The receptionists seemed disinterested and uninviting, lacking the excitement I had hoped for on a Friday night. This was my sister's first time at the restaurant, and I had mentioned in our reservation that we were celebrating her birthday, adding the phrase "Nobody puts baby in a corner" as a humorous touch. Perhaps the receptionists were too young to understand the reference. They did acknowledge her birthday with a basic greeting they must have read from the reservation log, but they didn't make eye contact with either of us. We arrived early on a Friday with reservations, and the restaurant was not busy at all, so I was hopeful we'd get a nice table, maybe even one by the window. Unfortunately, we were seated in a hallway booth. I tried to make the best of it by pointing out the lighting located in the main dining room and the stained glass if my sister looked behind her. I really wanted to make a good impression for her, so I felt a bit let down. My sister had the prime rib and I had the salmon. The food was good, but the portions were on the small side, so we sadly had no leftovers. However, it left us enough room for dessert, which we ordered. Our server was nice. We spent some time exploring McMenamins, checking out each floor, and my sister made a purchase in the gift shop. It was still a nice time overall, but I deducted a star for the experience at reception and for seating us in what I considered the overflow area when there were plenty of available tables.
Lynne
Going inside of Mcmenamins is like going into another world. It's a Tacoma treasure that everyone should experience. Good food,good service,great atmosphere.Love their blackberry cider.
Dawn
MCMenamins delivers their usual menu here with incredibly friendly servers and a bit of fun ambience. Lots of venue choice in the renovated Elks building. A fun night.
J
They assigned us a table that didn't have a dedicated server. Service was slow initially but did improve. Food was meh, acceptable but not inspiring.
Charity
The crab & shrimp roll was pretty good because it comes with cajun tots. The Grit City Shrimp is still my favorite though. We went to the Spanish ballroom for the Paper boys concert which was a blast. Hoping the Elks will have them back more often!
Matt
The whole Elks Temple is just such a cool vibe! The pub is no exception. Staff is fun and friendly. Service was very good and food was delicious. Crab Mac& Cheese and a Jr's Jumbo Deluxe burger with cajun tots were flat out delicious. RC cola instead of Coke or Pepsi is a fun alternative for soda drinkers. The Apple pecan cake and Brownie sundae were a yummy finale. 10/10 will be going again!!
Hal
Had chicken sandwich with mustard sauce - yummy. Partner had Jamaican bowl with salmon. Very tasty. Dessert was Basque cheesecake - recommend. Not cheap - be prepared!
Gina
I was happy that my reservation went quick and easy. But not happy that I had reservations and seemed they were not interested in setting up a nice table. Restaurant was not busy as people without reservations were seated quickly and we were made to wait a few minutes and told we arrived a little early (3 minutes) also and we walked passed many tables and seating way in the back in a corner booth with slight view. This is why we made a reservation for a nice table for a birthday. Would have been better off just showing up as that's when I have had a good table prior visits.
Deanna
We were there for brunch and it was super disappointing! The food was not good, quite cold, and our server was terrible! One of my guests ordered a waffle, but didn't eat it-how do you mess up a waffle?? Our server interrupted, there were multiple mistakes on the order, he never delivered parts of our order, was wearing a hoodie, and never cleared the table though we were opening birthday presents. Did not meet my expectations!!
Charles
Food was a little cold and basic..i hav head better food there in the past but the vibe makes up for it! I will be back!
Atmosphere was good, but the food was questionable. My wife liked her fish & chips, but my Rueben was quite disappointing. It was served burned (black) on both sides. I showed our server and he immediately apologized and asked if I would like another. I declined since it took so long to get our order delivered in the first place. I must applaud our server though, since he then took it off our bill.
Karen
My friend and I meet here every month for brunch to have a “catchup conversation”. These can get a bit long. The servers are great about letting us sit while they keep coffee cups full and delicious food (waffles are amazing) coming “in stages”. I look forward to the dining experience almost as much as visiting with my friend.
Darla
We will definitely be back! The food, service, location, and ambience was amazing! We had a wonderful server too, but I can't remember his name. Thank you for an outstanding celebratory brunch experience! Our newly engaged Daughter and soon to be son-in-law had an amazing time too!
Brent Pybas
The 90s and 2000s party was happening and when we asked when it ended and it was an hour before and they still tried charging us $23/EA we left.....very shady
Dave Hazlewood
Always a good time. Friendly staff, great food and drinks, and a beautiful testament of architectural history.
The receptionists seemed disinterested and uninviting, lacking the excitement I had hoped for on a Friday night. This was my sister's first time at the restaurant, and I had mentioned in our reservation that we were celebrating her birthday, adding the phrase "Nobody puts baby in a corner" as a humorous touch. Perhaps the receptionists were too young to understand the reference. They did acknowledge her birthday with a basic greeting they must have read from the reservation log, but they didn't make eye contact with either of us. We arrived early on a Friday with reservations, and the restaurant was not busy at all, so I was hopeful we'd get a nice table, maybe even one by the window. Unfortunately, we were seated in a hallway booth. I tried to make the best of it by pointing out the lighting located in the main dining room and the stained glass if my sister looked behind her. I really wanted to make a good impression for her, so I felt a bit let down. My sister had the prime rib and I had the salmon. The food was good, but the portions were on the small side, so we sadly had no leftovers. However, it left us enough room for dessert, which we ordered. Our server was nice. We spent some time exploring McMenamins, checking out each floor, and my sister made a purchase in the gift shop. It was still a nice time overall, but I deducted a star for the experience at reception and for seating us in what I considered the overflow area when there were plenty of available tables.
Going inside of Mcmenamins is like going into another world. It's a Tacoma treasure that everyone should experience. Good food,good service,great atmosphere.Love their blackberry cider.
MCMenamins delivers their usual menu here with incredibly friendly servers and a bit of fun ambience. Lots of venue choice in the renovated Elks building. A fun night.
They assigned us a table that didn't have a dedicated server. Service was slow initially but did improve. Food was meh, acceptable but not inspiring.
The crab & shrimp roll was pretty good because it comes with cajun tots. The Grit City Shrimp is still my favorite though. We went to the Spanish ballroom for the Paper boys concert which was a blast. Hoping the Elks will have them back more often!
The whole Elks Temple is just such a cool vibe! The pub is no exception. Staff is fun and friendly. Service was very good and food was delicious. Crab Mac& Cheese and a Jr's Jumbo Deluxe burger with cajun tots were flat out delicious. RC cola instead of Coke or Pepsi is a fun alternative for soda drinkers. The Apple pecan cake and Brownie sundae were a yummy finale. 10/10 will be going again!!
Had chicken sandwich with mustard sauce - yummy. Partner had Jamaican bowl with salmon. Very tasty. Dessert was Basque cheesecake - recommend. Not cheap - be prepared!
I was happy that my reservation went quick and easy. But not happy that I had reservations and seemed they were not interested in setting up a nice table. Restaurant was not busy as people without reservations were seated quickly and we were made to wait a few minutes and told we arrived a little early (3 minutes) also and we walked passed many tables and seating way in the back in a corner booth with slight view. This is why we made a reservation for a nice table for a birthday. Would have been better off just showing up as that's when I have had a good table prior visits.
We were there for brunch and it was super disappointing! The food was not good, quite cold, and our server was terrible! One of my guests ordered a waffle, but didn't eat it-how do you mess up a waffle?? Our server interrupted, there were multiple mistakes on the order, he never delivered parts of our order, was wearing a hoodie, and never cleared the table though we were opening birthday presents. Did not meet my expectations!!
Food was a little cold and basic..i hav head better food there in the past but the vibe makes up for it! I will be back!
Restaurantji Recommends
Atmosphere was good, but the food was questionable. My wife liked her fish & chips, but my Rueben was quite disappointing. It was served burned (black) on both sides. I showed our server and he immediately apologized and asked if I would like another. I declined since it took so long to get our order delivered in the first place. I must applaud our server though, since he then took it off our bill.
My friend and I meet here every month for brunch to have a “catchup conversation”. These can get a bit long. The servers are great about letting us sit while they keep coffee cups full and delicious food (waffles are amazing) coming “in stages”. I look forward to the dining experience almost as much as visiting with my friend.
We will definitely be back! The food, service, location, and ambience was amazing! We had a wonderful server too, but I can't remember his name. Thank you for an outstanding celebratory brunch experience! Our newly engaged Daughter and soon to be son-in-law had an amazing time too!
The 90s and 2000s party was happening and when we asked when it ended and it was an hour before and they still tried charging us $23/EA we left.....very shady
Always a good time. Friendly staff, great food and drinks, and a beautiful testament of architectural history.
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