Looking for some nice (level 4 and higher) restaurant(s) in Pierce County (Tacoma: houses)

[LeybaRE]

My wife and I are new to Pierce County and looking for some places to eat at. We classify restaurants from the following:

Level 1 is fast food restaurant; (McDonalds, Burger King, Jack in the box, ect...)

Level 2 is slightly fast food, but with a more relaxed atmosphere, no drive through, will usually serve alcohol; (Fuddruckers, Spins, etc...)

Sizzler and alike restaurants are a 2.5

Level 3 is a more sit down, family, waiter service restaurant; (Applebee's, Chili's, TGIFriday, there is plethora of level 3 out there)

Olive Garden and most steak houses are closer to a 3.5, little nicer but doesn't get you to want to dress nice to go to.

Level 4 is a restaurant that gets you to want to dress nice, maybe a step higher than casual but lower than formal. You’re not afraid to spend a few extra dollars for quality and some good service. You can have reservations but are not usually required. Places that when you hear the name, you know you’re going to enjoy yourself.

Level 5 you will have reservations. You'll want to be in a formal outfit. You expect nothing but the best. Almost to a point to where you sneeze, someone is there to wipe your nose (not literally) but you get my point. A restaurant to where one may have to save up a few dollars to go to it. Special occasions, or just want fancy works as well. Somewhere when someone drops the fork, a waiter picks it up and replaces it, the costumer just doesn't push it under the table with the foot and ask for another one.

[nfdsouza2001]

I would highly recomend Goodfellas Steakhouse in the Grand Central Casino on 512 & south Tacoma Way.

[Jake840]

Pacific Grill, El Gaucho, Maxwell's

I think you will enjoy Pacific Grill (locals call it PG). It is classy but can be casual. They don't judge and has the most diverse menu. Voted best restaurant in Tacoma, best happy hour, best catering, best first date restaurant, friendliest chef (Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs, Gordon Naccarato) best bacon, best candlelight restaurant.

[mthomson]

Stanley and Seaforts in Tacoma (may be leaning towards a 5) or Anthony's on the water in Tacoma or Gig Harbor.

[LeybaRE]

We'll start looking into these everyone, thank you. Probably the Pacific Grill first. We won a $25.00 gift card to it the PG and I gave it away to someone who really was interested in it. I see why now based off of your description. :-) My wife just yelled at me for giving it away after this recommendation, :-) Too funny.

[LeybaRE]

Went to a place this late morning called the southern kitchen. My goodness is this place popular. Had the country fried steak and it was all homemade. This place is more of a level 2.5 but worth going back again for seconds down the road.

[Jake840]

Southern Kitchen is a Tacoma must go. It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food Network a few months ago. I go there for my fried catfish fix. Another good place for breakfast is Puget Sound Pizza (PSP) down the street on 7th and St. Helens. Its a good solid no frills breakfast spot. Its kind of a hipster place so expect tattoos, young people, gays, and not the greatest service but good food. Good bloody marys too.

[Ira500]

I've never been to Puget Sound Pizza for breakfast, but their pizza is far better than average.

[Rob Allen]

The Flying Boots Cafe on South 38th has a surprisingly good breakfast. There are some interesting ethnic restaurants in the area too, mostly Vietnamese, but I haven't tried them yet.

[LeybaRE]

Just ate at the Pacific Grill and I thought it was a little more nicer than what I have read on reviews. Jake said it right about them not discriminating. It is classy if you prefer or casual. Food was freaking great though, service for the price I thought could be better. Maybe it was because it was a Tuesday night or something. This kind of place is what we are looking for. We figured it was a 4.5 but after careful discussion. This is a solid 4+. Thank you for the suggestion. We will go again. Probably on a weekend. I have to leave for a year or so. I hope to come back and try some more places. Thanks. Talk to you then. Keep the forum alive.