We hadn’t dined at Harbor Lights in years. Peg met P.E.O. sisters for their monthly birthday lunch few couple of weeks ago and brought home a piece of her excellent trout. X When she came home and raved about the food. We both love good seafood, and rarely see trout being served any more. Besides, we love Ruston Way – the walks, the views and the restaurants.
We didn’t have reservations, but were welcomed in and given a nice view table. I took a seat to watch and admire Peggy, while she enjoyed the view of Vashon Island, Brown’s Point, the waterway to Seattle and the port’s forest of multicolored cranes, as well as the afternoon waves lapping at the rocky shore. We also enjoyed the afternoon traffic and the Burlington Northern Railroad cars featuring two containers for each flatcar that went by.
Both Peg and I ordered the trout. Harbor Lights had an afternoon sales promotion, which we couldn’t turn down. We shared a soup, and a salad. The soup was only okay, but Nancy, our waitress offered other alternatives. We weren’t worried about getting enough to eat and sometimes I just like to sample. Nancy made sure our first dinner there in some time was a happy experience. Peg’s Caesar salad was more than she could eat . . . but not more than I could.
The trout dinner had been calling us for days. I tried the blackened trout and Peg had the simpler fried trout. We shared of course. The tartar sauce had just the right amount of tang. The green beans that came with the meal were cooked perfectly. I could have eaten them daily. We were also served mashed potatoes. When Nancy saw that we hadn’t touched the mashed potatoes, she offered fries. Peg had perfectly cooked hashbrowns when she dined with friends earlier. Next time I will order them . . . Peg, too is my guess. We thanked Nancy, but opted out of the French fries. Peg tried the blackened trout (a little more seasoning), but it tasted the same to me.
Nancy waited on another couple just across the aisle from us. The man gave an amethyst bracelet to Nancy, who slipped it on Peg’s wrist. It was a nice gesture from the couple and an even nicer gesture from Nancy. Peg loves amethyst.
For dessert we had a Peach Slump with ice cream. Well, actually, that’s what Peg ordered; Peg rated it “Yummers!”. I tried a different dessert. It was good, but it came in second to the slump. Not to have people rave at their food must be a sin in Nancy’s eyes. She sent us home with a yummy crème Brulé!
Nancy is the kind of waitress you always hope to find. She wanted to make sure we enjoyed everything at Harbor Lights . . . and we did. Great service, great view, friendly service, and excellent food . . . what’s not to like?
Harbor Lights is a Tacoma icon for sure! Service and quality has remained consistent even after the Anthony’s acquisition! As a Tacoma native Harbor Lights is known for the some of the best and stiffest libations in all of T-Town! Name a restaurant that represents “Grit City” and that would be Harbor Lights. We prefer to drink our dinner there!
Why did a stranger give an amethyst bracelet to your wife?!
I would totally agree with the above comments! Harbor Lights never disappoints and Nancy is the Best of the Best!!!
Are you kidding me. Anyone can grill fish make potatoes and green beans. There is nothing special about that. If I was served that mess I would be extremely disappointed.
Are you kidding me, Leslee? You may think grilled fish, potatoes, and green beans is nothing special. To other diners, it is and that’s why they ordered it. You are not special, because your words are unkind and a disappointment. Evolve. Be kind. Be well.
What’s wrong with this world we live in? Kindness costs nothing yet a lot of people refuse to do that small yet powerful gesture. This couple was sweet and very kind. They were celebrating that day and making the most of their experience, each other’s company, a nice trout dinner and Harbor Lights just happens to be part of this wonderful day they had. After all- Isn’t that what life is about. Thank you for sharing.
Harbour Lights is truly the best on the water front. My husband and I have spent every anniversary for 30years. The menu has changed which is sad but still has wonderful items to choose from. There is also alot of kind customers as one year when we asked for our bill we were told that the couple behind us paid for it. We didn’t even know them. There are still truly kind people left in this world.