Announcer: After several weeks of somewhat cranky reviews, the boys were pleasantly surprised to step inside Pacific Southern near the Tacoma Mall to discover good, quality Southern food that won't help your heart but certainly pass the taste test. 

Jake: I really like that the house-made sweet tea and lemonade is served in authentic mason jars, which is exactly how it should be enjoyed.

Jason: This place used to be a diner but they've done a nice job updating and cleaning the place.  I'd say the air conditioning could come down a little since the colors are cool and neutral, but other than that, comfortable booths and great service.

Grits and shrimp tastes as rich and as alfredo at Pacific Southern in Tacoma. Photo credit: Jake de Paul
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Jake:I'm a big fan of grits when I can find them, especially for breakfast with a pat of butter.  Here at Pacific Southern, the shrimp and grits is like no other I've had before.  This dish is incredibly rich with a similar flavor to alfredo.  The richness pairs well with the fresh shrimp that is tender and light in flavor.  Add a side of biscuit or cornbread, and you are assured to leave with a full belly.

Jason: They serve breakfast until 3 p.m. daily with a combination of Southern touches, but also simple fare as well.  The eggs are fresh and well prepared, while the ham has a smoky, fatty flavor right up my alley.  

Jake:  My favorite Southern dish is chicken and waffles, and it can be hard to find in the Northwest.  They do it right here with two large boneless breasts of chicken and a wing, both seasoned, breaded and fried just right to maintain the juiciness of the chicken.  The chicken is stacked on top of a sizeable buttermilk waffle with plenty of honey butter and maple syrup to pour over the waffle, or in my case, over everything.

Jason: I delved into the Fried Chicken Biscuit, nearly a half chicken fried juicy, stacked between a large biscuit and doused in a savory gravy - pure heart-stopping deliciousness.  The chicken had both dark and white meat, and not one ounce of it was dry. It's a greasy meal but not so heavy you want to pass out - though I could have used a nap.  If you like Southern Kitchen in Tacoma, you'll equally like the food here.

Jake:  There are lots of other comfort food favorites here, too, to snack on as well. You'll have no problem finding hush puppies, fried okra, and even spicy fish bites.  And don't worry, they never run out of biscuits or cornbread.

Jason: This place is deceiving.  A lot of times we expect an authentic Southern joint to have a creaky screen door and a couple decades of filth on the lineoleum.  Pacific Southern looks sleek.  But don't be fooled - it's down home goodness through and through.

Pacific Southern, 3832 S. Pine St., Tacoma, pacsouthtacoma.com