If you’re new to the area, visiting or have lived here for a while, you should know that the Puget Sound has some fantastic local spots! Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, authentic Mexican cuisine or an excellent glass of wine, we’ve got you covered. Here are 12 local Puget Sound restaurants you need to visit when you’re in the Olympia area.
The Bread Peddler
The Bread Peddler is a yummy local bakery with delicious treats and breads. Their breads and pastries are made daily to guarantee freshness and deliciousness. Not only can you go there for baked goods, they also serve homemade classic French style breakfasts and lunch dishes that are out of this world good using fresh, local produce. Offering home roasted espresso and hand shaped artisan breads, they have a passion for their craft and a commitment to quality. You can find them in the cute 222 Market in downtown Olympia.
Eagan’s Drive-In
This old-fashioned themed burger joint is the place to go when you’re looking for a delicious, juicy fresh made burger. Eagan’s Drive-In is a great place to take the family for a delicious meal. They offer fresh food and homemade milkshakes that are the best in town. Don’t forget their special homemade goop sauce!
Mercato
Mercato Ristorante is an upscale casual restaurant that focuses on simple, fresh Italian cuisine. Mercato has something for everyone. Your taste buds will dance with excitement when you try their pear gorgonzola salad, homemade butternut squash ravioli or any of their appetizers that are large enough to be a meal. This space is fantastic for business meetings, date nights or a meal with the family.
Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar
Do you like shellfish? Then you’ll LOVE Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar. Starting out as a family of local shellfish farmers, they have now expanded and opened this oyster bar with a menu to please all shellfish and seafood lovers. Their clam chowder is amazing and they offer steak cooked to perfection. Chelsea Farms is located in the 222 Market in the heart of downtown Olympia in a cute new modern space. At Chelsea Farms, you’ll find a superb dining experience for all ages.
La Gitana
La Gitana is the place to go for authentic Italian wood fired pizza. When you walk in, you’re immediately greeted with a romantic atmosphere – string lights, fresh roses, local art displayed on their brick accent walls and live jazz music every third Saturday. Using fresh and organic ingredients, their pizza is some of the best in town. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a delicious homemade dessert (affogato, anyone!?).
Oly Rockfish Grill
Oly Rockfish Grill serves up an amazing breakfast menu offering six different kinds of benedict. Not an early riser? Don’t worry, they serve breakfast until 2 p.m. Oly Rockfish is family-friendly. The front of the restaurant provides seating for small or large groups and is also perfect for a date night with their lounge-like atmosphere in the back. Their drinks are definitely worth talking about.
Hart’s Mesa
Hart’s Mesa is an authentic Mexican restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. You’ll find amazing portion sizes, a fantastic happy hour menu and budget-friendly prices. Their newer downtown location is a favorite spot for all ages. You’ll be hard pressed to find something on their menu that you don’t love.
Rumors Wine Bar
Located in the heart of downtown, Rumors Wine Bar is all about wine and the folks savoring it. Their delicious and intriguing wines are carefully selected from vineyards all over the world. Specials are offered daily as well as wine tastings and classes year-round. Recently moving from their smaller space on 4th Ave. to a spacious location at the corner of 5th Ave. and Washington St., they have the ability to serve more patrons, be better than ever and still provide the same wonderful customer service and attention to detail that they always have.
Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen
At Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen, every dish is made with fresh local ingredients to satisfy your craving for authentic Mexican cuisine. With two locations, one in Olympia and one in Tenino, they have their menu down, including some of the best guacamole in town! You can sample their variety of delicious hot sauces before you decide what you want on your wet burrito. When you’re in the mood for an ice cold margarita, you can’t go wrong with Don Juan’s.
Mekong
Mekong offers authentic Thai food. They have superb prices, great portions and tasty food. This restaurant is in the heart of downtown making it easy to walk to from any downtown destination. With plenty of seating, this family-friendly restaurant won’t break the bank. Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with the chicken curry or pad Thai. Don’t eat meat? No problem. They offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well.
Uncork and Unwind
You’ll find Uncork and Unwind in an old Tumwater home converted into a quaint wine bar and restaurant. They offer wine tastings throughout the month, a wine club and their own book club! With a wide variety of wine and beer, a small but delicious menu and expert staff, you’re bound to find something you love.
Meconi’s Subs and Sandwiches
Welcome to the “East Coast Style” Italian sub shop. Meconi’s Subs and Sandwiches is the place to go for a sub sandwich. Their daily, fresh baked fluffy bread, tasty meats and cheeses, oregano and in-house oil drizzle make their sandwiches some of the best you’ve ever tasted. This budget-and-family-friendly restaurant will keep you coming back for more.
There’s a little bit of something for everyone here in the Olympia area. Not only is it a fantastic area to visit, but an even better place to live. Keep an eye out for more posts like this with other hot spots in the Puget Sound!
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Real Estate Blog by Guy DuVall 