This is an update to an old review! We had a terrible experience last time we came. I wrote a review and was contacted within a couple days. They were super apologetic and sent me a gift card to make up for the poor experience. We came back and everything was amazing! Food and service was great!! Will deff come back again. read more

Food was pretty awful. My halibut was bland and dry. My wife felt grossed out by her dinner; said it tasted like old cooking oil (she had the prawns). The amount of food was hardly enough to satisfy a red blooded American like myself. Desert menu was lacking and what seafood restaurant doesn't serve oysters on the half shell? I regret going there and spending a hard earned $170. Too bad because they have a great view. Well, I just wanted to add after we got home, my wife is now throwing up. She is up to two trips to the bathroom. She felt fine before dinner and now she is sick. I can't say for certain her dinner at this restaurant was the cause, but I can say that it is probable given she hadn't eaten anything else that day. read more

Waterfront restaurant that serves seafood. Though the place has a bit of a "dive" feel to it, the service is prompt, food is good, and reasonably priced for a waterfront place. I've had the seafood mac and cheese here (delicious) as well as the oyster poor boy. Husband LOVES the bloody mary they make there. read more

Who in their right mind places a bunch of "from a box" frozen ass shrimp on their appetizer menu? I ordered the shrimp scatter app and this total crap showed up on my plate. This is supposed to be a high end place and they dump this 50 cent a pound garbage on my plate? I only give this "has been" place 2 stars because the steak I had was OK. Although I think they are using MEAT GLUE to bind it all together. Do yourself a favor folks... Write this place off. Cramped and a SKIPPERS quality. read more

I love this restaurant for so many reasons: the location, the vibe, the food of course. I could eat a gallon of their coleslaw. My husband had lunch there to day and I ordered a bowl of chowder and a side of slaw. Slaw didn't disappoint but I am wondering if the chowder recipe has changed. It was definitely not up to the standards of the past. It seemed completely different. It was bad it just wasn't what I had expected. The broth was runny and there were too many potatoes and not enough clams. We will go back, of course. The service is first rate and so is the food. The chowder today was a surprise. read more

The food was decent and the pasta was enough to have another whole meal for lunch the next day. I was not a fan of the Nectar Clam Chowder, when I think Chowder I always think of a thicker time of soup not broth reminiscent of dishwater. Our server over charged me for my bill; however, when I called and spoke to the General Manager about the situation he was extremely friendly, helpful, and apologetic. It made me more at ease with the situation and I appreciated it. Overall with the remodel, the food, and the customer service I will definitely visit Harbor Lights again. read more

This place is a must for any seafood lover visiting the Seattle-Tacoma area! Very friendly and inviting wait-staff and excellent food cooked to perfection. read more

Not a bad place! Came tonight for a belated Valentine's dinner date. Evening was chilly and waves were crashing against the walls. We entered and asked for a window seat. When we sat down it was only a couple of minutes, but we received a bread basket? It was filled with Keebler bread sticks and one loaf that looked house made with a slice of butter and a sprig of rosemary on top. We decided to the Sunday Night Surf and Turf deal with steak and Dungeness crab on top of the steak. Mister chose mashed potatoes and I chose rice pilaf. We waited for a little bit while listening to a very loud date behind us, but when the food came it was a nice surprise. I will have to say the steak was cool well and I think if ever we come back I won't go with the rice pilaf, maybe a side salad or even mashed potatoes. Decided with a white wine and a pale ale to compliment the meal. Ended with a white chocolate raspberry mason jar pie. Thankful for a pleasant evening. read more

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We met my boyfriend's Mom and Step-Dad here for nostalgia reasons (they used to go here when he was a kid) and afterwards I nicely asked him that we not go again. :) The decor felt well out dated and old and food was mediocre at best which was disappointing for the price tag. Our bill for 5 of us was over $200. Not hard to do, but just was about double of what I'd expect to pay for the quality of food and service that we received. I had a white fish with pilaf and green beans and all of it was over cooked and the wine options were few and far between. Overall, I was expecting higher quality since it is affiliated with Anthony's which is middle of the road in my opinion, but this fell short in my opinion to even Anthony's standards. read more

If I could give this place a negative star I would. My partner and I went to get a couple drinks out on their little side patio around 230. After being sat we informed our server that we were just in for some drinks. We were then told that "this is a dining establishment only". And that "she could probably get us a round but we would have to close out and promptly leave". It was made clear that they assumed we wouldn't be spending 40 + dollars on an over cooked steak and our 'assumed' business wasn't enough for them. read more

Came here for a drink and some shrimp. I got a shrimp cocktail and it was baby shrimp? The cocktail was mostly a coleslaw type mix with the cocktail sauce being mostly ketchup and weak. My long island ice tea was good though and came in a decent size "tiki" looking glass. Overall not impressed and when when I randomly struck a conversation with the people next to me they said they had the salmon the other day and greatly disliked it and asked for a manager. They got a discount on their meal, they said. Update: To the reply- I Appreciate the offer, I don't want a yelper's special lol, but the consistency to please the customer deserves a star bump and I'll prob go back for another Long Island when I head back to Tacoma this month read more

Ok, so I can't speak for much of the menu because all we ever order are the crab legs lol. They are $$$$$, but you get a decent pile of shelled perfectly formed leg pieces along with a salad or chowder and baked potato with all the fixings. It is our family go to place for birthdays. Great views from the waterfront too! read more

We love going here for date night or special occasions. This is not a very friendly kid (14 and under) place as the entire restaurant is rather quite. The drinks are super strong which is a nice change. If you have their calamari you will turn you nose up at any other calamari that you are served. Their steaks lack in taste but their seafood is truly amazing. The last time we were there my Husband had the crab legs and I had Ocean prawns. Both were very good and not over cooked. Make sure to try the turtle pie or the apple dessert before leaving. They are both amazing. read more

This is a small yummy little hidden spot on the waterfront! Be sure to order the Copper river King salmon! Delish! @ $37.00 read more

We had reservations for 5:45 for our 11th Anniversary. Nothing special We arrived about 1/2 hour early. We asked to be seated next to a window. We were ushered to the center of the room table very disappointing. I would have waited ! Staff was very friendly. We ordered the muscles they were delicious. I had the special , beef tenderloin with crab on top. Steak was supposed to be med-rare but was well done. I'm not the type to send food back and have my husbands food get cold while I wait. Dinner potions were okay. Won't be back dated decor and cramped atmosphere. read more

Went to Harbor Lights for a late lunch on Aug 7 about 3 in afternoon. I called while in route to ask if there was outside seating available. She sid lots of outside. I said great we will be there in 10 min. Get there and was told no seating available outside. We said let's go somewhere else. All of a sudden we got sat in the most coldest and windy seat. In fact we learned from 2 other customers that's were they were sat and moved like we did. We sat for at least 10 to 15 min no service, before noticing a gentleman leaving a table that would work for us. Just as soon as we approached that table 2 servers instantly came out to tell us we had no business moving to that table. A busser soon came out to buss the table. Server slaps down a menu and starts scolding us. We politely said we don't want to bother you, we will go someplace else. She picked up our menu and tore it up in our faces. I grew up in the north end of Tacoma. Have enjoyed this this restaurant for many years. I also worked in this business for 20 years. You never ever treat any customer as we were treated! We are never going back! I'm writing this because if I was a restaurant owner or manager, I would want to know what is happening in my business! Good news, we ended up at Anthony's at Point Defiance. Had a fabulous seat on deck, had a fabulous server (Ben) and left a fabulous tip. read more

Everything is good here, you have to try the clam chowder nectar. It's clam chowder without the cream and oh so good. We had the sautéed crab legs for appetizers, $50 for a decent sized plate of these beauties. I had the ocean prawns and a baked potato and that was delicious. Are sever, who's name I did not get, was way attentive for our group of seven. If you can go there you will enjoy it. read more

My in laws were visiting from out of state and my wife and I wanted to take them to dinner on a Friday night. We had 6 pm reservations with our infant twins and so loved how welcoming the staff was to us. They had the right set up for us and were really friendly. The food was good. I had the trout and would recommend it. The baked potato was a little dry and had too much garlic. But it was real food which is a rare thing for the sleep deprived dad of twins. All and all an enjoyable 4 stars. read more

We had a party of six Service was great Food was great. Every one had something different Everyone really liked there food There is a special before 5 that we ordered from Would I go there again YES read more

Service was terrible. Our waitress tossed the bread basket on the table, didn't make eye contact, and mixed up our orders. She was quite inefficient and rarely checked back in on us.The tortilla chips that came with my fish tacos were stale, and the fish was rubbery. I won't be returning. read more

Really good food. Not the fanciest of places, but I prefer good simple cooking and seafood and this place has been excellent on both of my visits read more

Harbor Lights - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Love the meals I had ordered for pick up the best lobster and stk and scampi dinner with a bottle of wine these times are ruff but getting good service is so special from the Thompson's Friday night read more

Unfortunately, a family staple in our household will be coming to an end. Sadly, for my birthday dinner Harbor Lights significantly missed the mark. I have been coming to Harbor Lights for the past 20 years and have never been let down until tonight. Our server was cold, uninviting, and dismissive of any potential question brought forth by our party. She hardly came by to check on us let alone engage with our table. The food was simply mediocre for the price. Needless to say because of our server, the food, and experience this will be my last time giving my business to Harbor Lights. Thanks for the prior memories--they were much better! read more

Went here on a whim and loved it. They were so nice and reasonably priced. We lucked out and got lunch and show, a pod of porpoises swam by. The service was great even though it was a little busy. Our waitress was amazing making sure our 15 month old was happy and set. We will be going back and highly recommend it. read more

Harbor Lights - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Love Harbor Lights! My wife and I went to dinner last Saturday night! The food was great as always!! But the service was EXCELLENT!!! Tracy was just incredible!!! Attention Management: Clone her!! We will always ask for her to be our server!!! Thank you Tracy for doing a perfect job!!! read more

Food was good , service was ok , but the view was great !!! A little overpriced, but the special, surf and turf was worth it .

The only reason I'm giving 3 stars is because I saw the bartender pulling out cherries and other things out of the jars with his bare hands Last time we sat in the bar the service was horrible, the same bartender had hickys all over his neck, barely can back to check on us. Today we sat in the restaurant and the service was fantastic and our waitress was so friendly. read more

Horrible customer service!! The hostess was very rude, We asked for a table outside, she said we couldnt have the table because the waiter was too busy, 5 minutes later she sat a couple down. I told her we wanted to sit at the patio so we could keep an eye at our dogs in the car, she kept saying the restaurant doesn't allow dogs inside and I kept repeating that the dogs were in the car, finally I told her if she let me finish my sentence she would understand that I wasn't asking to bring the dogs in. We waited for about 15 minutes to get our drink order, when we complained the waitress offered to get us an appetizer on the house, the food was VERY mediocre, I could cook the fish better at home. We asked for more bread, we never got it. The bill came and they charged us for the appetizer. The only good experience was the waitress - TRACY - she was very attentive. I would NOT recommend that place and We will never go back! First and last time at Harbor Lights. read more

Christina is the best. Great drinks food and view. Service impeccable. Tessa is also on her game at all times. Dave behind the bar is always serving killer hard licks. read more

The service was bad. Our server questioned me about my choice of cod for me and halibut for my wife and was critical of my judgement. As it turned out she was right the cod was a mistake. It was cut very thin and covered in bread crumbs almost burnt the fish was crucified. I think our server told the cook to work up a number 10 on me. This said my wife's halibut was very good. We will not visit Harbor Lights. There two many better restaurants close by. Nigel read more

Tried to have dinner here last night. Website says they are open until 9:30. I called at 9 to ask if we got there soon, could we still get dinner. I was told sure, as long as we got there before 9:30. We arrived at 9:10, and were greeted with cold stares. I explained that I had called, and been given the ok, but they suggested we leave. We walked next door to the RAM Restaurant and Brewery, and ended up having one of the best dinners of our 5 day stay in Tacoma. I walk painfully with a cane, so this was no mean feat. But RAM was worth it! Half way through our wonderful dinner on the outdoor patio at RAM, overlooking the mountains and the harbor in the last of the twilight, the manager of Harbor Lights tracked me down by cell phone. She apologized, and offered me a gift certificate. Nice gesture, but it doesn't excuse rudeness. We're going home tomorrow. Don't need a gift certificate to a restaurant that thinks so little of its customers. Next time we're in Tacoma, we will definitely be looking forward to the best fish and chips, and grilled salmon, at the RAM Restaurant and Brewery. read more

It has been over 20 years since I have eaten at this restaurant. Three of us decided to try the early bird menu. Arriving first, I was immedately seated, and informed the waitress that there would be two more joining me. Ordered a White Russian. Very good. Ordered the fish and chips off the early bird menu. The salad was good, the fish was excellent. I'm not a big seafood eater, but would order the fish and chips again. I did enjoy having a dessert with coffee. I did notice that they had several seasonal drinks well into the dinner. I am not a fan of notices on the table. I think that the servers etc need to inform the guests what is special. This is a big complaint that I have. I did try the seasonal drink..."Ruby Drop"....OMG.....I fell in love with this drink. The service is in the middle.....not great, not horrible. I think that they do need to work on this. Yes, I would return. read more

Two stars only because our server was really outstanding. The food = zero stars. Everything tasted like crappy buffet food. Clam chowder was indescribably salty. Fish and chips was extremely overcooked, to the point where the batter had a burnt taste and it tasted of old oil. The blackened rockfish special was just about the worst piece of fish I've ever had. How do you make blackened anything taste bland? Ask their chef. My last two bites of this overpriced piece of rockfish were so funky and fishy that my mouth involuntarily spit them out. Overall a terrible meal at obscene prices. With tip over $100 and we left hungry. Never again. read more

I'd like to update my review to 4 stars based solely on the thoughtful response from Harbor's management. I thought I had posted this update but seems not to have happened- my apologies to Harbor Lights. Shortly after my initial review, their management contacted me about our experience there. I was very impressed by their immediate desire to make amends. I look forward to visiting Harbor Lights the next time we're in town. Ok this is a very mixed review. We returned to the Tacoma area a couple of weeks ago for our periodic visit after having moved away. We always enjoyed stopping in at the HarborLights while in town. First, let me say the service was very nice. I appreciated the attentive and accommodating wait staff. But overall the food was pretty mediocre for the price compared to past years. I was underwhelmed after we tasted the copper river salmon and fresh prawns. Basically, the dishes were just overcooked (including the veggies). I ate part of mine and left the rest (my husband was starving and so he finished his meal -- but I did taste the salmon, so I can attest to the cooking). The Harbor kindly removed my entire meal from the bill-- thank you. I would like to give them another try someday and chalk it up to something amiss in the kitchen, but a number of reviews here seem to indicate a trend... read more

The scenery is beautiful and the service was friendly, but the food was terrible and the building is run-down and dated. We won't be back. It's too much to pay for less than mediocre food. read more

Our lunch was very good. We took our daughter-in-law and 8 year old granddaughter. Our granddaughter is a picky eater so we were grateful for a super nice server who took the time to listen and accommodate her. I ordered the crab Louie which was delicious with large pieces of crab. The 1000 island dressing was freshly made at the restaurant and complemented the salad nicely. The only downside to our meal was the price which was high (my salad cost $36) and the noise from a large group seated near us. read more

Great place. We apparently went at just the right time as we got a table with water view. We shared the Captains Platter and it was delicious. Great Old Fashioned from the bartender too. We will be back. read more

I've lived in Ruston for the last 5 years. Decided to finally give Harbor Lights a try (Dukes is my go to for seafood). Sadly very disappointed. Ordered the calamari and it came out cold and barley fried. I ordered the crab toast. Very little crab mostly mayo. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips. The fish looked like it came out of a frozen food section at the grocery store. I guess we'll stick to Dukes. read more

Fantastic early dinner this afternoon, great ciopino with grilled garlic bread, ceaser salad dressing consistently one of the best in town, leans to the lemon side and tastes refreshing. Love this place read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE the halibut and chips. This is a spectacular little place right on the water to sit and enjoy a meal and maybe see the parasailing in the bay. Prices are decent (the halibut is expensive because it's an expensive fish). My favorite drink anywhere is a strawberry lemonade and Harbor Lights definitely exceeded my expectations. read more