Announcer: You have to love a place that tries hard to do it differently. It doesn't matter if you like it or not, it's fun to be somewhere that is not like anywhere else. The Zodiac Supper Club on St. Helens in downtown Tacoma near the Pantages is all kitsch and sizzle - a place that combines creepy art, red lights and cook-it-yourself steaks - accomplishing not only being different but also tasting good in the process.

Jason: The small space is an art museum of sorts for the off-kiltered with random movies from the ‘50s playing next to Día de los Muertos and Addams Family-like art covering the walls and counter-tops with lots of red lights, a long bar, and a few booths with some high tables.  At the front of the room is a large slated grill where patrons cook their own meats and skewers next to a table loaded with rubs and sauces.

Jake: Kitchy doesn't just describe the atmosphere, it also is a good way to describe the drinks available.  If you're with a large group, try the Boathouse Punch, which serves up to six.  This is gin-powered, but also partners with citruses such as grapefruit and lemons, then add champagne just for fun.

Jason: Tuesdays are tacos at Zodiac, and for $4 you get a fairly large soft taco with nicely marinated and stewed meat.  A lot of people were dining for the tacos this week, and the homemade salsa is a home run.

Jake: Though a steak driven menu, there are two kabobs without red meat.  The vegetable kabob packed with seasonal fresh and grillable veggies, or the mushroom kabob are both flavorful options.  I ordered the mushroom kabob, which is a simple balance of red onions and mushrooms that have been marinated in red wine vinegar.

Jason: I was impressed with the quality of meat they hand you raw on a plate to cook yourself.  My wife and I shared a 16-ounce rib eye, and while perfectly cooked by moi, the real work was done by the cow.  The meat was nicely marbled, not grainy, fatty and tender in all of the right places.  

Jake: With several cuts to choose from, I selected the most popular flat-iron steak.  Additionally, I took the easy way out and had the chef prepare it with the house rub.  This brought out the earthy flavor to the already tender beef.

Jason: Even with a limited menu, the Zodiac Supper Club is the place to keep a drink in one hand and tongs in the other.  

Zodiac Supper Club, open Tues-Sun, 4 p.m.-midnight, 745 St. Helens, Tacoma, 253.327.1891, zodiacsupperclub@gmail.com