Exit133

October 14, 2014 · Exit133

Point Defiance Tap & Grill: A Northwest Centric Pub-Meets-Bistro

A new restaurant is in the works for Ruston. The corner unit at North 51st and Pearl, across from the Antique Sandwich Company, has sat empty for quite a while now, but soon its doors will open as a new Northwest-focused Point Defiance Tap and Grill.

Owner Bill Bonnie has been operating Stadium Wine Merchants and Enoteca Wine Bar on Tacoma Avenue in the Stadium District for more than a decade now, and it's one of our favorite places to sip a glass of wine or grab just the right bottle to take to a dinner party.

Bill really knows his stuff when it comes to wine and food, so we're really looking forward to getting a taste of what he does with the larger space and full kitchen at the Tap and Grill. He describes his latest venture as "northwest centric upscale pub meets bistro."

The Space

The former antique store has been converted into a a more spacious restaurant space with a bar and full kitchen. Bill's partner Donn Frostad of North Slope Construction renovated the space, including the copper-topped tables, which give a nod to Ruston's history.

The Food

The focus on local continues with locally-sourced, seasonal dishes. You can expect sandwiches and grass fed beef burgers on the lunch menu, with larger entrees featuring items like salmon and duck on the dinner menu. There will also be small plates including cheese and charcuterie boards.

Heritage Meats will supply local meats for the restaurant, and Calendula Farms will be featured on the menu as well as produce from local farms.

The Drinks

The wine and beer list will feature the best of Washington and Oregon, hand-picked by Bill. You won't find a California red or chard here, but we're betting you will find new Pacific Northwest favorites. And of course there will be great local beers for you beer lovers, as well.

Bill expects to open the Tap and Grill late this month or early in November; he will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on weeknights, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. We're excited.

If all this talk of wine has you thirsty too, you can stop by Enoteca for a glass while we wait for the opening.

Filed under: Tacoma Business, Neighborhoods, Elsewhere, Ruston, North Tacoma, Eating Local, Restaurants & Bars

10 comments

  • Squid October 14, 2014

    With BB at the helm, this place will be great, guaranteed.

  • Xeno October 14, 2014

    Godspeed to open a business in Ruston, where there are more vacant businesses spaces than actual businesses.

  • Scott October 15, 2014

    Indeed, it seems when Bill does something, he does it exquisitely...I can't wait to dive into the menu!

  • Sarah K. October 15, 2014

    As a new home owner in the area, I am excited to see a quality Northwest dining and drinking spot open within walking distance ! Best of luck! Can't wait to check it out.

  • Christine October 19, 2014

    I cannot wait to visit this new spot! Congrats to Bill and it is nice to see Ruston coming along so well.

  • Mom and Dad Frostad October 20, 2014

    The Bar and Grill look wonderful, you have done a wonderful job doing All that work in there Donn. Cant wait to see it again and eat and drink some good stuff. Love from us both.

  • Jamie November 10, 2014

    Well, I can certainly see how this site was picked, but honestly? The photos of the place look barely adequate... Everyone is saying "hoorah" and what a fantastic looking place... Are you seeing something I'm not? The photo of the bar taps- flanked by 2 (unlabeled) wine bottles... are... well....taps! Where is the decorating here? It doesn't look 'inviting'- where is the comfy couch I can sit on? The fireplace? The books?? Is it Wi-Fi accessable? How is the PARKING? When last I checked, it was street-only... I'd like to see more art than what is hanging up (It looks like the one hanging in my bathroom that I just bought from Big Lots for $22...) So, yeah... congrats on the opening, but really dude- put some effort into it! I want to go to a place for ambiance as well as a drink!

    • Meredith November 24, 2014

      Hi Jamie. These photos were taken at Derek's request well in advance of the opening to try to give folks a sense of what the place would look like upon completion. Updated photos are available on the PDT&G Facebook page. Check them out! And, if you have't already, stop in to get a closer look at the artwork, which was designed by a local artist to reflect Ruston's nautical heritage. A note about parking: it is indeed street-only but spaces are abundant. It's rare for anyone to have to park more than a block away, even on a busy evening.

      • Jenny J November 24, 2014

        I agree - we visited on a weekend, found parking less than a block away, and enjoyed the atmosphere very much. It's not meant to be a coffee shop, so wifi and comfy couches would be out of place. We found both the food and atmosphere sophisticated, and a nice contribution to the dining scene around here.

  • Richard and Tina January 18, 2015

    The food is excellent and we really like local atmosphere. The grass fed hamburger is amazing as are the "real" potato fries and the green salad. The food is very fresh and tasty. The service was fast, efficient, and friendly. We loved the rustic charm and the nautical artwork on the walls. They have a big selection of northwest beers on tap. We definitely plan to eat here on a regular basis.