Tacoma, wa

Harbor Lights

Waterfront Dining on Ruston Way

Address

2761 North Ruston Way
Tacoma, WA 98402

Phone

(253) 752-8600

Hours

Daily 11am – 9pm

Early Bird Dinners are available Monday-Friday until 5:30pm

Happy Hour

Daily 3pm-6pm in the bar only

Find a Table

Reservations are recommended

join us

the best seafood in tacoma

Harbor Lights is a historic waterfront seafood restaurant located on scenic Ruston Way overlooking Commencement Bay in Tacoma. For more than 50 years, Harbor Lights has been a favorite Tacoma dining destination, known for fresh Northwest seafood, panoramic waterfront views, and iconic dishes like the famous four-pound bucket of steamed clams. Originally opened in 1959 by Yugoslavian immigrant Anton Barcott, Harbor Lights joined the Anthony’s family of restaurants in 2000.

Today, Harbor Lights continues to offer one of the best waterfront dining experiences in Tacoma with fresh salmon, oysters, Dungeness crab, clam chowder, fish and chips, and seasonal Pacific Northwest seafood. Whether joining us for lunch, dinner, happy hour, or a special occasion, Harbor Lights combines warm hospitality, waterfront views, and fresh seafood for a memorable Tacoma dining experience.

General Manager: Jon Tice-Zelaya

Chef: Destrey Higa

Menus

Small Plates

Oregon Coast Shrimp Cocktail$15.00

With homemade cocktail sauce.

Northwest Pan Fried Oysters*$21.00

Fresh yearling oysters from Willapa Bay fried until golden brown. Served with homemade cocktail and tartar sauce.

Calamari Strips$21.00

Served with lemon garlic aioli.

Baked Dungeness Crab, Shrimp & Artichoke Dip$27.00

Warm mix of Dungeness crab, Oregon Coast bay shrimp, artichoke served with toasted sourdough bread.

Northwest Manila Clams$25.00

Steamed in clam nectar with olive oil, garlic and lemon.

Fresh Puget Sound Mussels$19.00

With shallots, herbs and white wine.

Wild Alaska Weathervane Scallops$24.00

Wild Gulf of Alaska scallops pan seared and finished with bacon jam

Chowder & Salads

Harbor Lights' Nectar Clam Chowder (Cup)$9.00

New England style clam chowder with potatoes and bacon.

Harbor Lights' Nectar Clam Chowder (Bowl)$12.00

New England style clam chowder with potatoes and bacon.

Harbor Lights' Slaw$9.00

House Dinner Salad$12.00

Crisp romaine, Napa cabbage and fennel with Oregon Coast shrimp, tomatoes and homemade blue cheese dressing.

Classic Caesar Salad$12.00

Our homemade dressing over crisp romaine, croutons and finished with parmesan cheese.

Northwest Shrimp Louie$46.00

Oregon Coast shrimp, mango, avocado, tomato, crispy wantons and bacon on seasonal market greens tossed with fresh basil vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese.

Chicken Caesar Salad$21.00

Oregon Coast shrimp, mango, avocado, tomato, crispy wantons and bacon on seasonal market greens tossed with fresh basil vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese.

Caesar Salad with Oregon Shrimp$21.00

Bay shrimp atop our classic Caesar Salad

Northwest Shrimp Louie$29.00

Oregon Coast shrimp, mango, avocado, tomato, crispy wantons and bacon on seasonal market greens tossed with fresh basil vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese.

Entrees

Crispy Panko Wild Alaska True Cod & Chips$29.00

Three pieces of wild Alaska true cod lightly panko crusted. Served with ginger slaw and French fries.

Wild Alaska Halibut Tempura & Chips$45.00

Three pieces dipped in our tempura batter and server with ginger slaw.

Harbor Lights Captain's Platter$38.00

Dipped in our tempura batter. Served with ginger slaw.

Blackened Northwest Rockfish$28.00

Rubbed with Cajun spices, blackened and topped with pineapple- mango salsa. Served with almond basmati rice pilaf.

Northwest Cioppino$36.00

Fresh Northwest mussels, Manila clams, lingcod and salmon in tomato-basil stew with garlic and fennel.

Dungeness Crab Legs$85.00

Wild Gulf of Alaska scallops pan seared and sprinkled with gremolata. Served with almond basmati rice pilaf.

Northwest Pan Fried Oysters$36.00

GFA

Fresh yearling oysters from Willapa Bay fried until golden brown. Served with rice and seasonal vegetables.

Seafood Macaroni & Cheese$29.00

Creamy mac & cheese with Oregon Coast bay shrimp and toasted bread crumbs.

Roasted Scampi Prawns$31.00

Roasted with garlic butter and topped with fresh lemon and gremolata. Served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables.

Alaska Weathervane Scallops$46.00

GFA

Alaska Weathervane scallops pan seared and sprinkled with gremolata.

Northwest Manila Clam Dinner$46.00

Steamed fresh Northwest Manila clams with garlic, lemon and parsley.

Double R Ranch Ground Sirloin Steak*$25.00

A hand-cut top sirloin grilled to your liking. Served with champ potatoes and seasonal vegetable.

Royal Ranch Top Sirloin*$39.00

Top sirloin grilled to your liking champ potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Northwest Tenderloin Filet*$59.00

A 6 ounce, 28 day aged filet grilled with Gorgonzola truffle butter and port demi sauce. Served with champ potatoes.

Royal Ranch Ribeye$72.00

14 ounces and grilled to your liking and served with champ potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Blackened Fresh Idaho Rainbow Trout$34.00

Dusted with Cajun spiced and seared golden brown.

Chef Specials

Our Chef Specials showcase the best seasonal seafood and ingredients. Due to the nature of fresh sourcing, menu offerings and availability may change throughout the day. Please contact the restaurant for today's offerings.

Wild Alaska Silver Salmon with Red Pepper Beurre Blanc$43.00

Roasted on an alder plank and finished with smoked sweet red pepper beurre blanc.

Wild Alaska Lingcod n' Chips$30.00

Wild Silver Salmon Risotto$43.00

Wild Alaska Coho chargrilled, lemon-oregano butter, creamy risotto, artichoke hearts N.W. Wild Mushroom Ragout, red bell peppers.

Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad$30.00

Salmon Creek Farms Pork Chop$43.00

Salmon Creek Farms bone-in pork chop finished with fresh ginger sauce. Served with cornbread pudding and apple-huckleberry compote.

Fresh Wild Alaska Halibut with Chive Oil$49.00

Chargrilled and topped with fresh chive oil and beurre blanc.

Blackened Wild Alaska Halibut$49.00

Copper River Sockeye Salmon Poke$28.00

Flash seared in sweet sesame-tamari sauce with wontons. Please ask your server for today's selections.

Fresh Wild Alaska Copper River Sockeye Salmon$67.00

Alder planked with smoked, sweet red pepper beurre blanc. Served with champ potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Copper Sockeye Chargrilled$67.00

Chargrilled and finished with sundried tomato basil butter. Served with champ potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

3 for $35 Early Bird Dinners

Enjoy a 3-Course Dinner Mondays-Fridays until 5:30 PM. Your choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert from this select menu.

Classic Caesar

Crisp romaine, homemade dressing, and croutons finished with Parmesan.

House Salad

Harbor Lights' Nectar Clam Chowder

New England style clam chowder with potatoes and bacon.

Crispy Calamari with Lemon Aioli

Fried golden brown and served with lemon aioli

Shrimp Cocktail

Double R Ranch Ground Sirloin Steak*$35.00

Chipotle spice rubbed, grilled to your liking and finished with cranberry lime jalapeno relish.

Fresh Idaho Rainbow Trout$35.00

Fresh Idaho Rainbow Trout blackened on a white hot griddle and served with pistachio-craisin rice and cajun aioli sauce.

Petrale Sole Almondine$35.00

Oregon Coast petrale sole, sourdough crusted and pan fried with amaretto almond butter. Served with almond basmati rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables.

Northwest Wild Salmon$35.00

Steamed fresh Northwest Manila clams with garlic, lemon and parsley.

Blackened Northwest Rockfish$35.00

Fresh yearling oysters pan fried until golden brown.

Roasted Scampi Prawns$35.00

Butterflied, roasted with garlic butter and topped with fresh lemon and gremolata.

Burnt Cream

Our creamy, rich custard dessert with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust.

Chocolate Mousse Jar Pie

Best of Season Jar Pie

Soups & Salads

Harbor Lights' Nectar Clam Chowder (Cup)$9.00

New England style clam chowder with potatoes and bacon.

Harbor Lights' Nectar Clam Chowder (Bowl)$12.00

New England style clam chowder with potatoes and bacon.

Harbor Lights' Slaw$9.00

House Dinner Salad$12.00

Crisp romaine, Napa cabbage and fennel with Oregon Coast shrimp, tomatoes and homemade blue cheese dressing.

Classic Caesar Salad$12.00

Our homemade dressing over crisp romaine, croutons and finished with parmesan cheese.

Almond Chicken Salad$21.00

Grilled chicken, crispy noodles, sweet red peppers, and sesame tamari dressing.

Harbor Lights' Cobb$26.00

Oregon Coast shrimp, mango, avocado, tomato, crispy wantons and bacon on seasonal market greens tossed with fresh basil vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese.

Northwest Shrimp Louie$29.00

Oregon Coast shrimp, mango, avocado, tomato, crispy wantons and bacon on seasonal market greens tossed with fresh basil vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese.

Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Louie$46.00

Dungeness crab and shrimp , iceberg lettuce, cucumber, tomato, egg with our homemade Louie dressing

Chicken Caesar Salad$21.00

Oregon Coast shrimp, mango, avocado, tomato, crispy wantons and bacon on seasonal market greens tossed with fresh basil vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese.

Caesar Salad with Oregon Shrimp$21.00

Bay shrimp atop our classic Caesar Salad

Entrees

Ocean Prawns n' Chips$28.00

Dipped in our tempura batter. Served with ginger slaw.

Crispy Panko Wild Alaska True Cod & Chips$29.00

Three pieces of wild Alaska true cod lightly panko crusted. Served with ginger slaw and French fries.

Wild Alaska Halibut Tempura & Chips$36.00

Two pieces dipped in our tempura batter and server with ginger slaw.

Harbor Lights Captain's Platter$36.00

Dipped in our tempura batter. Served with ginger slaw.

Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Toast$23.00

Chargrilled with lime and cilantro in a warm tortilla and cabbage, tomato and salsa mayo. Served with chips and salsa.

Pan Fried Oysters*$29.00

Fresh yearling oysters from Willapa Bay pan fried until golden brown. Served with french fries.

Oregon Coast Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese$21.00

Corkscrew pasta tossed with creamy cheddar cheese sauce and shrimp. Topped with golden panko crumbs

Northwest Cioppino & Caesar$26.00

Wild salmon, Manila clams, Alaska cod and NW mussels simmered in savory tomato-herb broth. Served with our classic Caesar salad.

Fresh Idaho Rainbow Trout$29.00

Dusted with Cajun spices and seared golden brown. Served with craisin rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables.

Wild Alaska True Cod Burger$24.00

Chargrilled and finished with sundried tomato basil butter

Harbor Lights' Burger*$23.00

GFA

Lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, chargrilled onion mayo and our secret sauce. Served with seasoned fries.

Ground Sirloin Burger Dip*$19.00

Grilled to your liking. Served with lettuce, tomato, and onion mayo.

Northwest Rockfish Tacos$23.00

Wrapped in a warm flour tortilla with tomato, salsa mayo & pineapple-mango salsa. Served with chips and salsa.

Chef Specials

Wild Salmon Ponzu Bowl$29.00

Chargrilled wild Alaskan salmon and glazed with ponzu sauce. Served over Jasmine rice and a market green salad.

Wild Salmon Taco & Chowder$20.00

Wild Alaska Halibut Taco & Chowder$26.00

One Halibut taco and cup of clam chowder

Wild Salmon Burger$24.00

Chargrilled and finished with sundried tomato basil butter

Wild Salmon Tacos$31.00

Chargrilled with lime and cilantro in a warm tortilla and cabbage, tomato and salsa mayo. Served with chips and salsa.

Wild Alaska Halibut Tacos$36.00

Wild Alaska Lingcod Tempura & Chips$30.00

Three pieces dipped in our tempura batter and server with ginger slaw.

Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad$30.00

Bakers Bowl$24.00

Our award-winning clam chowder in a warm sourdough bread bowl paired with a Caesar salad.

Private Dining

waterfront private dining

The banquet room at Harbor Lights offers a warm and inviting setting for any occasion. With large windows showcasing stunning waterfront views, it’s perfect for any gathering, from intimate parties to business events. Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s renowned seafood along with exceptional service from our outstanding team.

Capacity

We can accommodate 10-20 people

contact

Jon Tice-Zelaya
(253)752-8600

Parking

parking

Harbor Lights offers complimentary guest parking just across the street from the restaurant.

see whats cookin!

at Harbor Lights

Happy Hour

We’ve got the best happy hour on the waterfront! Enjoy views and discounted food and drink in our bar from 3pm-6pm.

it's patio season!

Enjoy patio season on Tacoma’s waterfront with outdoor dining, fresh Northwest seafood, and panoramic views of Commencement Bay along scenic Ruston Way.

$35 | 3-Course Early Dinners

Join us for an exceptional three course dinner celebrating the finest seafood the Pacific Northwest has to offer, all for just $35 per person.

connect with us

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Sunday night surf & turf dinners happening now! Join us every Sunday during dinner to enjoy your choice to steak & scallops, steak and tempura prawns or steak & coconut prawns!

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Feel intimidated by cooking seafood? Chef Tony breaks down the 3 most important things when cooking seafood: 1. Be sure to buy fresh, quality seafood. 2. Do not overcook your seafood. 3. Use simple recipes. Do not overpower the natural flavors of the seafood.

Our Alaska Weathervane Scallops are known for their incredible quality! They are 100% natural and the rigorous handling process preserves their natural sweetness and delicate nature! Enjoy them seared as both an appetizer or entree!

We have Copper River salmon! This legendary Northwest tradition is unlike any other, so don’t wait to enjoy! Book your table now 🐟

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Keep an eye out for one of our most anticipated traditions—All You Can Eat Crab dinners. These special events only happen a few times each year, and when they do, they fill up fast. Fresh crab, endless cracking, and unforgettable waterfront dining. 🦀

Restaurants & Menus

Happenings

About

Harbor Lights

Address

Phone

Hours

Happy Hour

the best seafood in tacoma

General Manager: Jon Tice-Zelaya

Chef: Destrey Higa

Menus

Small Plates

Chowder & Salads

Entrees

Chef Specials

3 for $35 Early Bird Dinners

Soups & Salads

Entrees

Chef Specials

Food

Cocktails

Beer

Wines by Glass

Kids Menu

Private Dining

waterfront private dining

Capacity

Menu

contact

Parking

parking

at Harbor Lights

Happy Hour

it's patio season!

$35 | 3-Course Early Dinners

connect with us

Local Strawberry Season

Dad Deserves the Best Seat in the House!

Copper River Salmon is Here!

Harbor Lights

Address

Phone

Hours

Happy Hour

the best seafood in tacoma

General Manager: Jon Tice-Zelaya

Chef: Destrey Higa

Menus

Small Plates

Chowder & Salads

Entrees

Chef Specials

3 for $35 Early Bird Dinners

Soups & Salads

Entrees

Chef Specials

Food

Cocktails

Beer

Wines by Glass

Kids Menu

Private Dining

waterfront private dining

Capacity

Menu

contact

Parking

parking

at Harbor Lights

Happy Hour

it's patio season!

$35 | 3-Course Early Dinners

connect with us

fresh at anthony’s

Local Strawberry Season

Dad Deserves the Best Seat in the House!

Copper River Salmon is Here!