Bites Nearby: Putting the Mmm in Meconi's

It seems almost a sin to pass by a pub and eatery and not stop in to check it out. Meconi’s is just that kind of place; it has a certain quaint and friendly feel that beckons the hungry and thirsty masses in from the cold outside.  Located in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Tacoma, it boasts that warm and fuzzy old-time feel where one can take a moment to step back in time—and of course eat and drink to their heart’s content.

My Meconi’s moment occurred due to a massive craving for a juicy burger and having heard the word on the streets of T-Town, this was the place to find one.  Without even looking at the menu, I ordered the recommended Tacoma Pub Cheeseburger with a side of sautéed mushrooms and of course feeling a little bit of guilt, had a side salad instead of their ahh-mazing garlic fries.

All I have to say is that the word on the street cannot be beat!  This burger was a hand shaped mound of flame-broiled perfection and the mushrooms were fresh, sautéed perfectly and kept nice and warm underneath a velvety cheese blanket. It was light pink on the inside and a messy stream of savory juices accompanied each coveted bite.  I’m just saying that this juice was way too good to waste on a napkin…and hence the unabashed use of the tongue came to be.

Of course Meconi’s serves more than just burgers; their menu choices are plentiful and all homemade in the back kitchen.  Soups and salads include Big Wayne’s famous chili served with cornbread, grilled salmon salad and flat iron steak salad.  Their pizzas include favorites such as chicken alfredo pizza, the Perfect pizza, and a Mexican taco pizza.

Then there are the Italian style subs served on fresh baked rolls, sandwiches and some killer entrée selections such spaghetti and meatballs, St. Louis style ribs, and a nice assortment of pasta dishes with creamy sauces.  Meconi’s prides itself on its entrees and claims them to be “Perfection on a Plate.”  Enough said.

Now of course I have saved the best for last — Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and ALL DAY on Sundays!  Each day features a main dish special such as spaghetti and meatballs for only $5.99 and great pub appetizers such as fried zucchini, beer battered onion rings and sliders just to name a few.  Hint:  no one can eat just one (plate) of fried zucchini.

The atmosphere is always friendly, the food is always good and one can be certain to run into many of the favorite locals here.  Prices are very reasonable, and even more so at happy hour.  And wait, there’s more and it’s called 4:20 at Meconi’s.  Plopped right in the middle of happy hour is a 15 minute super power happy hour where house wine, well drinks and all beer are just $1!  I am almost sure that in Webster’s Dictionary next to the word ‘happy’ is Meconi’s.

For more information, check out their website at http://www.tacomapub.com/