Open at this location for over 10 years, the Pacific Grill has a well-deserved reputation for being wonderful. We ate there recently and had a great time, great food and great service, starting with the valet parking ($10), which is well worth it since parking on Pacific in downtown Tacoma is nearly impossible. We had no reservations, but they found a place for us in the large, dramatic dining room and made us welcome.
Our server, David, brought big paper menus and gave recommendations when we asked what he liked. We also had a salad server, a pepper grinder, and a side order server. They give service.
We ordered the Crostini, smoked spiced duck-bacon sausage, artichokes, melted tomatoes, Walla Walla onions, and arugula, warmed and piled on two grilled sourdough slices ($12.95), White Gazpacho, smoked steelhead chilled and blended with red onions, Greek yogurt, and dill ($14.50), and La Brea Bakery rosemary bread, a half-sliced loaf with dip ($2.50). We also had Steak Salad, sliced perfectly grilled steak shoulder tender with mushrooms; Walla Walla sweets, greens and shaved reggiano, with lemon and pepper vinaigrette and crispy shallots ($24.95); Weathervane Scallops, a half-pound of large scallops grilled to smoky tenderness and served with Walla Walla sweets, heirloom tomatoes, spinach, apple smoked bacon, and Dijon bacon vinaigrette ($34.95); and green beans, freshly grilled with wild mushrooms and shaved almonds ($5.95). Drinks were Fishtail organic amber ale ($6) and water, no charge, but by order only following drought guidelines.
Everything was delicious, made with care, and beautiful. The servings were very big, and we had more than enough with just the appetizers, but we were glad to try everything.
Pacific Grill is located on the southwest corner of 15th and Pacific. Limited on-street parking is available. It is a loud, bright place providing great food, and if you get a chance to go, make a reservation and expect to have a good time.
Carolyn Augustine, who writes the Senior Eats column, is a freelance restaurant writer.
IF YOU GO
Pacific Grill 1502 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
253-627-3535
Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, happy hour all day.
