Where To Find Brunch in Olympia & Beyond

There's no better way to spend a weekend in the Olympia region than lazy mornings with family, friends, a great cup of coffee (or amazing cocktail) and some delicious brunch food.

We’ve sourced some of the top menus for local brunch spots and breakfast cocktails, and even scored a recipe from one of the sweetest spots in town. Get ready to indulge in a little morning merriment courtesy of the Olympia area’s top chefs.

Weekend Brunch in Olympia

Ahhhh, brunch. That languid time, special only to weekends, when people who make really good food are willing to let you order both breakfast and lunch, as well as enjoy a little day-drinking. Look, you don't have to brunch this weekend, but don't blame us when your social feeds are clogged with images of everyone BUT you enjoying platters of stuffed French Toast and Eggs Benedict while sipping on a Caesar (go ahead and google it).

Technically speaking, we consider brunch to consist of a special brekkie + lunch menu served only on the weekends with gloriously charming cocktails served along side. If you're looking for spots that serve standard breakfast fare during the week, you can always find them here (just use our handy filter option and select the breakfast/brunch option).

*Before you head out, keep in mind that restaurants often update their menus seasonally, and some places don't offer brunch year-round. What we're saying here is KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Check out your spot's website or social for the latest and greatest info.

Alright - let's get our brunch on. Below are some of the best brunch places in Olympia, with a complete map showcasing where brunch is happening now.

Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar

A second-generation shellfish farmers decide to open a restaurant, which completely makes sense. Shina Wysocki designed Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar to be a representation of the heart and soul of her oyster farm, and stepping into the beautiful ocean-blue dining room in downtown Olympia makes diners feel super close to the South Sound.

Yes, order the oysters, because they were just plucked out of the Eld and Totten Inlets. When it's in season we're always going for the Geoduck Ceviche and because this is a seafood restaurant, the Shrimp and Grits and maybe even the Lobster Roll if we're feeling fancy. Wash these dishes down with any of their elegant cocktails and you're in business.

Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Make the world your oyster ...
Chicory

This casual fine dining spot is well-known for it's sustainable, seasonal menus that highlight our region's incredible ingredients while paying tribute to the chef's love of the food traditions and techniques of the American South. While the menu changes often in order to showcase the freshest possible produce, seafood, and locally-grown meat, new dishes quickly become favorites and they never disappoint.

They are not messing around with the 21-day Dry-Aged Flank Steak and Eggs with Crab Butter, and vegetarians will delight over items like the Veggie Panini and Savory Chickpea Pancake featuring spunky pickled beets, smoked sheep's milk cheese, and kale with a lemon vinaigrette. Be sure you've asked for at least one order of their Whipped Ricotta Toast on Sourdough, regardless of the seasonal toppings - always a winner.

Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 11a.m.

Keep it seasonal ...
Gather Bistropub

So many scrambles, so little time. The Gather Bistropub on the outskirts of Yelm will let you create your own hearty 4-egg scramble with up to five meat and/or veggies options tossed in, but we're gravitating towards menu items you might not see on your average brunch menu, like the Pork Schnitzel with sausage gravy, eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes.

Not to worry, pancake lovers and traditional breakfast fare followers, the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are everything a pancake should be, and the pillowy soft drop biscuits are baked from scratch daily. You'll usually find Cinnamon Roll French Toast on the menu (check out their Facebook page for Chef Specials) and do not pass on their Signature Bloody Mary or the Blackberry Vodka Fizz.

Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last seating is at 12:15 so don't be late to the party)

Show me all the scrambles ...
Octapas Café

A local favorite that fosters community and champions the arts scene, Octapas Café's small-plates, seafood-focused tapas menu transitions to a spectacular brunch on the weekends. The Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict is a given, and who wouldn't love an Oyster Fry, given our location?

While the standard menu is mainly savory, watch their social channels for the latest sweet treats like Stuffed French Toast and of course, the Beignets loaded with mountains of pillowy powdered sugar. Our favorite local-inspired cocktail? The Foggy Mary with Earl Grey gin. You're welcome.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Details
Swantown Inn Bed & Breakfast

You won't mind spending the night to sample what’s rumored to be the best scone in town. The cozy and centrally located Swantown Inn & Spa provides meticulously appointed accommodations in a Victorian, Queen Anne Revival style home. The innkeepers serve a locally lauded breakfast known for its mouth-watering scones. Plan a visit, or try your hand at home with their special scone recipe.

Get the recipe!

On Being a Mindful Bruncher ...

Before you head out to dig into our favorite spots featuring smoked salmon tartines, savory waffles, and all of the scrambles, we hope you'll take a moment to consider the following:

  • Brunch is hard work - the biggest joy of eating out is that you're not doing any of the heavy lifting, and brother, brunch is a heavy lift. Larger crowds make getting dishes from a special two-day menu out to loads of hangry diners quickly a challenge. Be patient - we know you're going home to take a nap afterwards anyway.
  • Don't stay too long - while brunch may feel lazy and you might want to hang longer to catch up on all the latest gossip about your Aunt Carol's second husband and that Bitcoin sandal, make sure you're reading the room and let your servers turn some tables. If you wanna chill for more than an hour, you better consider leaving a hefty tip.
  • Don't drink too much - whether the drinks are bottomless and free-flowing or you're shelling out hard-earned cash for exceptionally-crafted cocktails, know your limits and don't be "that guy".

Are We Missing Something?

The only constant is that things change. We get it. Did you find brunch somewhere not included in our list? We want to know! Drop us an email at: info@experienceolympia and tell us all about it.

Spend the weekend and find dining, lodging, events, festivals and entertainment ideas at www.experienceolympia.com. Make sure to share your best shots with us by tagging social posts #ExperienceOlympia and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).

5 Local Gems for Your Spring Staycation Learn More
Taste the History, Legacy and Future of Craft Brewing Learn More
Top Six Rainy Day Adventures Learn More
Top 10 Things to Do in Yelm Learn More
Take a Family Bike Ride Along the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail Learn More

Related Content: