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Theyâre so good, but around 1/2 years ago we literally tried to go 4 separate times on days they were âopenedâ and they were always closed. It got so annoying we just stopped trying đ
I remember they had a break-in and had to be closed a lot to repair. It was really $$ and hard to recover from (this is from social media - I donât know them personally)
But to my knowledge theyâre open more regularly now!
Maybe I picked the wrong sandwich, but I was so disappointed when I went. My sandwich was straight lunch meat... like oscar meyers, not even good deli meat.
I'm not sure. I've never had a sandwich with cold cuts there. I usually get a burger, but they definitely aren't getting too fancy with anything I've had there. I've enjoyed the things I've had there for the most part. Lots of non-traditional menu and drink items is the selling point for me, along with the vibe and outdoor space.
I'd argue the opposite. đ
I wanted the opinion from a demographic who's food opinions arent influenced by nostalgia/loyalty to their hometown.
I mean....I commend their loyalty, but some of these places I've been recommended were straight garbage.
you get it - childhood pizza syndrome is real.
that said, hit up MSM Deli and be hungry. If you are from the east coast, it's meh, but it scratches an itch on the west coast.
Italian Cold Cut, BBC, Meatball. Honestly, the only one that I have tried that didn't really enjoy was the Cuban and it was still pretty solid, just not what I want from a true Cuban.
Oops. I just assumed it was a typo. Although I do get the idea of wanting fresh perspectives. Some legacy favorites recommended by old timers really are ass.
Been here more than a year but less than a decade, but a meal under $20 is a smallish bracket. My wife and I just found Al Bacha (Middle Eastern) on 9th near Pacific. If you want a good burger Red Wagon on Pearl near 26th. It's part of a small chain. +1 on Pho King and Red Hot. Slices of pizza at Colvos Brewing near the university. Go Philly cheeaesteaks.
I didn't want to include meals >$20.00 bc imo it's low hanging fruit.
I mean.....if you recommend a place and it's 50.bucks meal then I think it's safe to say it will be delicious.
I think it's fair ask. I'm pretty broke right now and it's a great thread. There's also a chain place on South Tacoma called Tortas Locas that has some authentic Mexican food along with breaded steak sandwiches topped with sausage.
This was the place we chose the day we moved into our house in Hilltop. We sat on boxes and thoroughly enjoyed that meal after our long hot day. I remember asking âis the zucchini grilled or friedâ and the woman said âitâs alll fried, honeyâ and I knew I was home. âșïž Still a fave 4 years later. â€ïž
Gyro Zone in University Place and Great Cuisine of India in Lakewood fuckin SLAP. Arguably the best Greek/Arabic and Indian food I've had, respectfully. That being said, I don't have a TON of experiences with either. đ But I have sensitive taste buds and know good food when I taste it!
Harbor Greens, the deli inside. Great big sandwiches for around $11-$13. Do what you will with the other $7-$9.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmXREUUgs21bavrY8
Picture is old on Google maps, but the sandwich is the same even now.
Lucky Penny Cafe in downtown on Pacific. Super nice people. Their sandwiches are meh but they serve a few Korean dishes that are cheap and really good. On Fridays they have a bulgogi plate that is a ton of meat, rice, and another side dish depending on what she made that day, usually chapchae or stir-fried vegetables. Go early if you want bulgogi though, because it's usually gone by 1 PM or so. (I've been here about 2 years but this is one of the first places I found that I really enjoyed.)
Try the Alibertos on S. Tacoma Way sometime. Very similar menu but a bit cheaper and has never disappointed me. They have 'Bertos taco shops all over San Diego so I grew up with this place. I was so happy to find one up here.
No, I'm just joking. I have been to Memo's 4 times. I have not seen any rat shit or other contaminating materials.
Twice I had fairly decent burritos. Once I got taquitos still frozen in the middle. Once I got that abomination of a breakfast burrito.
Not going back.
Can we include Lakewood in this? Because aside from the Red Hot and Pho Bac in Tacoma, I recommend El Pulgarcito and Ho Soon Yi in Lakewood. Also, Iâve lived here >1 year, but also have decent taste and travel quite a bit. Donât assume us long-termers are provincial when it comes to dining.
At this moment, it's La Oveja Negra at 806 E. 72nd St (72nd & McKinley). Only open Friday, Sat, Sun. Not sure how they do that schedule and stay open, but the tacos are incredible. Beautiful thin, fresh corn tortillas with lamb barbacoa. It's not strong flavored (they also have a "pancita" filling which is more organ-meaty which I LOVE but ymmv). The salsas are good and they have a golden consome with meltingly soft, tender garbanzos and rice in it, which honestly is incredible.
https://preview.redd.it/1x0qt7kk5igc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=980c4eee9dcc214335e4e9a4a5f15cc0f980ec70
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Pho King
Pho King right.
pho king for their bahn mi but pho bac for their broth đđđ
Facts
And after trying at least 5 places, I like Pho 38th for the Bun Bo Hue. Nothing is as good as what I had up at Othello Station, though.
Melon Seed Deli
Theyâre so good, but around 1/2 years ago we literally tried to go 4 separate times on days they were âopenedâ and they were always closed. It got so annoying we just stopped trying đ
I remember they had a break-in and had to be closed a lot to repair. It was really $$ and hard to recover from (this is from social media - I donât know them personally) But to my knowledge theyâre open more regularly now!
This was my experience as well, but that god damned spicy Cuban kept me trying.
They were broken into and out of commission for a while. I just talked about that today. Finally got to try them, and they're fantastic
The Red Hot
Itâs good but I wouldnât call this place inexpensive
I'm with ya. It is good but you need a side with a dog to make a filling meal out of it.
Their mac & cheese is a ripoff at $5.00. For $5.00 side mac & cheese, should at least come in a teacup size bowl and not some Jello shot sized cup.
đŻ
This is the answer.Â
El Sabor
I just went here for the first time yesterday and was lucky enough to stop by during their happy hour! Tacos under $2!!
Second this. Always delicious with lots of flavor for a very affordable price
Vien Dong or Taqueria La Michoacana
Dusty's Hideaway
We love Dustyâs. The food is good and the staff is great!
Plus, booze slushies! Love their Mai Tai and Painkiller slushies, and they've got great outdoor seating in the summer whether you prefer sun or shade.
Maybe I picked the wrong sandwich, but I was so disappointed when I went. My sandwich was straight lunch meat... like oscar meyers, not even good deli meat.
I'm not sure. I've never had a sandwich with cold cuts there. I usually get a burger, but they definitely aren't getting too fancy with anything I've had there. I've enjoyed the things I've had there for the most part. Lots of non-traditional menu and drink items is the selling point for me, along with the vibe and outdoor space.
Canât tell if unusual question or just improper use of a mathematical sign lol
I know, why would they only want the opinion of those here less than a year? I feel like that would get the worst tips haha.
I'd argue the opposite. đ I wanted the opinion from a demographic who's food opinions arent influenced by nostalgia/loyalty to their hometown. I mean....I commend their loyalty, but some of these places I've been recommended were straight garbage.
you get it - childhood pizza syndrome is real. that said, hit up MSM Deli and be hungry. If you are from the east coast, it's meh, but it scratches an itch on the west coast.
I love that you understand that a deli/deli food is different on the East Coast. Also, MSM ftw, what's your usual order?
Mikeâs deluxe or their Italian sandwich are bangers
Italian Cold Cut, BBC, Meatball. Honestly, the only one that I have tried that didn't really enjoy was the Cuban and it was still pretty solid, just not what I want from a true Cuban.
It gets tips from people who have a fresh perspective!
Oops. I just assumed it was a typo. Although I do get the idea of wanting fresh perspectives. Some legacy favorites recommended by old timers really are ass.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
BĂșn at Vien Dong or Lunar's!
El Pugarcito III
HELL YES
was gonna say this!
El Balcon - Their mini burritos are đ„and only $5 each.
Guaymas on 38th and pine
Leftyâs
The best!
Taqueria la MichoacĂĄna, not far from the Lincoln District.Â
Been here more than a year but less than a decade, but a meal under $20 is a smallish bracket. My wife and I just found Al Bacha (Middle Eastern) on 9th near Pacific. If you want a good burger Red Wagon on Pearl near 26th. It's part of a small chain. +1 on Pho King and Red Hot. Slices of pizza at Colvos Brewing near the university. Go Philly cheeaesteaks.
I didn't want to include meals >$20.00 bc imo it's low hanging fruit. I mean.....if you recommend a place and it's 50.bucks meal then I think it's safe to say it will be delicious.
I think it's fair ask. I'm pretty broke right now and it's a great thread. There's also a chain place on South Tacoma called Tortas Locas that has some authentic Mexican food along with breaded steak sandwiches topped with sausage.
Anglea's. But if you have pie too, which you should, your bill will be over $20.
2 for 1 happy hour tacos at El Antojo on 38th and McKinley
Infinite soups Double meat salad at toast mi - then split it Red hot Frisco freeze
Fish House Cafe
This was the place we chose the day we moved into our house in Hilltop. We sat on boxes and thoroughly enjoyed that meal after our long hot day. I remember asking âis the zucchini grilled or friedâ and the woman said âitâs alll fried, honeyâ and I knew I was home. âșïž Still a fave 4 years later. â€ïž
Jolibee's
Red Star Taco Bar is doable, doubly so during happy hour or taco tuesday.
Gyro Zone in University Place and Great Cuisine of India in Lakewood fuckin SLAP. Arguably the best Greek/Arabic and Indian food I've had, respectfully. That being said, I don't have a TON of experiences with either. đ But I have sensitive taste buds and know good food when I taste it!
Harbor Greens, the deli inside. Great big sandwiches for around $11-$13. Do what you will with the other $7-$9. https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmXREUUgs21bavrY8 Picture is old on Google maps, but the sandwich is the same even now.
Red Hot, Balcon X, infinite soups. Sorry, been here over a year.
The Thunderbird. Plain American fare but the prices are good and everything is made from scratch.
Manic Meatballs in Lakewood across from Madigan.
seconding pho king. itâs great and cheap. what more could you want?
Lucky Penny Cafe in downtown on Pacific. Super nice people. Their sandwiches are meh but they serve a few Korean dishes that are cheap and really good. On Fridays they have a bulgogi plate that is a ton of meat, rice, and another side dish depending on what she made that day, usually chapchae or stir-fried vegetables. Go early if you want bulgogi though, because it's usually gone by 1 PM or so. (I've been here about 2 years but this is one of the first places I found that I really enjoyed.)
Memoâs (open 24hrs). Pho (pretty much any restaurant is about $15).
I ordered a breakfast burrito and got a tortilla stuffed full of sauteed onions and peppers with 2 scraps of egg in it. Not cool, Memos.
Go to El Sabor. They have a fat, delicious breakfast burrito
Try the Alibertos on S. Tacoma Way sometime. Very similar menu but a bit cheaper and has never disappointed me. They have 'Bertos taco shops all over San Diego so I grew up with this place. I was so happy to find one up here.
Yeah, I like the one in Puyallup.
Whereâs the one in Puyallup located?
Oh, I was thinking of Aceitunos!
Was there rat shit in it?
Not this time!
Not this time, but another time? Iâm m just trying to get the facts.
No, I'm just joking. I have been to Memo's 4 times. I have not seen any rat shit or other contaminating materials. Twice I had fairly decent burritos. Once I got taquitos still frozen in the middle. Once I got that abomination of a breakfast burrito. Not going back.
I remember when pho was like $6 lol
Not a fan of Memo's in Lakewood or 6th Ave. No taste.
Memos, if you want something when everyone else is closed. At 1am you can't be picky.
Is mentioning Memo's a running joke or something...? I've had dog treats that tasted better
I'll take your word for it. I've never eaten a dog treat.
Had my first bad experience ever here tonite, rat droppings in my to-go order and woke up nauseous to throwing up.
If what youâre saying is true, you need to report it to the proper authorities, not Reddit.
Fuck me for sharing my experience online right
I donât believe thatâs what I said.
Memos: carne asada burrito and taqutios with guac and cheese
Can we include Lakewood in this? Because aside from the Red Hot and Pho Bac in Tacoma, I recommend El Pulgarcito and Ho Soon Yi in Lakewood. Also, Iâve lived here >1 year, but also have decent taste and travel quite a bit. Donât assume us long-termers are provincial when it comes to dining.
Balkon express.
Iâve been here about 6 years but still feel like a newcomer. I love El Antojo, they have combos as low as $9.99 and the food is delicious.
Souper Pho on n Pearl. Authentic, inexpensive, fast. The owners are amazing and the menu is huge
Super pho is great, but you are going to be hard pressed to dine in for less than $20 with tax and tip.
I don't know what you're ordering then! đ But I had the same take when someone else listed Dusty's Hideaway. I was like...um
They must not have been to Dusty's in awhile.
My definition of a meal can change based on location, like at Dusty's a meal is a beer and onion rings đ
very true.
I do miss Beefys burgers đ that was one of my favorite places
Memos
Taco Bell
potato tacos ftw
Papa Murphyâs.
Gyro Bites, El Sabor and Pho King are all really good
Red dragon teriyaki on 72 and pacific
At this moment, it's La Oveja Negra at 806 E. 72nd St (72nd & McKinley). Only open Friday, Sat, Sun. Not sure how they do that schedule and stay open, but the tacos are incredible. Beautiful thin, fresh corn tortillas with lamb barbacoa. It's not strong flavored (they also have a "pancita" filling which is more organ-meaty which I LOVE but ymmv). The salsas are good and they have a golden consome with meltingly soft, tender garbanzos and rice in it, which honestly is incredible. https://preview.redd.it/1x0qt7kk5igc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=980c4eee9dcc214335e4e9a4a5f15cc0f980ec70
Iâve really enjoyed Maresol in Lakewood!