Tacoma is known for many things.  It’s distinct aroma, a diverse populace, the dome and its resurgence as an economic center in Washington State.  As you ride through the redeveloping city and visit the heart of Tacoma’s Hilltop, or newly christened ‘Upper Tacoma’, neighborhood you might think, “I’m hungry…where can I get a bite?”

                There is a place where the bites are not only good, but they are healthy and affordable.  I should know – this spot gets enough of my money.  The Fish House Café is one of the gateways that must be visited for those traveling through Washington’s, limited urban landscape.

                The Fish House enjoys a diverse clientele and them with another local businessman and patron on Martin Luther King Jr. Way.  One Famm Records Owner and Executive, Theo “Mr. Network” Hall constantly dines with The Fish House.  “It’s good being down the street from The Café.  I order lunch from them and we share patrons.  Customers eat there, and get their hair cut and buy music here,” said Hall while munching on some hot wings at One Famm Studios.  “Want some?,” he asks with a hesitant smile.  I refrain, but if he asks again…curtains.

A unique characteristic about The Fish House Café is its significance to the Hilltop community.  The Fish House Café is more than a place to get your eat on.  The Café is a Tacoma social center and a regular stop for celebrities, local and national.  “The wings with the ‘special sauce’, that’s my meal,” says Owner and Executive of Free Ya Mind Enterprises, Stella Haioulani. 

“On top of the food, The Café is a great place to engage in conversation about empowering the community, getting information about what’s going on in it, as far as events.  FYM appreciates sponsorship from The Fish House.  That’s the kind of service and vibe that the community needs,” proclaims Haioulani.  Out-of-towners agree.  “I’m diggin’ the hot wings.  The Café’s definitely a cool spot,” says legendary Bay Area MC, Andre Nickatina.  Patrons also read the latest news from The Final Call, The Skanner and other publications at the Fish House. 

                Back to the eats.  The sure shot orders on the menu according to patrons are the Zesty Texas Hot Wings, The Allen Ivers Philly Cheese Steak, The Wass Up Chicken & Chips and the Fish Sandwich Special.  Also, The Fish House delivers under Three Brothers Catering for special events.

The Fish House is a quaint and modest space for people to meet, greet and eat with a positive vibe and respectful hospitality.  In an era when “service with a smile” is as common as an R&B song without a rapper, The Fish House Café nourishes the social needs and stomachs of its daily visitors.

The Fish House Café and Three Brothers Catering.  Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm, closed on Sunday.

Located at: 1814 S. Martin Luther King Way, Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 383-7144.