These spring months have teased us with a glimmer of sunshine here and there, but before you know it, you’ll be belting out “Summer, Summer, Summer Time,” through your open window while cruising down Ruston Way.

Heritage Bank LogoUndoubtedly, your sunny day journey will bring your windswept hair and appetite to Point Ruston. For any local, the development seemed to take ages as we waited anxiously to see what hidden gems would be tucked away below the gargantuan condo spaces. And now, we wait no longer. There are a plethora of activities to partake in, including loads of options for my favorite past time – eating.

Point Ruston Restaurants

Two Town Pub and Cafe was among one of the first dining options to hit the development. This family-friendly, casual spot boasts happy hour staples like fried pickles, tots, hot wings and more. The littles can enjoy classic options like grilled cheese, a cheese burger or chicken nuggets with a side. While the grown-ups can nosh on sandwiches and burgers alongside refreshing cocktails and ice cold brews.

Dolce Si Tacoma
Dolce Si serves up decadent house made pastries, gelato and more. Photo credit: Jackie Fender

Dolce Si is a Sicilian bakery and cafe adorned with vibrant ceramics and pottery pieces and glass cases filled with delectable house-made treats like tiramisu, eclairs and tarts. These sweet treats can be served up alongside piping hot cappuccinos or tasty Italian sodas. For an icy treat that both kids and adults will enjoy, diners can indulge in a diverse selection of gelato too. While many may venture here for the sweets, there are also savory delights, including traditional Sicilian puff pastries. Their outdoor space is intimate but tables do have umbrellas, a sweet relief from the harsh sunrays.

The Jewel Box Cafe houses a hip and warm interior, posh chandeliers and a handsomely adorned fireplace mantel. Their menu is classic cafe fare taken up a notch. Enjoy roasted bean concoctions or a bubble tea while nibbling on sweet or savory crepes, loaded, fresh salads or nicely crafted paninis. Bonus, their spacious patio seating has a prime location for sun worshiping and people watching.

WildFin Tacoma
WildFin’s seafood crostini highlights big flavor and beautiful presentation. Photo credit: Kent Bolden

WildFin American Grill offers a casual, yet elevated dining experience. The view is exquisite whether inside or on their perfectly perched patio. That view paired with flavorful seafood dishes, compelling cocktails and a lovely wine selection makes WildFin an excellent choice for date nights or happy hours with friends. If you don’t want to push the pause button on your Ruston shenanigans, you can grab a quick nibble at their walk-up Fish Bar, serving up hand dipped, beer battered fish and chips and fresh seafood tacos.

Once upon a time, the Blue Octopus Gallery and Champagne Bar was easily missed as you zipped down Pearl Street, but its new home at Point Ruston is better suited for their ambiance. Available for privately booked occasions and group paint parties, the Blue Octopus belongs on this list for its fanciful menu of compelling champagne cocktails paired with small plates. It has a rotating beer and wine selection with a bit of bubbly fun, sometimes adding fruit preserves, flavored syrups, fresh herbs and even cotton candy.

Stack 571
Big juicy burgers and generous portions paired with bourbon prevail at Stack. Photo credit: Jackie Fender

Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar presents a couple of my personal favorites with some red meat and brown liquor. The ambiance is slick and modern and their a la cart menu features juicy burgers piled high with flavorful toppings partnered with sides like parmesan truffle fries and beer-battered onion rings. Their whiskey list is respectable and features in creative craft cocktails and barrel-aged libations. Bring the littles and indulge in creamy milkshake creations like maple bacon candied walnut, chipotle chocolate cherry or one of their flavors of the month. You can opt to add something boozy or keep it a kid-friendly treat.

Farrelli’s already has a reputation for presenting up tasty comfort staples like pizza, pasta, sandwiches and more so it’s no surprise that their new Point Ruston locale is all that and more. They take a successful concept and add some waterfront flair with garage door that open to let the fresh air in and a second floor featuring a rooftop bar to enjoy the breathtaking views over a pizza pie.

Though Mio Sushi can’t boast a view of the water or patio seating, it fulfills one hankering that no other Point Ruston establishment can – your love of sushi. Mio Sushi has a bright, clean vibe with a beautiful menu of nigiri and rolls alike. Sample their anago or spicy salmon with a two piece order or go big with their caterpillar roll (with unagi) or the spicy Mount Saint Helens (with shrimp, crab and spicy tuna). They also offer up gyoza, edamame and teriyaki bowls. Just to name a few.

Coming Soon: Though these establishments are still under construction, they’ll both be a part of the Point Ruston community before you know it.

Ice Cream Social
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream (Social)! Photo credit: Jackie Fender

If you’ve cruised down 6th Ave and seen a line out the door, you’ve likely at least laid eyes on Ice Cream Social. They lure young and old alike in with handcrafted, locally sourced creamy treats with intriguing flavors like Valhalla Coffee, buttered popcorn, fresh fig and honey and Mad Hat Earl Grey. Heck, even their classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or vegan options like coconut & chocolate will become your new favorite versions of everyone’s favorite sunny day treat.

Fish Brewing Company boasts award winning handcrafted brews and ciders, plus an awesome eatery located in the Olympia area as well as their taproom in Woodinville. Their Ruston home will add a terrace-level outdoor bar. Their menu will resemble that of their Olympia locale with a hearty selection of sandwiches, burgers and hand battered fish and chips with recipes that often use their own liquid libations as a base.