The Bus Stop

The ambience is beautiful inside…read more The best part of the Baked Eggs dish was the cheese. The cheese was so flavorful, creamy, and delicious. Next best was the bread - it was perfectly soft inside with a crispy crust. Between how oily the dish was and my nose running from the increased spice as I continued eating, I wouldn't return for this dish. The eggs weren't noticeable in appearance or taste- I had to search for them. The "creamy grits" were creamy, but the black pepper taste was STRONG. Definitely ordered the side for the "creamy" factor, hoping when the server said harissa in the eggs would have a mild spice, that the grits would calm my mouth. The amount of pepper made this unsuccessful. But if you like black pepper a lot then you'll enjoy them. My son enjoyed the beignet's. The server was also the host and he was kind. It was easy to get his attention when needed. I didn't see anyone with a grin on their face after taking bites of their food. I looked around quite a bit out of curiosity. So for ambiance, kind and prompt service, and the possibilities of the menu I gave it 4 stars. We only tried the few things I mentioned. I did also appreciate the bottle of water ready on every table. Note that there is no kids menu and it's mostly table seating. So maybe try on your own or with other adults, and leave the kids at home?

We loved checking out Chicory. Such a cute space. All the staff were lovely from start to finish…read more The pork chop was so delicious and we were in love with the dirty fried rice. The crispy bits in the rice were soooo good. Delicious side salad, loved the vinaigrette, so flavorful. Definitely will be back! Wish they had later hours.

Whole Blackened Rockfish

Chicory Manhattan

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Nothing left on the Rockfish Bones

Filibuster Lounge

4.4(14 reviews)

The entrance is tucked away and then you enter a small, but tall space so you don't feel…read moreclaustrophobic. The music wasn't too loud so you weren't shouting. Almost every table was full. Cozy atmosphere. There were 3 employees that night, the woman who initially waited on us actually appeared to roll her eyes when we ordered. She seemed pretty rushed and just didn't want to work that night or something. The bartender was friendly and came for our second round and he actually seemed more welcoming and friendly. The drinks menu is a bit small (compared to other nearby bars). We got 5 drinks, one espresso one which wasn't great and the rest were alright. Nothing that made us go "Oh man, try that!" but they weren't bad either. The food, looks better than normal bar food, which I loved. We ordered "Balls of Gibralter" - North African meatballs, which were *SO GOOD*, so delicious EXCEPT the texture. The flavors were all amazing, but it was as if there was too much egg and not enough breadcrumbs because it gave the impression of being wildly undercooked, even though you could see no pink. If they were firmer, they would've been perfect. They seem to have a rotating grilled cheese special I wouldn't mind checking out next time. The ambiance-lovely. The service - meh The drinks - average The food - has a lot of potential

This was such a great find on our way to the theater! It's an old bank building and you can sit in…read morethe vault! Beautiful inside! They have a very unique and creative cocktail menu plus some amazing small plates! Our bartenders were so fun and friendly!

A L'ANCIENNE DU BOIS (cognac & maple old fashioned)

Apple cider whiskey shot

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What doing?

Shiny Prize

4.3(7 reviews)

Staff was very welcoming and drinks were great. Loved the Trapper Keeper menu and the overall vibe…read more Will definitely be back to explore more of the drink menu. Check out @passmeyourplate on IG

One of the best bars I have ever been too. Trust the bartenders and trust the menu. You will end up…read moreliking your supremely weird and complicated drink. The inside is always a fun blue color and it's always busy. I wish it was a bit bigger; sometimes I can't go because there are no seats.

Hurricane

Spoilers in the bathroom

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The Trapper Keeper drink menu!

Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar

4.4(467 reviews)

0.3 mi

Great atmosphere. Great food. Great service and to add, a Great Happy Hour…read more Chelsea Farms was a nice surprises to find while visiting downtown Olympia. The oysters were fresh, the burger was excellent and the Rockfish & chips was tasty. They have a wonderful atmosphere to dine in and we really enjoyed our time there. A great selection of beer, wine and spirits too. I would highly recommend giving them a try. We will be back for sure.

Seafood is my fav, especially after living in New Orleans for 2 decades. Needless to say I was…read moreexcited to check this place out. Beautiful place. Our server was amazing. We did have to wait for our order for a while though. I ordered baked oysters. There was no word on a menu on how many oysters will be on a plate. Beautiful presentation, tasty BUT... I got 4 tiny oysters. Definitely overpriced. I didn't order anything else not being sure how big the portions will be.

Oysters

Chicken and waffles.

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Geoduck

Cryptatropa Bar

4.1(79 reviews)

0.3 mi

•$

I can go to the Crypt dressed as I want, grab a drink and a booth, sit in the darkness and be alone…read morewith myself and my copy of Frankenstein, if I so desire. In other words, it's just my thing. I don't need a bar to have a food menu. I don't need it to take credit cards. I don't need it to have TVs lining the walls or be blasting the latest dance music. I do need it to be a place where I can nurse a few drinks and be with myself (or my friends) without such distractions, and the Crypt fits that bill perfectly. BTW, if you need to have the aforementioned things, there are a dozen other places for you to go near downtown. If you want to be more social, or party with a bigger group, they have a patio. It's actually really nice out there during the summer, hanging out with the other weirdos. It's a shame we can't have clove cigarettes anymore. If you know, you know. They usually have some awesome events going on most nights of the week, too, with a little something for everyone. On the bar side, the drinks are excellent (try the Rose Rickey) and the staff has always been friendly. The seasonal cocktails can be pricey, but they're damn good, and you're worth the treat. Go there.

Don't support businesses that don't respect you…read more Could not have felt more unwelcome at the bar. Would never go back to spend a dime. The owner was so dismissive of critical but fair review. Typical entitled owner of a place that would be amazing...if they had a good owner and bartender that doesn't that people as if they have no reason to be there. This place is the worst goth/metal bar I've ever been.

Steel table and gargoyle

1st time here.... checking it out.

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What's the difference??

Uptown Grill

4.5(511 reviews)

0.1 mi

The food here is amazing! I have never gotten anything I didn't like. The pot pie is to die for!…read moreWould give 100 stars if possible

Uptown grill was great! We came in an hour before close hoping for a quick dinner. We ordered the…read morechicken pot pie and a chicken adobo bowl. The pot pie was good- very homey and nostalgic. The chicken adobo bowl was amazing! I want to return to try the other bowls they had because this one was great! I didn't like how they fill the bowl to the rim because as soon as I mixed it up so much fell out. I prefer when they just use a bigger bowl. It was a bit pricey, but maybe that's normal for downtown Olympia.

Warm Northwest Blackberry Pie

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S'more

Cheeky Martini Lounge

4.6(46 reviews)

This is my "go to" martini place in Olympia! The drinks are well made and balanced. I always get…read morea gin martini. The bartenders are friendly and the service is great. I'm never waiting. It also has an old school atmosphere. Perfect for a martini after dinner.

Checked this place out last night! The atmosphere was cozy. Definitely not busy for a Saturday…read morenight when they first opened. Drinks were good but would love to see more martinis on the menu.

Drink

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Valentina’s Lounge Restaurant and Tequila Bar

4.7(226 reviews)

Delish! The guac was yummy. My tacos were good. Mom had to be convinced to order the pompano cashew…read moreenchiladas but she was so pleased that she did. So good!

Went for happy hour. Jessica, our waitress, was fantastic and just the right level of…read moreattentiveness. Had the elote app (bit overcooked) and some excellent guacamole. Chips are homemade. Agree with other reviewers that margaritas a bit sour. Bartender rolled with our next suggested drink and it was good (mescal an d blood orange). He had flautas which weren't as crispy as he was used to but the sauce was delicious. Sis had seafood stack which had a complex sauce and you could actually see the seafood! I had Salvadoran enchiladas with chicken which were flavorful. Portions a good size. We will be back! It's good and ask for Jessica!

Cute dining room

Guacamole

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Hibiscus Mojito

The Brotherhood Lounge

4.1(151 reviews)

•$

The vibe in this place is just right. Low lights, enough…read morenoise to fill the space while still making it easy to hear your conversation, plenty of comfy seating, prompt but unobtrusive service, and fun 50s decor made Brotherhood a very enjoyable spot. We visited in December so the red and green lanterns hanging from the ceiling fit right in with the Christmas garlands strung around the bar. We loved the vibrancy and pointed out the cool retro lamps and fancy velvet paintings of matadors. We got boozy hot chocolates to close out a bar-hopping evening. They were tasty, if slightly less hot than we would've liked. Also not a fan of the place being cash-only, not least because I didn't see the bartenders wash their hands after handling the cash.

I don't know, the last few times I've come in here I feel like they water down my drink, and yes I…read moremean DRINK. I'm only ever getting one and just last night I had a long day at work and the bartender kept eyeing me, I was tired and trying to figure out what to drink. I guess I took too long and so I rushed and ordered the same thing my friend got (Vodka Cran). We both realized how watered down they were but didn't want to say anything because... how do we? lol Loved the vibe in this place sometimes, but ehhh whatever!

Cute lamps by the bar

Love the subtle retro aesthetic

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Octapas Cafe

4.3(275 reviews)

0.1 mi

Octapas Café was an outstanding dining experience and one of those places where every dish seemed…read moreto hit the mark. We started with the patatas bravas, gambas pil pil (butter garlic shrimp), oysters (both raw and cooked), and a hummus platter, and everything was excellent. The true standout, however, was the smoked salmon Alfredo--an absolutely incredible dish and one of the best pastas I've had in a long time. We added some chopped jalapeños for extra heat, but honestly, it was fantastic even on its own. The dessert was equally impressive, with a cake that was incredibly moist and the perfect way to end the meal. The wine selection deserves special mention as well. They offer a great variety of Spanish wines that pair beautifully with the menu. Service was fast, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit. The atmosphere is one of Octapas Café's biggest strengths. The restaurant features a beautiful, spacious dining room, plenty of outdoor seating, and even a private event space for larger gatherings and celebrations. Whether you're stopping by for tapas, seafood, pasta, or wine, Octapas Café delivers a memorable experience from start to finish.

Sat 11:30 am - no reservations. Restaurant not too busy. The…read moreolder female hostess was not welcoming to us or the party of 2 that walked in behind us. I've encountered her before -- she isn't rude, just not at all welcoming. She asked us to wait for a moment for'something' which turned out to be stocking water bottles and napkins. We felt like an intrusion to tasks she could've worked on after seating us. We asked to sit on the patio in the sun - she seemed annoyed by this but acquiesced. The patio was quaint and the weather helped make it enjoyable. We were greeted by our server (wish I had her name - older lady in tie-dye shirt) she was welcoming, helpful with the menu, and very friendly! We ordered cocktails and brunch and enjoyed both! Dishes (Smoked Salmon Lox & Goats do Roam Tart) & Drinks were all good - see photos for more info. So go -- get past the hostess and you'll enjoy the rest!!! PS - I do remember from a past visit, the Beignets were good!