Craving a meal that makes your day? Lakewood delivers. From cozy diners serving perfect pancakes to family-run spots with authentic pho, this guide highlights the 19 restaurants that turn an ordinary lunch or dinner into something memorable. Let these local favorites become your new go-tos.
Ho Soon Yi Restaurant
$ | (253) 584-4572 | WEBSITE
Ho Soon Yi Restaurant in Lakewood is a cozy Korean spot that excels in the soup department. Their kimchi soft tofu soup, with tender beef and a spicy broth, deserves to have its name engraved on a trophy cup—but if you want something heartier, go for the beef short ribs that come with a side of rice for dipping. There are a few casual tables, or you can take your meal to go.
House of Mandoo
$ | (253) 267-0609 | WEBSITE
If House of Mandoo in Lakewood is one of those places you’ve “been meaning to try,” consider this your nudge to finally go. This dumpling spot is a hidden gem in the area, and you absolutely need to eat here at least once. Grab a seat at the simple wooden counter with a 6-pack of kimchi pork buns and some perfectly steamed dumplings, and settle into the cozy, unpretentious space while the kind owner and his friendly staff bring your order with genuine warmth.
They keep things straightforward and affordable, so save this place for when you need a satisfying, no-fuss meal that feels like a comforting hug.
I C POKE
$ | (253) 584-8111 | WEBSITE
This poke spot in Lakewood serves incredible bowls, with spicy tuna and scallops that are great for customizing with their house and ponzu sauces. Make sure to get any dish that comes with the fresh ingredients—this is a poke place, after all—like the spicy tuna bowl piled high with toppings, and a bubble tea for your drink. If you don’t get the friendly staff’s recommendations, especially from the helpful lady who accommodates special dietary needs, you will have regret flashbacks.
Tacos Michoacán
$ | (253) 359-4945 | WEBSITE
If you want to make sure to do one thing right today, make sure it’s grabbing lunch at Tacos Michoacán. The taco truck in Lakewood makes excellent chorizo tacos. We love everything about them—from the perfectly seasoned meat to the fermented carrots to the tasty salsas that come on the side. Get the Assada Tacos if you want to enjoy Tacos Michoacán’s other great dishes, like their kid-friendly options that everyone can enjoy.
Morning Ale, American Lake Espresso
$ | (253) 778-6181 | WEBSITE
With a steady rotation of coffee drinks, breakfast options, and sweet treats, Morning Ale, American Lake Espresso is a clear choice for a morning stop in Lakewood. The counter-service coffee shop has a few usually available seats, so you can spend immediate quality time with a perfectly balanced iced Americano with honey or a neatly crafted macaroon. And don’t forget to ask about the seasonal specials.
La Tentacion Tacos & Tequila
$ | (253) 302-5710 | WEBSITE
Craving some comfort food at 1pm is reason enough to visit this gem on Veterans Drive. The menu at this casual food truck spot in Lakewood has standout options like the #18 – Quesabirria tacos, which are a favorite, and breakfast dishes like chilaquiles and breakfast burritos available all day. My go-to is the smothered burrito with carnitas meat and verde sauce, which always comes generously portioned and packed with flavor.
The pollo a la crema, featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy, cheesy sauce, is another must-try, all served with homemade corn tortillas. With friendly staff who excel at accommodating food allergies, plus quick, attentive service and reasonable prices, it’s a perfect spot for a family dinner or a quick lunch.
Peking Garden Chinese Restaurant
$ | (253) 588-2399 | WEBSITE
You could spend your evening scrolling through endless takeout options like it’s nobody’s business. Or, you could make your way to Peking Garden Chinese Restaurant in Lakewood to pick up some jajangmyun, sweet and sour pork, and a steaming bowl of jjampong, and bring it all back to your living room for said indecision. Also grab some of their phenomenal kim chi to take home—it’ll easily power you through the rest of the week.
Sugar Bones Tacos
$ | (253) 267-5112 | WEBSITE
Next time your “casual taco Tuesday” turns into a Serious Taco Emergency, skip the grocery run, head straight over, and make it in time for dinner at Sugar Bones Tacos. The counter-service Lakewood spot is home to the state’s best esquites. The keys to their greatness are the tender, juicy corn, generous amounts of toppings, and the price (they’ll only run you about $4 each).
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (253) 588-2888 | WEBSITE
One of the best family spots in Lakewood is at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, a kid-friendly restaurant that takes advantage of the need for entertainment while waiting. There are tons of games, enough activity menus to keep any child busy, and, of course, lots of steaming hot burgers. Go for the fresh, delicious patties and the attentive service—it’s a slightly chaotic but enjoyable hit.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (253) 581-7272 | WEBSITE
This take-and-bake pizza spot in Lakewood keeps things straightforward—just walk up to the counter, grab a vegetarian pizza with a gluten-free crust that can be smelled from the parking lot, and bake it up at home. This place is great for an easy family dinner that doesn’t require much of a wait. And at $18 per large pizza, it likely won’t make your bank account flinch.
Oaktree Food & Drink Company
$ | (253) 582-2220 | WEBSITE
It’s not that hard to find a fun night out. But finding one that’s worth planning your entire weekend around? That’s a feat in itself—and no place does it like Oaktree Food & Drink Company. The Lakewood spot cranks out lively evenings with everything from karaoke to rap music and DJ sets. Whatever you order from bartender Max will be welcoming, but when in doubt, get anything he recommends. The atmosphere is energetic, though management could use some polish.
Still, many plan to return, considering trying dinner options next time.
California Tacos
$ | (253) 588-1919 | WEBSITE
It’s not often you find a family-friendly spot with such generous portions and authentic flavors, but at California Tacos, that’s just a regular Tuesday. The Lakewood casual dining destination serves delicious food at reasonable prices, with most dishes hovering around the $12-$15 mark.
There’s no going wrong, but we always find ourselves unable to resist the temptation of the carne asada fries—the meat is flavorful, the chips stay crispy, and they’re topped with that smoky spicy salsa that has just the right kick. The pozole is another standout, with rich broth and tender meat that warms you right up. While the parking lot only has about a dozen spots, the restaurant itself is clean and welcoming, with bright lighting and comfortable booths that make it easy to settle in.
The staff is consistently friendly and helpful, whether you’re dining in with kids or grabbing takeout. It’s the kind of place where you leave satisfied, already planning your next visit for those burritos you saw at the next table.
OSJ International Restaurant
$$ | (253) 301-2453 | WEBSITE
When it comes to authentic, generous, and—most importantly—reasonably priced Puerto Rican food, OSJ International Restaurant in Lakewood is unmatched. The takeout-only spot with limited availability specializes in flavorful, traditional dishes like beef empanadas, fried pork, and arroz con gandules. Any paper container of their vegan options or meat dishes can come filled with bold spices and fresh ingredients (the fried pork is our favorite).
Drench it all in their house sauces before polishing the whole thing off in minutes, all while enjoying the helpful and friendly service from the welcoming hostess.
The Adriatic at Oakbrook
$$ | (253) 584-8888 | WEBSITE
If you can brave the occasional wait, The Adriatic at Oakbrook should be your next nicer-than-usual lunch spot. The Italian restaurant on the golf course offers stunning pasta dishes like salmon linguini and rich Bolognese, with sizable portions that provide great value. No visit is complete without trying the happy hour special—the Bolognese is just $10, and wine is only $6.
The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, ideal for business lunches or casual meals, with ample parking adding to the convenience. Though the indoor decor could be more inviting, the outdoor ambiance on sunny days is appealing. Overall, the fresh, scratch-made food and attentive service make it worth returning.
MaMa’s Pho
$ | (253) 582-2211 | WEBSITE
Lunchtime at MaMa’s Pho is when you can actually snag a table without the usual weekend rush. It’s calmer then, so you can settle into one of their simple wooden booths with a steaming bowl of steak pho and a side of spring rolls with that incredible peanut sauce, and chat with the friendly server about the day’s specials.
I Pho
$ | (253) 476-7899 | WEBSITE
Even if you don’t live or work in Lakewood, you should seek out this casual spot for a satisfying meal. The Vietnamese restaurant turns out bowls of pho with raw beef, generous vermicelli noodle dishes, and chicken banhmi that are great for sharing, but it’s also well-equipped for solo meals—go for the brisket pho with its hot, tasty broth, or the beef soup with its slight sweetness that enhances the flavor.
The bone broth is a highlight, with tons of flavor, and the large portions are very generous, often more than what is served at other places. The owners and staff are friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to dine in or take out, and parking is not an issue. Overall, I Pho remains a top choice for pho lovers, especially for their above-average pho and clean, welcoming atmosphere.
Bruno’s European Restaurant
$$ | (253) 719-7181 | WEBSITE
This German restaurant in Lakewood covers just about any scenario. There’s plenty of space to spread out for a group, the service is quick and attentive, and there are a few cozy corners for some alone time with plate-sized schnitzel. To get the most out of this place, get the beef rouladen, follow it up with a side of potato salad, and a glass of Zatecky Svetly Lezak.
Pho PQ
$ | (253) 584-0229 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just need to tear your eyes away from a screen, get out of the house in the middle of the day, and clear a bowl of made-to-order pho. Beeline to Pho PQ in Lakewood. The casual spot has a menu made up of excellent pho, all served with fresh broth and various flavors, including the hot and spicy option. You’ll finish off the bowl in less time than it takes to find a parking spot on the street.
Pizza Pizazz
$ | (253) 589-5400 | WEBSITE
This Lakewood spot is only about two things—pizza and pizza rolls—and both are done extremely well. It’s the ideal place for a quick meal that won’t break the bank despite being a bit pricey. Just grab a slice of that chewy-crust pie and an order of the recommended rolls, and contemplate finally trying to recreate that flavorful explosion in your own kitchen. The friendly staff and quick service make the experience enjoyable, even if you’re taking it to go.
