Seafood

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From the ocean to a South Sound restaurant
by Jake and Jason de Paul
Jan 18, 2007

THE CLIFF HOUSE

Nice selection of seafood, steaks and pastas. Basic four-star fare with creative touches. Awesome view of Tacoma and Mt. Rainier. Casual bistro downstairs. 6300 Marine View Drive, Northeast Tacoma, 253.927.0400.

DOCKSIDE BISTRO & WINE BAR

Rain or shine, views of the Puget Sound and boats lift the spirits, and with an interesting wine list, the Dockside is all about spirits. I also enjoyed the intimate room with dark woods and large, expansive windows. Are spirits are high with knock out dishes such as butternut squash ravioli with boulder-size chunks of Wynoochee River blue cheese, curried sea scallops, and blackened salmon sandwich. The staff is as knowledgeable as anyone can be about 70-plus types of wine, and eager to turn you on to something new. 501 Columbia St. N.W., Olympia, 360.956.1928

DUKE’S CHOWDER HOUSE

This Duke’s mirrors the Seattle version with blue and white checkerboard colors, heavy on the nautical motif, but this one offers large windows and an awesome deck overlooking the bay. Simple menu split between burgers, salads, some Tex-Mex, a few fish selections and, of course, the must-try chowder. 3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.5444.

THE FISH HOUSE

Choices range from fried chicken combinations to fish and all the fixings. The fish and chips come in a to-go “boat” that is nowhere near big enough to handle the amount of fish that is served. 1814 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.383.7144.

HARBOR LIGHTS

A Tacoma institution with huge, seafood entrees and lethal, we mean lethal, drinks in the lounge. The view of Commencement Bay is spectacular. 2761 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.8600.

THE OYSTER HOUSE

Ordering at the Oyster House is a blessing and a curse. The menu offers so many tempting choices that the Weekly Volcano’s foodies often become paralyzed with indecision. A safe bet is the Oyster House Feast, which features one lobster tail, oysters Rockefeller, broiled prawns, snow crab legs, clams, salmon, and halibut. 320 Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.753.7000.

PACIFIC GRILL

When you’re in the mood to dine with distinction, there’s no better place than the Pacific Grill. Menu leans toward the expensive side, but the experience is worth it during those moments when kitchen, floor and wine staff hit on all cylinders together. Steaks, chops and seafood rule. Creative gourmet treats such as meat candy and stuffed tater tots bump their happy hour to new levels. Stellar wine list. 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 253.627.3535.

LINK: PG's lobster spaghetti on Spew.

SEA GRILL

Lunch features open-faced Dungeness crab melt sandwiches, ling cod and chips and Mediterranean grilled sirloin, as well as seasonal favorites like Yukon salmon and Maine lobster. But the menu also features fresh daily seafood specials created by Chef Brandsey. The Mahi Mahi special spoke volumes to us. 1498 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.5656, www.the-seagrill.com.

WOODY’S ON THE WATER

Nautical meets hip with a view of the Museum of Glass and marinas and the game in the middle, open bar. The sampler platter arrives with Woody’s three tastiest appetizers — hot smoked salmon with dill crème fraiche and capers; ultra crispy coconut prawns topped with a wasabi orange glace; and crab cakes with a kick to them. The King Salmon with a terragon red bell pepper coulis and white balsamic reduction on garlic chive potatoes tastes even better than it sounds. The rib eye arrived just as ordered — medium rare with a blue cheese sauce to die for. 1715 Dock St. E., Tacoma, 253.272.1433.