Olympia

Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is at the southern end of Puget Sound. The sprawling Washington State Capitol Campus, beside Capitol Lake, includes the stately Legislative Building and the 1909 Governor’s Mansion. On the downtown waterfront, Percival Landing Park has a boardwalk and public art. More than 200 bird species visit the estuary habitat of the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
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Top places to visit

4.6
(3870)
4.5
(412)
Mentioned on 
Farmers' market
Shopping
Flea & Street Markets
The Olympia Farmers Market is a must-visit spot in Olympia, Washington. It's open from April to October on Thursdays through Sundays, then with reduced days during the winter months. The market offers more than just produce; there are also food vendors offering delicious options for lunch. While it may not have as many produce vendors in the winter, there are still bakeries, butchers, honey and cheese vendors, as well as craft and wellness product sellers.
I really enjoyed visiting the farmers market here. There were cherries, asparagus and lots of apples. We bought some mead wine and tastes local Jams and their spicy counterparts. A band made the whole experience extra special, even for a Thursday.
Donna F — Google review
Loved the selection of fruit! Excellent food items. Live music! Very family friendly! Bring cash! We did not and a very kind good Samaritan paid for our peaches!
Rosemary E — Google review
Olumpia is a very clean and quiet place. I really liked this market, which I stumbled upon by chance. It has flowers, handmade goods, jewelry, a butcher's section, and areas for dining. It's a great family weekend destination. Even though it was Saturday, there weren't any crowds.
Rana B — Google review
Great farmers market. Open on multiple days of the week. Covered. There's local restaurants and a covered stage for live music. Flowers, bread, fruits, vegetables, soap, candles, fish, meat. All here. I had a chocolate cheesecake Danish from the Bread Peddler stand. It was delicious. I explored the gardens on the grounds and stood under the wisteria.
Tammy F — Google review
Fun Olympia Farmers market. Great breakfast and lunch restaurants with all outdoor seating. The market is full of bakery goods, meat, fish, and vegetables. Along with flowers, garden plants, and arts and crafts. With a music stage featuring local musicians. Grab a lunch and baked goods for a picnic.
John T — Google review
Very nice open-air covered market. Music, food, great produce, gifts, handcrafted items, flower bouquets fresh fish, oysters, tasty bakery items and breads!! The pavilion has clean bathrooms near the covered stage for the band. Did I mention ice cream?? Delicious ice cream and Gelato! Everyone was nice and welcoming! Great fun! Check it out!!!
J_ — Google review
Just a great vibe. Everyone is so nice. Came by boat this time. Walk across a parking lot and your there. So convenient. Port Plaza is were to tie up for a few hours. Stay at Swantown marina.
Matt W — Google review
Plenty of options for fruits and vegetables. During the week there are a few stalls that were not open. Madeline’s Bavarian Wurst was quite tasty. Recommend to walk the nearby fiddlehead marina
Maia — Google review
4.6
(2149)
4.5
(240)
Mentioned on 
Park
Nature & Parks
Percival Landing Park is a charming waterfront public space located in the Historic District of downtown Olympia. The park features a mile-long boardwalk along West Bay, offering stunning views and opportunities for leisurely strolls. Visitors can enjoy various amenities such as pavilions, picnic areas, a playground for children, and access to nearby restaurants. The park is known for hosting events and providing excellent people-watching opportunities.
Great walk along the landing park. A great blue heron kept make an appearance. I got to watch a large school of shimmering fish from the dock near Oyster House. The art was refreshing. It feels like you are getting a glimpse of old Oly.
Tammy F — Google review
Nice boardwalk with a cute park for the kids. The boardwalk is dog friendly and they have restrooms by the park. I am not a fan of public restrooms, so I don't have info on the cleanliness of the restrooms. My husband and I like to grab coffee from downtown then stop by here for a stroll. You do run into homeless folks here and there, but I haven't had any issues with them being hostile. There are plenty of benches throughout for those that want to sit and enjoy the view.
Jadey719 — Google review
Super nice to walk around and explore. Day after Labor Day weekend festivities the area was clean. Couldn't even tell anything went on over the weekend. Nice area to walk, cross over to the park, walk up to see the capital bldg. Artwork, walkways, paths all accessible and nice.
Jeri Y — Google review
Percival Landing is a beautiful Marina and boardwalk with an attached event space and playground. It is lined with restaurants and in the middle of downtown Olympia which has an abundance of little locally owned businesses and restaurants as well.
Momo H — Google review
Very scenic. Not a whole lot of shopping or dining, but nice to walk around and has a public restroom.
Susan G — Google review
I don't know how other places operate but this place here is pretty badass. your own boat house here the perks are awesome! they have a wood shop and every tool you can think of that you can use on the docs at your convenience. and and they have a flat barge that you can use if you're doing work inside your boat house cuz how else are you going to work over water without a barge so yeah it's pretty badass I like it
Kevin V — Google review
I love walking on this boardwalk along the Sound. The marina is beautiful, there's usually some good wildlife watching, and on a clear day you can see the Olympics in the distance. There's a playground and a large lawn for running around, perfect for kids. The public restrooms have been really clean, too, the times I've used them. 2 hours of free parking in the small lot if you can find a spot. There are also some sculptures that add a touch of "artsy" to the experience, too.
Barbara O — Google review
Great place to walk around on the wharf and visit near by shops and restaurants.
Mark J — Google review
4.8
(2368)
4.8
(493)
Mentioned on 
Children's museum
Museums
The Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia is a must-visit for families with kids, offering interactive exhibits and programs focused on art and science. The museum has seen a significant increase in visitors since moving to its new location near the Capitol Campus, attracting over 300,000 yearly visitors. With a 28,000 square foot space filled with engaging exhibits and an additional 1.5-acre outdoor museum area, children can enjoy hands-on learning experiences while having fun.
My toddler loves it here! It can be very packed when they have events though. We liked the winter event with the sock skating! Can't wait for summer so we can play outside too! Definitely lots to do especially for little ones. Explore, play, learn, bonding time. It's great!
Jay M — Google review
This was our first time here. We did a Groupon deal and packed a lunch that we ate in the cafe. Although their food was very reasonably priced. So we ordered lunch there. There was SO much to do. Very fair for the price. Spent three hours and could have stayed even longer. Best kids museum we’ve ever been to. We loved the outdoor play area. Everything was well kept, clean and not broken. Not crowded, plenty of space to roam. The craft room was really neat too. We live an hour away and it was well worth the drive. We will be back!
Alicia B — Google review
This place is great place to go! Maby different things to see and do for kids. My niece really like the crawl space with the slide! You do have to pay for parking but there is plenty of room to park. I remember coming here as a kid as well and loved it! Definitely try this place out for sure!
Mooshroomy G — Google review
This place was SO fun! My 1 year old loved it. There is so much to do and see. The staff were great.
Bailey B — Google review
Best kids museum I have ever been to. The hands in really means hands on. There were so many kids at some point we just had to leave, but my kiddo ran around for 3 hours. We arrived right at 9am and he ran around through the grocery store and farm. There is a water game and there is a second floor with more activities. The outside was also great, it was sunny and there are bikes and helmets for kids to do the course. I live far away, otherwise the yearly membership would be so worth it because kids can have something to do year round. There is a designated space for parties and at the back there is a fire truck, a helicopter, a police car, etc. Finally everyone in the museum was very kind and when my kiddo got scared, one of them asked how he was doing. They are amazing!!
Carla C — Google review
My kids super like this place, clean and well organized, all children's interested stuff present.
Jutaek K — Google review
A different type of review! I had a blast at the 90s event for adults! I really appreciate the museum putting this together and having such wonderful activities! The amount of staff was great and they were all so helpful! It was fun to step back into time while climbing the jungle gym items, playing with crafts, learning a thing or two and grabbing a snack from the cafe without the kiddos! Thanks and look forward to more in the future!
Erika J — Google review
We buy the yearly membership for this place. As we have 3 little ones who ask to come here all the time. After two visits it pays for itself. Trust me you will be coming here often because the kids love coming. We stay for about 2 hours for them to get their energy out and enjoy their time. We live in Tacoma but come to this children’s museum because of how big the location is. You have to pay for parking but it’s not too much.
Rosendo P — Google review
4.6
(212)
4.4
(28)
Mentioned on 
Science museum
Museums
The WET Science Center, situated in downtown Olympia, offers an interactive and educational experience for visitors to learn about the significance of water in sustaining life on Earth. Through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, the center engages children and adults alike in understanding the water cycle and its crucial role. With a focus on water conservation, marine life, wastewater treatment, and reclaimed water use, the center provides a range of activities suitable for families.
Absolutely one of the greatest science center/places to learn ! This place is sooo cool! My kids loved exploring and learning! So interactive and fun! Beautiful atmosphere! Staff is so kind and friendly! Admission is free which is great! Parking is close by! Facility is kept very clean and sanitary! They have a fun scavenger hunt for the kiddos to earn a prize, there's also other useful free gadgets (water sand timer, grease catcher etc) you can take! Great place! Definitely recommend
Danielle — Google review
Fun and educational. Great staff that made it even better.
Angela Z — Google review
Super fun place to take the kids. Nice staff and a cool building. Wish they could change up the "main" section from time to time as we've done it a lot. The monthly bonus area activities keep us coming back.
Kyle R — Google review
So cool. My kids enjoyed the interactive exhibits and learned a lot about wastewater treatment. We came on a Saturday, so there was an educational event in the classroom. The center wasn't very busy, so we were able to see every exhibit and do multiple craft activities in 90 minutes. This is a great stop if you're looking for free educational opportunities with little kids (or big kids!) in Olympia.
Laura P — Google review
This was fun to learn how the water gets recycled. I thought this was going to be like the children's museum but with water. I was wrong but I had a good time. Zeb rushed through everything and I didn't get to read all about the stuff. But it was really cool for me.
Rachel B — Google review
We love going here! Great FREE programming for young people. My son loves playing in the main area and has benefited from multiple programs held here on Saturdays. The people working here are very kind and helpful. Highly recommend.
Tiffany B — Google review
Really cool place to learn about our water, what/where/how.... Great for kids and staff were super nice. Easy 60 mins here with older kids :)
Chris C — Google review
Great exhibit on all things water , including conservation, treatment, and ecology. Great afternoon activities with kids on a rainy afternoon!
Chet L — Google review
4.7
(668)
Mentioned on 
State government office
Business center
The Washington State Capitol Building and Campus is a picturesque and spacious area with well-maintained grounds, including the beautiful Sunken Garden. Visitors can enjoy over 30 acres of landscaped beauty with seasonal floral displays. The majestic legislative building showcases impressive architecture and offers free tours daily. Cherry blossoms in late March or early April add to the charm, while the gift shops provide souvenirs to remember the visit.
Gorgeous building with amazing Tiffany lamps and marble from all over the world. Very clean restrooms. Love the gift store as well. Take the free tour. It is very very worth one hour of your time!!
Rosemary E — Google review
We walked around the capitol grounds on a Friday morning. You must pay at a kiosk money or credit card to park ($2 an hour). The grounds are beautiful. Make sure you walk through the flower garden. The war memorials are respectful. If there are public bathrooms available, we never could find them. Every building seemed to be handicap accessible. There were beautiful old growth trees.
Laurie S — Google review
Thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour. It was about an hour long. Our guide was knowledgeable, kind, and efficient. There is lots to learn here! I learned and saw more on the guided tour than I would have seen on my own. The grounds and the building are beautiful amd well-kept. Don't forget to exit through the gift shop.
Rebekah L — Google review
We attended a graduation. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of. The capital is gorgeous. If you can’t go up the stairs, go around the building and you can access the lower level. They have an elevator. The architecture is so beautiful inside and out. Every inch of the capital is so beautiful. Don’t forget to stop at the gift shop. They have a lot of neat souvenirs to bring home.
Priscilla — Google review
It is a beautiful place to visit. I wish Washington State will install hydrogen fueling stations for zero emission fuel cell cars. Fuel cell cars could be refueled within 5 min for 400 mile driving range without stressing the grid. #hydrogen #fuelcell
Tadashi O — Google review
Walking through the Washington State Capitol feels like stepping into history. The architecture inspires awe, and the peaceful grounds offer a quiet moment of reflection. A powerful symbol of civic pride—well worth the visit.
Sid — Google review
I recommend getting the guided tour, it was very informative. The building is beautiful inside and the old Tiffany chandeliers are amazing. Lots of marble on the floors and walls, bronze statues and the state seal was cool.
Britteny W — Google review
When I. Olympia the State Capital of Washington State you should take time to visit the capital buildings and grounds. Take a tour and learn about it and how everything came about and how they are trying to revise the history to make it more politically correct. It is worth the tour to see the architecture and design concepts of the day. It is free except for the unless it is on the weekends or holiday.
Richard T — Google review

Top places to eat

4.6
(377)
4.3
(294)
Mentioned on 
Permanently Closed
expensive
Fine dining restaurant
Located on the waterfront, Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar offers a relaxed dining experience with a focus on locally sourced New American cuisine and an extensive wine selection. The restaurant boasts a beautiful view of the harbor and sunset, creating a picturesque atmosphere for diners. While some guests noted that the service was slow, they appreciated the opportunity to savor their meals and get comfortable in the inviting setting.
Exceptional dining experience. Great atmosphere, excellent food, great service. Plenty of parking, handicap accessible Dungenous Crab soup was amazing Good portions Rib eye was done perfectly Crab cake and prawns were excellent Chicken Roulade and accompanying veggies was outstanding Menu changes seasonally .
Mud L — Google review
Very beautiful view, especially at and around sunset... Also great location to people-watch and walk the strip yourself... Food was decent, smaller portion sizes. There were no oysters or mussels even though advertised and no substitute items to replace, but an overall decent experience
Esi C — Google review
We had an unforgettable Valentine’s Day lunch at Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar, and it was everything we hoped for—elegant, relaxing, and absolutely delicious! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth, and the ambiance set the perfect romantic tone. Our server, Sam, she was outstanding! Her kindness, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality made our experience truly special. She is a fantastic listener and ensured everything was just right for us. One of the things we appreciated the most was how perfectly timed everything was. There was a thoughtful gap between courses, allowing us to enjoy each dish at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. From the soup to the starter to the main course, everything arrived at just the right moment, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. The food? Absolutely divine! Every bite was full of flavor, fresh, and beautifully presented. It was clear that great attention was given to both taste and presentation. We’re so glad we chose Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar to celebrate our Valentine’s Day. It was a memorable experience, and we highly recommend this place for anyone looking for delicious food, exceptional service, and a well-paced dining experience.
Serina D — Google review
Had the most amazing dinner here on our honeymoon. Fancy enough for us to dress up nice and enjoy the ambience they've created. Our scallop appetizer was fantastic. The cod on black rice with curry sauce was literally the best seafood dish we've had. And finished the meal with a delicious molten chocolate dessert with Olympic mountain ice cream. Definitely recommend!
Keith W — Google review
There is so much more to a"fine dining" experience than food and view alone. It's rare for me to leave a restaurant completely disappointed, but that's the case here. My experience was awful. For the prices they are charging, they need to pay more attention to details. Example... even the view at this place is behind a bunch of bird poop on the windows. The atmosphere and service was awkward while we were there. There was no music, and with a tile floor, the sound of the space carries. The host made so many very strange jokes.... Such as asking if we wanted to lick our empty plates, and to tell us 'when' while refilling our water. It's unnecessary... Just do the task, so we can get back to our own conversation. We were never checked on... And salt and pepper wasn't on the tables... I wanted salt and pepper. Ultimately I'm glad I didn't wait to ask the server for it, I would have had a cold dinner because she never appeared. My husband and I were also always last to be addressed, even though we were first in our seating area.... Why? Why were we treated that way? Their draft system is down, and they have several menu items that are not available, including an item that the server said they literally never have... NEW MENUS NEED TO BE PRINTED. It is an EASY task.... Just take care of it. Come on!! It leaves me wondering what details they aren't paying attention to in the kitchen.
Rachel L — Google review
We've dined regularly at the Dockside Bistro for years, but have not been there since it transferred to new ownership. I'm pleased to say that the food is still excellent, and our service was outstanding. The menu is largely unchanged for now and we enjoyed the seafood martini, perfectly prepared halibut with gnocchi, pear salad and lamb pasta. (Pardon the bite of gnocchi out of the dish shown in the picture!). We met one member of the new ownership duo after dinner, who shared that they plan to gradually diversify the menu, begin to work in more local ingredients and eventually offer outside dining. We look forward to returning again soon.
Laurance G — Google review
This restaurant has a beautiful view of the harbor and sunset. Great location and atmosphere. Our waitress was nice but seem like it took forever for the food and desserts to arrive. Overall slow service allows us to get comfortable with each so I guess in some way isn't so bad after all. I had the lamb chop, it was perfectly cooked and full of flavors. Enjoy it with the house cab. The price seems to be a bit high for the value.
Kimberly P — Google review
Dockside made a good date night with the friendly service and ambiance. The ingredients seem high quality and are prepared and seasoned well. However, there really wasn't a wow factor to anything that would make me choose to go here over trying other restaurants in the area.
Michelle S — Google review
4.5
(491)
4.6
(231)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Italian restaurant
Restaurant
Basilico Ristorante is a charming downtown eatery that offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant's menu showcases handmade Northern Italian dishes, with an emphasis on specialties from the Emilia-Romagna and Liguria regions. Using imported Italian flour, the culinary team creates fresh pasta in-house, ensuring top-notch quality.
Me and my husband came here for the first time today (11.9.24) for a romantic date dinner to end a date day. Let me tell you, this place does not disappoint. It is super awesome and amazing! First, the water they serve is super crisp. Like it's the highest quality most crisp water I've ever had! I don't know how they get the water to be so crisp, but it works! The food is super high quality. It is a bit expensive but worth every penny!! And unlike some fancy places that have tiny portions, the portions at this place are huge! And the vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful! My husband is vegetarian and had no issue finding multiple things he wanted! Absolutely come to this place!
Eric T — Google review
...a delightful dive into authentic Italian cuisine. The experience was a perfect blend of bold flavors, cozy ambiance, and attentive service, making it a standout spot for anyone craving true Northern and Central Italian dishes. They asked about any dietary needs; I'd say the atmosphere is warm and elegant. I started with the Brussels sprout antipasto, which was a revelation. The deep-fried Brussels sprouts were crispy on the outside, tender within, and paired beautifully with a Calabrian chili and garlic spicy sauce that added just the right kick. For my main course, I chose the gnocchi with pesto and almonds. The imported Italian potato gnocchi were soft, pillowy perfection—clearly handmade with care. The homemade pesto, vibrant with basil and extra virgin olive oil, plus a little crunch of almonds. To wash it all down, I opted for a Hefeweizen beer with lemon slice, which was fabulous—crisp, slightly fruity, and a refreshing complement to the rich Italian flavors. They offer imported and local beers.
Teejay A — Google review
I love that Basilico has a gluten free menu with many options. I got the pasta with lrmin cream sauce. The GF pasta was al dente, and the sauce was flavorful. I will definitely go there again to try out their other GF options.
Jessie F — Google review
Our first time finally trying this place and the service was on point. Prompt and friendly. Asked about dietary restrictions off the bat, which we do t have, but we appreciated none-the-less. Strazzoprati and Gnocci dishes we had were amazing, and also really enjoyed the fried Brussel sprouts appetizer. Topped off with a birthday candle lit tiramisu. Can't go wrong.
Tidojankinsandco — Google review
We had Basilico cater our wedding. The food was out of this world. The owner himself set up and took down everything. His food made our wedding so classy. Thank you!
Heather K — Google review
The ambiance is very nice. Warm, low-light. cozy. I did not enjoy the meal I ordered: Braised beef with Risotto. The beef was under-seasoned- even after utilizing the bone marrow in center of bone. Risotto sat in a moat of olive oil- 1/4 of an inch. Seasoned with pesto, flavor was overpowering, and consistency off-putting. My wife ordered sirloin, potatoes, and vegetables. Her sirloin was under seasoned, not seared. Gorgonzola made it palatable. Potatoes were not cooked consistently. One side crispy, three sides soft/mushy. For the price, I expected a lot better. I will not return.
Grindtoof — Google review
First time here, loved the atmosphere and the service was good. Had an early reservation for dinner on Saturday night and was surprised they wanted to seat us right in the band area, small space, too close for two older people to hear each other. They were accommodating and gave us a much better spot. The Brussels sprouts were the best I’ve ever had and the entrees were quite tasty.
Marie H — Google review
Was seated but had to phone the restaurant to ask for service. Hostess was obviously a little embarrassed. Waitress came over and did not apologize but said you probably know what you want. Ordered our dinner, wine and bread. She bought the wrong wine which I did not initially notice. She said she would bring bread. 10 mins later I reminded her about the bread and told her about the wine. She checked the wine I had actually ordered and slammed the wine list down. At this point the evening was ruined so we left and headed to Nicole's where they know what service means. I always raved about Basilico although I have not been for a few years. I did not get to try the food which is disappointing. Then again what I wanted was off the menu. It does not take alot for wait staff to be polite and understanding.
Jon D — Google review
4.6
(1219)
4.3
(122)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Oyster bar restaurant
Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar in Olympia, WA is a stylish and contemporary eatery and bar that offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy seafood, brunch, and cocktails. The bar features a swanky lounge area where you can sip on specialty drinks like the Harry Potter-themed cocktails or the monthly-rotating zodiac cocktail series. Owned by second-generation shellfish farmers, they serve up their own sustainably raised oysters with several choices of oyster dishes on the menu.
Best clam chowder I have ever had. I have lived in the northwest for 25 years and this restaurant offers the best clam chowder I have ever had. Clams in the shell are all firm and fresh, pork cubes are tender and juicy, chowder is well seasoned. The clam and pork portion is very generous. I will definitely come back again for its clam chowder. We ordered oysters and it's excellent too. Very fresh and sweet. Service is excellent. Our waiter is knowledgeable about the clams and oysters from restaurants own farm. He's also very attentive. When he noticed our oysters with sake flight was late, he kept checking kitchen and gave us status update. Appreciate it. That's a good service I am willing to pay extra tips. The restaurant is very popular so I highly suggest to make reservations if you can.
Stanley Y — Google review
I came here for my birthday and it was such a lovely experience! The lobster roll is massive and well worth the price. My partner got the fish and chips and he says it’s his favorite he’s had since moving out to Olympia. The rockfish is a great choice, batter was super crispy and everything was hot. We split the warm blondie for dessert. Loved the atmosphere. Thank you!
Chelsea H — Google review
Super fresh oysters, including my favorite Little Lilies, Kumamotos and their Chelsea during happy hour did not disappoint. Tried their orange cocktail too, and it was dangerously good. Left happy and satisfied. My new favorite spot which I will visit whenever I'm passing through town.
K S — Google review
Some of the best oysters I have ever had-fresh, great texture, and BIG! Also, don't sleep on their lobster roll, also one of the best I've ever had! Their menu is diverse and delicious. Cocktails are smooth and happy hour is a great value. A MUST!
Bridget M — Google review
really good! kinda expensive, but that's to he expected for seafood. I got the lobster Mac and cheese, my friend got the lobster bisque. we also got the chelsea gem oysters, and garlic bread. oysters weren't my thing. we both enjoyed our food though!
Zero M — Google review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar never disappoints! The seafood is always incredibly fresh, the cocktails are on point, and the atmosphere is both relaxed and upscale — perfect for a dinner with friends or a date night downtown. The service team here truly makes you feel like part of the Olympia community. As someone who’s constantly exploring the best of what our area has to offer, I can honestly say this is one of the local gems that reminds me why I love living — and working — here. If you’re new to town or thinking about making Olympia home, this is exactly the kind of place that shows off what makes our waterfront city so special. 🦪✨
Ron R — Google review
I used to love coming here but over the last year or so the portions have gotten out of hand. While I understand almost everything has gone up in cost, having these fries be the same price makes absolutely no sense (Nov 2025 $7 vs Feb 2022). It’s almost insulting. I also ordered the lobster bisque tonight (last picture). It was so good! But it was $20 for maybe 8 oz of bisque and a couple pieces of lobster. It’s sadly not worth it anymore.
Laura C — Google review
We had a great time and experience at the bar in the back of the restaurant. The bartender was very helpful in guiding us and other guests in choosing oysters for the first time. I’m always up for a food adventure and it was a treat! One of the guests at the bar worked for a farm and shared a ton of knowledge. I had the Geoduck Sashimi and it was delightful. I’m a purist and want to taste food without citrus or vinegar and take that between bites. It was a great time. My only wish is that the city would be more involved in patrolling the area. It just made me a bit uncomfortable parking even at mid day because of street people and litter. There were plenty of tourists and that helped.
Ron P — Google review
4.7
(487)
4.6
(378)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Seafood restaurant
Gardner's Restaurant is an elegant American dining spot located in downtown Olympia. The warm and cozy interior provides a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant prides itself on serving locally sourced fish and other delectable dishes. Guests have raved about the fantastic service, with particular praise for the friendly and attentive staff members.
The best restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. The food was absolutely amazing. Every food combination ended up being so good and matched perfectly together. Will totally come back anytime I visit Washington again. My fiancé and I tried the crab dip appetizer, lamb chops, Dungeness crab gnocchi, fried potato side and their lemon bar. All were delicious.
Alyssa A — Google review
My wife and I went here for our anniversary and it was perfect throughout. The atmosphere was quaint and intimate and when we were seated there was a card on the table wishing us a happy anniversary and it was signed by all the employees (nice touch). From the minute we sat down we had the attention of our server and if not her others step in. The food was AMAZING and perfectly prepared. We couldn't have been happier with our choice to celebrate our anniversary here.
Adam M — Google review
Lovely place. I have heard much about it, but the first time we've had a chance to go. Best steak I've ever had. SO tender cooked to perfection, well seasoned, and the blue cheese sauce was delightful. Really good desserts too. We will back!
Dr. P — Google review
Hold my purse while I stand up on this podium and sing the praises of Gardner’s. This is literally the best restaurant that I have ever been to in my life. I’m not a foodie and when my foodie friends take me to fine dining experiences, I generally don’t like it. The flavors are too complex and I don’t like the pretentiousness of it. This place has those complex flavors and presentation but it is delicious. The foodies that I went with also loved it. It has everything. Exceptional service, ambiance, and food. We tried a lot on the menu the: burratta mozzarella, crab dip, chicken piccata, black cod, bolognese, seasonal risotto, seasonal veggie (Brussel sprouts), and a pecan thing with praline ice cream. Every single dish was delicious. I’m not sure that it was but I think there was some kind of caper oil that was on my chicken that was mouth watering. After a delicious meal, they brought out a tray with the best desserts that I have ever seen. We were quite full after dinner so we shared one but I need to go back to try the rest. The service was amazing. Our server was knowledgeable, kind, and gave us space and also asked us if we needed anything. The atmosphere was perfect too.
Leslie C — Google review
Absolutely amazing, it had been recommended to us by so many people and my wife and I realized why when we finally went. The staff was genuine and service was excellent (thank you Alex). The food was even better and now we are going to be back regularly!
Aj H — Google review
It was our first time at Gardner’s and it was our very best dining experience we had in a very long time. With such incredible seafood, we just appreciated how ingredient forward our entrees and appetizers were. The chef knew his assignment! Our party ordered a variety of seafood entrees-the scallops were perfectly seared, the salmon was moist with crispy skin, deliciously complemented by the chef’s seasoning and sauce. The appetizers and sharable sides became a choose our own adventure tasting menu-lots of oohs and ahs as we shared the endless combination of delicious bites. A perfect dining out experience without the hype, just excellent food and fantastic atmosphere. We can’t wait to go back.
S M — Google review
My partner and i went here for our 1st anniversary and it was the first time either of us had been there. Food was great, service was ok. Had a weird interaction with the waiter at the end of the meal where he called us out for faking our anniversary! It was strange and rude, it pretty much ruined a pretty good experience and what was suppose to be a night of celebration. You would think for the price you pay to eat there they would treat their guests with a little more respect. Also no offer to amend the situation, just a bunch of BS
Mitch S — Google review
DO NOT EVEN WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED INCOME. The most expensive 13oz steak I've ever had. Over $110 for just the steak alone! NO SIDES! What in the world?! It's not at all that great. I've had way much better and paid less then $80 for a dry aged 16oz steak with 2 sides at Ricardo's in Lacey and it's way much great to the taste, with a nice cozy setting and many parking available. You dont have to worry about having your vehicle towed (yes, and it's paved, free anytime with lights all around) unlike the cheap gravel lot they got going at gardeners. This place is old, out of touch, and unreasonably expensive. We even drove around twice to spot the place, the sign is dull and not even lit up, so yeah, we missed it twice, thinking the GPS was playing tricks. Ended up parking a block away and navigating on foot, and discovering their (dirt) parking lot. After dinner, while walking back a block to where we parked, I actually got to looking into their kitchen, not impressed any bit. Just got me questioning how do they even pass inspection. So yeah, save yourself the pain and go to RICARDOS STEAK HOUSE in Lacey when considering way better dining that is worth every dollar.
Timoci V — Google review
4.4
(1041)
4.0
(461)
Mentioned on 
Permanently Closed
affordable
Brewpub
Fish Tale Brew Pub is a spacious brewery and restaurant that offers house-brewed organic beer, along with a menu featuring burgers and fried fish. It's known for its great service, large portions of food, and good quality American cuisine. The atmosphere is described as private-ish and not too loud, making it suitable for gatherings or casual dining. Customers have praised the delicious fish and chips as well as the generous servings at reasonable prices.
I liked this place and think that they had a good selection! I tried a couple of the IPAs and was not disappointed!!! The staff were very nice, friendly, and helpful in selecting beers, the food was good as well! We had the public house burger and they cooked it to order! We also had the tater tots which were impressive from someone coming from the Midwest! The place was fairly spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating and a pretty sizable indoor area. This place had good ambiance and overall great place to stop for a beer and food!!
Joseph M — Google review
This place is super chill and quite spacious and open. Outdoor seating available. Good portions, food didn't disappoint, could barely open my mouth wide enough for the messy pulled pork sandwich. The cheese curds were my favorite and they definitely do their caesar salads right! Service was friendly and a tad sheepish.
Kate — Google review
It makes me sad that Fish Tale Brew Pub is closing its doors. When we travel to Olympic and Tacoma for ball games, it's our favorite place to eat. Thank you Jody for the great service. Our fish Taco were not as good this time, but we still enjoyed eating 😋 there. Good luck to the owner and all his employees going forward, we will miss you. Sam and Debbie
Debbie L — Google review
I got in a bit too late for the main menu. I did have the happy hour menu and what can I say but WOW. The Fish taco was bomb, nachos where great, the guacamole was on point. The beer was crisp and refreshing. The ciders are awesome. I would come here to get drunk and eat good food.
Ernesto D — Google review
Great selection of beer from a classic WA brewpub. I enjoyed each of my 4 samples. The imperial IPA with honey notes (Hodgson’s Imperial IPA) was the standout for me. Their nachos were excellent with plenty to go around for a group. The venue is huge but in need of some interior investment. Super nice and attentive staff!
Eric H — Google review
Nice place for take couple pint of beer with snack. Very friendly staff and good quality beer. And surprise for me was be very good cider “Dark and dry”. And very funny classic Belgian style beer for some hidden reason named as Scotch ale )))
Cat S — Google review
This was a nice, quiet place for a good afternoon beer. The service was good, and it's a big enough space you could spread out and keep your distance from the other patrons. The beer was really good. I had the Seapine Mosaic Pale, and the Matchless Topaz Hazy IPA. Both were excellent, but I liked the Matchless better.
David S — Google review
Amazing food! The fish and chips are to die for! It's just a good place for some good ol fashioned American food that is good quality. Servings are large and good for the price, so you shouldn't leave here hungry or disappointed. Good parking out back, too. Definitely recommend it to anyone in the Olympia area looking for melt in your mouth beer battered cod!
Arie S — Google review
515 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA(360) 943-3650Tips and more reviews for Fish Tale Brew Pub

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