LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Bruno’s European Restaurant in Lakewood is closing up shop this Saturday after 16 years.
The restaurant, which served schnitzel, pierogies, and traditional German-Polish favorites, appeared on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2013.
“When you’re on the hunt for hearty, home-style European food in Washington, Bruno’s European Restaurant in Tacoma is a must-stop on your foodie road trip map,” “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” stated on its website. “This family-run gem may be young in years, but it’s already become a beloved local staple, serving up soul-warming Polish and German classics in a charming, authentically European setting. Think traditional German waitress attire, warm hospitality, and a kitchen that feels like it’s cooking straight from grandma’s recipe book.”
Bruno’s owners, Krystyna and Bruno Tomaszewska, told The Tacoma News Tribune they couldn’t commit to a new five-year lease and needed to focus on their health. Krystyna is in her late 70s, while Bruno is in his late 60s.
They’re preparing to retire after decades in the restaurant business.
News of Bruno’s closure has circulated since they told their staff, about 10 employees, during their Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 26. People within Lakewood and surrounding areas have been clamoring to get the eatery’s most famous entrees, including its “hangover soup” — a hearty bowl of soup with Eastern European and Polish roots filled with rich broth, chunks of meat, sausage, bacon, pork loin, diced potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery, leeks, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, dill pickles, and sour cream.
Their hangover soup was called the standout on the menu by “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” followed by the beef roulade, the three schnitzel plate, and the death by chocolate cake.
Their daughter-in-law will continue in the industry as Krystyna and Bruno enter retirement, having her own Bavarian-themed, home-cooked-style restaurant in Black Diamond.