ANNOUNCER: Locals like Dutch and Jackie may be able to remember when The RAM was just a corner bar in Lakewood's Villa Plaza now known as the Lakewood Towne Center. Beginning with quality pub fare for the locals, the owners have advanced to crafting local brews, friendly customer service, and the same quality food, but now in 19 locations across five states.
JACKIE: While there are plenty of South Sound RAM locales from Puyallup to Lakewood and Tacoma, the Ruston destination remains my favorite. In large part due to the proximity to the water, but also, when I overindulge, it's convenient to take an waterfront stroll to relieve that overfull feeling. Plus, the kids dig it -- they have an excellent kids' menu with a coloring page that start the kids out with carrots and ranch for dipping while choosing among favorites like mini corn dogs, mac and cheese, pizza and more, plus scrumptious sweet treats appropriately sized for a grand finale.
DUTCH: I'm with Jackie. I like being able to sit out on the deck on a bright sunny day, and the walk after is always a bonus. Another thing I enjoy about each location is the attention to the local community with sporting pennants and jerseys from all the nearby sports teams. There are also plenty of TVs throughout both the dining area and the bar for watching all your favorite competitions.
JACKIE: If you're going, go all in, that's my motto. I start with one of the shareable starters. The wings are standard, but pretty tasty with classic Franks Red Hot, buffalo-styled drenched wings. For the main course, I was intrigued by the Sergeant Pepper with a Southwest-seasoned patty boasting a smoky wallop of flavor, and topped with smoked Anaheim pepper, Buttface Amber Ale cheese sauce, fried jalapeño straws, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo on a grilled kaiser bun. As per the norm, it didn't have the kick I craved (I like my spice!), but it satisfied all the same.
DUTCH: The shareables are my go-to when it comes to the menu here. Sitting in the bar, watching the big screens, and sharing a huge plate of nachos that include black beans, sour cream, roasted jalapenos, pico de gallo, and guac to go with all the melty cheddar jack cheese, or sharing a plate of mozzarella sticks, or even a plate of fried pickles are all sure to pair up with nearly any of the beer selections whether an Ale, a Stout, or even the house cider if that's your craving.
JACKIE: I was tempted by the daily special, but ultimately had to try the BBQ Pork Bahn Mi. Pulled pork carnitas are slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, adorned with savory slaw, and dressed in sriracha mayo on a hearth-baked French roll. The roll stands up well to all of the ingredients, and there's a good bread-to-filling ratio.
DUTCH: I'm already excited for St. Paddy's Day and The RAM's special menu that goes well beyond just green beer. Beginning March 13, the menu will include such items as an Irish Shepherd's Pie with a mixture of vegetables, sirloin, and of course the house-brewed Rabbit Punch Irish Lager. Additionally, there are two options for all you corned beef fans out there; first is a standard Reuben with all the fixings; and second is the Erin Go Bragh Burger which combines a beef patty with all the ingredients provided in the Reuben. Don't forget to check out the special drink menu as well.
JACKIE: Keep your eye out for daily specials and fun like Lounge Bingo and visiting magicians for the littles. They've always had a rotating program of fun to accompany your eats.
THE RAM, TACOMA, 3001 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.756.7886, check out other locations at theram.com