On any other occasion I would give Bayview a solid 4 stars, but Lake Fair weekend has lowered my vote Admittedly, I only stop by for an occasional lunch when I'm downtown. The deli staff are amazing every single time! The food is delicious every single time! A tad more expensive than the local Safeway--but I'll spring for it occasionally. Lake Fair weekend though--where do I start... they hire additional persons to monitor the parking lot. I get that, they want parking for their customers, not fair goers. Well, the older guy in the yellow vest.. eek! He's a chatty man. I parked in a shaded area while my oldest son ran into the store to get us some snacks and drinks while we waited for my other son to meet us (he had a temp job with Funtastic). He approached my car while I was waiting... made sure that I was not leaving my car to head over to the carnival--was sure to let me know the manager was on a war path and threatening to tow everyone... stayed to let me know his political stance on why downtown has so many 'bums'. Proceeded to let me know that the only way to change that it to change who we elect and pointed at the Capitol. About 15 minutes pass and my son had returned with our snacks and drinks, the man walks up again to check when we would be leaving... On the bright side--the ladies at the deli counter made me some fantastic fried mushrooms to snack on while I listened to this guy's second round of political garbage. read more

Bayview Thriftway - Fried mushrooms---HUGE!! 3 for $1!!! I crave these things! The coating is similar to what would be on fried chicken-YUM!! - Grocery Near Me - Olympia, Washington

First time in. Walked the perimeter of the store looking for some breakfast. I saw a deli that uses Boars Head product to make sandwiches. I ordered their hot roast beef sandwich. The service was okay. A few errors such as not meeting me at the section of the counter to hand off the food. For some reason, the lady laid it on the other side. The bread was really greasy from cheap grill oil. This made it a bit hard to eat, but i'm not throwing away a whole roast beef sandwich. An apple is served with the sandwich, but the sticker was still on it and survived them washing it, apparently. All in all, the customer service needs a bit more cheer, and the food needs a bit of help. Simply using a slightly better bread and a bit of butter for grilling will go a long way compared to the saturated diner grill oil. They have kombuchas here as im writing this, so im going to grab one to rinse the cooking oil from my mouth. 3 out of 5 at best. Update. Now 2 out of 5. Bathroom was locked and circled the whole store. Had to get a pass code from someone as they left it locked. Big nope all around. Not returning. read more

This is not the supermarket you go to get your usual groceries for a fair price because this place can be a little pricir, but it's always worth it to drop by to see what they have because they this is where you get a finer line of foods for your favorite gourmands. I brought Mom here so she could get some chowder for dinner and I ended up walking away with a crunchy 8 year old cheddar. This place also does special dinner nights where you can nuy your ticket and have chefs cook with wine pairings, so it's nice they have events. Can 't wait to try one in the summer so we can get our bougie dinner party going on with the warm air on the Sound. read more

Bayview Thriftway - Somebody really put some effort into this display - Grocery Near Me - Olympia, Washington

I'll be honest, the name "Thriftway" had me lowering my expectations. I'm not from the area and had no clue about the chain, but... WOW. This place completely surprised me. The store is spotless and perfectly organized--every single aisle looked like it came straight out of a grocery commercial. The produce, bakery, and local products? Gorgeous. Honestly, it's the most beautiful grocery store I've seen, and I've been traveling full-time across the U.S. for 5 years. Never thought I'd gush about a grocery store, but here we read more

There's not much to say about it; it's a grocery store. From what I can tell it's around the price of like Fred Meyer or Haggen, so it's not Walmart cheap, but the fact it's a smallish business and basically the only grocery store in that part of town makes up for it. read more

Bayview Thriftway - Storefront - Grocery Near Me - Olympia, Washington

This store is small, funky smelling and very overpriced. They offer cooking classes that are actually demonstrations rather than hands on learning. Not impressed. I can watch that for free online. I won't be returning for future classes and definitely won't shop there. read more

Have shopped here for many years. Love the store and selections--absolutely depend on the Deli for quick meals for disabled hubby and myself. Now that I am a caregiver, I can no longer cook the meals I used to! Thank goodness they are here! read more

I really like Bayview mostly for their cheese selection, but their deli also has fire sandwiches. For a grocery store they are noticeably more upscale then a Safeway or Albertsons but they are also much more welcoming. I took a star off because they are over priced, and a second star off because they tend to treat anyone with a purse or a backpack like a shoplifter. They often will make you leave it at the front desk, but I refuse to do that. If they want to buy me a new laptop if someone damages or steals it then sure, but it seems like they could just hire some loss prevention to avoid harassing every person that comes in with a bag or purse read more

Buyers beware! The meat cases do not hold temperature causing the food to discolor and cause illness. They take great lengths to hid this from consumers by sprinkling seasoning salt on beef, poultry, and pork products. Live longer and avoid Bayview and Ralph's. They are owned by the same people and their bad habits are present at both locations. read more

This place is holy crap batman! expensive. I have no idea who can afford to shop here but it certainly isnt my middle class family. Items are marked up to extent you have to take a double look to see if you read it right. A loaf of bread at Safeway or Fred Meyers 2.99 - here? 4.99. I am not kidding. They have a super cool and wide selection of food but it is too rich for my blood. I think Paris Hilton or perhaps the Kennedys may shop here but I have never seen a neighbor or anyone else I know shopping here. The ice cream and gelato at the deli counter is delicious but it is 3.99 for a small single scoop. For petes sake - are there flakes of gold in it? Store is clean but watch out, when you step outside you are assaulted by either seagull poop or homeless/transients asking for food or change. It gets two stars because it is a beautiful setting, on the water, to eat your gold flakes, ahem, I mean ice cream. AND, the employees I have dealt with at the ice cream counter are friendly. read more

Definitely on the pricey side of things. This reminds me of a standard grocery store trying to branch out into speciality items. I have NO idea why their juice section is so expensive but I'll admit, I did pick up a horchata there and was amazed at the brand's taste. Not sure if a drink that small was worth $6.99 but I'll let that slide. The deli seems fairly standard as well but their cheese section has to be appreciated, at least from us cheese lovers. Mmmmm! The bakery was also ridiculously set up with so many temptations that I had to walk to the other side of the store. The staff seem friendly. It also looked as if there are quite a few regulars as some of the customer base seemed to be on a first name basis with the staff. There was nothing about this store that wows me besides the view that is has around the store location. read more

Bayview Thriftway - Grocery Near Me - Olympia, Washington

I love this store! It reminds me of the grocery stores when I was a kid. It's not just a grocery store. It has unique kitchen bowls, utensils, gadgets, and unusual bath soaps and toiletries you don't see anywhere else. The store is well laid out, quaint, clean and it has everything you need. It's a pleasant change from the likes of Costco (ugh) and some of the bigger grocery chains. Try Thriftway. It's a pleasant surprise. read more

I love this grocery store for one reason, and one reason alone - the ice cream bar! If you've ever had Olympic mountain ice cream you know what I'm talking about. They make ice cream, gelato, and sorbets in the most decadent flavors, using natural ingredients and local seasonal fruit. I discovered my love for this ice cream at a tea service in Seattle and had to learn where I could get more of it. They are served all over in restaurants in WA, but they don't yet sell to grocery stores outside of this one! Every time I pass through Olympia, this is my go to. The ladies who work in the deli also handle the ice cream and they are super kind and helpful. I asked for suggestions from the one who helped me and definitely enjoyed the flavors she recommended. I love love love this ice cream! The way to my heart is through this Shelton-born ice cream! read more

Why is the deli dept/salad bar and ice cream station closed at 6pm. Isn't that a time you'd expect people to wanna come in and eat. And this is the most expensive grocery store you can find. The staff is friendly. Can't say that about most stores anymore. read more

Clean Super expensive and unjustly so Save a fair amount and travel just a bit further read more

Like a previous reviewer said, every time I go in here I regret it. Today's example is a case in point. While my wife was making jam, I ran out to get her some sure-jell. I went to Safeway but they were out, so I begrudgingly went to Bayview since it was the next closest though I just knew the price would be outrageous. Sure enough, a box of sure-jell cost me $5, when yesterday the exact same thing at Winco was a mere $2.32! Talk about a mark up! And the last time I went there, I paid more than double what Trader Joe's charges for a block of Comte cheese. Hereon out, I'm going to try to avoid going to Thriftway at all costs. read more

I gave up eating what they call crab cakes. There is little to no crab. It is all breading and onions. I think I see a shred of crab but no taste of it. So disappointing. The market is nice for a high priced store, but I don't mind paying for a good product. read more

This Thriftway in Olympia is on the small side but has friendly employees, a nice bakery, a deli and seating with upstairs seating too for a view of the water. Stopped in for some drinks and found the prices to be reasonable. Our cashier was a manager who told us that she was new on the job and enjoying it so far. Used the ladies restroom which is just one stall and requires a code to enter. It was clean. They have a kitchenware section which I haven't seen at other Thriftways. Plenty of parking. read more

I ordered a 15lb turkey for my office Christmas Party that after taxes and everything cost $75. I made it very clear that this turkey must be 15lbs or bigger. The day of the party I went to pick it up and it was under 10lbs, and the excuse I was given was that turkey lost 5lbs due to the fact that it was cooked. When I brought this up to the person in charge there was no attempt to make things right or even offer some sort of discount, and to make things just a little bit worse the staff was rude. Once everything was ready to go I cut the turkey and it wasn't any good. The white meat tasted like rubber, the dark meat was dry, and the whole thing lacked flavor. I WILL NEVER GO TO BAYVIEW THRIFTWAY AGAIN, $75 BUCKS FOR A 9.4 LB TURKEY!!!!!! read more

They look like they have good merchandise, but their "bag policy" stated that I had to leave my backpack and knitting bag up front and then I could juggle what I wanted to bring out of them to their eating area. I am 64 and tidy, so this presumption of my intent to steal is unforgivably rude. I will not return here. read more

That last review must have been seen by the chefs or at least management. The chicken is meaty, succulent, evenly seasoned, n delicious. I tried the white breast and thighs of dark. Both were evenly breaded, well cooked n seasoned. Delicious. read more

We came here for Olympia Mountain ice cream. We ordered mango favors with waffle cone. It was so good and definitely will come back for more later read more

Bayview Thriftway - Mango favor ice cream - Grocery Near Me - Olympia, Washington

I love/hate this place. But I make it a point to avoid going here if at all possible. The pros: Excellent produce. The organic fuji apples here were huge, crisp, and tastalicious, when the other places in town they were just ok. Huge selection of everything, including wines, beers, snacks, gifts, etc. They have a giving program where if your non-profit has a connection with them, they will give a portion back to the non-profit (I think it is 1%) if you have the special card for them to scan when you make your purchase. The cons: They are jerks. More accurately, they are extortionists - a friend of mine (very clean cut professional, not that it should matter) came here when she was very very sick and accidentally forgot to include something she ate in store when she went to the cash register. The security pulled her into a back room and bullied and intimidated her into giving them CASH to not call the police. I have heard that they have done this to other people too. They are very expensive! And word is that they are also homophobic. read more

Just ate here. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and get away! I ordered half a veggie sandwich, which should come with hummus and avocado. When I finally got the sandwich, I was surprised to see there was one leaf of lettuce, two thin slices of cucumber, a slice of tomato, and some sprouts with a thin later of avocado inside. When my husband asked for hummus, the girl at the deli counter insisted the hummus was the "green stuff". Lol. Oh, and the bread was dry and tasted stale! Husband's chicken sandwich took 15 minutes to make. Ordered sweet potato fries but got regular fries instead. It was sort of funny at this point! We just wanted to get out of there and get to our destination (long beach) rather than complain to a manager. Losses cut, won't be coming back again. read more

At your own risk! Meat department holds fresh seasoned chicken 10 days! That's enough to give you food poisoning which is what happened to my family. Probably took old chicken, hit it with seasoning and then tried to sell it as new. Which is all good, just it poisons people. It's the little stuff, you know? read more

Wow! I can't believe Bayview Thriftway has gotten so many low reviews. I come here often and enjoy it every time. Here's a collection of my many experiences! - Staff are super friendly and their always a lot of them everywhere ready to help you. - It's pretty big and clean and easy to navigate. - Prices for some things are a little more compared to other places but there's no need to complain about that and go elsewhere because no one is forcing a person to shop there. - There's sooo much healthy options! The vegetable prices are unbeatable, they have an amazing kombucha selection, huge cheese selection and fresh foods. - Personal items! I only buy cruelty free hair and body care products and Bayview Thriftway has a such a huge selection of cruelty free, safe and many natural items such as Dr. Bronner's, Alba, etc. - Desserts! So much delicious cakes, donuts, and cupcakes to choose from! - It's located right the docks and has an awesome view of the waters. :) read more

The parking lot is solid ice today. No effort to salt or sand. Very hazardous! Dec 30th 2021

Bayview has a reputation for being expensive, which it most certainly can be. However, if you are buying the right things, it is pretty cost effective. The location and long hours are super convenient. The cashiers are generally pretty friendly. The wine and beer selection is nice. The time to go for produce is at their 1/2 happy hour on Tuesdays. Pay close attention when you buy produce, because the way it is advertised can be misleading. For instance, you'll see bags of cherries advertised for $5.99/ lb, so you think, I can get this huge bag of cherries for $6. But if you weigh the bag, it is a two pound bag, or even a three pound bag, and they want to charge you $18 for it, and that is daylight robbery, in my opinion. The other thing that I like about Bayview is over the last few years they've re-arranged the greeting card section and the kitchen tool section and I think those have been changes for the better of the whole store. They also used to have a problem with not having enough cashiers open at any point, but that seems to be getting better. On the other hand, they've started asking you to leave large backpacks and bags at the front counter, which I generally ignore, given that I use my backpack to carry groceries home. They've also made their bathroom key-only at certain hours and closed after 9. Given the shortage of public restrooms downtown, especially in the evening, this was a real disappointment. I can understand why they've done it, but it still sucks. read more

Unbelievable. I asked for bathroom code, the deli counter made me leave my mini bag and told me I couldnt take anything with me. I am a woman and a consistant customer, the deli checkout girl was extremely rude and inconsiderate when I asked her to please take my SMALL bag with me, treated me as a thief or someone up to no good. (Respecting the fact I live in downtown olympia) I will not be returning. Ur loss not mine. Talk to ur employees about HOW to communicate properly with CUSTOMERS. Even if they are less fortunate they didn't deserve the tone and attitude I received from the DELI girl. Disgusting. I would have happily left my bag if u actually had been there to watch it like I asked instead of leaving it in the open and actually needed it at that moment in my life. As if I were a bother to her and Bayview. U will never see me business again. read more

Moderately-fancy grocery store, with fresh fish selections you can trust, and a deli case with a multitude of various grab&go entree and side dish options. Given the niceness of the produce section, I would have assumed expensive prices for the fruit, but shopping for limes at two different places on the same day revealed that Thriftway limes were $0.10 cheaper each than at Trader Joe's. Strange. But although I don't do my regular shopping here, I do darken their deli door on a semi-annual basis to buy Olympic Mountain ice cream and sorbet. They have between 15 to 20 flavors available at any given time, and you can buy a pint of any flavor (perhaps even mixing more than one flavor) for $6. Yes, please. Note that the ice cream and sorbet is only available during the somewhat restrictive deli business hours, so even if you've made a special trip to the Thriftway to satisfy your ice-cream craving while the store lights are still on, you may be crying over a cold and empty deli case unless you get there before 6pm. read more

For those of us who work downtown, it's nice to have a grocery store downtown. Bayview seems to be more of a specialty grocer, focusing on quality items and offering a nice selection of meats and cheeses. The prices on staples are really high, though. There's never a line at the checkout, maybe because no one can afford to shop here? read more

I've never shopped here for groceries, but we would go to the deli occasionally for lunch - we'd get salads, or nachos, or burritos - and they all seemed fine. Good quality, a little over priced, but good portions. The service is ALWAYS SUPER slow, and usually the people working the counter don't even look up to greet you. So, I guess it's ok. But, there are a lot of other options in the area that are also locally owned that you can support with your lunchtime purchases. read more

A wee bit over priced... but when you're the only game in town I guess you can do that?? They have a great deli counter...and they have some awesome outdoor seating in the back if you're looking to sneak away for lunch or whatevs.... The general selection is alright... I still do most of my shopping in the Fred Meyer natural foods section. But they stopped carrying Murphy's Irish beer....what the eff is up with that?!? read more

I love Bayview! We always have a good time here! They have the best selection of pasture raised, grass fed beef and non GMO organic chicken I have found in Olympia! I love the Painted Hills beef- it's amazing - especially the beef bacon! Such a cheery fun store right on the water WITH Dancing Goats coffee - a huge bonus always!!! read more

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Great deli. Prices are high though. Awesome beer selection and the staff are very nice and helpful. They have a loyal local following and have been there for years. Great ice cream and gelatos too. read more

Bayview will always be way too expensive, that's a law of the universe. And when they decide to get political, the company's position will usually be backwards and regressive. However, over the last year or so though, there has been a marked improvement in the attitude of the staff and some friendly new hires. The product is of a high quality and they carry a lot of local stuff, which is cool. Sometimes the same stuff is up at the GroscOut and you feel like a rube for going in to Bayview. Other times it's reasonably pleasant shopping there and the fruit is really good. read more

Cannot find another view of Budd Bay like you do at Bayview! The Deli is one of my favorite places to visit, grab an Olympian panini and head up stairs to enjoy the view. My kids love the Olympic Mountain ice cream. Their salad bar is great and their fried chicken is one of my favorites. I could wander around the store for hours! My family has been to their Easter Egg hunt in the spring and love their Turkey bowl around Thanksgiving! read more

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worst burrito i have ever eaten, and i've had plenty of college dorm dining center burritos and microwave truck stop burritos. "grilled veggies" were not grilled but limply boiling in a steam table pot; and as for "veggies" just onions & bell peppers? the brown rice was full of teeth-destroying uncooked grains, and the black beans were completely unseasoned. the paltry amount of flavorless guacamole that came out of the squeeze bottle was followed by "you want me to go and open another one?" at that point i had given up. really, how hard is it to make a decent burrito let alone a good one? i'd hate to see what you all do with toast. read more

WARNING. This is going to be long, so if you don't have the time, don't bother reading this. Ok, Bayview is your standard overpriced, yuppie, foodie, Evergreen trustafarian haven. I don't really care all that much; I'm not a hypocrite. I like my nice cheese selections. It is, in fact, one of two thriftways - the other being Ralph's - and as far as I can tell, the only real excuse for why Olympia has not, as of yet, broken ground for a Trader Joes. But I digress... I don't care that Bayview is overpriced, there exist plenty of other shopping options around, so I'm not complaining that I was ever forced to shop here by lack of other options. No, my gripe with Bayview is of another nature. Bayview (as well as Ralph's) refuses to carry plan b. Why? Good question. Alas, a good answer there is not. Need a condom? Great, hand over your ID and wait in line while we go unlock them and get them for you just like if you were buying cigs... Oh, ribbed or lubed? Ridiculous. Second complaint. When I first moved to Olympia and did not yet own a car, Bayview was the only grocery within reasonable walking/biking distance that I could get to on a whim. Said "whim" occurred one evening, and my then fiancée and I bolted out the door to grab some beer to go with dinner. While purchasing the beer (a 40oz Duvel), the cashier, someone I've personally bought alcohol from over a dozen times, asks for my fiancée's ID. He hands it over; she then turns to me and requests same. I reach into my bag - oopps, don't have my wallet; it's in my apartment about 15 minutes walk from here, but no biggie, right? You've checked my id over a dozen times - I know you recognize me, plus I'm not buying the beer. Too bad. Won't sell us the Duvel....DUVEL! Who the hell even BUYS fucking DUVEL other than well beer educated folks willing to drop a 20 note on beer? ANSWER: Not someone who is underage unless they are from Europe. I ask to speak to her manager - manager lady with a serious attitude problem comes out and tells me that she can't sell the beer to us because I don't have my ID. Again, I mention that I'm not buying the beer - this guy that I'm in line with is, I'll just leave and go home and he can buy the beer. Nope. Won't sell us the beer. Wait, it get's better. I also ask what they do when parent's with underage kids try to buy alcohol. Obviously the kids don't have valid ID's, right? Oh, not a problem there. They're OBVIOUSLY related. Bullshit, I say. You don't know that...unless you're psychic. Oh, you're psychic? Well then... Then, a guy who I've seen occasionally at similar hangout spots around town as myself (who doesn't even know us) grabs the beer and says that he's going to buy it for himself. What ensues next can only be described as a tugging match between the manager (who doesn't believe that this random guy is buying the beer for himself) and this random guy. Who, eventually wins and buys the beer. We are, however, followed out of the store by the manager- excuse me- BITCH, who wants to make sure that no beer exchanging happens. I felt like a criminal. Oh, did I mention that I'm 27 and my fiancée is 28? I told the manager that I wouldn't ever be purchasing over priced alcohol for them again and I haven't, so they've lost a lot of business considering that I buy alcohol very often. Almost daily, but now from places like Gravity and the Wine Loft. I understand that the cashier was only acting in accordance with the absolute LETTER of the law, but I was a cashier at Whole Foods for years and I would have NEVER put a customer, one I'd sold alcohol to on several occasions, through the tirade that these women put us through. So, I don't shop at Bayview anymore, but it doesn't mean that you shouldn't. Just make sure to scowl at them for me. Thanks for listening. read more

Can you say rip off? The little gas station stores on the west side sell 6 16 oz cans of miller hi-life for $4.99. The rip offs at Ralphs charge $5.99. I asked about that big price difference, and they say they can't compete with the big stores. Huh? What a lame excuse for cheating people. A 24 oz can of miller hi life costs $2.69 there. On the west side gas station a 30 oz can of miller hi life is $1.99. Every item in there is very hi priced. To night the dark haired gal at the check out counter was very unfriendly. Also check the expiration dates. I brought some things that were past their due date back and they acted like it was a major deal. Granted their real estate cost is super high there, but still, no excuse to rip people off. Went there one night and they had some girl on the floor in handcuffs. I asked if she has left the store with any product. I was told to mind my own business. I offered them triple the price of what food she was trying to get out with to let her go and they could keep the food, and they refused. They would rather put a hungry person in jail. A__ Holes. This is a bunch of complacent revenge oriented yuppies with good jobs and they just don't care who is hungry or not. I would not shop there again for that reason. People have to take a stand some where. Here is a good place to start. Froggy Palance on facebook read more