Cooks Tavern is one of our favorite breakfast spots in Tacoma. Euri and I are addicted to their biscuits and gravy. They might be the best I’ve ever had.

The rest of their menu is stellar, too, but the biscuits and gravy make it difficult to branch out. Fortunately, on this visit, we managed to order our usual and try something different.

The breakfast we keep coming back for

There’s something to be said for having a breakfast spot where you already know what you want before opening the menu.

For us, that’s Cooks. The biscuits and gravy are the draw, even when there are other dishes we want to try. If you’re looking for breakfast in Tacoma, they would be my starting point.

A rotating menu—and a taste of Portugal

Cooks has another reason to keep coming back: the menu changes.

The restaurant describes its approach as quarterly menus exploring different regions and cultures, alongside familiar American comfort food. That means returning for a favorite dish can also be an opportunity to try something new. You can read more about the concept on Cooks Tavern’s About page.

During our March 2026 visit, the featured cuisine was Portuguese. In addition to our usual biscuits and gravy, we tried the francesinha and the rabanadas.

That combination captures what I like about the place. We can go for a breakfast we already love and still find something on the menu that we haven’t tried.

Planning a visit to Cooks Tavern

Cooks serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you don’t have to limit a visit to the morning.

You’ll find it at 3201 North 26th Street in Tacoma. Its website currently lists daily hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; check the official website before heading over.

Because the featured cuisine rotates, the dishes from our visit may not be available when you go. Check the current Cooks Tavern menu to see what’s being served.

Why we’ll be back

Cooks gives us both a reliable favorite and a reason to look beyond it. The biscuits and gravy are enough to bring us back. The rotating menu makes opening the menu worthwhile anyway.

Exploring more of Washington? Read about our stop in Walla Walla for wine tasting, downtown wandering, and dinner with friends.