Sonic - America's Drive In - coming to Tacoma

altered chords May 21, 2008

bbc @ 1. Need sweet tea? Go to Soutnern Kitchen on 6th ave.

Great food, sweet tea southern style.

And because it’s phenomonal, go to “The Fish House Cafe” it’s near 19th and MLK.

Reminds me of the fish ‘n chips I had in Georgia.

Rick May 21, 2008

Please sequester any new fast food joints to that fast food AND moving violation capital of Washington: Fife.

Having lived in South Georgia for several years and waited tables while going to school, I made a tremendous amount of sweet tea for the fine people of Valdosta. I will now share that super secret recipe… sweet tea is [drum roll please] a combination of steeped tea, an assload of sugar stirred in while hot, and is then poured over [more drums] ice.

Another secret? A deep fryer and stick of butter will make anything taste better.

I feel grumpy.

Tacoma (A)roma May 21, 2008

Yes!!!

Thorax O'Tool May 22, 2008

No!
These damn east coast (and nation-wide) companies need to stay the hell out of here. It’s bad enough that we have McDonalds, Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Krispy Krap, Kroger (they own Freddies) and Macys. Bringing out of state chains here only serves to damage local small businesses.

Our uniqueness as one of the last areas mostly free of national chains is under constant siege, being eroded away.

Boycott them. Seriously, show these damn east coast companies that Tacoma is not there for their taking. We aren’t Ohio, NYC or Atlanta. Sorry to rant, but this is one of my biggest pet peeves. We don’t need them, not now not ever.
Want Southern Food? Go to Southern Kitchen.

Roland May 22, 2008

In-N-Out is family owned in the LA area, and has a gradual geographic expansion strategy.

Right now they are only as far north as Redding CA, just north of Sacramento in NorCal. So we won’t be seeing In-N-Out anytime soon.

Which is a real shame. They make really good burgers/fries. Which is pretty much all they make. Fresh fresh fresh & tasty.

rich May 22, 2008

In-N-Out Rocks!!!!….

House of Brat May 22, 2008

I love In-N-Out even though I’ve only been there once. I’d expect them to start in Oregon before ever jumping into Washington.

Never been to Sonic. Don’t care to either.

Been to Chick-fil-A growing up in Utah where one existed in the food court of the local mall. Typical fast food joint except they focus on chicken instead of burgers.

Tim Farrell May 22, 2008

In-N-Out actually pays their employees a good wage with great health benefits. Such foreign invaders I would welcome. :) That, and well, they have good food too.

For a really good meal, however, might I suggest the bbq restaurant, “The Bear Pit” off Sepulveda and the 118 in the San Fernando Valley. The BBQ Beef on Garlic/Parmesan bread is amazing. =)

drizell May 22, 2008

Yes! Bring Sonic: America’s Drive In to Tacoma! Anybody wanna bet how long it takes them to drive Frisko Freeze out of business? Would that help or hurt Frisco Freeze’s historic landmark application?

Seriously, though: will Sonic serve me if I show up on my bike? Will anyone patronize a “drive-in” when gas costs $15.00 per gallon? I can’t wait for that day to come. As long as y’all keep eating that cheeseburger crap, it’ll be sooner rather than later.

I'm for Change (for tacoma) May 22, 2008

I hate to say it, but Tacoma is the king of chain resturants. Having moved around a lot, Tacoma has more chains and the least number of independent restaurants that I’ve ever seen. It’s one of the few complaints I have to admit to when people are considering moving here.

And before the lists of independent restuarants get started – yes, I know they exist and I support them. But trust me, from a foodie perspective, they aren’t that numerous.

Having said that – I would love to see an In-N-Out. Yummy!

altered chords May 22, 2008

Want a great burger? Try Mary’s Burger Bistro at 27th and Pacific.

It’s on the East side of Pacific (same side of street as El Goucho, Chin’s philly & Terryaki (sp?) and Mullans auto body.

It’s not dirt cheap it’s a good value becuase it tastes great.

crenshaw sepulveda May 22, 2008

I, for one, do not welcome our fast food franchise overlords.

bigbadcoz May 22, 2008

I forgot Burgerville. I was born in Vancouver, WA and we only went to Burgerville when I was a kid. When we moved to Tacoma we only went to Frisko Freeze. Anyone remember McCall’s Freeze that was only open for a few months on Sixth Ave where the Chiropractor’s office is now at Mildred? That was a real Frisko burger, bigger and better than one on Division. They even drew a lawsuit.

I know the recipe for iced tea. It is just something you cannot order in restaurants around here. It is one of those things that is better if you don’t have to make it yourself.

Anyway, I support local food but it has to be GOOD. Working downtown I eat at Mary’s Bistro, among others, regularly. If a national chain has good food at a reasonable price we should enjoy it. If there was a local restaurant right next to a Chick-fil-A that served chicken sandwiches that were as good I would probably be willing to pay more for the local sandwich, but I do not think that would be a common reaction. I think most of the people reading Exit133 are locally focused and probably readers here would be more likely to support local businesses but I do not know if that would be true for the masses. Think of how many military people there are in the area who would love to eat at a restaurant that reminded them of home.

I want a good product and some national chains can do that reasonably. Those are the chains I want. At the same time I support local restaurants because that is the only way we will ever get more and better choices.

One sentiment I can agree with is that we are not Ohio, NYC or Atlanta. There are lots of things to do, see and eat in those places.

Andrew May 22, 2008

Honestly, I welcome anyone who would be likely to get Frisko Freeze to get their a**es in gear. Two bucks for a crappy hamburger? I’ll pass, thanks….

I’ve been here seven years, and I STILL don’t understand peoples’ fascination with that place.

Local DOES NOT equal good.

altered chords May 22, 2008

BBCoz – I’m pretty sure you can get sweet tea at the Southern Kitchen.

I know they had it a Djembe Soul (another)

I had sweet tea at Southern Kitchen but I think is was “Peach” or “Strawberry” and had whipped cream on it and it was gigantic.

That and the fried chicken and 2 sides – awesome! Great greens too.

Fuzzybear May 23, 2008

If a company has a good product, regardless of whether they are a small local establishment, or a large corporate monster, I will buy it if that is what I am in the mood for.

If I am in the mood for a “double double” from In and Out, I am not going to settle for anything from Frisko Freeze just because they are local. I welcome variety, as well as freedom of choice. And local establishments have nothing to worry about if they have a good product because the next day, I could be craving their product.

Corey May 23, 2008

The last thing Tacoma needs.

Jeff May 24, 2008

I remember cracker barrel in lakewood years ago.

J. Cote May 24, 2008

Past 25 years here and would not live in any other region. EVER.
Foods that I miss:
REAL Deli. The person behind the counter must know the diff. between Prosciuto and Capicolla. I had one tell me that Cotto Salami was much nicer than Genoa. I let her live.
REAL Southern dining: Southern Kitchen on 6th Ave and Mama Scott’s on Center Street across from Little Holland. They even served Pepper Sauce with my greens.Southern Cooking is NOT just about the food but also the atmosph-
ere the service and the price. If the staff are not family members, stay away.
REAL bar-B-Q. The best I’ve found was at the two locations above. I’m still looking.
REAL NY STYLE PIZZA: Haven’t found one yet. Most of the others are cardboard under Katsup. Katie Down’s is Chicago style in it’s deep tin. They’re going downhill though. Making changes in the sauce and skimping on toppings.They dumped delivery to spend more on a casino that had to close. Not a bright move. Bring Delivery back.
STEAK: Doesn’t anybody serve a Delmonico anymore????
Thanks for hearing me out…

Roland May 24, 2008

Hey, crenshaw sepulveda, In-N-Out isn’t a franchise, all stores are company owned & run.

And yes they do treat people well. A store manager at In-N-Out made $80,000/year – in the 1970’s!

They make some tasty burgers. All the ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, and are totally fresh.

Time for a trip to LA.

crenshaw sepulveda May 25, 2008

Trust me, crenshaw sepulveda knows from In-N-Out burgers. No question about it, they do a superb burger and my cholesterol levels are tribute to many Double-Doubles, fries, and shakes.

They do treat and pay their people well. They produce a good product as well. A good deal of it has to do with their local control. True, they have expanded into Nevada, Arizona, and even Utah, but it would be a huge leap for them to move into the Pacific Northwest. It might not be out of the question for them, but I’m sure they will do it when it is right for the company. I’d rather see them maintain their standards and stay where they are for future generations rather than expand and destroy what they do so well.

There is no reason locals can not produce a superior burger and treat their people well. Don’t need to have a Southern California company come in and show us how it is done.

The closest thing to a New York style pizza here in the south sound is probably Old School Pizza in Olympia. Pizza by the slice or whole. I highly recommend it. J. Cote, you are on your own on the deli front. I’m not even looking for a good deli these days, just a good sandwich with a tasty pickle on the side.

Leslie May 25, 2008

I’d like to see more Middle Eastern food here. The only place in Tacoma now that has it is Daniah’s on Sixth Ave. If you haven’t been there, please go try it. They also have groceries, it’s family-run, and they are the nicest people.

AS for the pizza, my recent favorite is the Hub. And I am picky, I haven’t just had lots of amazing pizza in NYC, but I was converted forever when I tried Sally’s (short fo Salvatore) pizza in New Haven, CT (the pizza Frank Sinatra sent his limo from NYC to get!!!). You will have died and gone to heaven. All else pales in comparison.

I am often very disappointed with pizza here, but I like the Hub pizza a lot.

tressie May 25, 2008

Cracker Barrel can just keep their gay-hating restaurant outta these parts…I don’t like chains….but I Might make an exception for In-Out burger….because…if you don’t already know, I aint gonna tell ya.
mr funkoma was thrilled to see Carls Jr when it opened….but we’re both California-bred…..

broadweezy May 26, 2008

It always annoyed me how those Sonic commercials on TV advertise these lame monthly specials, but when you go to the website to search for the nearest Sonic, the closest location is in SPOKANE! Thanks Corporate America. At least I can’t get mad at the commercials anymore.

J. Cote May 27, 2008

Crenshaw,
Thanks for the tip. I’m with you on the sandwich, but I can’t find a place that can even get the PICKLE right!
I don’t miss the East Coast, but Man, sometimes, I DO miss the food.

NorthEndJustin June 3, 2008

I’d love to have In-n-Out come up to Tacoma. Of course I’d weigh 300 pounds within the year after eating a double double animal style every day.

altered chords June 3, 2008

Found a great Reuben.

Carr’s in Lakewood. Bridgeport and 116thish.

Decent beer menu too.

No pickle on the side, lame slices but the salad was truly “mixed” greens – not just iceberg lettuce.

1000 island dressing was great too. Reluctant to call it russian dressing though.

Heather June 4, 2008

Crenshaw, you don’t like MSM (Magical Sandwich Makers) on Sixth Ave? If you haven’t tried it, you should, IMHO :) Be sure to call your order in – 272-4814- they are slammed during most lunch hours. My guy really likes the Mike’s Deluxe. I usually order either the (BBC) Bacon Beef and Cheddar or the Pocketful of Miracles. I think their pickle on the side is good, but I’m not a pickle connoisseur.

crenshaw sepulveda June 4, 2008

Heather, I will try the MSM on your recommendation. I frequented the MSM years ago but some rather disturbing things happened back then regarding the ownership which I assume has changed and thus will not bring up why I stopped going there. If the owners are new then there is no reason to go into what occurred there.

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