Red Elm Cafe

4.3 (347 reviews)

InexpensiveCafes

Closed • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Updated 3 months ago

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Red Elm Cafe - front of house - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Red Elm Cafe - Coffee - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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RED ELM CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Good for kids

Good for groups

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Abdullah A.

Had time for a leisurely stroll to this lovely cafe before workI had a matcha latte (delicious) and turkey sausage stacks (spinach, tomato, and cheese between sausage patties), which was tasty and satisfying without feeling heavy. Yes there were a few unhoused folks as others have mentioned but they were very quiet and kept to themselves. There is a kid's play area in the back which is a very nice touch. The barista was friendly to everyone. It is clear that Red Elm cares about their community. I would love to give them more of my business.

Waffle with feta cheese and excellent pesto.

Les V.

Loved the atmosphere and friendly staff. Drip coffee was unremarkable. Next time I'll try an espresso or chai beverage. Bacon was great but the waffle was dry. I'll try a sandwich or avocado toast next time.

Breakfast sandwich with cheese, eggs, spinach, and meat of choice

Mecca F.

We were in the area for a resource fair at the community center, which is down the street and this was in walking distance. They also were open early. The menu gave option for vegan vegetarian, which was great because I don't eat dairy and love the substitutes of cheese is awesome Nice quaint atmosphere. It looks like they appear to have like activities like open mic, etc. there but overall customer service is great nice and roomy insight seating available.

Shannon W.

The Red Elm Cafe has become one of my favorite places to get a quick and delicious breakfast. Their coffee is yummy. This place has pretty good Chai lattes too. Everything I've tried on the menu (waffles, sandwiches, and salads) has been good. Their blueberry chocolate muffin... Is heavenly. Everything in their menu is so reasonable and I'm never left disappointed with my order. My favorite is the chicken pesto salad - their pesto is just divine! Even when it's packed, I never feel like it's too loud like how some coffee shops can be. I also love that they have board games and love their many seating options!

Teresa M.

Red Elm is a cute café for all of your breakfast needs. I arrived right after opening, but didn't have the place to myself for long as a homeless person came in to take a nap...and apparently they're okay with that. The café has a good amount of seating, and could be good for small groups. I went with a mocha with oat milk, which was pretty okay. Nothing to write home about and I wouldn't go out of my way to get another one. The waffle I had was quite tasty. Very nice, fluffy texture so no complaints there. Overall pretty average. This is a place I'd come back to if I had something to do in the immediate area. This place keeps it simple - order at the counter. Food will be delivered to the table, drinks are picked up at the counter. While I was eating several people stopped in for coffee, so they definitely have a following.

Tara R.

This is a perfect neighborhood community gathering space. Cozy atmosphere. Mix of several 4 and 2 tops, couches and comfy chairs. Child's play area in the back. All staff were friendly and welcoming. Created my own breakfast sandwich and got some dudes donuts. Sandwich was wonderful and server commented that they wanted to make one for themselves after making mine

This is my favorite breakfast spot, staff is lovely, food is delicious. I usually have no problem with finding parking either!

Sophie S.

Cute inside and lots of drink options!! I had a very bland lunch sandwich that definitely used chunk chicken, but it was cheap nonetheless. Would recommend just making a sandwich at home.

The newest member in the neighborhood and one of the kindest people who has wondered in this Cafe

Kenya L.

Good service, fantastic ambiance, and of course sensational coffee I Still have so much respect for the valiant efforts to continue to develop this area and leave the negative past right where it belongs...a must try place for your coffee

Jacqueline F.

I absolutely loved this coffeehouse! They have gluten-free everything and for the first time, I had a gluten-free waffle. But the sandwiches and other items are also available gluten-free. I got a mocha, my husband and son got their lattes so it was all good. The mocha wasn't too sweet. My son got a turkey sando and liked it. But, they also have a cute, fun, and funky vibe. I will definitely be back here. It reminds me of Au Coqulet in Berkeley, when they had the redo and the food got better (not so grimy and gross). This place was nice, clean, and is the type of place I would come to when I need to study something or just want to chill. I look forward to my return visit with my waffle and my proper syrup. Thanks so much, guys!!!

a woman standing in front of a red chair

Jemellee S.

This place gives me chill vibes. It's cute, it's not too big, not too fancy. It's a good place for a quick stop to meet for lunch. They serve soup, sandwiches, and some pastry. The menu is not overwhelming. They don't have a private parking lot however, there's tons of street parking available. The service is quick and the people are friendly. So you order at the counter and then they bring the food to you. I really like that concept because then you do t have to wait for them to come to your table to take your order and can have separate checks if you choose to. The price is just right. I believe I spent less than $20 for myself.

Chicken avocado sandwich and chai tea latte

Gigi M.

I really liked the feeling of this place when I walked in. The staff was very friendly and it was busy at 11:45am on a Monday. I ordered an iced chai tea latte and their chicken avocado hot sandwich. The chai tea was the worst I've ever had. They make theirs differently than with a powder or syrup so it was very grainy and I was almost choking on the chunky spices that were in there. Other than that, it was just a $5 cup of cold milk. The sandwich was tasty. I didn't realize there would be spinach on it. I ended up picking it off since it was sooooo soggy and cooked that I couldn't chew through it. The potato chips were also yummy. It took about 15minutes to arrive to my table from when I ordered it. I do think that someone could focus a little more on cleaning up. The floor and tables were quite dirty with wrappers and crumbs and so was their kitchen area.

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Lisa H.

5 years ago

I am in love with this place! The bacon cheddar waffles are addicting! If you get a sandwich you MUST try the sourdough bread, it's the best!! The people are kind and lovely and make my day every time I stop in. Best of all the support the community where the operate. From homeless, to bipoc to lgbt everyone is welcome and supported and loved here. This is the kind of business I want to support! read more

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Paul V.

4 years ago

A pleasant surprise in the Tacoma Hilltop neighborhood! We decided to give the Red Elm a try for a late morning breakfast and were not disappointed. The staff was very friendly and the coffee and food exceptional. While not a large menu, there are plenty of options including gluten-free and vegan. My breakfast panini with egg, spinach and cheese was superb as was my wife's gluten-free waffle. The cafe has an eclectic, classic ambiance and is very clean and sorted. A great place for conversation and overall a pleasant experience. read more

Red Elm Cafe - Front entrance - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Yarissa M.

167

528

5 years ago

Small lovely flavourful cafe. Great service, nice ambience and affordable prices. The portions are small, but really tasty. read more

Red Elm Cafe - Buttermilk waffle - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Cheddar and Bacon Waffle - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Loaded hash brown with cheddar and bacon - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Loaded Hashbrown with Pesto and Feta - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Alden C.

Elite 26 All-Star

5000

6146

6247

9 years ago

I didn't even know Red Elm existed until I drove by and stopped nearby at the location for where the Zodiac Supper Club is relocating to. Red Elm is right next door and it caught my curiosity. A few days later Steve and I went back. He ordered a breakfast sandwich which was great! I ordered a waffle which seemed to be a popular menu item of theirs. The waffle was also excellent! It was just right in portion. An issue that one often runs across is that sometimes you get too many waffles in an order and can't finish your meal but that is not an issue here. The atmosphere is nice and clean and very welcoming with an urban feel. It's very charming. Prices are very, very reasonable which is refreshing to see! Excellent place! I am looking forward to becoming a regular here! read more

Red Elm Cafe - One of Red Elm's waffles with whip cream! - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Juliet T.

3 years ago

My husband picked Red Elm for his birthday brunch as we haven't yet tried this place out yet. He had the bacon cheddar waffle and hot chai latte. I chose the pesto feta waffle with an iced decaf mocha. The waffles took a little time as there was quite a steady flow of patrons coming in, which was no biggie for us. The waffles were pretty big and fluffy! Very delicious and would definitely get them again. They brought us bottles of maple syrup and jam to top them off with, which my husband did with bacon cheddar waffles. We were stuffed after eating half of our waffles and needed to go boxes. The iced decaf mocha tasted okay. It tasted more like chocolate milk as it didn't have much coffee flavor. I'm not sure how what happened as it says on their website that they use semi-sweet chocolate sauce for their mochas, but it looked like there were some clumps at the bottom of my glass. Maybe the sauce? I'd definitely come back for the waffles again as they were really good and haven't come across other places that offer savory waffles. read more

Red Elm Cafe - Partially drunken iced decaf mocha and hot chai latte (both 12 oz.) - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Bacon and cheddar waffle - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Pesto and feta waffle - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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tiara a.

Elite 22

166

226

7 years ago

So far, I've loved everything about this place. Came here on our first visit because of the offer of vegan and GF waffles for my son who is allergic to everything .in yelp research what really sealed the deal was the accommodating childrens play area! I could sit and have coffee and a breakfast for the family while my kids could run around play and eat? Loves it! We will continue to come here, we really love the spot. Glad there's a little place like this not too far from home in UP! read more

Red Elm Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Absolutely love this kid kick it area. - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Krissm A.

Elite 26

170

631

5256

7 years ago

Awesome service and great food. First time coming here, it took a while for parking since they don't have a private lot it's only street parking available. Really nice space, we got a seat near the window entrance. Couches, tables and chairs available but we came at peak times. The menu items are affordable with bunch of yummy selections. Food tasted great the mozzarella waffle came with a side in marinara sauce. The lady at the counter she was friendly and made it easy to order. We had some drip coffee to pair with our meal. We will be back for more food items and maybe an espresso drink. A hidden gem in a under construction road. It was worth the price and experience. read more

Red Elm Cafe - Mozzarella waffle and waffle dog - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - $5.50 Belgian waffle with whip - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Turkey sausage sandwich on sourdough toast - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Laurie C.

2 years ago

We ordered two breakfast sandwiches, a grilled cheese and a breakfast plate. All were marginal. The sausage was terrible. Fortunately the staff were really great. The stars are for them, not the food. read more

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Cassie M.

4 years ago

I ordered a London fog (earl grey tea latte) and Aussie toast. It was unbelievably delicious. This was my first visit, but it won't be my last! read more

Red Elm Cafe - London fog tea latte and Aussie toast - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Jennifer C.

Elite 26

227

547

7 years ago

Nice quick breakfast spot for people who are looking for a casual cafe type of setting. They have an in house iced chai which is on the more bitter not sweet side which I really like. And the sandwiches are perfect size. Moderately priced and great spot to do work or have a panini or waffle on the go. read more

Red Elm Cafe - Tomato mozzarella panini with iced chai - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Pehrson F.

2 years ago

Took 20 minutes for them to bring out tiny sandwiches that turned out to be below mid. They were pretty bad, more bread than sandwich plus the bad combination of canned chicken & weird cheese, with a whole patty of spinach to top it off. The service was pretty good, but other than that everything sucked, not to mention you have to put away your own dishes when you're done. read more

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Jessi Q.

148

3 years ago

This is such a sweet, welcoming spot. There's a little play area for the kids, lots of seating, reasonable prices. And just... really nice vibes. I love this place. read more

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Annika C.

4 years ago

Ever since I first visited a few months ago, I've been back time and time again! They have excellent baristas and a comfy atmosphere with plenty of tables. Their waffles are the best I've had at a restaurant and I love their veggie and cheese breakfast sandwich. The warm cake pops are HEAVENLY! In all my visits I've had great service except my most recent one. The two people working I had never seen before, so they were probably new- which they should get some slack for since they're still learning the ropes- but my waffle was undercooked and my sandwich underfilled. It was a little disappointing, but my previous visits were so good I'll be coming back. read more

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Mar B.

3 years ago

stayed in tacoma for the twice concert & went here for brekkie the next morning & i can say it's one of the best places i've ever been too. staff is super sweet & kind, very friendly & easy to talk to. their menu is inclusive and very diverse without being overwhelming! lots of gluten free options that are celiac compliant like having a separate cooking station. i had the belgian waffle and it was super fluffy n soft. i also had a gluten free banana chocolate chip muffin and when i say it was the best thing i've ever had in my life ever i'm so serious. i regret not buying a few to go since i live so far away the cafe itself is super cozy and calm, nice and warm and spacious. beautiful space to study, catch up, or go on a date. will def be back in the future read more

Red Elm Cafe - gluten free belgian waffle & loaded bacon hash browns (not pictured gluten banana chocolate chip muffin) - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Nancy M.

Elite 26

101

1661

3223

8 years ago

We had a wonderful experience at the Red Elm Cafe! It's a charming and inviting space filled with friendly people - the customers and the employees. The food was very good and reasonably priced. There are a variety of seating options; tables for those partaking of a full meal and comfy chairs or couches for those wanting to relax with a cup of coffee and engage in a more intimate conversation. There is the cutest little play area for small children in the back, which is such an amazing touch! All kinds of things to love about this place. If we lived here, I'd be a regular for sure! read more

Red Elm Cafe - Such an inviting environment! - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Robyn B.

4 years ago

The Red Elm is one of my favorite spots in Hilltop! Great waffles, excellent coffee. As a cancer patient, I am thankful for the cafe being so covid-safe - I always feel comfortable there! Also, whoever said there was a racist sign in the window is a total ding dong- they have a Black Lives Matter sign in the window. On MLK Way. In Hilltop. In Tacoma. C'mon man. Red Elm has ALWAYS been super progressive, supportive of equal rights and our local community. I love their staff, their food, their coffee and their values. They're a must-see! read more

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LANIE D.

3 years ago

It's a cute place but food wasn't the greatest. Coffee was alright. Service was okay. Not a place I would visit again.

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Elizabeth B.

5 years ago

The best Delicious food Skillful coffee Staff who greet you the first time as if they already value you Neighborhood informed and engaged read more

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Aileen B.

116

8 years ago

I love coming here to study and eat a quick breakfast. The place can get busy quite fast so I usually go there during brunch or lunch hours to avoid the crowd. Their WiFi is great and the seating is comfortable. Parking sucks, but it's worth it. The waffle is always soft and fluffy with the right amount of sweetness. Love the waffle dog for me or when I bring my kid along. read more

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Michael M.

Elite 19

673

6 years ago

Fun spot with affordable, tasty, and interesting food choices! I was attracted when I saw people getting the waffle hot dog so I had to try it for myself and let me tell you, I loved it! I should've gotten another. I will totally come back again in the future. *During COVID-19 (or anytime really) I recommend grabbing some food and enjoying it at Wright Park which is not that far of a drive! read more

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Patricia A.

4 years ago

I can't tell you how happy we were to find this place!! The food is amazing, the coffee is divine and the kids area is a life saver! The staff is the sweetest too! read more

Red Elm Cafe - Kids play area :) - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Don J.

3 years ago

The price seems a little high for what they offer. Nice atmosphere. The server was very welcoming and friendly. The grilled sandwich was ok, but pretty small. They served me slightly warmer than room temperature tomato soup. When I very politely asked someone in the kitchen if they could heat it up, I was told they don't have a microwave. Maybe the stove didn't work either? I did not eat any of the soup. Also, it is Campbell's tomato soup out of the can. Not that I don't love campbells tomato's soup, I just thought it might be made fresh in their kitchen. read more

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Chris Z.

7 years ago

Good food at really reasonable prices, but I really come here for the coffee and the play kitchen. I come in with 2 kiddos under 2 years and the staff has gone above and beyond on more than one occasion to make things easier on me. Dino breakfast 10 out of 10! read more

Red Elm Cafe - Strong milk and delicious blueberry muffin! - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Dino breakfast 10/10. Would recommend. - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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James A.

4 years ago

Went there for breakfast. Very clean establishment, friendly staff, great food, pricing was very responsible. I will be back!

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Kayla E.

4 years ago

Cute, peaceful little cafe where the atmosphere feels warm and inviting! Was very satisfied with our food and beverages and thought they offered a good, simple variety of food options! read more

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River F.

5 years ago

I almost don't want to give this place 5 stars, because I want to keep it to myself! Can't say enough good things. I love it. It's what coffee shops used to be! Couch & chairs, books, a small play area for little ones. That's just the icing on the cake. Best Americano I've had in a very long time. Great breakfast sandwich. Staff was friendly and non pretentious, and there's local art! Need I say more? read more

Red Elm Cafe - Cool building, wide open space - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Steaming hot Americano - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Front of Red Elm Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - The back of the cafe - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Local Art! - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Gina C.

3 years ago

Visiting from out of town and decided to eat outside of hotel restaurant. Bkft Sandwich was good but a little pricey. Also, not very friendly or welcoming. Would not suggest this place. read more

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Elizabeth B.

3 years ago

The food was okay and the waffle dog was really good... but the real issue was the service. There was a waitress there this morning who was so rude that I felt like leaving before my food came. Throwing plates and silverware on the table because you're upset isn't great service. No one was being rude and that type of behavior or attitude wasn't warranted. I thought maybe the first time she did this I imagined it and gave her the benefit of the doubt. But this waitress did this multiple time and didn't hide her annoyance. I'd have gone back for the waffle dog, but not after how our party was treated. It was a younger woman with very long blonde hair worn in a ponytail. The person taking orders seemed very annoyed also with having to take orders. I don't think employees realize that body language and facial expressions convey a very loud message. Especially when you are annoyed. read more

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Kateland W.

3 years ago

Very aware of allergies/gluten intolerance. I had the GF Belgium Waffles and they were soooo yummy

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Lori S.

4 years ago

I love red Elm cafe.. everyone is very nice and the lady remembered my name! They have drip coffee, Belgium waffles. Sandwiches and much more. Will keep coming back that's for sure. Very relaxed atmosphere. Hard to find now a days. read more

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Gabe S.

3 years ago

Cute little cafe. Great friendly staff with a great environment and good food! I got the chicken avocado sandwich and it was really good

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Viviana D.

3 years ago

Service was good. The food was ok. Expected a little more with such high ratings. Ambiance was nice and relaxed. Price was reasonable.

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Jo S.

3 years ago

Ambiance was great, food was tasty- and the owner was very sweet and friendly. Had the Americano and the shots were good!

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Bryan L.

3 years ago

Cool ambience and nice servers. Breakfast sandwiches and coffees were good but not great.

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Tony P.

9 years ago

I come here every morning since moving to Tacoma The food is great. The coffee is amazing and the people are beautiful and friendly. read more

Red Elm Cafe - The Tessa Special! Two turkey sausages, spinach, tomatoes and cheese.... Mmmmm mmmmm good - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Another great breakfast caramel waffle with turkey sausage - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - The Tessa (turkey sausages with cheese, tomatoes, and spinach in the middle) mmmm! - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - You gotta try this place - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Soy MOCA mmmmm - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Soy Moca - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - The Red Elm is really on another level thanks guys - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Del K.

Elite 25

226

118

9 years ago

Let's start with the ONLY downside about this place: now that I'm days away from finishing up my internship and moving back to Portland, OR, I am only now discovering this wonderful cafe. Being a Portlander and privileged by all its amazing foodie options, my year here in Tacoma has been quite underwhelming food wise. This morning I did a quick Yelp search for breakfast (avoiding the parking nightmare of the 6th street fair) and found the Red Elm Cafe. My apartment was literally minutes from this cafe and I'm just now finding it! .sigh. They are a sweet spot that offers friendly and warm service and delicious breakfast offerings at a reasonable price. I got the Belgium waffle with whipped cream and caramel sauce + an iced hemp milk chai. The atmosphere is very comfortable and reminds me of several of my favorite spots from home. I'm so glad I found it before heading home. read more

Red Elm Cafe - The tasty Belgian waffle with whipped cream and caramel sauce! - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Joe H.

4 years ago

The food and Coffee are still good. They are Covid crazy and don't know that the ADA (Americans disability Act) allows Deaf Hard of Hearing to enter restaurants without a mask. I am not some crazy person (even though the rule is stupid and 99% of masks are 0 effective) my daughter put on the mask to make them happy and even though I was understanding and gave a large tip was treated like a 2nd class citizen as I obviously was not part of their "liberal woke tribe". I was going to leave our table a mess but thought to be the bigger person and clear, clean and put our dishes in the bus tub with my mask on- then was quickly berated by a worker and was aggressively told that this was unsanitary and against their policy. I support small business but will not support this one again. read more

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Kat I.

6 years ago

Such a cute spot for breakfast/brunch. Staff are super friendly and the food is delicious. I know I only posted a picture of their Belgian waffle with caramel syrup, but I've also tried their sandwiches and pastries! Everything has been awesome! read more

Red Elm Cafe - Belgian waffle with caramel syrup and coffee! - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Nadine O.

Elite 26

249

369

2158

9 years ago

I'm so glad to find this gem in the Hilltop area of Tacoma! The decor and sitting options are so cozy - makes me feel like I'm at my good friend's house enjoying scrumptious breakfast and coffee. Their prices are rare these days and welcoming in our economy - I had a delicious homemade sausage, egg and pepper jack cheese breakfast sandwich and rich drip coffee for less than $10! In the back they have a little private room for groups and a neat area with a play kitchen and toys for kids. Lots of easy parking on MLK way, cute neighborhood. Has that home town vibe. Love this place read more

Red Elm Cafe - Love their low prices for high quality food - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - My favorite sitting area at Red Elm - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - So cozy - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Kids play area - so adorable - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Cute upcycled tshirts available for purchase $12.99 - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Red Elm Cafe - Delicious satisfying breakfast - Cafes Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Dennis D.

7 years ago

Happy friendly genuine people serving comfort food with healthy options. Thank you for taking the time to perfect the small details. read more

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Page 3 of 9

1114 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
Directions
(253) 327-1791
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Red Elm Cafe open?

Red Elm Cafe opens at 9:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Red Elm Cafe close?

Red Elm Cafe is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.Red Elm Cafe closes at 3:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Wed ClosedThu-Sun 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Red Elm Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Red Elm Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Red Elm Cafe have catering options?

No, Red Elm Cafe does not have catering options.

Does Red Elm Cafe have a drive thru?

No, Red Elm Cafe does not have a drive thru.

Does Red Elm Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Red Elm Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Red Elm Cafe allow dogs?

No, Red Elm Cafe does not allow dogs.

Does Red Elm Cafe have TVs?

No, Red Elm Cafe does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Red Elm Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Red Elm Cafe has bike parking.

Does Red Elm Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Red Elm Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Red Elm Cafe have parking?

Yes, Red Elm Cafe has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Red Elm Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Red Elm Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Red Elm Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Red Elm Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Breakfast, lunch & coffee drinks served in a humble counter-serve space with a kids' play area.

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1 Review

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Ebony and Ivory Coffee

This coffee shop is located in a great space. There were so many people lounging and working late…read morein the evening when I visited. The coffee is also very good. Please come and create your own adventure.

I came here on 2 different days during Valentine's Day weekend. We tried a Valentine's Day latte…read more(6/10) it was fine. happy cheeks (4/10) it literally tastes like milk with sugar. Coffee flight (6/10) it was fine, I only liked 2 out of 4 which was the macchiato and the latte. cappuccino was 2/10. One thing we loved that made us come back was the marionberry cheese danish. It was so good 10000/10 The girls were super nice and friendly! The vibe was good.

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Interior

The expansive bar and coffee bar!

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Coffee Flight x2

Common Ground

4.7

(139 reviews)

0.9 mi

Parking: limited parking lot; may need to park in the street…read more Experience: I was visiting the area and stopped in to pass time while i waited to meet a friend for dinner. Surprisingly cute venue and the service was impeccable! 5/5 Cardigan Latte, so delicious! I'll be sure to stop in the next time I'm in the area!

I stopped here on a recommendation from a friend. My cardamom latte was very solid! Good quality…read moreespresso with a nice balance of flavors. I always appreciate when a coffee shop serves drinks in real glasses/mugs, which they do here. The service was fast and the employee I spoke to was very nice. My only complaints are the parking lot and that, like most coffee places, it's a little expensive. The parking lot is truly miserable to park in. Super tight and precarious, and my car is a pretty averaged size SUV. You're better off street parking on the busy road it's on and walking. There's seating inside, but not tons. Limited options on a Friday morning that I went. Other than these (admittedly small) complaints, this is a nice coffee shop and I'd definitely stop by again next time I'm in the area. Always nice to support a local place over the big chains.

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Anthem Coffee & Tea - Downtown Tacoma

Great coffee and fun staff. Friendly and knowledgeable…read more I would definitely recommend. Food variety.

One of the tables has a purse hook cluster…read more... One gender neutral bathroom restroom that does not have a purse hook. Drink menu has lots of coffee and tea and energy drink options a d variety. The Berry Blast Lemonade is TART but delicious! Quick service. Creme brule latte iced is very good, according to my husband. And according to overhead discussions, the two things on the food menu that look like burritos are, in fact of the matter, burritos!

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Coffee shop

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The barista station

Cafe Bostwick

4.7

(40 reviews)

0.6 mi

Super cute and friendly people. The cinnamon roll went perfectly with our cappuccinosread more

Super cute ambiance, sweet staff with good service, and I love supporting local coffee shops but I…read morecannot justify $19.00 for a small drink and a sandwich. I have never paid so much for so little. There were no prices on the food and that should have been my first indicator. I should have asked before I ordered. Now onto the actual taste- The chai was okay.... But not something I will be finishing bc there's so much spice in it. The sandwich was also fine, it did the job but not something I'd ever order again. Im sad to say this will not be a spot I come back to....

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One end of dining area

All gone!

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Entrance

Cafe Perk

4.1

(7 reviews)

0.9 mi

Located inside the Glass museum, this is a charming little cafe to sit and relax. Great space…read more Please come and create your own adventure.

if you want to live PLEASE do not eat or drink from here…read more DISCLAIMER: 1301 A street is the location. No dates for ANY of their milks in the fridge Steam wand left with milk encrusted for hours No sani buckets prepped No sanitizer /sink is not working properly Bread all over the floor and no dates Soup and food left all over counter No temperature folders for fridges No dates on meats or food products No uniforms A health inspection needs to be completed immediately! And when they don't pass you now know why. It was exactly like an episode straight out of kitchen nightmares. Please don't bring your children here or your family if you care about their well being or the cost of your medical insurance premium/ hospital bill you'll receive at the end of the month if you choose to willingly purchase anything at this establishment.

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Raspberry Cream Cheese Turnover

Three Hearts

We came for brunch around 11:15. It was busy, but the bar cleared out right as we finished ordering…read moreat the counter, so we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar. We waited about 20 minutes for our food, which was the amount of time the person at the counter told us it would be. They had really good vegan sandwiches! We got the Tofu Fritter Po' Boy and the Braised Tofu Sandwich. I wish there was one more fritter in each sandwich half, and the bread was hard to bite through, but both sandwiches were delicious. We got to watch a bit of the World Cup and chat with the barkeep, who was really friendly. The restaurant was clean, the music wasn't too loud, and the staff were attentive. We had a good experience and will definitely come back!

Food is sold a la carte, so be prepared to buy a side. French fries are big enough that 2 people…read morecan share 1 order. I wouldn't order the fries again as they were just ok. I tried the savory egg sandwich which was good. I wish it had mire garlic aioli and pickled onions to give it a bolder flavor. The cruffins were my favorite! They're $6 each and I preferred the lemon curd one over the matcha one. I would buy this again in a heartbeat. Street parking can be challenging, so be prepared to walk a little.

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Major YUM's

Iced latte, quiche, salad

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Olive Branch Cafe

A gem in the neighborhood definitely…read more Went with friends and lowkey cosplaying. We had so much fun looking at the decor of the place and trying on hats. The warm scones are must-have. For tea we had Princess Grey, Peach Oolong, and one with apple cinnamon. The Grey was the first to go empty haha It's so good. Peach Oolong is just soso. And everyone was super sweet at the cafe, kept checking in on us because we got the back room. One reminder for future self and those interested in a morning of quiet piano and relaxing tea time, do book a table ahead of time! It gets quite busy especially on Saturdays.

If I could give this place more than 5 stars - I would! We came here for a bridal party organized…read moreby my best friend/maid of honor, and honestly, I don't think we could have picked a better place. The food is delicious, and they are very generous with it. Seriously, there isn't anything here that is not scrumptious and I left absolutely stuffed! In addition, the tea selection they have is on point! Including a smokey tea I'd never heard of that was absolutely fabulous. Don't judge this place by the outside - the decor inside is adorable, with lots of unique and fun antique pieces. The staff is extremely attentive, kind, and even fun! We didn't expect it but there was a live pianist, and he was extremely talented (and funny). My BFF and I are a bit of tea snobs; we've been to tea rooms in both England, Kirland, and Seattle; this one by far has been our favorite. I really can't say enough great things about this place. I hope we can return soon, because it might be one of my new favorite (and unique) places in Tacoma! This really made my bridal party so thank you to the entire staff - we had a great experience!

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Piano man

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French dip w/ tater salad & chicken soup (to gooooo)

Beware Coffee

This is my "go to choice" whenever someone wants to go out for coffee, I know that their drinks…read morewill be superb. They make their syrups inhouse, and you can tell, even a basic caramel latte tasted like the most delicate, handcrafted drink. They have fun seasonals, they're a hit or miss obviously based on your preferences, but I love them all so far. My go to drink pairing is a cardamon and ginger latte. The inside is SO HOMEY. It's rare to find coffee shops that haven't succumbed to the hospital white aesthetic, so this is so refreshing on the head. It is the ideal shop to study in. The cups and plates are my favorite thing about this place. The cups are handmade and just so stinking cute. The baristas are so welcoming every single time I come in, they look like they just love their job and love to chat with the customers. The outside of the shop is a mint green which really throws me off because the inside is so cute. The parking situation is a little limited as well, there's a few parking spots near the shop and the rest is street parking. They have a large selection of pastries and some food but know that if you come in the afternoon there probably won't be much left, they go pretty quick. Amazing shop, it's a different aesthetic than what most shops are but it feeds that "homey" craving that I have when I want to study at a coffee shop.

Every cup of coffee that has been sipped from Beware has been a delight. I like to view myself as…read moresome sort of coffee connoisseur and I can 100% say that this place takes pride in what they do. The wait is a little long and I feel that is because they take their time with each cup they make. Seating is scarce so if you plan to enjoy your cup inside, do come in when they open because it fills up really quick. My only recommendation if they look into the reviews is to remove the center table and put 2 more 2 seater tables if it still allows within capacity. Never change. Your coffee is great.

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Curran Coffee

I have been going to Curran coffee shop since they opened. I get a Non fat Mocha and usually a…read morepastry and both are perfect. The barristers are friendly, knowledgeable, and very efficient. Even when they are busy I typically do not wait long to get my coffee. If you are looking for a great coffee shop head to Curran. Since they have opened up the seating in the Spar it makes going there so much better. Great ambiance.

The cutest corner coffee shop!…read more Curran Coffee felt like a place straight out of a storybook. It was the coziest spot with the friendliest baristas! There was plenty of seating inside and out. You also get a nice view of the water just around the corner. A dream! I was recommend Magic Hour which was a former house special not currently on the menu. It featured notes of coconut and toffee- soooo yums!

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Naomi Joe Coffee

4.8

(19 reviews)

0.9 mi

I wish we had something like this in Seattle. A true specialty coffee cafe, with a lot of options,…read moresourcing, and anything ranging from neutral to flavor bomb profiles. The employees here are really nice, and the coffee beans are some of the most vibrant and packed with flavor (my preference) due to the experimental techniques used and their careful sourcing. The espresso drinks include classics, but also a lot of cool twists and syrups too. Pastries are excellent. The goat cheese chimichurri was so good and savory, and vibrant herbs and spices. Definitely a must-stop for my Tacoma visits!

I spent the day in Tacoma today visiting the LeMay Car Museum which I highly recommend for car…read morebuffs and non-car buffs alike. After, we got lunch at the 7 Seas Brewing Company Taproom. It is located only a 5-minute drive from the car museum. We got yummy Smashburgers (comes with chips) and fries at Canteen by Camp Colvos. For drinks, we got a couple of sodas at Canteen, a Willie Maize Hazy IPA on tap at the 7 Seas bar, and I tried a refreshing Lavender Patch (16 oz iced sparkling espresso with lavender syrup and yuzu lemonade) at Naomi Joe Coffee. They have some pinball machines, free water at the back, and a party room you can rent. As with most breweries, it is family-friendly. I love the laid-back and friendly atmosphere of this place. They sell cool merch and have a neat display in honor of the historic Heidelberg Brewing Company of Tacoma that dates back to 1912.

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Third Space collab today! (Their pastries in the back)

Cortado w/ Everyday Joe bean. Substitute with Almond Milk, $4.36

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Inside - coffee shop is a tiny corner of this huge warehouse style brewery

Radnor's Burgers & Beignets

4.4

(259 reviews)

3.4 mi

Woo, Kevin, Andreas, Mercedes, and junior were great! They checked on us and made sure our food was…read morefantastic, which it was. Definitely will be coming back

Excellent spot! This was my second time visiting and it solidified Radnor's as my favorite Tacoma…read moreSmashburger. I ordered the South Sound Burger (added bacon) and in my opinion this is everything you would want in a smashburger and nothing you wouldn't. Tasty smashed patties, plenty of cheese, buttery buns, and their Rad sauce. A perfectly executed smashburger to me! Smaller seating area, but real friendly service and overall, a good inviting vibe here. I am already thinking about planning my next visit!

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Pacific Southern

So.........restaurant business is hard! We love this place but the food is I feel barely hanging on…read moreand it is more of a community comfort food place. Which there is nothing wrong with that. The service is ways excellent here!!!! The vibe of this place is amazing. The jambalaya and cornbread is so mouth watering it would make you not share it with your one family. But here is the tea!!! I can see where some of the food needs improvement but most restaurants these days are in the same situation. There are items I would not order again but others I love and a person must pick and choose their own individual items based on their preferences. I appreciate the restaurant being in busy and please get your food rating back to Great! Because Fair had me a bit side ways. Has always thank you all for your support and please continue to stay safe and healthy out there! See you at my next bite :0)

We had an amazing server - Jenny. Such great hospitality!!!!.It was obvious this place has a lot of…read moreregulars and the entire staff was loving on everyone like we're all family. I ordered PAC SOUTH omelette. No green onions, chose hash browns instead of toast and had side biscuit and gravy. Unfortunately the hash browns were really crackly dry. Maybe I should've had the red potatoes instead. The Omelette was surprisingly good. The sweetness of the pork with the bbq sauce was fascinating and tasty. If I had it again I'd ask to add a squirt of bbq inside or ask for more sauce on top. Hubby ordered the Shrimp and Grits. They were great and better than most places we've had them out. Hubby crumbled his side of bacon on top. They were Creamy, savory, cheesy and served piping hot. Jenny said sometimes people ask to add andouille sausage or catfish on top. Last - OMG that was a THICK biscuit! It was super dense. The gravy was delicious. But the biscuit takes up most the room on the plate. So my gravy to biscuit ratio was off. I still took half my omelet and half my biscuit in a to go box. Left the hash browns. They have BIG portions. Amazing atmosphere and service. If you come in from the front door there is a small counter seating area as well as booths and tables. Beyond that main room there is more space in the back. Keeping this place on the list for sure!!!

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Dining Area

Cinnamon Roll French Toast

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Dining Area

Cactus Restaurants - Proctor

Food is absolutely amazing, the service is fantastic. One of my favorite places in Tacoma!read more

Food is delicious. Servers are friendly and attentive. Ambience is relaxing and upscale casual.read more

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Restaurant booth facing the bar

Sonoran Spa Chicken

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Smoked Brisket Tacos

Asado

A distinct taste to each dish that makes Asado a place of its own. The sever made a real connection…read moreto us, helping create a unique environment. Dimly lit, with a soothing ambiance that'll really set the mood, great for a romantic dinner.

Asado was so amazing for so long. I understand that things need to change sometimes but I also…read moreunderstand, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Asado was a favorite of ours for years. Many special dinners and celebrations were had within the walls there. When updates to the menu were made, it seems like much more than that changed and it hasn't been the same since. A few months ago we went and everything was 'off' nothing like it used to be. Service and food were both subpar. Knowing how many wonderful meals we've had there we gave them the benefit of the doubt, everyone/everywhere has bad nights. Unfortunately, we went back tonight and were shocked to find the restaurant nearly empty. We got a table in the bar so my husband could keep an eye on the basketball game. and while service was better it wasn't great, food was dropped off by someone who said not a word, literally dropped plates and walked away, and food was good but not the standout it once was, drink was also pretty awful. So sad to see such a shining star of a place in Tacoma fall so far. Seeing almost empty on a Saturday night confirmed it's not just us that has noticed such sad changes to the place.

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Cool liquor display

Empanadas

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Asado Seared Sea Bass

The Huckleberry Club

4.7

(54 reviews)

0.1 mi

The Huckleberry Club was such a great stop we made. Steve and I have been wanting to go here for…read morequite a while so it was awesome to finally get here to experience the food and drinks! I got a great cocktail... very well crafted! But after going to look at the menu when writing the review to get the precise name of it I couldn't find it. So it may not be available. It sounds like they shift out their cocktail menu from time to time so it definitely changes. The food menu is great! It's rare where they have a nachos section on the menu. Section? As in getting different ones? Yes, you can get all kinds of different nachos here which makes it a lot of fun and it's intriguing to see what kind of different spin on nachos you can get here. We split and shared the Fiesta Verde nachos which has corn, Oaxaca Cheddar sauce, cotija, green onions, sour cream, Queso Fresco and green sauce. They also are known for different kinds of corn dishes and baked potatoes. We continued to share with something off of their baked potato section and got the Dude which had a diced roasted chicken breast in a Chipotle-Lime-Honey Beef Consommé, cheese curds, cotija, shaved radish and green onions. The food was great and I really appreciated the menu being so unique. The atmosphere is cool too with all of the mirrored bubbles above the wall and front entrance. It's a really cool vibe and I recommend it.

I visited The Huckleberry Club on a Saturday afternoon after being invited by a friend. Parking was…read morestreet parking only, but it was manageable. From the outside to the inside, the place has a stylish black theme that gives it a modern and cozy atmosphere. There was even a pinball machine near the entrance, which added a fun touch to the vibe. The restaurant had both counter seating and tables with chairs, and since there were four of us, we sat comfortably at a table. Both the female and male staff members were friendly, attentive, and very efficient throughout our visit. Since I'm not a fan of alcohol, I chose a mocktail called "XXX," while others enjoyed the Wildside Punch Cocktail and other drinks. For food, we ordered the Queen Beans, The Marley, and Sweet Leaf Salad. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We finished with the tiramisu, which was absolutely delicious and the perfect ending to our meal. The atmosphere, service, and food all came together for a wonderful experience. I would definitely love to come back again!

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Enter the restaurant

Potato

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Sweet Leaf salad: Serrano ranch is AMAZING! Every bite: delicious. Chicken, bacon, marcona almonds, carrots, tomato, cukes & dried mango

Cooks Tavern

My family has driven past Cooks Tavern so many times and each time I've made a matter of factly…read moreremark that we should try it in the near future. After what I believe to have been 2 years of saying that, that day has finally come. First, parking near the restaurant was limited, however finding parking in the residential area was fine. We found parking about 2 minutes away from the restaurant. As we came with my best friend, who, by the way, was the reason why I finally stepped foot here, wait time wasn't long as she came about 5 minutes earlier than I. We came for brunch and it was busy but the wait was not bad at all. The both of us ordered the same items on the menu from both the drinks, the main and dessert - a sangria, Shakshuka with lamb, and beignets. We also brought our daughters with us. They ordered a cheeseburger with a side of caesar salad and a mac n cheese dish from the kids menu. Our orders were delicious, although I was expecting the shakshuka dish to be heftier. For the price - $17. xx with an additional $4 to add lamb - it was a little disappointing, to be honest, especially since it was lacking in the lamb department. I was still hungry but thankfully I had my 4 year old's leftover cheeseburger and salad to fill me right up. As for the beignets, it was good. I don't have anything to compare it to since I don't know what an actual beignet tastes like. Would I return? Sure.

Seek and you shall find. A Sunday late breakfast. Finding a place to eat breakfast in the…read moreafternoon can be a daunting task. Some want lunch what can one do. Go to Cooks really seriously head on down the place is fantastic. The booths are private and big. Providing a great place to join and eat. Music in the background jazzy at the perfect volume. Walked in waitress greeted us asking us if we were going to eat breakfast, close to cutoff time. We replied yes as we browsed menu selection made order placed. How kind to tell us. Food wonderful selection diverse and simple with something for everyone including kid menu. I chose between two breakfast selections going with my gut of course. The foragers omelette with biscuits. Not disappointed at all cleaned my plate. Everything was hot, nice good spices great flavor. Potatoes were nice with fruit and biscuit to accompany. Burgers were ordered with the clean up on aisle 12 as well. No one talked at first sure indication as we shared our finds. Wow we ate it all and all I have is a smile and one photo.

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Inside

Churasco Steak Sandwich

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Vodka Cranberry Sprite

Duke's Seafood Tacoma

Such a great seafood spot right on the water in Ruston--honestly, the location couldn't be better…read more The views are absolutely beautiful and make the whole experience feel extra special. The staff was super helpful and gave some really great recommendations, which made ordering easy. Everything we tried tasted incredibly fresh, and the clam chowder definitely lives up to the hype. Between the scenery, service, and quality of the food, this place is an easy win. Definitely worth a visit!

Server: Emily Food:…read moreThis was very refreshing, although fries were cold upon arrival. Atmosphere: Tight, decorative, but welcoming. Service (server or otherwise): Kind, respectful, attentive, and friendly. We ordered: Food: Caesar Salad, Dungeonous crab dip, and two fish n chips. Drinks: Riptide margarita, blueberry lemonade, and Shirley temple

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Burger tacoma

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Best burger near me

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Moka P.

1 year 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.

246

193

21 days 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.

9 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.