with the Tacoma Cabana. Think tiki bar, with a wall-mounted marlin, tiki hut, exotic fish and Gilligan's Island on repeat. Add to that, excellently crafted cocktails and a staggering rum selection. Owners Jason Alexander and Robyn Murphy give you another excuse to bow to the tiki gods with upcoming locale, Devil's Reef. Keeping the tiki-esque theme going, think rum-based libations with less whimsy than the Cabana. Dark tumultuous waters, private booths and a moody ambiance. "Eldritch lore, tidal beverages and oceanic fare," said Alexander. Anticipated to open by December 2017. 706 Opera Alley, Tacoma

Owners of Stadium District's Indo Asian Eatery, Buoy Ngov and Yu Nanakornphanom, are partnering up with Chef Aaron Grissom, best known for his time at Dirty Oscar's Annex, to unveil their sister store Moshi Moshi Bar and Ramen. Think handmade dumplings, house-made tofu, small plates featuring miso and ramen paired with Japanese whiskey libations -- all beautiful flavors artfully executed. Though the concept has been brewing for months, the entire team is well known for their love of Japanese fare and ability to present flawless cuisine. Moshi Moshi is sure to delight the masses.

You've seen the sign as you jet down "the ave," Fish, Fish, Fish has been opening soon for far too long. Co-owners of Shake, Shake, Shake, Steve Naccarato and Robert Stocker, have been jumping through the permit hoops for months now, leaving only a sign to tease fish ‘n chip lovers for what feels like eons. Once Fish, Fish, Fish opens for business, the neighboring space is rumored to house a lounge called the Boom Boom Room. I'm sitting here with my nose up to the glass, "open, open, open." 3018 6th Ave., Tacoma

Gig Harbor's casual fine dining staple, Brix 25, has been anticipating a locale transition for well over a year now, and it looks to be just on the horizon. With Brix moving from their intimate nook on Pioneer just a hop away to a waterfront spot on Harborview, diners can eagerly await the emergence of a new concept in the space that Brix once resided in. No details on what diners can expect, but if you're familiar with the delectable dishes presented at both Brix 25 and their sister store NetShed No. 9, you know it's gonna be good. 7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor

Point Ruston has proven to be a thriving waterfront destination, teeming with loads of dining options. Next to join the ranks is Fish Brewing Pub and Eatery. Fish Brewing Company is expanding from its hometown Olympia to bring their brand of brews to Tacoma. When they do open their doors, lovers of the hops can look forward to a Ruston Way IPA and sip on other selections produced by the brewery. 5108 Grand Loop, Tacoma, fishbrewing.com

Many still mourn the loss of Maxwell's Speakeasy and Lounge on Saint Helen's and may have spied paper up in the windows recently. Word has it that Seattle-based joint, Red Star Taco Bar, is set to join the ranks of other Seattle-based establishments to settle in Tacoma. And while we are TACO-mans, between Brewer's Row and El Borracho (among others), our taco saturation might be reaching full capacity. I could be wrong though, who doesn't love tacos?! 454 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma