Snow Day sips and stops

Cure that cabin fever with a stroll to your local hot spot

By Dutch Randall, Jackie Fender on February 14, 2019

ANNOUNCER: Whether you call it "snowmageddon," "snowpocalypse," or just enough snow to matter, one thing is certain, the Sound Sound is losing their damn minds. Before the white stuff started to give the ground a proper dusting, the hordes were in a panic, swiping every loaf of bread and stalk of celery off of the shelves. Schools called an early release and the region was under the spell of a state of emergency. Dutch and Jackie's culinary itinerary took a detour due to mass restaurant and bar closures sweeping the South Sound. So, this week, they cover what places have proven to be dependable, even with an impending, snowy doom threatening this fine city.

JACKIE: Maybe a mom fail but I skipped the grocery lines. We had enough in the cupboard to get us through a solid week of snow, so additional provisions were not necessary. I chuckled as I scrolled through social media as a silent witness to the mayhem. Even the bar I work at was closed for the weekend, which gave me plenty of time to ponder ... where ought I go to grab a bite? Within walking distance of my house, there was one clear choice, Peaks and Pints. The Roastmary is my go-to each and every time. Roast beef, smoked gouda, red onion and rosemary mayo adorn toasty slices of marbled rye. It's herbaceous, warm and makes my heart go pitter-patter. Pair with a luscious stout and you'll be warmed to the bone and ready to brave the freezing temps outside. 3816 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.328.5621, peaksandpints.com

DUTCH: I'm not ashamed to admit that though I, too, had plenty of provisions in the house, the cabin fever got to me, and I headed down Sixth Ave. in hopes of finding others willing to brave the snow. Spanky Burger turned out to be just the place. The corner location offers plenty of great view seats to watch the snow fall while you sit warmly inside. Add a fresh patty of beef with melty cheese and crispy bacon along with fresh red onion, tomato and lettuce, all on a toasted bun. All burgers also come with the house fries, which are crispy and salty, and when dipped in the house sauce, you'll be glad you battled the elements. And finally, there are several rotating taps from Elysian, Alaskan and Puyallup River, as well as other Brewing companies offering several options for an ice-cold accompaniment to your burger. 601 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253.327.1111, spankyburger.com

JACKIE: Doyle's Public House in Tacoma's Stadium District is another fabulous go-to. They have one of the best whiskey selections in town and their food menu includes the soup du jour, toasty sammies, Scotch eggs, and even breakfast items like Bourbon Brioche French Toast and Corned Beef Hash paired with Irish Coffees. Did I mention their brown liquor selection? Bonus: you can meander over to King's Bookstore to snag a new title for when you hunker down for the night. 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7468, doylespublichouse.com

DUTCH: Sometimes the best food when you're battling the elements is simple homestyle food, and if you're in University Place, The Pine Cone Café offers breakfast, lunch, or dinner that features several family favorites. Breakfast is served all day with choices ranging from omelets to waffles, as well as nearly anything else you may be craving. If you are not a breakfast all-day diner, there are several sandwiches available or heavier meals like spaghetti or cod and chips. 7912 27th St. W., University Place, 253.565.5690, pineconecafe.net