Late-Night

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Up all night with your food in the South Sound
by Jake and Jason de Paul
Jan 18, 2007

13 COINS

Sit in the “Star Trek”-like swivel chairs and pretend you’re Spock while nibbling on pickled veggies at 3 a.m. Dinner is pricey, but breakfast and lunch are not bad. The portions are huge. The Joe’ Special is killer good. 18000 Pacific Highway S., SeaTac, 206.243.9500. Also at 125 Boren Ave N., Seattle, 206.682.2513.

THE CROWN BAR

This is comfort food with an exotic bent. The menu is chock full of great late night treats. I adored the fried oysters, roasted garlic tartar and Creole slaw. The oysters are crisp, not greasy. Crown’s earthy zihua mushroom quesadilla and creamy Cougar Gold mac and cheese complement bartender Dino’s new creations. The Charmoula beef — a marinade from North Africa consisting mostly of cumin, clove, olive oil, and coriander — is out favorite item on the menu. 2705 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4177.

JAZZBONES

A bustling joint overflowing with local soul, Jazzbones serves Bayou-inspired cuisine to an urbane clientele who enjoy being bathed in live jazz, blues, rock and local art. And they have a sushi bar, too. The kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. weekdays and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169.

HAPPY DAY’S DINER

Happy Day’s Diner is a ’50s-like, easygoing diner experience. Generous portions of real-people food, friendly servers, comfy booths and tables, 45s dangling from the ceiling, a long counter, and oldies piped in. 11521 Bridgeport Way S.W., Lakewood, 253.582.1531.

TWOKOI JAPANESE CUISINE

This Japanese restaurant, housed in the historic Calton Building in downtown Tacoma, must have had a bamboo smart bomb explode inside as the floors, key walls and the bar back are covered in it. This open concept treat offers inventive sushi, sashimi, and tuna and salmon carpaccio, plus teriyaki, tonkatsu, yosenabe, salads and starters. Full bar with 40 sake varieties, sake cocktails, beer and wine. It’s open until 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. 1552 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.274.8999