Tacoma, WA

With my toddler out of town visiting the grandparents, my husband surprised me with a call in the middle of the work day. A quickie lunch date? Yes! This NEVER happens, and it was a gorgeous day last Monday, so I wanted to make this lunch date wonderful. When he asked me what we should do, I scrambled in my head and thought of the Bridge of Glass. Then he suggested heading for Woody’s on the Water as well, and I thought he was trying to take advantage of our baby-free days. Snobby? Swanky? No. Perfect? Yes!

Woody’s on the Water sits right on Thea Foss Waterway, on Dock Street, ground-level of Thea’s Landing facing the water. You can park on Pacific Avenue and walk across the Bridge of Glass like we did afterward, or you can use their designated parking under the Thea’s Landing building for free. The floor-to-ceiling windows, tiled pillars, water view, boardwalk- some of the very factors that kept my curiosity at bay while I have Baby with me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. So hospitable! We would’ve been just fine with her. Usually when I’m asked if I’d like something to drink besides water, guilt and shame moves me to order an iced tea. I don’t want to be thought of as cheap! But my husband, the shameless penny pincher, proudly asserted, “Water is perfect today, thank you.” Our server pleasantly replied with a most genuine smile, “Okay! Ice water, and I’ll keep it coming!” Lovely…

We arrived at the tail end of lunch, and the lunch menu was superb! I thought about the Salmon Alfredo, the half Turkey Club/Soup or Salad, but decided on the Blackened Salmon and Blueberry Salad. My husband’s 1/2 pound Thomas Burger was no wimpy one. They offered generous portions and their prices are really reasonable.

I loved my date with my husband so much that I borrowed it for a date with my girlfriend for a ladies day out. This time we sat out in the sun on the open patio with a stunning view surrounded by water. We soaked up every minute of sun, shade, and fresh air on the water, talking our talk.  I wish we had hours to lap it up.  She had the Albacore Tuna Melt, and I had the Focaccia Black and Bleu Burger. We walked back up to our car on Pacific and briskly through the Museum of Glass and the Bridge of Glass.

I would really like to come back for their live music, or even just their happy hour which is daily 3pm-6pm with half-priced drinks and appetizers. In addition to that, Martini Mondays offers half-priced martinis, and Wine Wednesdays features half-priced bottles of wine. I would even make this scheme a weekly thing. Everyone should borrow this lunch date, because a quickie lunch date here, with anyone, can be completely satisfying.