Bites Nearby: Katie Downs

Even when it’s cold outside, Tacoma’s waterfront has an amazing power to draw visitors.  Now that spring is in the air and it’s getting warmer, even more people can be seen walking the boardwalk and the restaurant parking lots are full.  This includes Katie Downs Tavern and Eatery at 3211 Ruston Way which has been drawing hungry and thirsty diners into their establishment since 1982. See their website: www.katiedowns.com.

There are many notable assets worth mentioning about this restaurant:  they serve award-winning pizza (Voted Best Pizza in Washington by Pacific Northwest Magazine Reader’s Poll in 2008), gourmet burgers and seafood that is out of this world … or should that be ocean?  The atmosphere is casual, the people are friendly and the view is outstanding.

Now back to the food. With my ongoing quest for remarkable pizza I quickly zeroed in to the middle of the menu and there they were … the classic combinations of cheesy gooeyness I keep coming back for.  As usual, I was torn between the Great White (white sauce, breast of chicken, artichoke hearts and black olives), the Rainier (white sauce, bay shrimp, artichoke hearts and red onions) or the Fearless (red sauce, smoked bacon, white onion, fresh garlic, provolone cheese and pepperoncinis).

I chose the Fearless and waited in anticipation while still staring at the menu wondering how gluttonous I could be if I built my own masterpiece, which is another marvelous option.  When I added up the additional toppings I could choose from my $16.50 pizza would end up costing a whopping $37.50!  It’s a good thing I’m not a glutton.

Other menu options include steak, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.  Hands down, halibut and chips have never been a disappointment and I love the clever names of their Katie Cocktails. Shark on the beach, Bikini Martini and Spider Juice are just a few adult beverages offered and one can enjoy these along with half-off appetizers for Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 

If you are wondering about the pizza, yes, it was awesome.  It is the perfect amount of flavorful toppings and I must say that I am glad I have a strange infatuation with garlic because there was plenty of it.  When I say plenty, I am just happy I did not have any face-to-face appointments the next day but I definitely could have sold a house, let’s say, in Transylvania. 

All in all, another great dining experience and I cannot wait until the deck is open for outside seating.  Ladies, word of note, don’t wear your high heels because even the best of the best divas will find themselves taking an awkward spill.  A note to all: this is 21 and older but you can still order to go and bring it home!

So is it the best pizza in Washington?  I don’t know—that’s for all you fabulous foodies to find out.