We returned to Harbor Lights last weekend and had an experience that absolutely deserves a full five stars. From the moment we walked in, the staff was welcoming and upbeat, and we were seated quickly with that same beautiful waterfront view we enjoyed before. Our server this time was fantastic -- friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed happy to have us there. Drinks arrived promptly, plates were cleared smoothly, and he checked in just enough to make sure everything was perfect without hovering. The food was every bit as exceptional as our first visit. We had the steamed clams again because they were unforgettable, and they were just as good -- fresh, flavorful, and piping hot. Our mains were spot‑on: generous portions, cooked exactly right, and served warm. Harbor Lights clearly takes pride in consistency, and it shows. This visit reminded us why the place has such a long-standing reputation. Great food, great atmosphere, and this time, truly great service. We'll be back, and we're happy to give this experience a full 5 stars. read more

I've been coming to Harbor Lights for years--mainly for what used to be my all-time favorite shrimp cocktail and to check out their special fruit drinks. Today was supposed to be a quick, light stop after work: shrimp cocktail, a couple drinks, and some time in the old Harbor Lights bar. Walking in, I was immediately reminded of one of my biggest frustrations with this space. Yes, it's small--but the outdated tables and chairs make it far too easy for people to block the walkways. And when those walkways are filled with loud, inappropriate, "stuck-in-1976" commentary from intoxicated older men acting like they're still in their 20s, it makes navigating the room even more uncomfortable. At one point, we were stuck sitting there listening to them loudly joke about having female urologists and proctologists--one word: GROSS. Speaking up doesn't feel like a safe or worthwhile option--it just escalates things. The bar could absolutely keep its charm while still evolving into a more comfortable, modern, and inclusive space. Then there's the menu situation--multiple menus stacked in front of you like a paper shuffle. It's unnecessary and could easily be streamlined. Now, the drinks... this is where things really fell off. Harbor Lights used to be known for strong drinks--that reputation feels long gone. I ordered a vodka-based drink and it went down like juice--no taste, no kick, nothing. When I asked for a double on the second round, the bartender laughed and said all their drinks are doubles and that they don't measure, claiming there was 2 1/2 oz of liquor in it. We watched him make it: no measuring, just a free pour over ice, stopping well short of the top, then filling it with rhubarb-strawberry purée. When it arrived, it felt more dropped on the table than served. I gave it a fair shot--a big sip--and again... no vodka taste whatsoever. No burn, no effect. I know my liquor, and this didn't add up. It really makes you question what's actually being poured. And then... the shrimp cocktail. How do you mess this up? This was the one thing I could always count on. It's always been unique and consistently good--but this time? Way too much horseradish. Completely threw off the balance. I still ate it, but it was not the same experience at all. Overall, this visit was disappointing. Between the uncomfortable atmosphere, lackluster drinks, and a once-reliable favorite falling short, Harbor Lights just isn't what it used to be. read more

Harbor Lights - Bar Flowers...Nice. - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

We had a really nice experience here. We got a special table right at the corner of the restaurant for a great view to celebrate our anniversary. The service was quick and friendly. The food was simply made, but made properly. No dry fish here! The oysters were small (as we like them) and lightly breaded so you could really taste them. They were served nice and hot with our choice of potato (fries for me) and a vegetable. You get about 8 for the entree with potato & veggies. You get about 5 alone for an appetizer per the server. The portions were just right for one person. We shared a peach salad that was heavy with fresh peaches and raspberries--loved it. Then they gave us a complimentary anniversary cake (sort of like a high end hoho--loved it). AND we got a card for a free appetizer or dessert at our next visit for an anniversary gift. Such kind gestures to help us celebrate. The crowd skews toward the older side. There is an outdoor patio but it is on the street side. You can still see some water from there though. Definitely worth a visit to relax and enjoy the view. read more

Harbor Lights - Pan fried oysters - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

My family reserved their private dining room for a celebration. The private room is tucked away in the back corner of the restaurant and was quite nice to have the space and privacy. Cocktails and food were all excellent. Attentive and friendly service. You don't get the waterfront view like the open dining area but there was a window and it was nice to have some natural light shining in. read more

See all

I definitely recommend for happy hour. They have one of the best happy hours in town. The prices are reasonable and the portions were decent. We ordered the cocktail shrimp, Manila clams, oysters, seafood, artichoke dip, and fried calamari all was pretty good. Everything was flavorful and the seafood tasted fresh. The service was so nice. She was very engaging and she was very helpful and us deciding what to order. The happy hours only in the lounge area/at the bar we sit at the bar. There's only a few seats at the bar however there's more seating in the lounge area. It is a first come first serve and it is from 3 to 6 PM. I would most definitely go back also the cocktails are reasonably priced at happy hour as well. read more

See all

Took my mother-in-law to lunch today. We had pan fried oysters for lunch. It was so beautiful out and the service was great. They also have seasonal rhubarb desserts well worth it.This is a great place for lunch. read more

See all

Harbor Lights. The incredible institution of Harbor Lights. I've been coming to Harbor Lights for probably around 45 years -- my mom and dad long before me. Back before it was sold, my dad would come in, sit at the table, and instantly a Manhattan was placed in front of him. That wonderful, old-type service. The new owners have been around for a while and did a wonderful refresh on the property. They kept a lot of the household favorites on the menu -- mine being the shucked and sautéed crab legs. Extremely decadent and pricey, but well worth it. Anytime you're wanting to come for a birthday or a special event, I highly recommend this dish. If you're coming by yourself or just as a table of two, try getting a table in the bar. It's intimate and cozy, and probably only seats 20 people. I live out of state now, but I make this a priority whenever I'm back in beautiful Washington State. Definitely a Tacoma institution. read more

Harbor Lights - Shucked crab, sautéed in butter with a side of mashed potatoes and broccoli - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Had a less than memorable evening at Harbor Lights. Food reminded me of a retirement cafe. Not impressive at all. The service was ok but not memorable. The views are great but that does not justify mediocre food at high end prices. There were 7 of us and all were less than impressed. read more

It's a beautiful restaurant and I can't imagine what it looks like in the summer! On an autumn evening in early November it's still beautiful. Food was excellent. We went at 5pm for the 3-course meal for $33 before 5:30pm (ends Nov 21 or so). It was worth it! My boyfriend got the Caesar salad, Roasted Scampi Prawns, and chocolate mousse and I got the Harbor Lights' Nectar Clam Chowder (a clear chowder!), Blackened Northwest Rockfish, and Huckleberry ice cream. It was between here and Boathouse 19, but we'll prob come back to try the happy hour or current $34 lobster deals! Our only thumbs down is the service. 2nd time here, same server, pretty unprofessional person- didn't catch her name but we didn't make a fuss, we laughed about it after. read more

See all

I love the $35 dollar deal! Great bang for your buck. Great quality. Seasoned well. Absolutely delicious. Shout out SCOTT for being the best server we have had to date!!!! He went above and beyond. Can't wait to come back! read more

View is great, parking isn't hard to find, staff was friendly and attentive. Prices were a little higher than fair, but the food was good. read more

Harbor Lights - Steak & Prawns - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

This place has been here forever, we haven't been here for ages, and with the view I so wanted it to have changed but alas it hasn't. No matter what they do, the food is just so so and pretty unimaginative. The lunch menu has gotten smaller, although the prices have not, which given the economy and the need to conserve I totally understand. Still I know what thing cost in the grocery store and I hate to feel gouged. I ordered a shrimp Louie which was huge and a lot of small shrimp, but under th shredded lettuce was a wedge of lettuce which made it seem bigger than it was. It had three slices of cucumber, a couple of cherry tomatoes sliced in half and a hard boiled egg. On the side was a small silver boat of dressing. Seriously, if you are giving someone that big a salad, give them enough dressing. It was $29. My friend got the avocado crab toasts which was three small pieces of bread, most appetizer size and a small service of coleslaw. All in all it was expensive, I know prices have gone up but I also know how much some of this costs, portions have gotten smaller and it was just boring food. Don't mind paying if I it merits it, this does not. read more

Harbor Lights - Oyster fest specials - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Always a great place for seafood. We like to come here during their happy hour. Decent food and great drinks as always. One of our favorite Happy Hours. Really a good place during summers. Service is always great. Only reason not 5 stars since not enough room for Happy Hour. Resturant is dead, why not expand Happy hour to Resturant? Maybe someday. Views are the best during summer. Winters not so great. read more

See all

Anyone that knows this place knows that it an "old school" establishment. In my mid 60's I often feel I'm one of the younger ones in attendance. That staff is great. I love the display kitchen and the food they produce. They are rightfully known for serving "stiff drinks" and in my opinion it's accurate. I really enjoy visiting and really have never had a bad experience. For new comers, don't be surprised if you need to park on the other side of Ruston Way....it's kind of SOP for more than a few places along the street. It really should be on the must try list for Tacoma establishments. PS. Sorry for the over use of quotation marks. read more

A pleasant evening spent with our large party here. A family-friendly menu, understandibly leaning a bit toward seafood. Scallops appetizer was extra special - make sure to dip your bread in the bacon jam for a burst of flavor. A fourth star for very attentive service, considering the size of our group. read more

Amazing food amazing customer service in the ambience is a 50 on a scale of one to 10. They have a great happy hour prices especially for the next two months on Sundays definitely worth the trip and the view is amazing as well as the Foods. They do have their own private parking the weight staff is very accommodating five star. read more

See all

Until today, my hubby and I had dined at nearly every single restaurant in the Point Ruston area. Harbor Lights was the only restaurant we had not visited. Why, you ask? Harbor Lights struck us as a place that senior citizens might sneak off to for an Early Bird dinner before passing out at 6 pm. Even the lighting on the front of the restaurant somehow screams "we sling Manhattans to the elderly". Seriously, I'd chosen the other dining establishments because I'm old enough to recognize an institution when I see one. And so, on a lazy, gray Washington Saturday afternoon when my hangry husband asked what I felt like eating, I told him I wanted clam chowder. His google search for the best clam chowder near us turned up Duke's and Harbor Lights. We'd eaten at Duke's multiple times and I was feeling adventurous (I also felt we'd be safe from the Manhattan slinging blue hairs since it was only noon). The restaurant was nearly exactly as I'd imagined it would be with an open air kitchen in the center of the dining room and an understated, relaxed dining area with walls that held decades of stories and a view that invited you to sit and stay a while. Harbor Lights had no harried wait staff running relay races, no swearing, hungover kitchen staff chain smoking in plastic chairs and no turn-and-burn signs of "eat fast and get the f out". And if they did, they probably had staff meetings about how to hide it. Our waitress, Tracy, was the epitome of a truly experienced server and she knew how to read her customers. She brought us warm, fresh bread and butter right out of the starting gate. I missed that. Nobody does that anymore. I came for clam chowder and was shocked to learn it wasn't the New England clam chowder that I'd had in mind but rather something else called "Nectar Chowder". It was clam soup in a clear broth.... Now this did not sound like anything I was interested in but Tracy, without a beat, had a sample on our table before I could even think about heading for Duke's. The Nectar Chowder was delicious. The clams were fresh, the potatoes were perfect (not mushy) and the nectar broth was savory and seasoned to perfection. I wanted THAT!!!! My husband had ordered a Manhattan and, while I was thinking of just having water, Tracy used her server mind control magic and told me that I wanted a warm, roasted pear martini. Why...Yes! Yes, indeed I did!!!!! How on earth did she know?! I ordered the Bacon Jam Scallops and a cup of that delicious Nectar Clam Chowder. Hubby ordered the Ling Cod Tempura Fish and Chips. The scallops were quite tasty. The arugula, bacon jam and buttery beurre blanc sauce were delightful and I could have licked the plate clean (if I had been ten years old and not fifty something). Meanwhile, Hubby was chowing down on his fish and chips with a gusto that made me stop what I was doing and want to sample his. Reluctantly, I traded one of my scallops for one of his fish filets and took a bite. OH-MA-GAWD.... Tracy, come here. What did you do to this fish? The breading is light with an airy but satisfying crisp that melts in your mouth. The fish is buttery and flaky and not greasy in the slightest. The flavor is fantastic! How did I not know about this fabulous, manhattan guzzling, blue haired institution before? Why had I passed it by so many hundreds of times? Hubby then shares a bite of his Coleslaw. It was crisp, mild in flavor and made from scratch, not from a commissary. So good. The fries? Okay, they were seasoned French fries. The fish and the coleslaw demand a repeat visit. That's the best Fish part of Fish and Chips that I've ever had. Tracy then gave us a class on Ling Cod and I can confidently say we are now experts. We had such an amazing lunch that we were sad it was about to be over. Tracy and her Mind Reading Powers, somehow knew this and told us all about their desserts in full detail. Rhubarb was in season and who wouldn't want warm, homemade rhubarb crisp on a misty, foggy Saturday while watching the Rowers and the Seagulls play on the Sound? Right?! Tracy was correct, the Rhubarb Crisp was shared Happiness in a bowl. The batter was poured around the rhubarb and baked to crispy, sweet perfection and topped with creamy vanilla ice cream. And while that may sound like nearly all of the desserts up and down the Point Ruston Corridor, it wasn't. There was something different about THIS Rhubarb Crisp. Something almost homey. It has been our experience that outstanding customer service is truly hard to find in 2026. ...So when we see the cattle drive of blue hairs, hunched over their walkers as they charge the crosswalk heading to Harbor Lights, we know why they keep going. Harbor Lights IS an institution and there aren't that many great institutions around anymore. As we left, Hubby and I agreed: this is truly a great restaurant. The food, the service, the atmosphere...and The Blue Hair Club now has two new happy members. read more

See all

If you're looking for a birthday seafood meal. Look no further. It's simply the best crab money can buy. Salmon is always perfect too. Their steaks are good too if you're doing a surf and turf. Appetizers are fresher and much much better than down the street. read more

The view is fantastic. You are mainly paying for the view. Service is nice. Food is not good. I have no problem with the clear nectar clam chowder. The food in general isn't all that good. It's nice they have happy hour menu, because regular price is too much for what you get. You go there for the view, not for the food. read more

My partner and I stopped by Harbor Lights last weekend after looking forward to returning for a dine-in experience. We made a reservation and were seated right away, which was a great start. Our server was friendly, but there were a few service hiccups during the visit. When she asked if we were ready for appetizers, we mentioned that we needed another minute. Her response was simply, "Oh," before walking away, and it ended up being about 15 minutes before anyone returned to take our order. I understand that restaurants get busy, but it felt like our table may have been overlooked during that time. We considered leaving because we were getting quite hungry, but ultimately decided to stay. I ordered the steak, and while the presentation was nice, the highlight of the plate was actually the sides. The mashed potatoes and baked potato were both excellent. The steak was cooked exactly as requested, which I appreciated, but it was surprisingly bland and needed additional seasoning. Despite the issues, Harbor Lights has provided enjoyable experiences in the past, which is why I'm willing to give it another chance. There were definitely some positives to the meal, and I'm hopeful this visit was just an off night. read more

I stopped in on a late Saturday afternoon and waited about 10 minutes for a seat at the bar. I was able to take part in HH while I waited for a friend to take a walk on the waterfront. Once I was able to grab my seat I chatted with the bartender. The brie was delicious and I had a mai tai - i didn't finish it wasn't my fave but it was like $6 so whatever. The brie was served cold which tricked my brain but was still delicious with the honey drizzle. I dont know that I'd choose this restaurant again it's kinda old styled and not really my esthetic read more

See all

Be warned, their halibut fish and chips is actually cod!!! I informed them thinking it was an honest mistake and the chef denied it to my server. I worked on a commercial fishing boat in Alaska for years...I'm not wrong. I also used to be a server, and I know when a chef on a budget is trying to rip people off for food cost. They charged me for the halibut regardless. Shame on you guys. Server was a sweetheart, that's the only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars. read more

We just came off the plane and we had such a great experience. Nancy our server, was fantastic! She offered great recommendations, personable, friendly and provided phenomenal service. Food was great! Great way to start our amazing weekend read more

I recently ate at Harbor Lights during a visit to Tacoma. I've been there three or four times over the years, and each time I go in hoping it'll be better than the last--but unfortunately, it's consistently average at best. I want to like this place. The location is fantastic--right on the water with beautiful views. But the food just doesn't live up to the setting. The service was definitely the highlight. Our server was friendly, attentive, and efficient, which I truly appreciated. I ordered from the happy hour menu and had the shrimp cocktail, which turned out to be a scoop of tiny bay shrimp on shredded lettuce with a side of cocktail sauce. Honestly, the cocktail sauce was the best part. If they're going to use bay shrimp, they really should note that on the menu--expecting larger prawns and getting a scoop of salad shrimp is a letdown. I also tried the fried clams, which were heavy on the breading and light on actual clam flavor. They came with fries, which were just okay. All in all, I'm giving Harbor Lights three stars, and I think that might be a bit generous. Great location, solid service--but the food just doesn't rise above mediocre. read more

See all

Great food and beautiful view. But service was meh. Not asking if I wanted to order another cocktail. Waitperson just seemed annoyed having to be there. I was surprised because all previous visits had great service . But fyi. Try the crab legs. So good. read more

See all

We met friends for dinner and were pleasantly surprised. The food was delish and the service was good. The restaurant was pretty empty when we arrived at 6:00, but filled up as time went on. read more

Harbor Lights - Friends enjoying an appetizer of Calamari Strips with Lemon aioli. - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I can only leave a review on my first five minutes in the restaurant because I left. Let me start by saying Harbor lights is very rundown. The carpets are dirty the restaurants dirty, and the staff looks like they've been there for quite a while. Came in with a service dog, small service dog, and I try to be polite and understand that some people are allergic to animals or whatever may be so I asked to sit out on the deck. The manager, or whoever was running the front desk told me that my dog has to be "under" the table at all times, Why? And then the waitress came by and said something as well so we just got up and went down the street to Dukes. Next review Duke's read more

So so food, but unattainable service by Craig. It was horrible. He talked to all employees , but neglected us.

I am Vice Queen of the Scarlett O'Hatters, We came in on Friday June 20 2025, to celebrate your Queen becoming Queen of our chapter. When I came in they had us setup in the dining room there was 13 of us.The space was challenging and I couldn't figure out how to make it work. The hostess came over and a waiter come over and asked if everything was ok.When I explained I was confused about how to make the space work.They told me that they had a banquet room we could us.I told them I had asked for that room.They told me it was open and got us right in.We set up quickly and it turned out to be a wonderful day.The service was outstanding, the food was amazing and the manager came in a cut a cake we had brought in.And even served it.We will definitely be back.Thank you to the waiter and hostess and manager for making us feel welcome. read more

See all

Let me start by saying the staff was friendly and we were seated at a window table. But the accolades stop there. I have had Shrimp Scampi at dozens of restaurants in 10 different countries and I can honestly say that Harbor Lights Roasted Scampi Prawns was the worst. I understand that their chef had an emergency and left, but the dish they served me appeared to have been prepared and then thrown into an oven until all the butter/sauce was baked dry. This left several dry and rubbery prawns stuck to the dish. It was visibly uncharacteristic of Shrimp Scampi yet the Kitchen sent it out and the waitress accepted and served it. My girlfriend's salmon had also been overcooked and was dry, although they undercooked the risotto, which looked like watery porridge. We won't be returning. read more

Harbor Lights - Roasted Scampi Prawns and Salmon over bed of Risotto. - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

Craig was amazing. We were celebrating 2 birthdays!! I was so impressed with his excellence in service! Everything was perfect from beginning to end. We hope to see you soon and for many more family memories!! read more

Harbor lights is always a favorite!! Had my daughter's graduation party there last summer and we had a private room and it was actually worth the money for the great food and drinks! Nancy is an amazing server! read more

Celebrated our 21st anniversary there. It was wonderful. You can eat inside or outside but either has a beautiful view of the harbor. read more

See all

Just for educational purposes, this is what a steak cooked medium rare is supposed to look like. NOTE: This picture was not taken at Harbor Lights, since they couldn't seem to cook a mid-rare steak to save their lives. read more

Harbor Lights - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

We had their Sunset 3 course meal after watching Rocky at the Tacoma Little Theater. They now have a partnership. The meal was perfection, the service divine (especially our server Tracey G), and we were able to get a reservation. It was amazing. read more

Harbor Lights - Outside of Harbor Lights - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Reviews were so mixed on this place that I was reluctant to try it. I really wanted to eat outside on the water though. I made an online reservation and mentioned that we'd like to sit outside if possible and they actually held an outside table for us which was so nice. The hostess and server were both nice. We got the "early bird special" which is an appetizer, entree and dessert for only $30. I got a Caesar salad, blackened rockfish and the peach jar pie and my BF got the garden salad, salmon, and the same dessert. It was all pretty darn good. I'd go back! read more

See all

Service and portions!! The seafood mac and cheese was brought to me cold! It was $36 a plate. Served in a bowl with no garnish. We eat with our eyes first. We were charged for the table NEXT to us....huge difference! Over $100 dollars over what OUR bill was. No one said anything about the extra charges on my debit card. I only found out because I myself checked my balance. read more

Amazing food, solid drinks - 7 seas amber ale and Moscow mule. We really enjoyed both of our visits so far, although the service was a bit more gruff this time than last time. It did look busier today. Great views, lively space, although clientele skews older on a Friday for lunch read more

See all

Went Saturday of Mom's Day week end with my wife and daughter for lunch. We had super service - apologies were given for seating us a bit late by a complimentary appitizer. The food was well prepared and so tasty! There was little delay between ordering and service - yet we did not feel rushed even though the restaurant was hoppin' . Tip of the hat to our server Troy G. That guy works his tush off! Yet he found time to have a running interaction with us making a festive lunch. Ask for his station by name if you make a reservation there! read more

I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this place. The service was great, and everybody was very kind, but I found the food not that great considering how many options you have in the area for seafood. I ordered the seafood mac & cheese and was pretty surprised when it was cold. If there weren't other options, I would probably give this place a second try, but since there is a lineup of seafood restaurants in the area, I probably won't be back to Harbor Lights. read more

Harbor Lights - Seafood Mac and Cheese - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington