By the time you’ve finished shopping, wrapping, and undergoing a nervous breakdown, you’ll no doubt be hungry. Most restaurants are shuttered tight Christmas Eve, but a few places are breaking out holiday menus for your wassailing pleasure.
BRIX 25: As the name hints, the wine is always on their mind. On our minds is the Boeuf Bourguignon. The meat arrived in chunks and slips apart like a hot knife to butter. Complimentary champagne welcomes you, too. 7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253.858.6626.
DOCK STREET LANDING: Typical tavern food with a special nod to the Inferno Wings. 535 Dock St., Tacoma, 253. 272.5004.
DOYLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE: Stews, bangers and mash, sausages, subs and nuts served in large portions. A great collection of Irish whiskey, plus a collection of beer from the UK (and the standards as well). 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.238.5359.
THE CLIFF HOUSE: Nice selection of seafood, steaks and pastas. Basic four-star fare with creative touches. Awesome view of Tacoma and Mt. Rainier. Casual bistro downstairs. 6300 Marine View Dr., Northeast Tacoma, 253.927.0400.
EL GAUCHO: At El Gaucho the steaks are awesome; the service is gracious; the wine list is impressive; the sides are stellar; the baby grand in the corner fills the room with “Girl From Ipanema”; cozy couples enjoy romantic candlelit dinners; red maple walls glow from the low lighting — a dream. 2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1510.
MASA COMIDA MEXICANA: The environment is stylish, metropolitan minimalism with spicy and exotic Mexican fare, handcrafted, exotic drinks, and it’s a popular dance club on weekends. 2811 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.254.0560.
PACIFIC GRILL: When you’re in the mood to dine with distinction, there’s no better place than the Pacific Grill. Steaks, chops and seafood rule. Creative gourmet treats such as meat candy and stuffed tater tots bump their happy hour to new levels. Stellar wine list. 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 253. 627.3535.
PRIMO GRILL: Primo balances the menu with pasta, pizza, fish and red meat so there’s basically something for everyone — especially those who like a little twist on their Mediterranean favorites. 601 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253.383. 7000.
STADIUM BISTRO: Chef Pete Weikel added new flavors to Tacoma with bistro fare that leans toward French country cuisine. Meat is butchered, pasta made and pastries created on-site. Seared venison, classic country cassoulet, French onion soup and porcini mushroom lobster bisque with cream are divine. A phone call can produce a vegan and vegetarian tasting menu. An impressively stocked bar. 204 St. Helens St., Tacoma, 253.683.4150.