The Red Hot — Restaurant in Tacoma

A Sizzling Affair with The Red Hot Tacoma

I've been meaning to pen down my delight after several visits to The Red Hot Tacoma and finally, here it is.

To cut to the chase, The Red Hot Tacoma is a gem nestled in the 6th ave area radiating a vibrant aura of conviviality. The place is unassuming in its appeal but don't let that fool you, for once you step inside, it's a cornucopia of unique flavors and curated brews that await your exploration.

The food menu at The Red Hot Tacoma is a sincere homage to great American fare. Their variety of hot dogs is just remarkable.

The menu isn't simply limited to hot dogs, though. Their nachos loaded with jalapeno cheese sauce, green onions, and smoked chili are an absolute delight, perfectly portioned for sharing.

But what really sets The Red Hot Tacoma apart is their extensive and exquisite beer selection. Their beer menu is a testament to their meticulous attention to quality and variety, spanning local crafts, nationally acclaimed brands, and some unique international choices. The rotating taps ensure a fresh offering on every visit, truly a beer enthusiast's paradise.

The 'Harmon Pt. Defiance IPA', locally brewed, was crisp, hoppy, and floral in its notes – a perfect complement to the hearty food. On another occasion, I savored the rich 'Fort George Cavatica Stout', a luscious brew with strong notes of chocolate and coffee, making it a great end to the meal.

The service at The Red Hot Tacoma is prompt and the staff are passionate, well-versed with their offerings, and more than happy to guide you through the menu. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or a casual diner seeking comfort food, The Red Hot Tacoma makes you feel right at home with its friendly atmosphere and extraordinary hospitality.

Overall, The Red Hot Tacoma is a blissful symphony of delectable food and exceptional brews, served in a warm, inviting environment. It's a place that reminds you to take a breather, enjoy a good meal, and savor a great beer. This eatery is a love letter to Tacoma, its culture, and its community. So here's raising a toast to many more flavorful visits to The Red Hot...

The Red Hot, 6th Avenue, Tacoma WA

This has to be one of the best of the weirdest 21+ venues in Tacoma where one can enjoy quality time enjoying some seriously unique incarnations of the ‘All Beef Dog’, or enjoy various tasty adorations centered around a Polish, Andouille or Chicken sausage just to name a few. But as creative as the food options are, The Red Hot also provides an ambitious and ever changing opportunity to pair that All Beef or sausage creation with (on our visit) a selection of 28 on tap beers, brews and ciders in addition to other sides and snacks. But be warned, there is not a burger patty to be found at this party, it's all about the weiner. The atmosphere and attitude here is definitely based upon a business model of offering “Delicious Food & Beer” which extends to the overall experience, not to mention a heap of fun and humor thrown in. The menu is definitely rooted in having some edible fun as the ‘Classic’ hot dog features 12 variations of such in which some are familiar, and others are destined to become familiar only with an Alka Seltzer chaser….

The Salsa Verde Dog, Rainier Ruben and Coney (chili dog) are definitely winners, where the Hound Dog (all beef dog with peanut butter and crispy bacon) may have a more limited audience appeal. But hey, we all have our secrets. Under the sausage category there were 8 just as unique and tasty options not to mention a nice vegan selection. Sides included vegan or southern style slaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, Frito pie (Fritos, yum… chili, yum… and melted cheese! YUM!). The basics here are rather simple, but the combinations and creations are satisfyingly complex. The staff are efficient, friendly and welcoming, but more amazingly, the menu prices are basically cheap! Definitely an all around great experience and who ever knew the unassuming hot dog could be raised up to such a level. And of special note, Thursdays are billed as TRH Test Kitchen, where seasonal food creations are on offer (until sold out), and wouldn't be surprised if Dr Frankenstein is somewhere in back...

For me, The Red Hot is the establishment against which all other restaurants should be judged.

I get quizzical looks when I say this to people but Red Hot regulars will understand. I say this because, if you can always go the the Red Hot, why are you going other places?

You see, the Ret Hot hits a home run on all the things you want out of a restaurant.

Value for money? 2 people can walk out of the Red Hot happy for under 35 bucks.

Diversity of food? Some may claim that an all hot dog menu is limiting, but they must not like sushi either. Within this simple form you'll find a wide variety of flavors as wells as vegan options leaving you spoiled for choice and unsure of what decision to make.

Quality of Food- The good news is you can't go wrong. It's all amazing so get the Mac and Cheese and try the hound dog. The red hot is consistent, inspired, and delicious.

Quality of service?? Fantastic. No one on Red Hot wait staff has ever denied me or my wife a beer sample or balked at a split check. They are an attentive, fun and informative crew. They know the constantly changing beer menu, they have tried the dogs. They are happy to guide and ensure you have a good time.

Ambiance- Okay. It's not a white linen place. But like, did you think it was? Is that actually better?

The vibe at red hot is relaxed and inspires you to focus on the people you're there with and enjoy the experience. Everything works, nothing is out of place, you'll feel at home here.

Kid Friendly? No. No kids allowed. But I don't have kids so, not a barrier for me. Hire a babysitter maybe?

What other restaurants measure up to these high standards of value, quality, ambiance, customer service, and diverse food options?

To be clear, I don't like, only go to the red hot. But often, after I've just dropped over $100 on a mediocre experice I could have cooked at home, I sure wish I had.

My Favorite Dogs - Big Lebowski Bhan MI Chicago Outfit 6th Ave Strut Hound Dog

Any suggestions?

Add Coors Light, my wife...