May 28, 2025

Fabulous Breakfast Spots in Tacoma: Serving Smiles Every Morning

Should explore Tacoma's friendly breakfast spots where warm smiles and yummy smells welcome everyone. Enjoy pancakes that melt in your mouth or eggs cooked just right, making each morning special and full of tasty surprises!

Richard Gargan
Reviewed from:
Washington
Editor's Note: Brunch Expert is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn commissions when you click through to restaurants or affiliate links.

Start your day in Tacoma with a delicious breakfast! Enjoy tasty dishes made by skilled chefs, with cooking styles like pancakes, omelets, and waffles. The breakfast spots in Tacoma have a cozy and friendly mood, making you feel right at home.

Driphouse Coffee Co.

1901 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma

(253) 677-0202

Reviewed by:

Alberto Green

DripHouse Coffee Co. is hands down the best coffee stand in Tacoma. I've been a loyal customer for over a year and a half, visiting at least twice a week, sometimes more, even though it's a 15-minute drive from my home. If they were closer, I'd be there every day. For anyone who loves a robust, dark espresso, this place is a must-visit. Their consistency is impressive, and you can always expect a great drink. My go-to is an iced americano with flavored sweet cream cold foam—hazelnut, caramel, white chocolate, gingerbread—you name it, they have it, and it’s always delicious. The iced dirty chai is another favorite because they blend it to be perfectly cold and creamy, just the way I like it. The owner and baristas are incredibly kind and welcoming, making every visit pleasant. I've recommended DripHouse to so many people—my sister, coworkers, and friends—and they all love it too. Plus, if you're a home barista, their coffee beans are perfect for recreating the experience at home. Their lavender latte is a treat, and their iced white on white with strawberry white peach cold foam is amazing. It's conveniently located across from St. Joseph Hospital, making it an easy stop for anyone nearby. The taste of their coffee and energy drink blends surpasses larger chains like Dutch Bros and Gravity. They also have great customer service, and I appreciate that they don't overfill their iced drinks with ice, unlike many other places. Overall, DripHouse is a 10/10, and I'll definitely keep coming back.

TibbittsFernHill "Reservations Only" Calling is How to get in!!

8237 Park Ave. S, Tacoma

(253) 327-1334

Reviewed by:

Tracy Anton

This place is AMAZING. Shawn, the chef and owner, truly brings magic to food and people. I had the frittata, and the presentation felt like a masterpiece. When Shawn found out I'm from the UK and a food lover, he kindly gave me a tour of his impressive kitchen. The restaurant has such a cool vibe, cozy and unique, and the staff matches the atmosphere perfectly. I can't wait to try the French toast next time! The salmon in the salmon quiche was the best I've ever tasted. Meeting Shawn was a pleasure, and I'm already looking forward to making more reservations. The story behind the owner is inspiring, and it's incredible what he accomplishes in a small kitchen. If you're in Tacoma, this spot is a must-visit. Reservations by phone are a must for this gem. It feels like dining in Shawn's home, with every dish reflecting his style with just the right touch of spice and flair. The portions are generous, and you can taste the love in every bite. If you haven't been here, you're missing out on an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Shawn, and the wonderful team for another incredible breakfast.

Manny's Place

3814 N 26th St, Tacoma

(253) 301-4353

Reviewed by:

Tiara Oliphant

I stopped at Manny's Place in Tacoma for breakfast after seeing some great reviews, and I’m so glad I did. The staff greeted me warmly, and I snagged an awesome spot in the window nook. I couldn't resist trying their bacon Bloody Mary, and it was delicious. The person who greeted me, maybe the manager or owner, offered me a slice of French toast on the house, insisting I had to try it. They make their own homemade syrup, and wow, it was amazing! For my meal, I chose the chicken fried steak with chorizo gravy. Normally, I wouldn’t pick chorizo, but I’m so glad I did—it was also amazing. I ordered an English muffin and ended up with some kind of rye toast instead, which was a happy accident. It was thick, buttery, and full of flavor. The hash browns were crispy and perfect. Even though the wait was a bit long, the staff's friendly attitude made up for it. The lead waitress sincerely apologized for the wait, which was a nice touch. Once we ordered our drinks and breakfast entrees, the food came out in decent time. If there's one thing I’d highly recommend from the menu, it's the French toast. That caramel-like syrup was heavenly! Overall, my first experience was excellent—I'd rate it a 4 out of 5. The staff, ambiance, and overall vibe definitely won me over. The pancakes were super fluffy, and the coffee kept flowing. Manny's Place is a great spot for brunch with a nice layout and good service. I really enjoyed my time here, and I’ll definitely be back before I head back to Texas!

Kolby's Donut House

15012 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma

(253) 537-2089

Reviewed by:

Rosalind Morales

Today, I tried Kolby's Donut House for breakfast in Tacoma, and it was amazing! The variety of fresh donuts and sandwiches they offer is impressive. We decided to try the maple bar, which was incredibly soft and had a delicious maple flavor. We also got two sandwiches: the bacon, egg, sausage croissant sandwich and the bacon, egg, sausage bagel sandwich. Both were super tasty, but the bagel was our favorite. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and can’t wait to return to try different donut flavors and get more sandwiches. The service is fast and accommodating, with orders always done right. The atmosphere is pleasant, with great music and wonderful aromas. I really wish they could expand to include a seating area someday so we can enjoy hot egg sandwiches with friends and family. Even though I don't live nearby, I’ll definitely stop by again if I'm passing through. Highly recommend this spot!

Connie's Donuts & Espresso LLC

4065 Pacific Ave, Tacoma

(253) 474-5059

Reviewed by:

Tracy Rodriguez

Stopping by Connie's Donuts & Espresso LLC in Tacoma was a fantastic decision. The cream cheese strawberry danish was the best I've ever had, and the buttermilk donut was uniquely delicious. The service was excellent, and I was thrilled that a coffee and two donuts cost less than $10. If I lived nearby, I'd be a regular. I especially love the glazed donuts; they never disappoint. I always enjoy trying something new because everything is so delicious. The shop has a cute, inviting atmosphere, with some seating inside and the option to sit outside on sunny days. The donuts are fresh, and the coffee, though strong, was good. Connie is welcoming and friendly, and I appreciate that she sells her own tea, which is healthy and a great value. The shop's atmosphere is warm, homey, and cheerful, complete with plants that add a nice touch. I left feeling happier than when I arrived, thanks to the kind staff and bright environment. The only downside was a few ants, but that didn't overshadow the overall experience. It's a charming donut shop, even if they sometimes run out of donuts.

Mary Mary's Cafe

16511 Pacific Ave S, Spanaway

(253) 537-4039

Reviewed by:

Cuto Mccabe

Walking into Mary Mary's Cafe feels like stepping into your favorite mom-and-pop spot, with friendly faces and regulars all around. The staff is always quick to take your order and serve it up. I've only done takeout so far, but the standout for me has been the breakfast potatoes with onions – they were so good I went back for more! Their chocolate cake is a repeat favorite, too. My experience with the meat lovers omelet was top-notch, packed with veggies and cooked just right. The home fries with country gravy were tasty, though they could have used a bit more time on the grill. The English muffin was exactly how it should be, with just the right amount of butter. Service is generally good; the staff is attentive and welcoming, making sure everyone is taken care of. An honest mistake happened when my waitress accidentally threw out my omelet when I went to pay, but she was genuinely apologetic. It just shows they're human, and I appreciated her concern. The cafe has a cozy, homey atmosphere, and while the decor is an eclectic mix of winter sports and old holiday items, it adds to the charm. The building could use some sprucing up, especially the bathrooms, but the cleanliness and care taken are evident. Overall, Mary Mary's Cafe is a solid spot for breakfast, with good food and kind staff. Despite some minor hiccups, I'll definitely be back to enjoy more of their comfort food.

Alfred's Cafe

402 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma

(253) 627-5491

Reviewed by:

Eyad Sanchez

Stopped for a late breakfast at Alfred's Cafe in Tacoma for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by the delicious omelette and eggs Benedict, both done California style. The portions were large, true diner size, and the prices were fair, ensuring that we'll definitely return on our next visit to Tacoma. The cafe is larger inside than it looks from the outside, which was a nice surprise. We really enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly staff. Stopped here for breakfast on my way to Port Angeles, and the food was just amazing. The pancakes were particularly impressive, with big, real blueberries—not the kind you get in store-bought mixes. Although the waitress seemed a little rushed due to the morning crowd, she was otherwise very kind. The prices seemed a bit on the high side to me, but the quality and portion sizes made it worth it. The bar area had a welcoming, Cheers-like feeling with plenty of seating and great service. Overall, a fantastic spot for breakfast that I would definitely recommend. Great food with big portions!

Marcia's Silver Spoon Cafe

2601 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma

(253) 472-0157

Reviewed by:

Sharin Dumlao

We stopped in at Marcia's Silver Spoon Cafe for breakfast on a Saturday morning around 10 a.m., and to my surprise, we only had to wait about 15 minutes. The dining room is on the smaller side, but it has a cozy feel, and the atmosphere was very friendly. The food was excellent and, in my opinion, worth the brief wait. I had heard a lot about this place from my co-workers at TPU, who often come here for breakfast. While I'm not usually a big breakfast fan, I do appreciate a quality, hearty meal, which is exactly what they're known for. When we walked in, we just missed the big crowd, so we were seated right away. It's definitely an old-school greasy spoon kind of place, which often turns out to be the best. Service was great; we got our menus and orders in quickly, and our waitress, who was new, was attentive. I decided to try the "Stuffed Waffle" since people rave about it, and I also ordered a side of sausage. My girlfriend ordered a breakfast platter with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a muffin, along with two small orange juices. The stuffed waffle was a bit too sweet for my taste, as the cream cheese filling was overwhelming and made the waffle soggy. It may not be for everyone, but I can see why it has fans. My girlfriend enjoyed her meal and said it was good, perhaps a step up from something like IHOP. The orange juice wasn't freshly squeezed, so it was just okay. The price was a bit on the higher side for what we got, but overall, we had a positive experience. Despite a few minor points, the service was impeccable, and we enjoyed our breakfast. If you're in the mood for a classic breakfast spot with friendly service, Marcia's Silver Spoon Cafe is worth a visit.

Black Bear Diner Lakewood

10115 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood

(253) 267-0238

Reviewed by:

Ethan Thakore

This morning, we had an amazing breakfast at Black Bear Diner in Lakewood. Celina, our server, was incredibly sweet and efficient, making our experience even more enjoyable. The staff, including the cashiers at the front, were all very friendly and talkative, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. The food was delicious and well-seasoned. I had the lighter side green beans, potato, and chicken fried steak, which was fantastic. My husband enjoyed the Friday special, and our little boy was thrilled with his kids' chicken nuggets, especially with the ice cream at the end. Our kids, aged 1 and 3, had a great time playing eye spy with all the bears around the diner. This spot is a great breakfast destination with a homey atmosphere and a wide variety of delicious food options. The servers are always attentive and nice, making each visit a pleasure. The orange juice is a must-try! Overall, we loved our visit and can't wait to return.

Waffle Stop

2710 N Proctor St, Tacoma

(253) 237-7476

Reviewed by:

Marc Foege

I visited Waffle Stop in Tacoma for breakfast with my daughter on a Friday morning, and overall, it was a delightful experience. The check-in process was super quick, with no wait time, and we got our table right away. While the service was a bit slow, likely due to a high volume of DoorDash orders, our waitress was multitasking like a pro. The highlight of our visit was definitely the food. I had the bacon and cookie butter waffles, and the mix of sweet and salty flavors was absolutely delicious. The bacon was perfectly balanced with the pearl sugar. My daughter opted for the Nutella strawberry banana waffle with a side of Nashville Fried Chicken, both of which were excellent. The fried chicken was perfectly fried and seasoned. And let me not forget the fresh, cold orange juice—it was a refreshing plus! On Saturday morning, we came back and were seated immediately. Our server, Lynnea, provided great service—she was friendly and attentive. The portions were generous and the food remained consistently delicious. I appreciate that they seem to shop locally, which makes me even happier to support the business. We stumbled upon Waffle Stop while visiting the farmers market and decided to try it out after reading some positive reviews. Despite a minor hiccup with seating on one occasion, the flavorful food and warm service largely made up for it. I would definitely recommend stopping in for breakfast; the waffles are worth every bite!

The Original Pancake House

601 S Pine St, Tacoma

(253) 212-0580

Reviewed by:

Lizzi Cordero

I had an absolutely fantastic breakfast experience at The Original Pancake House in Tacoma. From the moment we walked in, the service was top-notch. Our server, Jorge, was incredibly friendly, quick, and efficient—truly some of the best service I've experienced. The food was unbelievably fantastic. It doesn't matter what you choose from the menu, everything is delicious. We tried the Apple pancake, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, and I can't recommend the bacon enough. A friend suggested we try this place, and it was an excellent decision. Jorge was fantastic—knowledgeable and always with a great attitude. I requested to have my pancakes brought at the end of the meal, and there was no problem at all. Everything was really tasty. The bacon and orange juice were the best we've ever had, and the pancakes were delightful. While the corn beef hash and gravy were just okay, everything else was stellar. This place isn't open for dinner, but if you're looking for breakfast in Tacoma, it's a must-visit. It's a gem where everything tastes amazing, and the staff is so friendly. Definitely a great spot for a big breakfast, and I highly recommend it!

Elmer's Restaurant (Tacoma, WA)

7427 S Hosmer St, Tacoma

(253) 473-0855

Reviewed by:

Tay Jackson

We came here hungry and left happy and full! Elmer's Restaurant in Tacoma is fantastic for breakfast. From the moment we sat down, everything was just right. The coffee was great, and my kid thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate milk. My wife ordered the German pancakes with a double order of hash browns, which we all shared. The hash browns were cooked to perfection, and the German pancakes were outstanding—just a squeeze of lemon was all they needed. My son got the cub pancake, which was not only cute but also delicious with chocolate chip ears, strawberry nose, whipped cream, and cream cheese icing for the mouth. I went for the Dungeness crab Benedict with hash browns. The eggs were poached perfectly, and the yolk was just the right consistency. The server was friendly and attentive, always keeping our coffee cups full. We’ll definitely be back for more and might even try lunch or dinner next time. I highly recommend this place. Thank you, Elmer's! The clean environment and the thoughtful kids' meals, complete with superhero masks and triangle crayons, made it even more enjoyable. While there was a moment of waiting for a kid's meal to cool down, overall, the service was excellent. A great experience for the entire family.

Biscuit House

9702 S Tacoma Way #102, Tacoma

(253) 301-3689

Reviewed by:

Ryan Varela

I had a fantastic breakfast experience at Biscuit House in Tacoma. The portions were huge and the food was deliciously well-prepared. While the biscuit wasn't the highlight for me, being a bit flavorless and dry, everything else more than made up for it. The bacon was outstanding, and despite the meal being a bit pricey, it felt justifiable given the quality and quantity. The cleanliness of the place was impressive; it was practically sparkling, including the restroom, which made the dining experience even better. The staff was friendly, and I appreciated the convenience of ordering and paying before being seated. Parking could be improved, but that's a minor inconvenience considering the overall experience. The biscuits and gravy were fluffy, buttery, and flavorful, with perfectly cooked sausages. I managed to finish most of my plate in no time. The crispy hash browns and perfectly done eggs added to the impressive meal. The bacon was a thicker cut and cooked to perfection, unlike the usual cheap versions at other places. This place will definitely become a regular stop for me, and it should be for anyone looking for a satisfying breakfast. You won't be disappointed!

Cutters Point Coffee

5104 6th Ave suite 100, Tacoma

(253) 761-3113

Reviewed by:

Jenneh Caudill

Cutters Point Coffee in Tacoma offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, perfect for a casual breakfast or meeting. The staff are always pleasant and take great care in maintaining a clean environment. While my coffee experiences have varied, when they get it right, it's genuinely enjoyable, especially the Cutters Point Original blend, which stands out as an excellent cup of coffee. The vanilla bean smoothie can be a bit inconsistent, but when it's good, it’s a treat. The sausage burrito, once it cools down, is delicious. Prices are on the higher side, but the overall experience, especially the great WiFi and atmosphere, makes it worth another visit. Regular customers tend to get a warmer reception, which adds to the charm of the place.

Cutters Point Coffee Co.

2209 N Pearl St #104, Tacoma

(253) 759-9320

Reviewed by:

Oliver Pitcher

Cutters Point Coffee Co. in Tacoma turned out to be a pleasant spot for a quick stop with the family after our zoo visit. We went there specifically for a caffeine boost for the drive home. Although the menu promised drip coffee served fresh all day, there was a bit of a hiccup with that option not being available. The barista offered an americano instead, but that's just not my thing. One aspect that concerned me was seeing only one barista managing the drive-thru, which seemed like a lot to handle for one person. It's not just about service efficiency but also the well-being of the staff. However, when I ordered a triple shot caramel latte, it tasted a bit more like caramel milk without enough coffee kick. I went back to add an extra shot, which helped slightly, but it still wasn't as strong as I'd hoped. On a positive note, the atmosphere inside is welcoming with clean and cozy seating areas. The fireside chairs really provide a nice spot for unwinding. If they could consistently serve hot, fresh drip coffee and ensure their staff aren't stretched too thin, I'd be eager to visit more often.

Wide Awake Cafe & Espresso

1011 Center St, Tacoma

(253) 503-0863

Reviewed by:

Angela Stewart

I stopped by Wide Awake Cafe & Espresso in Tacoma for breakfast, and I can't say enough good things about it. The staff truly stood out with their friendliness and skill, making one of the best cups of coffee I've had in a while. The food was excellent, especially the brisket sandwich, which was absolutely amazing. If you're in the area, I highly recommend stopping by. On my way to work today, I decided to take a different route and swung by for something small. I've only been here a couple of times since moving to Tacoma, but each visit leaves me feeling wonderful. This morning, I went through the drive-thru and was greeted by two lovely ladies who were just delightful and really brightened my day. After a rough night, their simple engagement lifted my spirits and turned my whole outlook around. Working in hospitality, I know good customer service when I see it, and they were top-notch. A simple conversation can truly make a difference, and I'm grateful for their kindness. Normally, I don't write reviews, but this place was exceptional. My partner and I, having just moved to Tacoma and lacking a coffee maker, decided to treat ourselves here, and we were not disappointed. The staff was incredibly friendly, offering great recommendations. Their rotating flavored whipped creams are a must-try. My partner went with pistachio, and I chose chocolate—both were fantastic. The coffee and breakfast were delicious, and I can't fathom how anyone would rate this place anything but excellent. We even tried the brown sugar lattes with pistachio and dark chocolate whipped cream, along with a fiesta burrito and breakfast bowl. It's a perfect PNW coffee drive-thru that offers more than just your typical grab-and-go options. I'm so excited to make Wide Awake a regular stop. Can't wait for our next visit!

Grit City Breakfast Bar and Grill

3829 6th Ave, Tacoma

(253) 533-3840

Reviewed by:

Marshall Sanchez

I had a fantastic experience at Grit City Breakfast Bar and Grill for breakfast in Tacoma. The Burrito Bowl, especially the Bacon & Avocado one, was packed with flavor! If I'm ever back in Tacoma, I'll definitely stop by again. Our server was amazing, handling our big group with ease. I took my mom and 10 kids for breakfast and, after calling ahead, they had everything ready for us within 15-20 minutes. The server was laid-back and efficient, managing everyone's orders flawlessly, even with kids changing their minds and adding drinks. They were great with food allergies too, and the food arrived quickly. We also took a La Vida Burrito home for my husband, who missed out on dining with our lively group, and it was probably the best item we ordered. The pancakes, chicken-fried steak, and bacon were all excellent—our kids kept ordering more sides of bacon, and it added up to about eight sides in total! Despite potential chaos, the staff managed everything incredibly well. The first time I visited, it was awesome, and given how close it is, I know I'll be back. The staff is really friendly, and the food is consistently excellent, especially the enormous breakfast burritos I often order to-go. While I haven't dined in, the place looks well-maintained and has some cool decor. Overall, a great spot for breakfast!

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