Opal Lounge — Restaurant in Tacoma

UNREMARKABLE is the kindest thing I can say about the food. I went on my lunch break today because the aroma from outside was enticing...unfortunately the food didn't live up to the expectation. I had the pulled pork sandwich with Cole slaw as the side. The pork was acceptable... decent smoke on it, however it would benefit from either a rub or a brine... something to give it some more complex flavors and a bit of salt. I understand not wanting to over do the salt in food-I myself tend to be lighthanded with it but SOME is good. The Cole slaw was completely flavorless, it tasted like it had been dressed with mayonnaise ONLY. A little apple cider vinegar, some honey or bit of brown sugar and-AGAIN-a pinch of salt or better yet celery salt would have made it much more palatable. The server offered to replace it for me so I asked for a sample of the baked beans-AHA! THAT'S WHERE ALL THE SALT WENT! Undercooked beans and too much salt, a nice amount of heat and good sweetness but yet again lacking any complexity. So I decided on a salad because how can you mess THAT up?? Well let me tell you how...lettuce that was cut into streamers, some lettuce that was slimy brown on the edges and a raspberry vinaigrette that was-you guessed it-bland and unremarkable. Too much oil, not enough-if any-vinegar, no salt or seasoning of any kind. Perhaps some fresh tarragon or mint, a splash of raspberry or champagne vinegar, a pinch of salt and some white pepper. It's a good thing they serve alcohol-if you drink enough you won't notice just how little the kitchen seems to care about how good the food tastes... Anyone who thinks that this is great BBQ has led a very sheltered life culinarily speaking... For that go to Bob's in downtown Tacoma or Poor Boys in Puyallup or BBQ2U in Gig Harbor. The last one is owned by a guy who's Texas born and raised. He knows his stuff... except for Cole slaw... everyone who makes it seems to think it should just be mayo...

Best Cubano and Reuben in town if not some of the best I can recall having. Nice atmosphere, clean, staff in kitchen wears uniforms.... None of that matters except the smoke on their food is delicious in that they also know how to prep it. Spicy mac and cheese was spot on. Not the best in the world, but no way I'd complain. Same with the corn bread. It's all very tasty. Also tried the brisket French dip. It's pretty damn good. The south bay bbq hot sauce is a really nice vinegar kick that's really complimented by green habanero peppers? I'm not sure. Not too spicy or too vinegary. It's very balanced. I bought a bottle to go. The place has a kids menu with pbj, grilled cheese or sliders with sausage, shredded pork or shredded beef, but if you're really worried about taking kids here, just get a burger and spilt it between them. They're big I was told. Baked beans are made fresh, no leftover pulled pork added from the night before. I could tell because it wasn't quite done yet since I came in so early. Still tasted great with a little...

After living in Tacoma for years and years we finally took the recommendation of heading to the Opal for Supper!! Its a small quant lil bar just off 56th and South Tacoma Way it does have limited hours and at times a limited availability of Fresh Smoked Meats. Upon arriving we were greeted by friendly bar staff and offered a drink and a menu. We had a drink and decided on food to go so we ordered a Brisket French Dip, a Cubano Sandwich, and a side of Greens and Mac & Cheese. Our sandwiches were par none excellent loaded 6" high with fresh smoked meats, however the greens were sweet in flavor not the " Ol School" Greens that Nana and Auntie use to make for cookouts. Also the Mac & Cheese had a spicy note and contained bits and pieces of Jalapeño so definitely not suitable for younger children unless they enjoy a bit of spice!! Overall we would order meat again and look forward to trying Happy Hour and the fun menu that has to offer in...