Red Elm Cafe
1114 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma
(253) 327-1791
Recent Reviews
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Stayed one night in Tacoma for a friend's retirement party and was looking for a yummy breakfast prior to heading home. Had hoped to try the spot next door but their line was literally out the door so we opted for what appeared to be a less busy Red Elm. We snagged the last 4 top table for 5 of us and got in line (I was only 4th in line so it didn't seem overly busy). Upon ordering a simple egg, cheese and bacon sandwich (and an 8oz egg nog latte), I was informed that it would be about 20 minutes for the sandwich(!!!). I ordered anyway thinking they were high balling the estimate. Nope. My coffee came out about 15 minutes after ordering. THIRTY minutes after ordering my grilled sandwich came out. The bacon seemed to have been pre-cooked (limp, undercooked and cool), was incredibly salty and placed in a clump at the center of the sandwich. I had ordered pepper jack but it came out with cheddar; I wasn't about to return it and wait for a re-make so I ate it anyhow. It was lackluster in general and would not order again. The coffee was decent but didn't necessarily wow me. My husband ordered a waffle, side of bacon and eggs. The waffle came out about 20 min after ordering- overly browned, not soft and fluffy and the syrup in a plastic container was straight out of the fridge- who likes pouring cold syrup onto a warm waffle?!?! The side of bacon/eggs came out 10 min after the waffle!
The staff was very friendly but seemed overwhelmed. The space was cute. No reason to return next time we find ourselves in Tacoma.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
This casual cafe is so cute. Simple menu, lots of veg options. Affordable prices. Great service. Love this little gem of a cafe in Hilltop!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a lovely cafe with great gluten free and vegan options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't like the way the staff treat some customers, especially Fridays staff.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 3
Undercooked and took an hour for two breakfast sandwiches sigh
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Such a great feel-good, all-inclusive third space. Perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy a warm drink with some delicious food. The staff were super friendly and service was quick. Easy to get to with public transportation almost right to the front doors, plus plenty of parking available. A cozy, welcoming spot I’ll definitely be coming back to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is such a cute little cafe! I was thrilled that they offered gluten free options to their waffles! The caramel drizzle was so good I didn't even think to use the extra syrup on the table! They also had gluten free soy free doughnuts! It's been so long since I'm been able to enjoy a good doughnut! The Macha was delicious as well. We'll definitely be going back any time we stop off in Tacoma!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their bacon cheddar waffle is my favorite. A social group of mine often uses their community room. The staff is friendly and does a great job. Never had a bad experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best waffles I've had in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Love this place, love the vibes and the coziness and the fact that there’s gf options. but I’ve come a few times to work and the WiFi is atrociously slow. I’ve left earlier than I wanted to simply due to WiFi speeds which is disappointing. If you come to work and do anything more than emails then you’d be better off working off a hotspot or going somewhere else.
Restaurantji Recommends
Went here for the first time today and got a red bull and the GF vegan waffle and it was probably the best thing I have ever tasted. Will 100% be going again!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this place so much. Never have been disappointed. Service is always quick and friendly and the waffles are so yum. I love meeting up with friends here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely amazing food, cool vibe, good value.
The pesto and feta waffle is life.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A nice and cozy coffee and sandwich spot. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I got a turky sausage, egg and cheese sandwich and a white mocha.
Don't forget to bus your own table!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
One of my fave places, love the local chai and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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