Usually love this place. My boyfriend had never been. I talked it up to him and told him about the great cocktails they make. We walked up to the bar and stood near where the female bartender was washing glasses and chatting with who, I assume were friends. We waited, and waited. She never acknowledged us at all. We finally left. So. Rude. read more

This place is dark...some might think it's scary....i don't agree. I think it's goth chic... They have an embalming table...OOooooOOoo. Contrary to what people thought in high school, I am not goth. i just dress outside of the lines that society deems as normal. Maybe it's not goth...it's fancy, dark, did i mention the embalming table? Anywho, it's a rad place that plays decent music(ie the theme song from twin peaks was totally playing last time I was there), cheap drinks($4-$5 well), and awesome bar tenders. This is quickly becoming the first bar on my "Oly bar hip-hopping" list. If you have a chance, try the whisky ginger(I think it's $5)...the ginger bites back. read more

The Crypt has really great interior decorating for a bar in Olympia. It's got a nice, dark, gothy feel to it that I like. Their specialty cocktails are tasty, but if you're not into that sort of thing you can just get a plain old beer. The clientele kind of keep to themselves, lurk in their respective corners, and moodily jot stuff down in their moleskines. They have live music sometimes -- DJs or bands that feature music that the customers would appreciate. Oh, speaking of music -- don't miss the jukebox. One day I may get a forklift and just haul that thing out of there and plop it in my living room. Really good music on there. read more

Great cocktails. Chandeliers, best "dealers choice" cocktail I've ever had. A nice change from the hippy hangs. Expect some decent metal music to match. One of my favorite bars I've ever been to. read more

Cryptatropa Bar - Bars Near Me - Olympia, Washington

This bar has great atmosphere, unique cocktails, and a lovely layout. I've never been disappointed with a drink here, and the happy hour is very reasonable for prices. Above all else I love that it isn't too loud! Way too many bars and restaurants these days require you to shout if you want to have a conversation, but the little personalized alcoves trap the noise effectively, and allow people to talk at a normal volume. As someone prone to noise headaches, this is a huge relief. The jukebox selection is also wonderful. No boring, overplayed top 40s hits here, you're going to be listening to music you probably haven't heard before. read more

One of those places that if you don't know it then you won't find it. When you do find it, it is well worth it! Friendly people and a good atmosphere. Bartenders are great and really know what they are doing. I don't really like strong drinks and they hooked me up with something I was able to sip on until, after a few, I did like strong drinks!!!! Kasi Turner Ind. Passion Party Consultant HOST A PARTY!!! myfriskyfriends@gmail.com read more

One time, about 2.5 years ago I went met up for drinks with a guy I met on an online dating site at this bar. It was dim and I liked the gothy vibe inside. My favorite part was the big table with the life-sized demon statue in the middle. It was like having a drink with Satan. Anyway, the guy was a total creeper. He kept approaching these people who I assumed were friends of his. They were a little aloof- I assumed they were being super dark goth kids. Well, I figured out pretty quickly that the guy was being a weirdo and didn't know any of these people who were obviously on first and maybe second dates. I excused myself to the ladies room and never returned to Cryptatropa. I also never met up with anyone from an online dating site again. Maybe I'll go back some time... Unless I see creepy guy. Hey, If you are that creepy guy from OK Cupid, it wasn't you, it was me. Ok, it was you. read more

I don't go out drinking too often, and am rather disenchanted with the usual bar scene (bad music, drunk bros, and ladies spraining ankles in too-high heels). Even the nearby spots that serve only beer and have a decent selection on the jukebox (eastside tav) have beckoned to me less and less over the years. There is a different hum to the Crypt. even when it is busy the tone is mellow, energetic yet shrouded in some dark veil. Yes, you may feel like you don't belong. The vibe of an insider's club is present, probably because this bar is for the introverted, the misfits, the artsy fartsy underbelly of Olympia. It could also be for you. There are no TVs, a free jukebox offers tolerable tunes (some eerie, dark, danceable, or heavy), and most of the seating feels private - tall wooden booths with nothing kitschy on the walls... just mirrors, minimal lighting, and a statue of the dark lord himself. Dancing happens here, not every week, but when the Dark Disko comes through, I recommend checking out the scene. Local DJs spin dark house, electro-synth, and other weird gothy goodness. Drinks: I almost can't get my whiskey-ginger anywhere else now, because they make their own DELICIOUS ginger syrup here. They also make other infusions, try one of their hand-crafted beverages and you wont be disappointed. I had something with rosemary gin once, umm yummm. read more

This was my favorite bar I went to during my trip to Olympia and actually probably during my whole trip to Seattle/Portland/Olympia. Yeah it was awesome. The inside is so cool, the jukebox is awesome, embalming table, upside down tree in the back and pews for booths...I could move in. Also my cocktail was delicious. Had a great time here. read more

This is an intimidating place but the bartender was really nice. We asked him to recommend a shot and it was amazing! I think everyone should check it out because the decor is one of a kind. read more

Great atmosphere, cool people, absolutely disgusting drinks.

Quintessential Olympia!! Friendly bartenders who take their craft seriously and an intriguing atmosphere that you just have to experience! Let the bartender choose your drink for you, these guys know their stuff! read more

What are unique and interesting place the interior, the staff and the guest all blend perfectly together. An Unexpected cultural enrichment that so much broaden my horizon. Thanks to the owner and to everybody who participated. Love you read more

Good cocktails & happy hour; Interesting music & decor. Great service & shows!

Hands down the best bar in the area. Free jukebox, quality drinks and good atmosphere.

The crypt is hands down the best bar in down town olympia. If you like doom to post punk you will find it in the juke box. They also offer a great selection of infusions that they make cocktails with. If its a cold day definitely order a ginger hot tody! read more

I went in the daylight before the creatures of the night showed up. It's dark in the back, who knows what goes on back there. Long happy hour; until 7. Cheap drinks. The bartender was a nice Ginger gal. I think only the daywalkers venture out in the light. After all, they have no soul to lose. read more

The opposite of a sports bar. Expect wild,good music from a free jukebox. Good place to read in your own booth. $3 micros from 4-7. Really awesome atmosphere. read more

Let me just say this is by far, the coolest bar I've ever been to. It's perfect for a first date because you are guaranteed to have things to talk about. Drinks were nice and strong. Beers were great. I'm going there again. Maybe even alone. If I dare! read more

Eh. It was ok. The drinks were just as good as any other. When I asked where the bathroom was, the bartender pointed to a dark doorway and said something like, "first door on the left". I walked through the doorway into a pitch dark hall and had to feel along the wall until I found an open door and a switch inside. read more

I love the shadowy ambiance, the drinks are all a little bit more exotic and fun than other local dives. The bartenders are cool - I loved trying the absinthe - really cool presentation. The music is always something I've never heard before and I've enjoyed the scene every time I've been there. I really enjoy being able to order a drink without a crazy long line or a bunch of people yelling over one another - every time I've gone it's been a laid back crowd. Oh, and I had fun posing with the giant demonic sculpture atop the entry way table. Good times. read more

The atmosphere is awesome but the drinks were lacking. I really enjoy the privacy of the place though so it's a great spot for a beer and conversation. It's relatively clean as well which is more than I can say for most of the bars in downtown Oly. read more

Fernet Branca in the dark all night long.

Black and red and cold ambience with semi private booths and decent selection of interesting booze caught my attentiion although I'm a beer drinker. I enjoy the Caldera IPA. I tend to go when in in the mood for someplace that is mysterious and catch it at a moment when business is a little slow. read more

This place is awesome. I don't know how I have lived in Olympia for a year and not been here yet. My boyfriend really likes dark gothicky metal music, and I am a fan of dark cozy gothic feeling places, so this place is basically heaven for us. KC kept wandering over the juke box and exclaiming things that made little sense to me but seemed to make him freak out with joy, like "THEY HAVE THE BURZUM RECORD THAT'S ONLY EVER BEEN RELEASED ON VINYL!" I kept wandering over to the gargoyle in the corner and admiring its terrifyingness. This place is delightfully dark and private with cool private booths, the mixed drinks are unusual and fun, and they've got good beer on tap. It'd be a good place to bring a small group of people and play a private game of Carcassonne or something :) I'll be back here. read more

This place has a dark sexy interior and plays a lot of metal. I'm a fan. The church pew booths didn't make my butt hurt and the bathroom was clean. Also, prices were average for Olympia (in other words, dirt cheap). read more

Good cheap wine and the entire selda album for free on the juke box. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?

Met up with some friends here who, having lived in the area previously, raved about this bar. Apparently much has changed in the past couple years, because Cryptatropa met none of the expectations they had given me. First off, the drinks. I was looking forward to their mixed drinks, as I'd heard this was the place in Olympia for a good & reasonably priced mixed drink. All three orders I had were extremely watered down and the soda tasted of expired sweet tea. And not to mention that every single bartender working had the charisma of a school shooter. I had planned on drinking more, but every time I ordered it felt like I was inconveniencing whoever was supposedly working. The atmosphere is fun, but a bit comical. It's like, I get it - you're dark & edgy. I'm sure Trent Reznor is very proud. But still, it's more fun than other places in Olympia, if only for a night. The music they play is decent, but ABSURDLY LOUD. As in, who is possibly enjoying this level of music? There's almost no point in trying to have a conversation because you have to scream into the ear of whoever you're trying to communicate with. I guess that's fun though? Lastly, the location. If there weren't any people sitting outside when I visited (and the music rumbling the street), I would have never guessed it was a bar. It's very dark on the outside (shocking, I know) & just seems to be in a shady part of downtown. Overall, the environment inside is a little fun if you're a Gen X'r craving the post-industrial feel of the late 90s, but I can't imagine coming here again by my own will. read more

Absolutely love the atmosphere here. It's dark and creepy, a nice change from most bars. Love the intimacy and also the delicious drinks, will definitely be back next time I'm in Oly. read more

Came here once passing through and it had plenty of space to sit and chat, a friendly bartender who mixed up some interesting and new(!) drinks, and some really really rad tunes on the juke box. read more

This bar is a vampire's wet dream. Dripping in devilish delights, spooky chandeliers, and a embalming table, this is the type of bar that attracts freaks, both local and otherwise. Sit back, relax, and enjoy chamber music whilst sipping on a sinful cocktail. You know you're at the best bar in Olympia when the cashier guy from the 7/11 across from the graveyard suggests it. A haunt worth trying, if you're sick of the main stream goth bar bullshit. read more

Great bar for metal heads, goths, and punks passing through Oly! Staff is super friendly, and there's plenty of space for a crew. Might be a good place for a date, if they're into darkness and/or metal. read more

The decor is comfortable if a bit dim. I went on a Saturday night about 7:30 with my husband and found the bar nearly vacant. If you're into that, great; I found it unsettling. Why shouldn't there be more people at a bar in downtown Olympia on Saturday night? I guess they were somewhere else. The alcohol was strong. But when we finished our first drink no one asked if we wanted another. Also, it's a cash only bar and my husband's favorite drink (the four horseman) couldn't be made because the bar didn't have Johnny Walker. I would recommend this bar based on the decor, the free jukebox, and the comfy seats. More for after dinner, or getting intoxicated. Does not serve food. read more

Omg I came across this bar and it was the best!!!Ben it's by far one of the coolest person in the world!!!!drinks are awesome!!thsnks Ben

I love the Crypt. I go there most nights. I recommend checking out their incredible juke box, it's full of surprises. They have really awesome shows once in a while and the staff is always friendly and accommodating. read more

It's a great place to hide when you're strung out and the world's just a little too bright. The drinks are good, and they make their own infusions, although some of them can be a bit overbearing. The jukebox is free, and some of the music is quite excellent, although there's some that is probably there just to be challenging. It's closer to old-school goth than anything else in Olympia, but I'm not comfortable going all the way to calling it a goth bar. Certainly the crowd is not the crowd of a goth bar, nor anything else that might be called a goth bar (e.g. EBM/industrial clubs, etc.) It's just a little spooky and not a little dark, though, and that's alright with me. It's a fine place to gather in the intimate and roomy booths and shut out the world, although I prefer to sit alone at the bar ordering silly things. Your mileage may vary, but do know that it's probably better to bring cash than use their ATM. read more

If you like craft cocktails this is a place to try. My only guidance given to the drink artisan, Ash I think, upon arrival at the bar was something gin and not too sweet. He hit me with a Negroni spin off that was lighter on the Campari but used a sage and spruce infused gin of their making. Served on the rocks. Amazing blend of bright but not overpowering flavors that was well balanced. I would order it again but probably ask for it up as I don't like the watering down of the flavors and the body by the rocks as the drink ages in my hand. I realized I was on to something here, well he was, and gave him free range-- dealer's choice as he said-- for another two drinks and they were equally surprising and creative. The next was bourbon based but with a chamomile infusion, this time up in a coupe and some citrus balanced by a hint of sweet. I am NOT a chamomile fan and would never have even thought of it for a cocktail and especially not with a bourbon, but it was amazing. The chamomile came through as the lead flavor but not strong and the finish was clean. I finished the evening with another try and this one came rum based, not quite as unique as the first too, but rum is rarely a go to for me so the the fact that I also really liked it was a pleasant surprise. Not a tropical fruit bomb but again great balanced blend of flavors. The space is cool. I'd guess it was an old gas station or car dealership given the building layout and the corner lot. Must be nice in the summer when the big patio out front can be enjoyed. The decor is unique as noted by others, but I didn't find it all way to the "creepy" side. After a recent trip to New Orleans where they do way too much creepy, this was quite tasteful. Do love how dark they keep it. The back bar is a 30's deco wood and mirror number salvaged from a Chicago joint and modified for the space and way cool. Juke box spins good tunes. While I prefer the bar seat when this level of creativity is available, there are nicely secluded booths for more private conversation. Definitely recommend highly and will be back as travels allow. read more

"The Crypt" has become a favorite amongst many people I know in Olympia. They never fail to have creative and delicious drink specials! (The other night, they were offering an Earl Grey infused vodka mixed with your choice of cream or coconut milk. Mmmmm....) Plus, we can't forget about "Dark Disco", the DJ marathon/dance party which takes place in the small dance area in back every first Saturday of the month. Gotta love the disco ball which hangs above and the strong B.O. stench that gets worked up in that tiny space. The music is always dope!!! There's something enticing about the darkness of the place. There are many small booths along the sides, all painted black with red lighting which can seat up to 4 if you squeeze in, and in the center, larger booths for larger groups. It's easy to not find who you're looking for, but that's the fun part. Great drinks, great bartenders, good prices, fun music/dance events, and very cool and unique atmosphere. read more

The bartender was an arrogant asshole with BO, but hey, it's Olympia, and anyway, as my friend Alex has said, all bartenders are arrogant assholes. And I too am an arrogant asshole. Hurrah. Anyway I care not a whit since my interaction with him was all of 50 seconds. They have good-ish cocktails. All of that is unimportant. What's important is the atmosphere. It's very dark, gothic, and cavernous, with amazing wooden booths that are completely separate from each other so it's as if each booth is its own bar. Good jukebox with industrial, dark wave, and suchlike excellent spooky music, and all of the song titles painstakingly hand-lettered on black paper in gold paint pen. That is dedication. I would LOVE to go to a good dance night here, if it was packed and sweaty and there was a good DJ playing dark and dirty music. One can dream. I have heard they have dance nights but haven't made one yet. My only complaint is the god-awful too-bright naked bulbs they have installed above each booth. Please, put some red plastic around em or something for the love of god. There are booths with less-bright bulbs, though, so seek one out. Definitely stop here if you're in Washington state's fair capitol. read more

I can never remember the name of this place, so I just call it the tire shop. Anyway, two visits, two excellent bartenders who both care about excellent cocktails and are extremely knowledgable about libations of all sorts. You find a lot of hipster bartenders in Seattle, but if you really want your socks blown off, you might have to go down to Olympia. This dimly lit, goth hangout has a beautiful, old bar from a place in Detroit, if my memory serves me right. If you are a disaffected youth, there are a lot of pretty much unlit booths, but if you care about your drinks, sit at the bar and chat up the bartender. Try a rye manhattan with a brandied fig. Or an aviation, or just ask the bartender what she feels like making. I suppose I should remove a star for the truly rank bathroom, but I don't spend all that much time there, so who cares? read more