Red Elm Cafe

After trying several of their baked goods at local coffeeshops in Tacoma area, I discovered an…read moreopportunity from social media that they were having a pop up at their own brick and mortar baking kitchen, with collab with local coffee, Civic Roasters, a few months back. I know they do not have regular open hours for just walk in purchase, but rather, they're custom order type business, but I have yet to place any custom orders so I cannot speak to that experience. What made me write this review is how accurate the owner (Brianne) described cake and desserts in the description and the baked goods taste matched 200% of the description. The pistachio cake was out of the world, so was the whoopie pie!!! I got to meet Brianne in person and she was very friendly, and was kind to explain everything about each of her baked goods she had out that day. I've tried their baked goods from pop tarts to cookies to housemade Twinkie and the creation and taste are unmatched. Single serve baked goods were more on pricier side, but well worth every bite. I would definitely order custom baked goods from here, knowing the quality and taste of products from this shop!!! Currently, you can find Spilled Butter baked goods at Cosmonaut coffee, Outer Dark Coffee, and at Tacoma Farmers Market (also known as Tacoma Broadway Farmers Market) from time to time. Enjoy!!!

Amazingly light and flavorful bakes, it's very exciting when you do pop-up sales in your Oakland…read morelocation.

Raspberry moon pie with raspberry marshmallow center!

Spilled Butter Desserts - Civic Coffee Roasters pop up at Spilled Butter bakery's kitchen! They're opening their coffee shop in Downtown Tacoma soon!

Civic Coffee Roasters pop up at Spilled Butter bakery's kitchen! They're opening their coffee shop in Downtown Tacoma soon!

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Pour over by Civic Coffee Roasters. Excellent.

Bon Bon Bakery

4.5(76 reviews)

5.5 mi

Absolutely blown away by Bon Bon Bakery. Their cakes are next-level -- not only stunning to look…read moreat, but genuinely some of the best-tasting desserts I've ever had. Every detail is thoughtfully done, from the clean, elegant design to the perfectly balanced flavors (not overly sweet, just right). You can tell they care about quality and service -- the texture, the freshness, the flavor combinations... everything hits. It's rare to find a bakery that nails both aesthetics and taste this well. If you're looking for a cake that feels special, elevated, and actually delivers on flavor, this is the place. Family owned and operated! I'll be coming back every time I need something beautiful and delicious.

Five stars for the twisted donuts alone! These are easily my favorite, and I actually plan my…read moreshopping trip around a stop at Bon Bon. Everything here is delicious and unique, making it a great spot for gifts (and their display cakes are stunning). It's a very quiet, calm atmosphere which might feel a bit awkward at first, but you have to push past that because the food is worth it. I first discovered them through Boo Han, and I'm so glad I did. Do yourself a favor and check them out!

1/17/26

Come early for fresh baked goodness!

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1/17/26

Medzo Gelato Bar

4.8(132 reviews)

0.5 mi

I have to give an update on Medzo Gelato Bar. It's still five stars all of the way. At this point I…read morehave been here various different times and tried a number of their flavors. Still one of my favorite flavor combinations from here is the chocolate (I think specifically it's Chocolate Hazelnut) and the coffee flavor in a single size. Really anything you get here is going to be amazing but I am just basing that on personal preference alone. The owners are always really nice. As to be expected it can get busy in the summer so we swing by here on cooler days and not blazing hot ones.

Service was super good. Server really cares about his customers!…read more Cute decor. A long long line! Such a busy place. Loved the atmosphere as a community too! I was not too impressed by Gelato tho. Maybe just me.

Coffee and pistachio

Coffee & Hazelnut Gelato on waffle cone. Delish!! $5.75 5/29/24

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Large: berry mix, pineapple and hazelnut

Side Piece Kitchen

4.6(237 reviews)

2.8 mi

My sister and I had a great time here. It's in a little gas station strip mall parking lot area…read more There's no big signs. Let's say what it is until you get to the restaurant. Once you walk in, it's like a step back in time where you get a bunch of 60s and 70s memorabilia that was just fun We got greeted by the person who was running the cashier and really set the tone for the visit, which was very friendly on a lot of fun We told him that we never been there before and he explained the whole menu and said that they're really good at cheesecake and breakfast items We had to order our food and then find out where we wanted to sit. The chairs were like old school chairs from like the early 80s, which was kind of cool to sit in. They called your name over an intercom, which means you have to come up to the register to pick up your food. I ordered a bloody Mary as you can see by the pictures and it was absolutely phenomenal spicy and picklely all the same time I highly recommend this place. We even took cheesecakes to go home later on with which we've already tried and they were absolutely phenomenal. The biscuits/muffins are very fluffy and they are probably some of the best in Washington state

4.5 The service was stellar. I love when places are patient…read moreand give suggestions. I liked that you could customize if you want. Biscuit was delicious and the raspberry jam was fire. The place is a super fun atmosphere when we went. Coffee was small but you could get refills. Just a little inconvenient to keep going up for it. The only thing I would like to see is a traditional breakfast sandwich if you aren't feeling the extra stuff. Solid solid breakfast!!!!

Interior

Eggs Benedict with Crab Cake & Avocado

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Avocado toast

Mauritius Tea

4.6(95 reviews)

4.5 mi

We ordered the mango bingsoo which was delicious, I would come back just for that alone!…read more I also ordered a taro smoothie which is the best I've ever had. Friendly workers and nice environment, I will definitely be back!

I specifically went here for the bingsoo and their machine was down so that was disappointing. Got…read morethe ube strawberry milk, it was good. The seating area is so small, and it was so loud. Definitely not a cute lil cafe to do your work. They do have a drive thru. And the owners were nice and asked us if we needed wifi. If you're nearby, it might be worth picking something up. But idk if it's worth going out of my way for it.

Strawberry Bingsoo Highly recommended

Inside

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Blueberry Bingsoo

One Day Cafe

4.5(158 reviews)

5.8 mi

My wife and I come here pretty often, either for drinks, croffles, or dessert…read more The staff is always friendly and very helpful with customers. There is not a lot of seating, which is not a problem. It kind of gives off a more intimate vibe this way. I'm not a coffee drinker like my wife, but the refreshers make up for it. The dessert options are great, with cheesecakes, and regular cake options. The croffles range from dessert style to savory options. I don't have a favorite yet, as there a more to try. This is a favorite place for me and my wife.

Yeah , this place wasn't it. It was just not good. That's the review…read more.. The service was also mediocre, I felt like cause I have NEVER been there I was a nuisance to them for wanting to take 7 extra seconds to look at the menu. I mean it has good reviews so take mine however you want, but I personally ain't going back.

This cafe is a gem! A quiet comfy place to grab a coffee and dessert.

Lotus Biscoff Croffle(Crossant x Waffle) to go! It stayed perfectly and tasted delicious.

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Strawberry croiffle and mango matcha!

Let It Snow

4.6(126 reviews)

4.0 mi

What a wonderful place, be careful some of the deserts are big enough for two people. Super great…read moreguy working the counter. And prices are reasonable

Asked owner if mango was in season and he said yes but tasted like it came from a can. Snowflake…read moreMango shaved ice.

What the Fudge! Yes that's what it's called

Not just only mango flavor Mangonada, there's Strawberry-nada flavor too! Fresanada!

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Shave ice Thai Dye Specialty

T-Town Cafe

4.0(524 reviews)

5.2 mi

Positive vide, super friendly staff. This place offers plenty of deserts. I had a snowflake mango…read more It's was delicious.

Finally made it here! Lots of parking, nice cashier…read more Came for the soft serve with taiyaki. I got matcha with nutella filled taiyaki; hubby got ube with custard filled taiyaki and a potato cheese dog (don't ask ME why!). The soft serve is icy; the taiyaki is more fun than delicious. I tasted potato dog but won't do that again. It's a fun dessert and I'm glad I had it. I would go again, but I'd get the ube soft serve with nutella filled taiyaki, and my guy would do the same. I will skip the food, but my husband's taste is sometimes inexplicable to me.

Menu of all things

Nutella Taiyaki with Vanilla ice cream. One with Fruity Pebbles One with Almond and Oreos

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The Nom Nom Stop

4.9(109 reviews)

22.9 mi

Love the Tiramisu and the "Berry-misu"…read more Can also recommend their cheesecake and chocolates. A definite favorite in Lacey. Highly recommend.

Nom Nom Stop had me nom nom noming. This counter service dessert shop was staffed with a friendly…read moreand knowledgeable nom-nom-chef that explained the many desserts available: cheesecake popsicles, puddings, shelf stable treats, and more (including Dubai options). Recommend the banana pudding. I'm told some people have it for breakfast. No seating available, so best for take out.

Strawberry Dubai Cup

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Min Bakery

5.0(4 reviews)

8.7 mi

You can't go wrong with any types of desserts from MN Bakery. The cakes and cream puffs are…read morecustomizable, so you can request the types of design and flavors. The desserts are also never too overly sweet. And this Bakery does lots of unique flavors (black sesame, ube, pandan, matcha, biscoff) that are hard to find at other Asian bakeries while also getting the flavors spot on. I've tried a variety of cakes, tiramisu, and cream puffs, and nothing disappoints. The cakes are always moist even after a few days in the fridge. Depending on the timing of when you want the cake or cream puff, I think usually you should place your order within a few weeks in advance.

What an amazing delight! The fluffiest, flavorful, deliciousness to savor! Thank you, MN Bakery,…read morefor being an amazing part of our special birthday celebrations!!

Fresh, fluffy, tasty, Chocolate Cream Cake

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Moka P.

2 years ago

Red Elm Café is an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The food is simply delicious--each dish is thoughtfully prepared with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a comforting sandwich, Red Elm Café consistently delivers. The coffee is another highlight, brewed to perfection with rich, smooth flavors that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning coffee lovers. It's the perfect complement to any meal or a great pick-me-up on its own. The service is exceptional, too. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always ready with a smile, making the experience even more enjoyable. They go above and beyond to ensure you feel welcomed and valued. A standout feature of Red Elm Café is their inclusivity. The café proudly embraces the LGBTQ+ community, creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone. It's refreshing to see such a warm, diverse environment where you can enjoy great food, fantastic coffee, and feel completely at ease. If you're looking for a place with delicious food, top-notch coffee, great service, and an inclusive vibe, Red Elm Café is definitely worth a visit! read more

Keila M.

247

194

4 months ago

I've been to Red Elm several times now, and it has quickly become one of my favorite brunch spots in Tacoma. The waffles are delicious, and the breakfast sandwiches are consistently excellent. It's a great place to meet friends for a weekend brunch or simply enjoy a relaxed morning. One thing I appreciate is that the menu is simple, and it works. Rather than offering an overwhelming number of options, they focus on doing a smaller selection of items really well, and it shows in the quality of the food. The customer service has always been friendly, genuine, and welcoming, which keeps me coming back. I also appreciate the atmosphere, it's lively enough to feel comfortable but not so loud that you can't have a conversation. It's a great spot for a small group meeting, catching up with friends, or grabbing a coffee and settling in with a good book. Overall, Red Elm offers great food, quality coffee, a thoughtfully curated menu, and a welcoming environment that makes it easy to recommend. read more

Anna L.

9 years ago

I just don't get the whole waffle egg thing... it turns out weird and over cooked. Coffee is average, I'm a manifesto fan since I moved to the area a few weeks ago. It's right down the street and the best part is no kids running around while you try to sip your joe read more

Adrian W.

366

8 years ago

Yeah don't bother unless you're broke or just need a quick bite. You can make all of this at home and it will probably taste better. Only reason I'm giving it two stars is because the Bacon Cheddar Waffle was decent. read more

Tyler D.

470

9 years ago

They make a delicious latte and cortado! Great space for kids to hang and the bacon cheese waffle is on point! Friendly staff and beautiful building! Highly recommend this place! read more

Tien N.

209

9 years ago

Amazing service! Friendly, spacious, and calm environment. The waffles here are out of this world. They give good portions and will fill you up for your breakfast/brunch/lunch! read more

Tammy V.

10 years ago

My breakfast was SO good this morning! Yummy coffee and waffles! The ladies running the place are super friendly and great customer service. I plan on coming back for sure!!! read more

John B.

9 years ago

Great place! Always consistent with quality of food and service. My go-to place when around that area.

K'a N.

8 years ago

Hey that's pretty good, waffles? That's pretty good. Coffee? That's pretty good. It's pretty good

Sam K.

9 years ago

This is my favorite coffee shop! Wonderful owners and amazing staff!

C B.

9 years ago

Great atmosphere, food, value!!!

Red Elm Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

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Such a cute little spot! They have online ordering for faster service but I ordered in the Cafe &…read moredidn't even wait that long! The staff team were rly kind, it was my first time here, they explained the options for me! I got the Turkey Bacon on Focaccia & it was delicious! Def stopping by again for my lunch!!

Wren's Nest Baking

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Absolutely great tasting cakes!…read more A coworker stumbled upon this little eatery by mistake and mentioned they offered gluten-free desserts. Took a chance and ordered a cake for our monthly birthday celebration and we never looked back since. The selection is amazing and the taste is even better. I waited after the office ate the cake to inform them that it was actually gluten free. Reactions are were priceless! Everyone was surprised because it wasn't the least bit gritty or dry. Safe to say, we've found our new favorite bakery! Try their Lemon Raspberry!

Wren's Nest at Night is a dinner service and drinks on the rooftop of Wren's Nest Baking. You can…read moremake reservations online which starts at 4:30pm which is also when the doors open. After checking in, I would suggest waiting to go up as your whole party. I went up without my friend, who was in the restroom, and they, at first, wouldn't let her come up without another group needing to come up. I had all her things so I had no way of knowing and was waiting for her up on the rooftop for quite some time. The dinner was good. I tried the focaccia, feta dip and crostini, the braised short ribs, and the double chocolate skillet cookie. The foccacia was good but I wish there had been butter or maybe oil and vinegar. It was a bit plain on its own but my friend ate it with her lasagna so it worked out. I really enjoyed the feta dip. It was quite tasty. I know crostinis are supposed to be hard but I found it to be too hard. I really enjoyed the braised short ribs. The meat was tender and was well seasoned. I liked the mashed potatoes which weren't perfectly smooth which is something I prefer and there was a little bit of potato skin. I wish there had been just a tad more sauce for the potatoes. The double chocolate chiller cookie was so good especially if you're a fan of chocolate. It was rich but too sweet and the ice cream that came with it was delicious as well that was slightly coconutty. There is kind of a time limit for your reservation as they ask you to limit your time to 90 minutes on their website. We came on a Friday night and they had live music which was such a great vibe for the rooftop. Because you're outside, I would recommend bringing a coat or something just in case.

Shakabrah Java

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(628 reviews)

Good experience meeting friends here this morning. Lots of different sizes of tables to accommodate…read moredifferent group sizes. Service was fast and friendly. Portion sizes were VERY large, tons of potatoes and massive pancakes. As such, I'd say the price point was also fair. I very much enjoyed their breakfast special, the bagel breakfast sandwich. Only thing I'd say could improve from our visit today was that the eggs and potatoes were cooler than I would've liked and were fully cold by the time I was finishing. With that said, the flavor was delicious, so the temperature didn't ruin it by any means.

ate here with Sam and the food was mid. I hate to say it, but it was something that made me sigh…read morebecause so underwhelming. tasted bland with the eggs, pancakes, and potatoes. I had to douse with sauces and spices so that I could actually enjoy it. I was not impressed with the food as much as I hoped to be. at least the service was good. really nice and welcoming waitress who knew how to make conversation. she tried to advocate for the menu as best as possible, but maybe because she was new, she did not have anything really to offer when we asked her for recommendations. again, that comes with time in the restaurant. it was really tight when we were going to and from the bathroom. so many tables and chairs here that you have to excuse yourself to so many people and servers keep bumping into you. gets irritating at a point when you are having a conversation and particularly scary when they are holding something hot. just be aware of your surroundings when you back out of your chair or anything lol

Tim's Kitchen - Tacoma

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Overall, a solid experience. I ordered the honey mustard grilled chicken sandwich -- the chicken…read morewas grilled very well, was juicy, and tasted good. I thought the brioche bun went well with it. The NY steak was cooked well and had good grill flavor, all around decent steak. I enjoy the fries: they were crispy, hot, and satisfying with a little hot sauce. I didn't play, but I thought it was cool that they had a pool table -- a nice touch for the space. Service was decent. Parking can be hard to find sometimes, but there is street parking (with parking meters)

Mary Mary's Cafe

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This was our first time at this Café and I couldn't have been more pleased! The food was really…read moregood and the staff was awesome. I wish I could remember our waitresses name, but she definitely made our experience enjoyable. We really liked that it supported its military as well as its first responders! We will definitely be going back

We came here based on reviews and we're a little disappointed. It took a long time to be waited on…read moreand food just OK. We shared a Hawaiian omelette with rye toast and a biscuit with gravy. The gravy seemed like it was from a can and everything was just rather bland. The best thing was the rye toast. The potatoes were good but they had no seasoning. Actually we didn't taste seasoning anywhere in our breakfast. If you like good basic fare without any seasoning, this is the place for you.

Happy Duo Cafe

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I hate leaving negative reviews, but after multiple experiences, I feel I need to share this. I…read morecontinue coming here mainly because it's close to my husband's work and the breakfast sandwiches are good--but unfortunately, the customer service is consistently poor. Nearly every visit, the employees come across as rude, unfriendly, and give the bare minimum in terms of service. Today was the final straw. I ordered a white chocolate mocha, but was handed a regular mocha instead. When I politely said I had ordered a white chocolate mocha, the employee immediately responded with attitude. I handed the drink back and said I didn't want that one, and she asked--again with attitude--if I wanted it remade. When I said yes, she rudely told me that "next time you need to say white chocolate mocha." I responded that I believed I had, and she insisted I didn't. There was no reason for the hostility over a simple drink correction. Customer mistakes happen, employee mistakes happen--but basic kindness and professionalism should still be expected. The food may be good, but the repeated poor treatment from staff makes the experience unpleasant. Management seriously needs to address customer service training or reconsider staffing, because friendly service goes a long way.

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