Social Bar and Grill

1715 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA, 98402
253-301-3835

Located at street level in the Thea's Landing Condominium building, right next door to the Museum of Glass.  Parking is available on the street after 5:00 PM, and there is also garage parking.  Meeting the girls there for dinner, I parked on the street and entered on the side closest to MOG.  The first thing I thought before I even entered the restaurant was "Why didn't I bring my camera?"  In the dark, there is a stunning view of the outdoor sculptures at MOG, along with the 21st street bridge and the Foss Waterway itself... all lit up.  We sat at a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoyed the view throughout our dinner.  Our waitress was very friendly and prompt.  I had been studying their online menu all day, so I had already narrowed down what I wanted to two choices... either the 1/2 lb. beef bacon cheddar burger or the bacon pasta carbonara.  I went with the burger, my friend Kim went with the pasta, and Mary had the beer tempura cod.  Our orders arrived quickly and I soon ascertained I had made the right choice.  My burger was awesome.  Topped with caramelized onions, cilantro sprigs, a nice slab of roasted red bell pepper, a large slice of raw jalapeno on a fresh brioche bun with chili-garlic aioli on the side, it was drip-down-your-elbows good.  I was glad they served the aioli on the side, as there was plenty left over to dip my fries in.  I did remove the jalapeno, but that was only because I just wasn't in the mood for that much heat.  I traded bites with Kim, and although the bacon pasta carbonara was good, it wasn't nearly as good as my burger.  I do have to say there was a LOT of bacon in her dish, so I gave it extra points just for that.  I didn't taste Mary's cod, but she said it was kind of meh... nothing extraordinary.

Unfortunately we were there during full price hours.  Their happy hour menu looks like it would be something to get excited about... small plate dishes for whatever you happen to be craving, and nothing over $5.00.  Happy hours are from 4-6 PM and 10 PM- midnight.  I was delighted they carried my favorite beer (Manny's from Georgetown Brewery), but disappointed they don't serve it in pitchers or have the growlers on special for happy hour.  Can't have everything, I guess.

Overall we had a great time and I hope Social doesn't burn out quickly like the previous two restaurants in this spot have.  Hopefully we'll get back there soon... with camera in hand.