Tag Archives: seafood

Johnny’s Seafood Market & Bistro

Johnny’s Seafood Market & Bistro

Johnny’s Seafood Co. has reopened as Johnny’s Seafood Market & Bistro after a top to bottom remodel that now features a cafe in addition to their longstanding seafood counter. Diners can sit at the bar, inside near the seafood counter or on the outdoor patio on the Thea Foss Waterway. There’s even a great view of Mt. Rainier.

Tacoma has needed another casual waterfront seafood restaurant, and I was eager to check it out. There’s Steamers Seafood Cafe on Titlow Beach, but I’ve never found the quality or portion size to be good for the price.

We stopped at Johnny’s for dinner tonight, and I wasn’t really planning on blogging about it, so I didn’t take any photos of our food…and I’m not seeing the menu anywhere online at the moment, but the food was generally really good, so I thought I’d share our experience.

It’s a little awkward walking into Johnny’s because the seafood counter is to your right, and the tables are to the left — which isn’t really the problem. I know they just reopened, but while watching numerous people come in and try to purchase seafood at the counter, there was a lot of confusion with the process, and there wasn’t always a staff person to help people at the seafood counter. Once they get the hang of it, hopefully it’ll go more smoothly. The staff was very friendly and the food was served very quickly after ordering, but the seating and general entrance was a little odd.

We ordered the bay shrimp cocktail ($5.95), and though the shrimp were fresh and sweet, the plating (in a little cup, topped with sauce atop a salad of lettuce and celery), was a little different than I’m used to.

The Caesar salad ($8.95) has lightly grilled romaine with options such as adding crab, shrimp or blackened salmon or chicken for an additional reasonable fee. The blackened salmon was high-quality, well cooked and flavored with a nice kick from the blackening spice, and the crab was fresh and pJohnny's Seafood Tacomalentiful atop the salad.

We’ll definitely be back for either a quick lunch or easy dinner. The menu features favorites like clam chowder, fish and chips (including gluten free fish and chips!), Copper River salmon, prime ribeye steak, lots of sandwiches, cioppino, salads, fish tacos, crab and shrimp cocktail, beer and wine.

I also glanced at the seafood counter and noticed they had fresh whole trout, which I haven’t seen anywhere else in Tacoma. In addition to seafood, they also sell beef and pork from Snake River Farms.

The prices were generally reasonable and it seemed like it would be family-friendly. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Johnny’s Seafood Market & Bistro | 1199 Dock Street, Tacoma | 253.627.2158
Open 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily

Anniversary Dinner at Asado

Anniversary Dinner at Asado

Our second anniversary was this past Tuesday, and it called for a special dinner out. We were originally thinking of heading to Seattle, but decided to stay in Tacoma since it was a work night. You don’t need to go to Seattle for great food, right?! Duh, that’s why you’re reading this right now!

We decided on Asado Cucina Argentina since we never end up making it there. Why? I’m not exactly sure. It’s a little pricey for an every day dinner, and for some reason I never think of it for a special occasion. I’m glad I remembered it this time because we had an excellent meal.

First off, Asado happens to have half off bottles of wine on Tuesdays. Score. Didn’t plan that, but it worked out nicely. You can try a bottle you might not normally order because of its price, or you can just get a killer deal. Either way it’s a win.

I like the look and feel of the restaurant. When you walk in, you can smell the mesquite wood they use in their grill. The whole front of the restaurant opens up garage door-style to an outdoor bar, and it’s an awesome place to sit on a sunny day. The only thing I don’t love about Asado is that it gets a little loud in there, so having a conversation can be tough. You end up yelling, so that’s not great.

Go to Asado for what they do best: their grilled seafood and meats. It’s unlike any other restaurant in Tacoma in its flavor profiles. Big, bold flavors of chimichurri, salsas, herbs and spices are integrated seamlessly into steak and seafood dishes that are cooked to perfection.

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Where to Get Copper River Salmon in Tacoma and Olympia

It’s time for Copper River Salmon in the South Puget Sound area, so get it while you can! Area restaurants have Copper River King Salmon and Copper River Sockeye Salmon on their menus, usually on their daily fresh sheets. You might even want to purchase some uncooked from a local store and make your own creation at home.

These salmon are prized for their richness in Omega-3 oils and seem to incite a frenzy of demand and attention all around the Pacific Northwest.

The below restaurants and markets have reported having Copper River Salmon at some point since the season began. Quantities are limited, so definitely call ahead if you have your heart set on it. And as you can see, it’s not a long list!

Photo credit: El Gaucho Tacoma

Harbor Lights Reopens Tomorrow After Remodel

Harbor Lights Reopens Tomorrow After Remodel

Tacoma’s beloved Harbor Lights is reopening tomorrow, Friday, April 19, at 11 a.m. They are not accepting reservations for this weekend, but will be seating on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations will once again be accepted starting April 22.

The Ruston Way restaurant, which has been in operation for 54 years, closed for a facelift on March 11. Expect larger windows for a better view of the water, new kitchen equipment, updated bathrooms, new tables, and paint.

Harbor Lights serves one of the stiffest drinks in Tacoma, and has a killer bucket of steamer clams. Go there for classic seafood, steak and burgers with a view and a rich history. The remodel is not all that’s new — check out their updated lunch and dinner menus here.

Harbor Lights | 2761 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402 | 253-752-8600

Fancy Date Night, Tacoma Style.

Fancy Date Night, Tacoma Style.

I am, by no means, a high roller. That said, every once in a while, a splurge is in order. A time to enjoy the finer things in life and spoil yourself a little.

My husband and I were due for a fancy pants date night, and on Friday, we did it right with dinner at El Gaucho Tacoma and a stay at Hotel Murano. A staycation, you might call it. I call it an excuse to dress up emerge from my hoodie-wearing cocoon of our seemingly endless gray PNW days.

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