In February of 2020 I stopped in and had breakfast at the Pine Cone Café in University Place. The food was excellent and I had the best Chicken Fried Steak I’ve ever had. Little did I know that they would soon be closing. I was heart broken when they did close their doors. I thought about it and then asked myself, “Now, where am I going to get my hashbrowns burnt, burnt, burnt?” Burs in Lakewood delivers the burnt, burnt, burnt, but you have to ask for it to be deep fried. I don’t care how anyone prepares the burnt, burnt, burnt as long as they deliver.
Out with Peggy and our daughter Andi, we decided to have a late lunch. Since Andi lives in University Place and none of us had sampled the food from the new owners of the Pine Cone Café, we decided to try it out.
Unfortunately, the new Pine Cone Café doesn’t have a full menu from breakfast through dinner, but we didn’t let that deter us. Andi and Peg chose to split a Chicken Fried Steak order. I was not into splitting with anyone . . . especially if the Chicken Fried Steak was good.
The Chicken Fried Steak was good . . . better than good . . . it was created via a perfect combination. It came with fried eggs, which I only had one bite of. I didn’t want to not be hungry with my favorite meal put before me. The hashbrowns were like a crispy island of fried potatoes with waves of gravy lapping at my crunchy taste buds. I nibbled on the crumbling shoreline and quietly raved so as not to interfere with the other diners.
A Tsunami of country gravy with sausage and onions helped stem the tide of hunger. I ate my full, leaving only some of the fried egg behind. Peg and Andi said, “Indeed, the hashbrowns and chicken fried steak were perfect; and the scrambled eggs were wonderful.
It was the perfect end to a perfect day . . . and then Peggy asked Rhonda if they had pie. Only blackberry . . . and only two slices. I doubted I could eat two slices of blackberry pie and then Rhonda explained there were only two slices left in the entire restaurant. I looked at Peggy and Andi. They looked at me and offered to share one piece. I love my wife and my daughter. So understanding.
I had already one good size piece of blackberry pie in my mouth before realizing I had forgotten to take a photograph of the pie. The pie and the homemade crust were perfect. They looked home made and tasted like “more.” We were the only customers left in the restaurant. We enjoyed the food and laughed and had a great time. I believe we will return . . . soon.
Menu details – restaurantguru.com/Pine-Cone-Cafe-Tacoma
We enjoyed the cafe at the old location and haven’t been to the new location yet but will in the near future.
New location is the same as the old location.
Mr. Don Doman,
Thank you for your PIne Cone Cafe report. The Pine Cone and I started our relationship back in 1962 when my freind and University of Puget Sound accounting professor, Roy J. Polley., tipped me off as to what a great place the Pine Cone was.
I am pleased to learn, from afar out here on the East Coast, that the new edition of the Pine Cone does not disappoint.
Joseph Boyle – A guy who passed through University Place on numerous occasions for 51 years with the Pine Cone always being a temptation.
Joseph, I always get a kick out of your notes. And . . . I still miss you. Watching you carefully make a brew was interesting, thoughtful, and its own adventure. Actually, I don’t miss you, but your sense of humor is often lacking in Pierce County . . . and us lackies need a chuckle every now and then.
Don
Whenever I meet my buddy Pat Hulbrock for breakfast we always go to his favorite spot, which for decades has been the Pine Cone. We were bummed when they closed and extremely pleased when they were able to open back up.
On the RE-opening Pat was the first customer they served. The Pine Cone RE-opening is just
Like getting to see an old friend or putting on your favorite coat in cold weather,
Eating breakfast at the Pine Cone is a great way to start your day with good service and a friendly hello from Mandy, and the staff is fantastic. Thanks Dave for bringing back one of best spots in town .
Andrew, I thought it strange when I reviewed the Pine Cone in 2020 and then they closed. We enjoyed the 2022 version and hope they stay open. I just wish they had more room and served dinner as well. Thanks for writing.
Don
OOH, I love CFS, lived in Texas for 23 years and had some good ones.
Thanks for the heads up.
Jean, thanks for writing. I hope you comment about the difference in Texas and Washington fair. How do we stack up? Tell us a bit about Texas cooking. Please, share.
Don
I thought you said they were closing soon.
K.R.
I appreciate your point of confusion. For a few moments, I was confused too.
Take a second look for a closer read of Don’s opening sentence.. What Mr. Doman said was back in a previous moment in University Place History, namely February 2020, he went to the Pine Cone only to discover a new application for the more religious term, “Last Supper”. He learned then as he consumed his last tasy morsel that the Pine Cone Restaurant was going to close.
We are now in the future, namely the year 2022, as you and all readers are aware. We are now fortunate to have a reincarnation of the Pine Cone.
I hope my verbose response adds clarity to your view on Mr. Doman’s writing.
Joseph Boyle – A guy with an opinion on each and every subject.
Joseph, Thanks for explaining, which usually means muddying up. Muddying up? Isn’t that your recipe for morning coffee?
Thanks for your light hearted writing. We miss you.
Don
Yum! Thanks for the info.
Andrew you mentioned Mandy in your comment. Is this the same Mandy that worked at Pine Cone before they closed? If so, she is the best server ever. We loved having her at our table.
It absolutely is the same Mandy, it’s the same Mandy and mostly the same everyone came back , as you obviously know, it’s a very close family atmosphere at the Pine Cone between staff and customers. Mandy is the best!!