More Than a Morning Stop.
Wide Awake Café Captures Tacoma’s Heart
Tacoma’s coffee culture has always had heart, but there’s something extra special about the places that stay just a little under the radar, the ones people quietly champion. This round of Tastemakers was all about giving flowers to those hidden gems, and thanks to your votes, we found ourselves at Wide Awake Café.
From the moment we walked up, the vibe was welcoming, relaxed, and unmistakably local. Returning customers quizzed baristas on whether they remembered their order (they did 😉). Someone behind us took one sip of their drink as they walked away and let out a “Oh my god, that’s so good” under their breath. You can’t script that kind of endorsement.
The drink menu offered a blend of classic comfort and fun specials. The orange cream Italian soda was bright and nostalgic, like a fizzy creamsicle. The iced house special (a vanilla chai white chocolate breve with sea salt caramel) was indulgent, but balanced. Sweet, but not too sweet. The kind of drink that feels like a reward. For the coffee purists, the cold brew delivered. Bold and unapologetic, no cream needed.
“It was the kind of sandwich that makes you pause after the first bite just to appreciate what’s happening.”
The food? Comfort on a plate. The biscuits and gravy were herby and hearty, and the breakfast bowl was a no-fuss favorite featuring sausage, potatoes, eggs, and gravy (we recommend adding the biscuit on the side). We also lucked out with a limited-time brisket sandwich, a gamble from a coffee stand, but a jackpot we’re glad we didn’t miss out on! It was warm and melty with just enough crunch in the bread to give every bite structure. The brisket was tender, and the cheese gooey. It was the kind of sandwich that makes you pause after the first bite just to appreciate what’s happening.
At their Ruston waterfront location, Wide Awake hits that sweet spot between convenience and charm. Grab a drink before your morning commute, fuel up for a day of casting for that big catch, or treat yourself for a seaside stroll. With multiple drive-thru locations across Tacoma, you can catch that Wide Awake magic no matter your mood, on the move, or ready to linger. Even better? You can skip the line entirely by ordering ahead through the Joe Coffee app. Just tap, sip, and enjoy.
Follow them on socials and show them some love:
IG: @wideawakecafetacoma
Visit Their Locations:
📍1O11 Center St
📍4OO2 Center St
📍3427 Ruston Way
