Taste buds dance at Gruv Lounge

Reports of "decidedly delicious non-bar food" at Gruv Lounge and Nightclub on Sixth Avenue were all Weekly Volcano photographer Steve Dunkelberger and I needed to inspire a field trip. As neither of us are shy about gluttony, chicken-fried bacon strips seemed so right. Large slabs of fried bacon coated in relatively light breading are dunked in Tabasco-infused maple syrup, which results in a fantastic pancake-and-bacon taste and aroma. Deep-fried artichoke hearts come arranged around creamy, ultra-rich Parmesan dip hit with sundried tomato sweetness. French bread made a great shovel from bowl to mouth. Barely-there breading covers fresh mozzarella balls served with pureed tomato chutney, while fried basil leaves added a great flash of salt and a textural contrast. Inspired by Jamaica, juicy jerk chicken tacos come three to an order in soft white flour  tortillas drizzled with fragrant cilantro-spiked sour cream. Apple-studded pico de gallo, additional fresh cilantro and strips of jicama set this dish above average. 

With the kitchen all to himself, Gruv's Aaron Grissom uses it as a culinary playground and recreates standard dishes in innovative ways to present "fresh bar fusion" for Tacoma club-goers and foodies alike.

Dinner is served nightly; DJ/music/dance floor areas are separate. Enjoy a full bar and private karaoke rooms. Prices range from $5-$16.

[Gruv Lounge & Nightclub, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.761.1550]

Make it rain

Rain City Cafe and Coffee Company aims to fill your belly. The newest café to grace Market Street offers breakfast sandwiches, soups, leafy green and pasta salads, bagged chips and dessert and pastries from Corina Bakery. On the heartier side, Mike's East Coast Panini Sandwiches are packed full of winning ingredients and are a hot, quick meal for those on a short lunch break. Check out their specialty meat, mortadella, a cold cut of finely ground heat-cured Italian pork sausage. And their classic caprese sandwiches, which are spruced up with pesto mayonnaise spread.

Inside, 180-degree windows allow natural light in, which creates a pleasant vibe in the tasteful, uncluttered interior that has couches, a cozy fireplace and plenty of tables. A large off-street patio is certain to be popular come spring.

Free Wi-Fi, books, magazines and games make it easy to stick around.

Enjoy $2 espresso drinks during twice-daily happy hours (7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.). Food prices top out at $7-$8, coffee and beverages are $2-$5.

Also of note, Rain City plans to embrace the local art community by hosting the poetry open mic, "Mouths and Mics," every third Friday - hosted by Tacoma poet Antonio Edwards.

[Rain City Cafe and Coffee Company, 744 Market Street, Tacoma, 253.383.2233]