There is still plenty of summer weather left, which means that there are still plenty of days to hit Tacoma's waterfront restaurants with its amazing food and view of Commencement Bay.  Many restaurants have come and gone over the years, but Katie Downs has stood the test of time, well ... since 1982, because it offers a great Northwest theme including fresh seafood, award-winning pizza, and signature gourmet hamburgers.  The full bar includes spirits, wine and Northwest brews.

Katie Downs' uniqueness on the waterfront stems from its brightly lit casual atmosphere where you seat yourself and order your own drinks and food directly from the bar.  From the moment you walk in the door, you know this is the spot for drinks and conversation on the deck.  And if the weather isn't quite cooperating, then there are plenty of TV's for watching sports with your buddies.  All of which makes this a great place to pop-in when you hit the waterfront last minute.

Though known mostly for its pizza and burgers, Katie Downs has quite a bit more to offer.  Some of my personal "go-to's" are the BBQ chicken nachos, shrimp artichoke dip and the spicy prawns diablo.  Nonetheless, there are plenty of tantalizing items on the menu to stray from the favorites once in a while.  One such item is the prawns and chips that isn't common to most menus in the South Sound, but also one that, when beer battered and served with seasoned fries like Katie Downs, should certainly be on more menus around town.  One bite and you'll enjoy a generous helping of prawns that are crispy outside, juicy, moist inside, and then dipped in either cocktail or tartar sauce.

If you have somehow managed to live in Tacoma and never visited Katie Downs, check out the pizza selections first.  This is what Katie Downs has built a reputation with over the last 33 years, with both traditional Italian flavor combinations and NW selections.  You would be challenged to make a poor selection here and almost guarantee yourself a return trip.

Katie Downs' success is straight forward in its approach, offering favorites proven over time and perfected, without having to resort to gimmicks or daily specials; it simply relies on great food, drinks, a friendly staff and a huge deck available all summer long.

KATIE DOWNS, 3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.756.0771