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Stanley & Seafort's Steak Chop & Fish House

4 star rating
based on 35 reviews

Category: Restaurants  [Edit]

115 E 34th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 473-7300
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Hours:

Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sat. 3:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Sun. 3:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Attire:
Dressy
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar

35 reviews for Stanley & Seafort's Steak Chop & Fish House

Review Highlights   

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"I love the crab and artichoke dip and prime rib." (in 5 reviews)
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"I think the prime rib is the best thing on the menu, but that may just be…" (in 6 reviews)
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"The place gets packed during happy hour, so get their early." (in 6 reviews)
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Photo of Laura L.

Elite '09

61

138

Laura L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/2/2009

I used to live just across the  bridge from Stanley's. It was my go-to place for meeting with people from out of down or for a date night. Stanley's is consistently good, and has a few reliable dishes that are sure to please. Many people love the crab and artichoke dip- it is awesome - mostly because it has huge pieces of real crab.

During the time I lived right down the street from Stanley's, I was somewhat new to dining at restaurants like this, having just graduated from college. I had probably been to less than ten places that were considered fine dining or high-end, ever. The service and attention to detail really impressed me then, I remember.

Now, because I have found I like to eat out about as much (or more) than I like to cook, and because I still am not "settled" as my grandma would say, I've been to my fare share of places in this category and am still impressed with the service. The food is wonderful, but it isn't that pretentious, neo-gourmet food that some people have come to think of as fine dining. Stanley's has real food. I still remember the Stuffed Sole Cheeks seafood I had there once. Almost as shockingly good as the meal was learning that fish have cheeks. Who knew?

I have to say, I am glad I moved. Their deserts and scratch margaritas were doing a number on my workout results. The margaritas. I have spent a lot of time trying to perfect them at home the same way they do them here! Boy, I think I am almost close!

If you are looking for the most over priced, "fancy" resturaunt in the area, this isn't it. Tie and sportcoat are not a requirement. Stanley's prices are reasonable for the atttention to detail and food you get. Visiting Stanley's, you don't fee like a "customer". You feel like a guest in their giant living room, with an awesome view and spectacular food.

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Photo of Bry B.

 

0

9

Bry B.

Tacoma, WA

4 star rating
10/18/2009

Best Happy Hour in this little city!

Great drinks. Amazing view. Good scallop lollipops , wings & more!

Surely a plc go for a night cap. I prefer the 9p-cls session; as the 3p-6p session can be very crowded.

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Photo of Amanda M.

Elite '09

29

195

Amanda M.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
7/27/2009

We brought my elderly grandmother in for an early Thursday dinner and had an excellent experience.  Taking my grandma out these days isn't the easiest venture, and everyone at Stanley's, from the valet to the waitress, was friendly and helpful.  The only downside really was that because of her wheelchair, we couldn't be seated close to the windows; there is no handicapped access to the lower seating areas.

Maybe to make up for seating us in the back, within moments of greeting us, our waitress brought out a crab and artichoke dip appetizer on the house that was an "extra" from the kitchen.  It was delicious, with nice big pieces of crab meat, but quite rich so definitely a dish best shared!  I ordered a house salad with the maple vinaigrette and polished it off, along with probably more of the delicious, warm garlic bread than I needed, but it was worth every bite.  Since I was on vacation, I splurged and ordered a filet mignon cooked medium, which came out (all 7.5 ounces - that is BIG for a petite portion!) exactly cooked to specification, still very tender and full of flavor.  One of the better steaks I've had in a while.  It was served with mashed potatoes (good but nothing special) and some tasty fried onion curls.  My only suggestion with the steak dish is that it would have been nice if it had come with a green vegetable, like the fresh, crunchy green beans that accompanied my dad's prawns.  My grandma had the most beautifully presented rack of lamb, which she said tasted every bit as good as it looked.  Everyone at our table was very pleased with their meals.  Our waitress was attentive and clearly good at her job... if anything, she was perhaps a bit TOO friendly, but she took great care of us.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stick around long enough to enjoy dessert, but my mom and grandma - both frequently known to say "I never eat dessert!" - apparently caved and enjoyed some kind of chocolatey tart thing that they were still raving about the next day.

The bar was very busy with the happy hour crowd when we first arrived, and the dining room had mostly filled up by the time we left.  I'm glad to see that this Tacoma institution is still successfully serving up fine food in an unbeatable location.

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Photo of Jo Lynne P.

 

4

6

Jo Lynne P.

Federal Way, WA

4 star rating
11/15/2009

Stanley's is a great place for lunch or dinner, for both business and pleasure.

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Photo of Chris M.

 

0

20

Chris M.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
9/28/2009

Love this place.  Great elegant dinner with family.  You don't have to wear a tie or anything but expect a little old fashion-ness.  Ask for Angie as a server.

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Photo of Greg E.

 

0

6

Greg E.

Tacoma, WA

2 star rating
8/24/2009

Stanley and Seaforts has been a standard "must visit" restaraunt in Tacoma for decades, but apart from the view I realy can't see why. The service is spoty at best and at worst slow. The food is typical, uninspired and way overpriced. My wife and I recently visited Stanley's on a date night and waited for over 40 minutes for our apetizer. When the food arrived we found it to be your average run of the mill steak house fair. While the food was not terrible, it failed to warrant the $130 price tag (wife had two drinks...we shared a desert).

Having said this...the view is incredible and I am quite sure that this restaurant will remain a favorite for Prom nights all over Tacoma......for you grown up's out there, you can do much better.

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Photo of Catherine F.

Elite '09

59

164

Catherine F.

Guelph, ON

Canada

3 star rating
5/2/2009

A crazy, wonderful zoo-veterinarian friend of mine was in town for the Felid Taxonomic Advisory Group conference; I fought Seattle traffic to visit (his  native habitat is the John Ball Zoo, far, far away). We had planned to have sushi together, since it's another common interest we share (we've been pen-pals since I was the editor of our vet-school paper); the sushi joint that Yelpers gave the highest rating to had no sushi on a Friday night (see review for Flying Fish), so we scanned Yelp for Plan B.

Plan B turned out to be a steak joint with a view over the Tacoma harbor, with plenty of happy reviewers and some yummy descriptions of food.

The approach to the restaurant was cool: an old bridge with shaped concrete and old-fashioned street-lamps (it looked original), on a quiet, residential street. And lo! There it is: a truly spectacular view of the entire Tacoma skyline. Truly. Check out the restaurant just for the view! There is a park-yourself lot across the quiet street, and a valet parking lot directly in front of the restaurant, with the valets opening doors for well-dressed guests as they enter... apparently, a pretty swanky evening destination. (Honestly, I was mostly looking for decent, non strip-mall-chain food, not necessarily fancy-pants evening-out food...)

We were seated promptly, in a room filled with lively guests, cobalt glass and that astonishing view. Our server, a friendly fellow, showed up so quickly we hadn't had a chance to even look at the menu, yet; we sent him away with an order for hastily-decided-upon crab-stuffed mushrooms, and a caipirinha for me (I was the designated drinker for the evening). Conversation continued at a furious pace (we had a lot of catching up to do).

The drink and mushrooms arrived; we decided to order a couple of appetizers, rather than spring for one of the dizzyingly expensive entrees to split ($50 for a steak? Really? Did you stuff it with diamond-dust and gold flake?)

The caipirinha -- at $7.50 -- SUCKED. Straight up. The drink had one lonely chunk of lime-rind floating in a sea of sugar-syrup. Here's a tip for the bartender -- for free, even: the key is LIMES. LOTS of them. Cut up ONE TO TWO WHOLE JUICY limes, muddle them in the highball glass with sugar, then fill the glass with ice, then top off with cachaça. I make a great one at home. I don't even need exact proportions, can easily eyeball the drink. (When our lovely server took the offending drink off the bill, later, he said he gave up on caipirinhas -- the bartender won't change the recipe. I told him he should consider a field trip to Portland, to see how bartenders make GOOD drinks.)

The crab-stuffed mushrooms were hot, flavorful, and HEAVY. Greasy, cheesy. Meant to be eaten in small quantities. Good, though! Just not particularly noteworthy.

The other appetizers arrived: the salmon-wrapped scallops, grilled in some sort of sweet/soy Asian-style sauce was pretty tasty... but why, O why, do restaurants serve an appetizer -- usually shared between two people -- with THREE items on the plate? Would it have been so much more expensive or labor-intensive to offer four?

The crab cakes with artichoke schmear were relatively standard. Also heavy.

I didn't see the bill; my dear friend told me he was "old-fashioned like that" and grabbed it without letting me look. But I know that each appetizer was about $12-$18 (there were a few larger appetizers that were $24-$27).

So, in a nutshell:
Atmosphere: 5 stars
Server: 5 stars
Food: 3 stars
Value: 2 stars
Drink/Bartender: 2 stars.

I'd say go for drinks to enjoy the view, but wait until they get a decent bartender. Maybe Portland can spare one...?

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Photo of Molly C.

 

1

27

Molly C.

Tacoma, WA

3 star rating
Updated - 9/5/2009

We gave it another chance.

This time, I had the New York, rare.  The waiter mixed my up my rare with my husband's medium rare, but that's an error I can completely understand.  Once we switched plates and I had my rare in front of me, it was all good.  The steak was rare, as I requested, and not overcooked.  The flavor was good.  The mashers underneath were tasty and light.  I was happy with my meal.  And it tasted especially great with the '98 Stags Leap cabernet we brought from home, and which our waiter graciously corked for us for a fair fee ($13).  

As far as what can be improved: get rid of the bright track lighting in the upper dining area (the glare ruins the ambience) and use a lighter hand with salad dressings.  Also, I was asked both when I made reservations and when we were seated by the hostess as to whether we were celebrating anything.  I told them it was my husband's birthday (which it was).  Oddly, nothing came of it.  I don't care that he didn't get a free birthday sundae or whatever, but I wonder why S&S makes a point of asking this question. They ask that question at Canlis, but at Canlis they actually do something about it.  

At any rate, the meal was good and our waiter was professional, friendly, and efficient.  The place was packed in a time of financial uncertainty, which says something about this place's position in the hearts of Tacomans.  I'm not yet a fan, but time will tell.  I am hopeful.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    1/25/2009

    No restaurant should refer to itself as a steak specialist if its cooks don't know how to cook a… Read more »

Photo of Mandi M.

 

1

39

Mandi M.

Tacoma, WA

4 star rating
2/23/2009

We love Stanley's!

Great view and atmosphere. I love the crab and artichoke dip and prime rib. Always cooked to perfection.

Be sure to call ahead and get a reservation!

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Photo of Alex P.

 

0

8

Alex P.

Pierce, WA

5 star rating
8/5/2009

The best romantic restaurant in Tacoma. The view is awesome the atmosphere, hostess, servers, manager and food is excellent. The waitress was extremely nice, prompt and very help full. The pork chop I had was so good my mouth had an orgasm(it's the only way I can explain how good it was), the Brie cheese appetizer was also delicious. The best service I've ever had at any restaurant period. I've eaten at the space needle and it cannot compare to this place. The needle would be a step down, the only thing it has is a better view. Don't drive by this place and never try it, once you try it you will be a loyal customer.

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Photo of Jeff A.

 

4

47

Jeff A.

Tacoma, WA

4 star rating
9/27/2008

I haven't had a full entree here, but you can't really beat their 1/2 priced happy hour dining at the bar.  Hmmmmmm...$30 dinner entree or 6, count 'em, 6 full size appetizers?  No question!  Definitely one of the best deals in all of Tacoma.  Here are my fave's:

Classic Sampler (Garlic Prawns, Teri Tenderloin, & Crab/Artichoke Dip)
Colossal Buffalo Prawns
Buffalo Wings
Homemade Blue Cheese Potato Chips

If you're going on a weekday with a group, make sure to get there early to get a table cuz the bar gets PACKED during the happy hour.

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Photo of Jill E.

 

5

64

Jill E.

University Place, WA

3 star rating
6/18/2009

We'd been here before but it's been a number of years so for our anniversary we thought we'd give it another try.  It was mediocre at best and when you pay that much, the food should be really great.  First of all our server was totally annoying and not particularly good.  It took him at least 10 minutes to come and take a drink order and then about 20 minutes later he came to see if we wanted appetizers.  By that time we just wanted dinner so passed on the appetizer.  Mind you, the man had only 5 tables which is not difficult.  He recommended I order the specialty starter salad which sounded good, especially since I like non creamy dressings.  Unfortunately the vinegrette was so full of vinegar I couldn't taste anything else and ended up not eating most of it.  My husband had a seafood linquine and he said the pasta tasted like it had been sitting there waiting to be served for some time, it wasn't even hot.  We couldn't even get the waiter's attention to ask for it to be redone.  I had a tuna special which was good but the sides, rice and baby bok choy were totally unremarkable and not cooked properly.  

They offered us a free dessert since it was our anniversary and brought us a creme brule.  The crust was so hard you couldn't break it with a spoon and it had obviously been in the refrigerator until one minute before it was served since the custard was so  cold it almost hurt your teeth.

Meanwhile we never saw our server and when we did he patted my shoulder and called me dear.  Enough said and we won't go back.

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Photo of Jenny C.

Elite '09

104

315

Jenny C.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
3/28/2009

Step 1: Walk into Stanley & Seafort's
Step 2:  .......
Step 3: Profit

What might Step 2 be?  Well I guess that all depends on who you are.  

Business Folks:
At some point, some great person had the brilliant idea to take a meeting to a restaurant.   The socially acceptable occurrence of small talk mixed with larger than necessary entrees and topped off with dessert is genius. If you find yourself with businessy things to speak about as the noon hour rolls around, why not take a cue from the many others who have already figured this out and swing by S&S.  The majority of the restaurant at this time is full of power suits, and it's no wonder.  Set on the hillside overlooking Tacoma you can't help but be impressed.   The smartly dressed staff is quick to get you to a table, take your order, and get your meal out to you.  The menu, with "make your own" lunch combos, entrees, salads, and sandwiches offers enough for even the most picky eater.  You can plan on being in and out within an hour, so the time spent away from the office is minimal.    So dessert at noon and the Johnson Account? That's a definite profit.

Luncheon Regulars:
It would appear that another sect of patrons here on a rainy afternoon have obviously walked through the doors before.  Be they expected by super friendly hostess or unannounced, I watched as these folks were greeted by name and shown to large tables against the angled windows along the length of the dining room.  These folks have found out that, although not the cheapest option in town, a quality meal paired with a cocktail from the ornate bar make the perfect companion to an afternoon with old friends.  You won't see many kids here, and it's really no wonder, the dark woods, big tables and chairs, and decor circa 1970, suggests that this is a place for Papa Bear and Mama Bear, leaving the baby at home.  One should come with an appetite fit for a bear as well.  Stanley & Seafort's offers Prime Rib on Fridays, and is the only spot in town you can find it for lunch!   The profit here? A few laughs and the memories captured on that camera you brought in as well.

Tourists:
Like my family and I passing through from Portland to Seattle, we stopped here based on one of Dad's past experiences (see: the business folks lunch)  Although we walked in without a reservation and wearing sneakers and jeans, we didn't feel out of place at all.  Our waiter, partaking in a bit of witty banter, was attentive and classy.  Lunches of salads, fish & chips, and mushroom omelets were enjoyed and we had an enjoyable time chatting and planning our next move north.  This was the perfect backdrop for a rest, and quelling any biased thought that Tacoma lacks some amazing eateries? Well, that's a profitable point too.

Of course if none of these options fit your idea profit, well then take solace in the fact that the fortune card at the end of the meal might just lead you in the right direction instead.

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Photo of Tri T.

 

7

43

Tri T.

Vienna, VA

4 star rating
1/15/2009

The big neon sign can be a turn-off for this nice restaurant. When you first walk in, you are warmly greeted by a nice host and can hear lively jazz music coming from the bar area. Then you see the view. It's really a remarkable view of the small city.

The Bar: Nice bar with a great energy. They have a nice scotch selection (IMHO) and they make a nice mojito too.

The Dinner: We ordered calamari as an appetizer and I wasn't impressed. They had a special deviled-egg on the menu that I wanted to try but others weren't so adventurous. Main course consisted of a rib-eye perfectly cooked. It was so tasty I'm salivating while typing this. Mashed potatoes were so-so. The mushrooms weren't really good either so stay away from that.

Overall, the steak and drinks is worth going for. I'd go again in a heartbeat but would try other sides/appetizers.

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Photo of Jayme A.

 

0

2

Jayme A.

Bremerton, WA

5 star rating
9/16/2009

My family and I came in for dinner recently and AnnMarie and Rojay were our servers.  They were the best!  We took their recommendations that they told us to try...and we LOVED them.  They also told us about the famous scratch margaritas and they were THE best.  We never felt as though we had to "find" our waiters for anything.  Thank you so much Stanleys  - your food is awesome - and thank you for hiring these amazing servers - AnnMarie and Rojay!  We'll be back!

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Photo of Meredith S.

Elite '09

25

78

Meredith S.

Snohomish, WA

5 star rating
2/12/2009

I had a great experience here! We started with the Brie appetizer which was really yummy. Then for an entree I enjoyed the Hawaiian BBQ Baby Back Ribs! Mmmm... They do it up right, too. I think I ate half a ribcage. My boyfriend got the Peppercorn Filet Mignon medium rare and it was so perfect! We had the keylime pie for dessert which was also excellent... The service was fast and friendly and the atmosphere was fun and fancy. You can see a view of Tacoma and they had live jazz playing in the bar! Not sure how often they do that, but we went on a Wednesday night so maybe it is nightly!

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Photo of eeeeestar t.

 

15

208

eeeeestar t.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
10/6/2008

This is the type of place where your parents would spend their 30th anniversary. It's got a clubby, old-school feel, sweeping views of glamorous industrial Tacoma and a menu like Outback's rich uncle. Not really my type of restaurant, but I did appreciate the attentive service, handwritten birthday card from the staff and free birthday dessert.

The appetizer tower was enough for a meal for two, my salt-roasted prime rib was juicy and cooked to perfection, and my friend loved her duck...but  the real winner of the night, though, was the pea salad that we ordered as a side. It was crisp, creamy, sweet and slightly smoky with bacon bits. As soon as I got home, I looked up the recipe for it and made myself a batch!

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Photo of Melissa B.

 

2

7

Melissa B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
7/16/2008

Most delectable meal of my LIFE!!!

I had my 21st birthday dinner here, and the prime rib was so tender and flavorful.

They serve the best martini I have ever had as well: Vanilla Sky. I have tried to re-create this wonderous beverage many-a-time, but have been unsuccessful thus far. I seriously wasted a whole bottle of vanilla vodka trying to get it right.

The staff was extremely friendly and the view was fantastic. I love going there around the holidays, because the lighted garland adds a little something extra special. :)

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Photo of Peter T.

 

0

24

Peter T.

Tacoma, WA

4 star rating
7/8/2009

I went during happy hour... appetizers are half off do I need to say more. A friend and I bought the appetizer platter and it was amazing, everything we tasted was delicious. View of the city is amazing, music was live, and service was great. I would give this place 5 stars but I need to eat more on the menu. I will go back mark my words.

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Photo of Kathy J.

 

32

52

Kathy J.

Ross, CA

5 star rating
10/6/2006

I'm a Tacoma native (well, actually Ft. Lewis), and I know T-Town has gotten a bad rap for the infamous Tacoma Aroma, crime, etc.  But it's been making enormous improvements - downtown is now unrecognizable compared to the 80s and 90s (it's cute, safe and boasts great restaurants).  

That being said, Stanley and Seaforts sits atop a hill - overlooking downtown Tacoma and the docks.  The skyline glitters at night and the lights are turned down low in the restaurant, making the ambiance romantic and comfortable.

Big Tip -- definitely visit this restaurant around Christmas.  It is decked out with lights, decorations, trees -- THE BEST!

Salmon on a cedar plank is amazing.  The baby back ribs tenderly fall off the bone.  The appetizer sampler is well worth it!

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Photo of Jennifer K.

 

0

10

Jennifer K.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
1/7/2008

DH and I ate at Stanley & Seafort's for the first time last month.  We'd made reservations a month in advance to ensure seating at our preferred time, since the evening included other activities besides dining.  Unfortunately, when we got there, it was insanely crowded and seating was backed up due to a (very large, very boisterous, very intoxicated) party that had been there for hours and refused to leave.  Needless to say, we were seated almost and hour after our scheduled reservation time.

When we were finally seated, the heating/cooling (the air conditioning was on and it was 35 degrees outside) and lighting in the area in which we were dining was uncomfortable (the lights were so low both my husband and I had difficulty reading our menus.)  Both problems were promptly seen to, however, once we expressed our discomfort.

All of these factors aside, the waitstaff and management went above and beyond to make sure we left happy and satisfied.  Our waiter - Kevin - was fantastically helpful, attentive and considerate.  We were offered a free lobster in addition to our dinners as an "anniversary gift," and our dessert was on the house as well.  The food itself was delicious and very well-prepared.

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Photo of Quinn R.

Elite '09

59

169

Quinn R.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
6/9/2008

Its not a good start when the hostess is rude then proceeds to ignore you.  (I guess the second part is a sign of the first)

At Seaforts you get a glorious view of....downtown Tacoma....and I5.  

I found myself here recently for Mom's birthday celebration with the fam.  They did do one thing extremely well...free dessert for the birthday girl.  (Delicious creme brulee at that).  This goes a long way.  

The service was great (except the snotty hostess) and most everyone really enjoyed their food.  Myself, I got the prime rib and found it very disappointing.   It was chewy and I had to even spit out a piece for fear I'd spend the rest of the week chewing it.  (yeah gross I know).

In the end I don't think I'd go out of my way to go to Seaforts but if you are in Tacoma it seems to be one of the better options.

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Photo of Andy P.

 

20

147

Andy P.

Dallas, TX

5 star rating
3/4/2008

When I lived in Tacoma I went here at least once a week. Sometimes twice or three times, depending. I love Stanley and Seafort's. Now that I live in Dallas (where the best view is of buildings and grass), I can appreciate the view out into Commencement Bay even more.

The food at S&S's is quite good. Not amazing, but very good. I think the prime rib is the best thing on the menu, but that may just be me. I have no complaints and I think the best Copper River Salmon I've ever had was served there.

The issue to me, with S&S's, is that it really is what it purports to be: an old-school chophouse style restaurant that serves quality meats and fish without tremendous overthinking or chicanery. To wit, the reason I  it a 5 is that it has a real personality. It's hard for a restaurant to have a personality these days. Dallas is littered with restaurants serving food that is the equal of S&S's, but with no personality.

It takes time and effort to develop a personality like Stanley and Seafort's has. Maybe it's not your thing, but it is definitely a thing unto itself and has the old-school PNW chophouse motif down to perfection.

A lovely place to eat, relax and enjoy a sunset. Of course, it doesn't hurt that some of the best moments of my life have been there.

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Photo of Jennie D.

 

0

21

Jennie D.

Tacoma, WA

5 star rating
9/5/2008

We love this place for their happy hour. They have appetizers for half price and $3 wine and beer. The view is excellent, and the staff are friendly. The place gets packed during happy hour, so get their early. They open the deck in the summer.

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Photo of fred k.

 

0

1

fred k.

Auburn, WA

5 star rating
10/22/2007

Excellent food.  Started with the fresh buttered garlic bread - mmmm.  The iceberg salad wedge, the steak entree, drinks, and desert were above average.

The service was fast and friendly, not very formal.

The view is also fantastic.

Great value for the money.

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Photo of Gene D.

Elite '09

99

217

Gene D.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
8/19/2007

One business lunch is not a fair enough amount of dining experience to skewer a restaurant, but first impressions are important and we will certainly follow up with a dinner here, for any possible changes in opinion.

The site sits prominently on an East Tacoma hilltop, offering an instant invitation to visit each time I'm driving northbound on I-5.

The room is dated but clean, a little retro, perhaps. The second half of the space is geared toward larger parties. I am sure the ambience is completely different at night and more inviting during those hours.

Tried specials for both courses. The Spicy  "African" soup tasted fresh, and it was indeed spicy, a nice departure from dishes that seem scared of people's opinions about spice.

The halibut was ok, as in, unremarkable. Below the filet I did like the succatash with Jicama but overall it was quite flat, upon taste. The server was quite excited about this plate and I mistakenly expected it to match the endorsement given.

Service was friendly. The front desk, efficient and accomodating.

We'll be back.

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Photo of Daniel Z.

Elite '09

6

36

Daniel Z.

Tacoma, WA

4 star rating
12/13/2008

I have always had pleasant experiences here. The food and the service is always great, and it has a great view of Tacoma, especially at night. You pay more for a night here but you do get what you pay for. I have always enjoyed everything I have tried here. Reservations are a good idea, and if you can, ask for a table by the windows.

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3

14

Seth L.

Tacoma, WA

2 star rating
11/12/2007

I must be missing something here. Apparently big steaks and bigger prices = high ratings. I was bored with Stanley & Seafort's. The menu is uninspiring and the decor is bad - Vegas in the '70s bad.

Certainly the view is nice but I much prefer the view from Anthony's at Point Defiance. For that matter, I much prefer the food, prices, and decor at Anthony's.

You won't find me eating at Stanley & Seafort's again.

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17

Roscelle H.

Dupont, WA

4 star rating
11/12/2008

First of....get a reservation! Next....do not order the Almond Crusted scalops. You would think it is good but it's not! Order steaks- they do them really good. Most importantly, order the crab and artichoke dip. It get's crowded but it's worth it.

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1

20

Jocelyn T.

Puyallup, WA

4 star rating
9/13/2008

Been there twice already. Last time I went was with my bf on a beautiful sunny day. The waiter was nice (cuz he offered to take pix for us, nice nice~~) I was a little bit disappointed with sweet potato fries......i think I can make the better ones on my own. Our main dishes were both delicious. I had a lamb shank, very tasty. My bf loved his lobster mac n' cheese, so did I. Total bill came out with $60 something after $20 gift card. I would definately go back again.

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23

142

Erin K.

Gig Harbor, WA

4 star rating
7/24/2007

My mouth literally waters when I think about the appetizer tower here, which happens at least a few times a month.  Teriyaki steak that melts in your mouth and garlicky mashed potatoes and shrimp... mmm ....

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Elite '09

39

385

Tammy W.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
2/8/2008

A jewel in its rough Tacoma environs, sitting on a hilltop overlooking the waterfront and freeway below, Stanley and Seaforts is a Tacoma "destination restaurant."   Good, solid food and service, though the decor might be a tad outdated.  But who cares?  This is Tacoma, and this is as good as it gets.  I accidentally left my credit card, and it was returned to me in less than 24 hours via the mail.    No complaints whatsoever about the food, its presentation, the prices, or the staff.  If you're in Tacoma and you are looking for a higher price point place to celebrate or commemorate an occasion, this is the joint.

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24

Cara T.

Tacoma, WA

4 star rating
Updated - 11/19/2008

OK so I am re-reviewing and still giving this place 4 stars - although this used to be one of my regular spots I must admit I have been doing most of my drinking at home the last few months.  Alas, we ventured out Sunday evening not caring if we showed specifically for happy hour.  We each ordered a drink to start and our waitress asked "where have  you two been? We've added to the happy hour menu - you should check it out!!"  So I did, almost made me angry I hadn't been in so long - and that I had another 30 minutes to wait until HH started!!  They have added a cranberry mojito and a pomegranate margarita that are both outstanding - still for $4!!  Also, there were a couple of new tasty 1/2 off appetizers and the same old relaxed feel.  Perfect for a mid-week drink or even a late Sunday treat to prep you for the week to follow.  There goes my Christmas $$ as I am sure we will be back to our thrice weekly visits to Stanleys!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    6/10/2008

    My boyfriend and I are regulars at their happy hour!  Typically we don't order much in the way of… Read more »

Photo of Gretchen B.

Elite '09

8

100

Gretchen B.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/28/2008

We ended up here after being too lazy to make Thanksgiving dinner and asked some friends if we could join them for dinner.  I have seen this place many times getting off the Tacoma exit, but never realized it was what it was.  It sits on top of the hill overlooking downtown.  They have a great view, make sure to get a table by the window.  Now being Thanksgiving it was packed here, but you can sit by the nice warm fire while you wait for your table to be ready.  Heat is always a plus for me.  We were seated and they had the traditional turkey dinner, which my friend said was very good.  I opted for the prawns.  It came with a very generous amount of very large split broiled prawns, they were excellent.  It also came with quinoa and broccoli.  Everything was perfectly prepared.  We also got a side order of the very decadent bacon macaroni and cheese, very rich with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.  Very good.  We also got a huge side of the asparagus and bernaise sauce.  Now the meals come with sides, but they offer quite a few sides meant for sharing as well, so you end up with tons of food.  We couldn't pass up dessert.  I had the peach cobbler which was individually made and was fabulous.  The peaches were still firm and didn't have that gross pie filling or canned peach texture.  It was delicious.  I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the entire meal, as were our guests.  It is a steak, chop house sort of a place, so meat and fish.  Not many vegetarian options here, if any!  But worth a try for a nice evening out, you won't get small portions or fancy nouveau food here!

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27

564

Nick D.

Puyallup, WA

5 star rating
1/30/2006

Abosolutely breathtaking views allow a more efficeint digestion of some of the area's best seafood.  It's a bit on the pricey side but it's also a nice upscale restaurant perfect for that night on the town or dinner date.  The appetizers here are great, all of them!  Service with a smile too!

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