SOUTH TACOMA

Grit City

Sometimes Tacoma people tend to think of South Tacoma the way Seattle people think of Tacoma in general. As in, South Tacoma is to North Tacoma what Tacoma is to Seattle, if you want to get SAT-style about it. As we know, Seattle’s been wrong about us a time or two (they’re catching on). Anyway, it’s a shame to let a big part of our city go unexplored. True, many of the grandest homes, most scenic streets, all the beaches, and the most famous parks are on the north side. But you know how we’re always seeing logos and hearing phrases about Tacoma as the “gritty city”? You’ve caught on that Proctor and Stadium aren’t the areas earning that nickname for Tacoma, right?

South Tacoma vs South End, Neighborhood Distinctions

It’s interesting to note that in Tacoma we have the “South End” (east of I-5 and, for the most part, west of Pacific Ave or A St) and “South Tacoma” (roughly east of Orchard St and west of I-5). On this page we’re going to stay in South Tacoma proper.

South Tacoma Breakfast

What if you woke up and decided to start your day in South Tacoma? Where might you go? How about Marcia’s Silver Spoon. Homey, casual, friendly, open early, peppered with regulars, and serving classic American style breakfast, this spot has been around since 1988. Marcia’s is known for big (you might say giant) breakfast portions. We’re talking super big omelettes. 

Newer on the scene, and truly beloved by the Tacoma community is Howdy Bagel on South Tacoma Way. Go for the bagels and stay for the warmth and friendliness.

Another breakfast option is Pacific Southern, open since 2015. Look for items like shrimp and grits, or chicken and waffles. They’re a welcome addition to the South Tacoma breakfast scene. Newer to the scene (opened Spring 2023) but already beloved from their pop-up market days, Howdy Bagel is also a must-eat South Tacoma spot. You won’t be sorry. At all.

Getting Outdoors

You’re going to need a breather after that breakfast. How about a visit to South Park? Set aside as Tacoma Park way back in 1905, this green space features paths, a little spray park, old cedar, fir, and oak trees, and is home to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. As with most parks, the landscape and uses have evolved over the years (read about the park’s history here). Take a quiet wander, breathe some fresh air, try to work up your appetite for later. Old fashioned street lights stand beside the path and you’ll notice the Oakwood Hill Cemetery bordering the park. Head south on the paved path until it hits the street and then you could continue your explorations at the cemetery. It’s peaceful in there, a bit secret. In the fall oak leaves and acorns crunch underfoot. The headstones are mostly small and modest, some grown with lichen, others leaning just a bit. You can see the Tacoma Cemetery right on the other side of the fence, historically a pauper’s cemetery (read its story in this Tacoma News Tribune article).

Local Shops

What else could you do before moving on? Stop in at Fernseed. If you’re a houseplant or flowers fan, you’ll be happy in here. Or, browse the goods at the Habitat for Humanity Restore Across the street from the park. This second hand store is a great resource for used furniture as well as building/renovation materials. Keep this place in mind next time you have chairs, light fixtures, appliances, or a sink to donate. Proceeds from your donated items go into building good, affordable housing for local families (and they're tax deductible, so that's nice too). If that didn’t feel like enough shopping, there’s Goodwill, REI, and the entire Tacoma Mall nearby. Go for it if you have the stamina. 

local Grocery Market

Next, head over to Marlene’s Market. Even if you think it’s too crunchy, or you only shop at Costco, get to know this locally owned grocery. Take note of the bulk aisles where you’ll find lovely loose leaf tea, spices, herbs, and all manner of dried goods. I like the temperature controlled room along the back wall where dried mango, black rice, popcorn, and oats fill the bins. You’ll find their organic and whole foods cafe toward the back of the store (there’s a restroom back here too) and now’s the perfect time to order organic fair trade coffee, fresh juice, or a smoothie. Take it over to their bright seating area for a rest. 

On the trail

Ready to get back outdoors? Head back to South Park and pick up the Water Flume Line Trail. The Water Flume Line Trail follows a segment of the historic wooden water flume line that once carried water from Lake Spanaway to the Hood Street Reservoir. The 2014 reconstruction of the trail is a culmination of work by community members, clubs, and city officials. They did the work, now we can enjoy it! A favorite stretch of the trail for us is through Oak Tree Park where educational markers beside the path teach about some of the native plants you might spot along the way. The trail is 3.5 miles one way, so if you’re anything like us, you’ll start thinking about food as you go. 

Food & Drinks

We recommend The Church Cantina with its Cuban inspired menu (goth style interior, good food). We’re still thinking of the shrimp bowl and tacos we ate on their patio in the summer. Or, cross the street to The Mule, another spot we love. Start with their house made fresh ginger beer. If you’re not into alcohol, you’re the designated driver, or you’re just searching for something fresh and zingy, order a ginger beer. They add it to some of their cocktails and it’s lovely. Also, you can fill a growler with ginger beer to-go. But sit first, order some pickled herring or a grilled cheese. Wash it down with ginger brew before heading back out onto South Tacoma Way for an evening at Bob’s Java Jive. Only so many cities include a coffee pot-shaped dive bar with nightly karaoke; don’t let it go to waste.

Bob's Java Jive is a dive bar jungle inside of a teapot. It's a great spot to see live music or sing karaoke.

Bob's Java Jive is a dive bar jungle inside of a teapot. It's a great spot to see live music or sing karaoke.

Marlene’s Market offers an excellent choice of bulk dry goods, organic produce, a cafe, and a gift area stocked with beeswax candles, books, and jewelry.

Tacoma Szechuan is our favorite spot to go for Chinese food in the city. Technically it’s in Lakewood, but it’s named for Tacoma, so we’re claiming it! Order hot pot someday if you have a big appetite or a group of four. We love the Szechuan fried fish, eggplant dishes, and anything they recommend. Load-up on groceries at Pal-Do World afterwards.

Fernseed is primarily a plant shop, but the South Tacoma Way location offers floral services and a stem bar. Build your own bouquet with their locally sourced flowers.

Out in early spring on the Water Flume Line Trail. Don’t worry, it brightened up eventually!

Started with ginger beer across the street at The Mule, ended with a bowl of shrimp and rice goodness at The Church Cantina.

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PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tacoma Public Schools offers open enrollment based on availability and transportation. Some local neighborhood schools are:

Edison Elementary
Manitou Park Elementary
Arlington Elementary
Gray Middle School
Mount Tahoma High
 

HOUSING

South Tacoma residential neighborhoods are clustered around areas like Oakland Madrona in the NW corner, South Tacoma Way in the center, and Manitou Park in the SW corner. You’ll find everything from early 1900s housing to new builds with a mix of single-family homes and larger scale apartments. All tends to be more moderately priced compared to Central and North Tacoma housing.

Hi, I'm Michael Duggan, a licensed broker with Windermere Abode. I would love to help you through the home buying or selling process. Please contact me to set up a meeting and get things started.