Breakfast, lunch & coffee drinks served in a humble counter-serve space with a kids’ play area.
JORDAN KNOWLTON
Such a great feel-good, all-inclusive third space. Perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy a warm drink with some delicious food. The staff were super friendly and service was quick. Easy to get to with public transportation almost right to the front doors, plus plenty of parking available. A cozy, welcoming spot I’ll definitely be coming back to.
… moreJeff
We came here for brunch with friends and it was really delicious. We tried the gluten-free waffles and a breakfast sandwich. We went there around 11 in the morning on a Saturday and it was easy to find a table, but it was definitely crowded which was a great sign. The coffee was delicious and the atmospherewas nice. Overall, a great place to go for coffee and or brunch.
… moreAzure
This is such a cute little cafe! I was thrilled that they offered gluten free options to their waffles! The caramel drizzle was so good I didn’t even think to use the extra syrup on the table! They also had gluten free soy free doughnuts! It’s been so long since I’m been able to enjoy a good doughnut! The Macha was delicious as well. We’ll definitely be going back any time we stop off in Tacoma!
… moreRobert Cazarez
Love this adorable little cafe! It’s super cute and very welcoming. This establishment is LGBTQIA+ friendly and has a diverse menu with many vegan and gluten-free options. There is a cute little kids area to bring the little ones if you must lol. They have a room in the back for private rentals and also the place itself can be rented after hours for private events. Give this place a try. The gluten free muffins are divine.
… moreJC
Great prices, accommodating to dietary needs, and very welcoming. Our barista was especially sweet and provided a great recommendation for what to eat. Glad I took a chance on this place.
… moreJemellee Manaoat
This place gives me chill vibes. It’s cute, it’s not too big, not too fancy. It’s a good place for a quick stop to meet for lunch. They serve soup, sandwiches, and some pastry. The menu is not overwhelming. They don’t have a private parking lot however, there’s tons of street parking available.
The service is quick and the people are friendly. So you order at the counter and then they bring the food to you. I really like that concept because then you do t have to wait for them to come to your table to take your order and can have separate checks if you choose to. The price is very good I believe I spend less than $20 for myself.
… moreNat D
Stayed one night in Tacoma for a friend’s retirement party and was looking for a yummy breakfast prior to heading home. Had hoped to try the spot next door but their line was literally out the door so we opted for what appeared to be a less busy Red Elm. We snagged the last 4 top table for 5 of us and got in line (I was only 4th in line so it didn’t seem overly busy). Upon ordering a simple egg, cheese and bacon sandwich (and an 8oz egg nog latte), I was informed that it would be about 20 minutes for the sandwich(!!!). I ordered anyway thinking they were high balling the estimate. Nope. My coffee came out about 15 minutes after ordering. THIRTY minutes after ordering my grilled sandwich came out. The bacon seemed to have been pre-cooked (limp, undercooked and cool), was incredibly salty and placed in a clump at the center of the sandwich. I had ordered pepper jack but it came out with cheddar; I wasn’t about to return it and wait for a re-make so I ate it anyhow. It was lackluster in general and would not order again. The coffee was decent but didn’t necessarily wow me. My husband ordered a waffle, side of bacon and eggs. The waffle came out about 20 min after ordering- overly browned, not soft and fluffy and the syrup in a plastic container was straight out of the fridge- who likes pouring cold syrup onto a warm waffle?!?! The side of bacon/eggs came out 10 min after the waffle!
The staff was very friendly but seemed overwhelmed. The space was cute. No reason to return next time we find ourselves in Tacoma.
… moreKristine P
Went here a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Returned recently and it has really gone down hill. Bacon cheddar waffles were skimpy on the bacon and cheddar, the hot drink I ordered was lukewarm, service seemed pretty annoyed to be there. The atmosphere was also, not very relaxing or particularly clean feeling. Too bad, my kids had asked to come back several times, but the one with me said he wouldn’t want to go again.
… moreMiranda Raine
Update: I had previously written a review giving this place five stars because I’ve always had a great experience. However, due to a recent communication issue with the new owner, I feel the need to remove two stars and update my review. This does not go against any of the staff that I have previously encountered. I am on autistic adult with ADHD. I run a social group for other autistic adults so that we can socialize within a group that is comfortable for us. We have reserved the back room at this Cafe many times as I love to support local businesses. It was a great setup because we could support the business and have a room in which we could close the door and avoid all the noise. This Cafe was our main spot to have our game events. I recently found out that there is a new manager and a new process in how that back room is booked. I did not know this prior to this post. I had originally reached out regarding one specific date. By the time I heard back, it was too late to give enough notice to my group about the event. I asked for another date. I heard back a little more quickly but was told that I would get sent a confirmation. Days later, I received confirmation but again it was too late to give enough notice to my group. It wasn’t until the second time that the person emailing me informed me that they were the new owner and did not work at the cafe and needed to verify the space with someone who did. She stated that in her mind, I was already booked but that I did not have the same understanding. I was told I would receive a confirmation via email. So obviously, I did not consider anything confirmed until I received that email. Being that all members of the group are autistic, everyone needs plenty of notice in order to not only see the event but respond and prepare themselves to attend. As an autistic member of this community, what I am largely tired of is the unrealistic expectation that I’m going to have the same mind frame or understanding. Whatever is communicated to me is what I expect. So if I am told that I will receive an email confirmation, then I am not going to consider anything official until that confirmation. Perhaps the new owner should consider that there is a community within this city that is disabled and a different neurotype who also patron local businesses and provide explanation sooner rather than waiting until customers are frustrated.
Their bacon cheddar waffle is my favorite. A social group of mine often uses their community room. The staff is friendly and does a great job. Never had a bad experience.
… moreAndy Vargo: Own Your Awkward
This is one of the best coffee shops in Tacoma. The staff is always kind, welcoming, and friendly. The atmosphere is light, clean, and cheery.
They have a great conference room you can use for meetings, a kid’s play area, and great seating.
I love getting work done here while I enjoy one of their delicious coffees and scrumptious food choices. (Get a cookie!)
… more