:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64037380/IMG_9205.0.jpg)
Tacoma is well known for its great Korean food and breweries: So why not merge the two? That’s the basic gist of Kobrew, a new Korean food and beer destination that’s about to open at Point Ruston this weekend. The new spot — from the owners behind the popular Magnuson Cafe and Brewery in Seattle — will feature malty stouts, green tea lagers, and cocktails with Korean pears. That should pair well with some of the small bites, including bo ssam, bibimbap, and jalapeno popper mandu (a brewpub spin on a Korean dumpling).
Kobrew is a tribute to owner Cody Cluff’s Korean wife, who grew up in Seoul, and aims to be a casual place where visitors and locals can relax and enjoy the views of nearby Commencement Bay. In addition to the main dining area, there’s an outdoor patio and deck, along with a private dining area for groups of 30-40 people. Later this summer, tanks will be installed so that the brewing can all be done onsite (right now, the beers are all made at Magnuson).
The gastropub joins an increasingly crowded Tacoma dining scene, which has steadily improved over the years. Camp Bar, Alma Mater, and McMenamins’ new Elks Lodge downtown are among the newer additions worth a visit. But Kobrew will also be up against 18 breweries in the city’s Brewery District, and Lakewood’s many popular Korean restaurants, including Saritgol and Ho Soon Yi. In Point Ruston, there’s also WildFin, Farrelli’s Pizza, and Stack 571, among others.
