By Kate Scriven
Everyone’s lives are busy. We are pulled between different obligations and responsibilities and try to balance these with recreation and friendships. And often, whether social or business related, we need a place to meet. Gather with friends to catch up, meet a committee for a planning meeting, convene a focus group outside of work, or assemble with a monthly club.
Coffee shops abound in the northwest, but a busy Starbucks isn’t always conducive to conversation or collaboration needed at a small group meeting. However, there are some terrific venues for a great cup of coffee, some tasty eats, and space for your group to spread out a bit and accomplish their goals – business or personal.
Phoebe’s Pastry Café – 1800 Cooper Point Rd SW Bldg 13 in Olympia
This Westside coffee shop, bakery, and deli is a gem hidden in plain view. Tucked on the edge of a vast office park just above the busy Trader Joes/Barnes and Nobel shopping area and just below the Olympia Auto Mall, Phoebe’s is a place you should know. Their hallmark is their amazing baked goods. However, they serve locally roasted Batdorf and Bronson coffee and a full menu of salads, soups and sandwiches (including amazing breakfast sandwiches).
The space is comfortable, spacious, and gives patrons room to breathe. Booths and tables fill the space and are easily combined for groups. Outlets are conveniently place around the walls for laptops or other meeting “gear.” This writer can often be found in a booth tapping the keys, Americano in hand, or planning the publishing calendar with the ThurstonTalk team.
Traditions Fair Trade Café – 300 5th Ave SW in Olympia
Traditions is centrally located in downtown Olympia just across from Capitol Lake. With a view of the lake and Capitol dome, it’s a perfect spot to bring groups new to our city. However, the long-standing Olympia café plays host to many local get-togethers, group gatherings, and club monthly meetings.
While there are not private spaces, the large café and broad range of food and beverage choices make it an easy choice to accommodate groups of all sizes. There is even performance space available, as the café often hosts live music events. Call ahead if your group would like to access this unique feature.
In the spirit of community – both in Olympia and the greater world – Traditions is a welcoming place to create connections and promote conversations.
Forrey’s Forza Coffee – 130 Marvin Rd SE Suite 130 in Lacey
Forrey’s Forza is just over a year old and has already become a neighborhood gathering spot. Enjoy great coffee, a full menu of food options including owner Tom Forrey’s famous pies, along with beer and wine. A great feature of Forrey’s Forza is their meeting room. Off to one side, the room has enough seating for 12-15 people around two tables. There is also a flat screen TV which, with an HDMI cable, can connect to your computer for presentations or group viewings of online meetings.
The space is open for anyone to use, however, they do require reservations as the space is popular and books quickly. While there is not a “rental” fee for the room, you must purchase a $25 gift card when you reserve. This can be used to purchase food or beverages for the meeting itself or simply tucked in your pocket to use later. If a private space with a door that actually closes is what you need, Forrey’s Forza is for you.
Mud Bay Coffee Company – 1600 Cooper Point Rd SW in Olympia
Also on Olympia’s Westside, Mud Bay Coffee Company has a warm and inviting small café atmosphere. But beyond the rock-clad fireplace lies a small, intimate conference room available for meetings of up to 18 people. While this room is utilized as seating for the main café when not reserved, it is often booked for its light, bright space and central location.
Use of the room does require reservations and a fee for use. However, if you are leading a more formal meeting and needing space for small group work, it’s worth the cost. The space is flexible with moveable tables and chairs and the friendly staff is very accommodating should you need special arrangements for your meeting. Just call – the friendly staff can set it up for you.
The Bread Peddler – 222 N Capitol Way in Olympia
Many of us are familiar with this bustling downtown eatery. Beloved for its fresh breads and pastries as well as the homemade soups and sandwiches, the space has now expanded to include a very spacious banquet room with seating for 20 to 30 people. The room is tucked behind the kitchens and is accessed through the shared hallway in the main building.
Groups can reserve the space for no cost when ordering food and drink from the café. Simply order at the counter and head on back to the space. It is extremely quiet and private and has enough space to handle whatever configuration your group needs. Should you want to rent the space for a more formal event, the staff can advise you of the options available.
