T-Town Cafe in Tacoma, Washington, is a cozy and welcoming spot that offers a fresh twist on Korean-inspired desserts and savory dishes. Owned by Chang and Jean Lee, the cafe started as a change from their previous pho restaurant in the same location. With T-Town Cafe, they wanted to share a new side of Korean culture with the community, especially through fun and tasty treats.

Tasty Desserts and Savory Favorites

One of the must-try items at T-Town Cafe is their snowflake dessert. This is a bowl of shaved ice topped with creamy condensed milk, soft ice cream, and a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit, sweet red beans, or crunchy cookies. This dessert is cool, light, and perfect for a warm day or when you simply want a sweet pick-me-up.

Another crowd favorite is the ice cream taiyaki — a charming fish-shaped cone filled with soft serve ice cream, with fillings and toppings like Nutella, Oreos, or fruit to choose from. If you prefer something less sweet, the cafe’s savory offerings like the bulgogi sandwich, spicy pork sandwich, and Korean cheese corn dogs coated with sugar provide a delicious balance. The bulgogi sandwich, for example, is known for using high-quality bread and flavorful marinated beef that keeps people coming back.

Friendly and Relaxed Atmosphere

The cafe prides itself on being a place where you can try new things without feeling overwhelmed. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it easy to sit down for a casual meal or snack with friends and family. The Lees’ goal was to create a space where the food is fresh and interesting but still feels comfortable and familiar.

Location and Neighborhood

T-Town Cafe is located at 8515 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98499. This location is part of a neighborhood that has a long history as a hub for local businesses and gathering spots. The area has served the community for over a century with various shops, cafes, and taverns, making T-Town’s presence a continuation of this tradition. Being in this lively community adds to the cafe’s charm and connection to Tacoma’s local culture.

More Than Just Desserts

The menu at T-Town is more extensive than just desserts. Aside from their star treats like the snowflake shaved ice and taiyaki soft serve, they offer other Korean-inspired dishes such as spicy pork sandwiches, rice cakes, and cheesy tteokbokki—a spicy rice cake dish with melted cheese that many find irresistible. Their Korean cheese corn dogs and classic hot dogs are popular too, satisfying those who enjoy a crunchy, sweet, and savory bite all at once.

Opening Hours

T-Town Cafe’s open hours are quite convenient for different kinds of visits. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sunday and Monday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This makes it a perfect place for lunch, dinner, or just a sweet snack any day of the week. The staff is known to be friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall pleasant experience.

Why Visit T-Town Cafe?

For anyone looking to try something new and delicious, T-Town Cafe offers a perfect blend of classic Korean flavors with a twist that feels just right. Whether you want to enjoy the fluffy and refreshing snowflake dessert, delight in a warm taiyaki ice cream cone, or savor hearty sandwiches, this cafe brings a taste of Korea to Tacoma in a way that’s fun and easy to enjoy.

A Spot for the Community

T-Town Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it’s a gathering spot where locals find comfort in delicious food and a warm atmosphere. If you haven’t been there yet, it’s definitely worth a visit, whether you’re stopping by after work, hanging out on the weekend, or just craving something different. With its mix of sweet and savory flavors and a strong connection to the Tacoma community, T-Town Cafe happily welcomes everyone to come share in its tasty offerings.

T-Town Cafe offers a welcoming environment with Korean-inspired dessert and food options, run by passionate owners who want to share their culture through tasty and approachable dishes. Its address is 8515 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98499, and it’s open from 11 AM or 12 PM until 9 PM daily from Tuesday through Sunday, with Mondays starting at noon. It’s a great place to explore new flavors in a friendly and casual setting.

Sources: yelp.com, T-Town Cafe Instagram Page
Header Image Source: T-Town Cafe Instagram Page