Open since July 2012, Boathouse 19 is a good choice for excellent food, great service and a view of the marina at the western end of South 19th street in Tacoma.

We went on a grey cold day and the restaurant managed to be warm and friendly as well as modern and organic. Prices range from $4 for snacks to $34 for crab legs. The menu is steakhouse fare with a twist, such as southern touches like Cajun seasoning and hand made desserts featuring brown sugar. Our server, Mary, brought us a cup of San Francisco Cioppino with tomato broth, chopped clams, Alaskan cod and bay shrimp at $4, the Philadelphia Cheesesteak with onions, peppers, mushrooms, cheese sauce, southern slaw, and provolone at $12, and Carolina Pulled Pork with southern slaw, sweet onions, pickles, coca-cola barbecue sauce on a and naked fries at $10. We also ordered iced tea and root beer with refills at $2 each.

We enjoyed the soup which had several small shrimp, a piece of fish and clams in broth with lots of chopped vegetables in tangy mildly spiced tomato base. The cheese steak, served on a baguette, was delicious. It had plenty of meat, cheese, and vegetables which added texture and flavor. Not spicy at all but smooth and delectable. The pork sandwich was served on a large bun and loaded with pork and sweet cooked onions. Barbecue sauce added juice to the texture of the sandwich. The sandwiches were large with plenty of filling and lots to share. The southern slaw was chopped cabbage with a sweet tangy dressing, and was good as a side and a sandwich filling. The fries were fat and crisp, served with ketchup. The food was rich and filling and very tasty.

The bathroom was accessible, neat and clean, but the door was very heavy and a disabled person might need help. Service dog friendly.

Of   Poor -Average -Good- Very Good and Excellent, I rate this restaurant Very Good.

IF YOU GO

Boathouse 19 is at 9001 S. 19th St. in Tacoma. Phone: 253-565-1919. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.