Settle in This Season at the Top Comfort Food Restaurants in the South Sound

As I drove to pick up my kids from daycare in the dark this week, I started going through my mental checklist of ways to prepare myself for these wet, winter months ahead. Every Pacific Northwest parent has their own way of embracing the Big Dark, and for me, that means racking up library hours, heading to children’s museums, restocking our Play-Doh stash and most importantly, leaning into cozy comfort food. Comfort food can be so many things: a taste of home, a warming bite or an indulgent pick-me-up. Whatever you’re looking for, these South Sound options are sure to warm your belly and your heart.

Howdy Bagel, Tacoma

I know I’m the millionth person to sing the praises of Howdy Bagel, but there’s no way to leave bagels off of my comfort-food list, and judging by the lines out the door, everyone else agrees. When you finally make it inside, you are greeted with the intoxicating smell of fresh-baked bagels and espresso, which always makes me forget how long I had to wait. As a former New Yorker I can confidently say, these are some of the best bagels I’ve had in the Northwest. I dream about the pastrami, egg and cheese sandwich; and the tried-and-true Lox in a Box feels like home. There’s usually a rotating pastry item that looks too yummy to pass up and I grab that, along with a dozen everything bagels to take home to my crew.

In addition to being the best bagels in town, there is always a groovy playlist and wonderful community feel. You can tell a lot of love and care have been put into the experience, from the adorable peach and green decor to the carefully curated mercantile in the corner. The seating area isn’t huge, but we haven’t had a problem finding room. The kids have even been rewarded with Howdy-themed coloring pages and crayons for their patience. Nothing better!

The Pine Cone, University Place

One of my favorite winter weekend traditions is heading out to The Pine Cone to have a classic diner breakfast and sip some bottomless coffee while the kids indulge in chocolate milk. With high chairs, kids menus and coloring pages, we love to settle in for a slow, family breakfast. My husband always goes for savory, ordering “two eggs your way.” I get the short stack pancakes and steal his hashbrowns. Portions are large, so we could probably feed everyone with just those two things, but the kids always split the silver dollar pancakes anyway.

The menu has lots of great lunch and dinner options too. If I was going later in the day, I’d definitely order the tuna melt with fries, which always brings me back to my New Jersey childhood.

Buddy’s Chicken and Waffles, Tacoma

Chicken and waffles provide everything you need in a comfort food: warm, chewy with a little crunch, and the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Buddy’s is the most talked about local chicken joint these days, and I can see why. Everything they make is fresh to order and the restaurant has a great, casual community vibe. I went classic with the buttermilk waffle and chicken tenders and was definitely sold. I’m hoping to try the southern cornbread waffle and chicken sandwich on my next visit, and won’t forget the sweet tea. They were recently voted one of the best brunches in Pierce County, so put it on your list before it gets too busy!

Chung Ki Wa, Lakewood

I love taking my kids to Korean barbecue, since it’s basically a one-stop shop for dinner and a show! Chung Ki Wa is a great family-friendly option for delicious food, with high chairs and kids cups available. We love the banchan, or side dishes, that come out on tiny plates. From kimchi to bean sprouts and marinated fish cakes, we can’t get enough of these endless appetizers. My 4-year-old took down three plates of garlic spinach this way — something he rarely does at home.

I recommend ordering a barbecue combination from the set menu. Our favorite includes marinated chicken, bulgogi and kalbi (short ribs), which they bring to your table raw, so you can cook your own meat right over the grill table. Nothing beats the sizzle and aroma of delicious barbecue on a chilly day. We’re always stuffed by the time we leave, but in case you have some room, the green tea taiyaki soft serve at T-Town Cafe in the next parking lot makes for an excellent dessert.

State Street Beer Co., Tacoma

State Street was the very first restaurant I ever ate at when I moved to Tacoma, and it definitely convinced me I had made the right call. It’s the perfect neighborhood gathering spot, where we always run into friends, especially at 5 p.m., which often turns into “family happy hour.” My kids beeline for the toy basket and play with cars and games until pizza arrives. The pepperoni and hot honey pizza is great for the adults and the kids happily take down a plain pie all by themselves. When we’re feeling extra hungry, we indulge in their Bavarian pretzel, which is served warm with an addictive honey mustard dip. Full of pizza and beer, I always leave feeling cozy and well taken care of, like I had dinner at a friend’s house.

La Cà Bar, Tacoma

La Cà Bar is my family’s go-to takeout spot with a great selection of Vietnamese street food. With so many noodle, rice and soup options, you’re bound to find the perfect steaming bowl to cure your rainy day blues. We love many things on the menu, but nothing beats the chicken pho or grilled beef vermicelli bowl when we need a flavorful, comforting dish. My kids affectionately call their order “favorite fried rice” and we’ve recently started adding Tuy Hoa chicken with rice and deep fried rolls to their roster. While we typically save this for a night in, we’ve met friends at the restaurant too, and had a great lunch with an infant and two toddlers in tow. High chairs are available and the servers graciously adjusted spice levels and split plates for us.

Infinite Soups, Tacoma

Winter is upon us, which means soup is officially back in the rotation. For over 15 years, Infinite Soups has been ladling up delicious cups from an ever-changing menu with recipes from around the world. They divide their menu into creamy, vegetarian, non-creamy, and vegan options so you can choose your own adventure. I’m a sucker for a well-done tomato basil, but on days when I want something heartier, I branch out to something like curried chicken stew. The staff will let you taste anything before you commit, which is also super helpful for any picky eaters tagging along. This is a walk-up, cash only location, so prepare accordingly and make a plan for where you want to serve it up to the kids. If the rain isn’t stopping you, Wright Park is just a short walk away so you can warm yourself up, soup in hand, while the kids run around the playground.

Da Tiki Hut, Tacoma

When the cold season stretches on and I need a little pick-me-up, Da Tiki Hut is the perfect spot to visit to get a little slice of paradise. Kids will love the Polynesian atmosphere as they spot large jungle plants, tiki masks and even a treasure chest. The combo plate lunch has something for everyone and the Kalua pig hits the spot every time. My kids are happy with the keiki plate or Basic Mainlander Burger. Musubi and garlic furikake fries are the perfect add-ons to any meal. When I’m craving something fresh, I go for the ahi poke instead. I’m a sucker for a great tropical drink and Da Tiki Hut delivers on delicious libations for the grown-ups, making even the trickiest restaurant outing just a little easier to manage.