Rise and Shine: Exploring Thurston County’s Breakfast Options

breakfast olympia
Locations throughout Thurston County are brimming with breakfast pastries and goodies for every taste and dietary need. Mud Bay Coffee Company stocks locally-made pastry items. Photo courtesy: Mud Bay Coffee Company
0 Shares

 

By Gale Hemmann

heritage bankBreakfast is not just the most important meal of the day. In my opinion, it is also the most enjoyable, especially for dining out. What better way to start your day than lingering over coffee and great food (with no dishes to clean up afterwards)?

Thurston County offers literally hundreds of places to get breakfast. You’ll find options in all areas of the county and all price ranges. From classic breakfast dishes to international cuisine to special dietary offerings, these are some satisfying picks for your next breakfast or brunch out.

Great Breakfasts around Town

breakfast olympia
The Bearded Lady Food Company offers weekend-only brunch options like breakfast sandwiches and their gluten-free, vegan-friendly pastries. Photo courtesy: Bearded Lady

Olympia

  • The Bearded Lady: The Bearded Lady Food Company is open for brunch on weekends only (Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). Their breakfast and brunch menu offers house-made vegan and gluten-free options, including a McVegan Sandwich, Dutch Babies and latkes. *Editors Note: Sadly, The Bearded Lady is now closed.
  • The Bread Peddler: For breakfast French-style, stop by the Bread Peddler. This charming casual bistro offers French pastries and breakfast entrees. Pair your meal with their French-press coffee for a lovely start to your day. Open at 7:00 a.m. every day.
  • Mercato: For an elegant brunch, stop in at Mercato Ristorante. You’ll find fresh house-made donuts, frittata, and steak and eggs with polenta on their weekend brunch menu. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • New Moon Café: The New Moon Café is a small worker-owned café. They offer truly unique vegan and vegetarian breakfast, brunch and lunch menu items (as well as meat options). The Rosemary Garlic Home Fries are not to be missed. Open from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
  • Pepper’s Mexican Restaurant: Did you know that Pepper’s Mexican Restaurant serves breakfast? Stop by on weekdays from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. and weekends from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for authentic Mexican breakfast items like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and seafood omelets.
  • The Reef: King Solomon’s Reef is a downtown Olympia institution, featuring local products and truly tasty diner fare. The breakfast menu includes meat and veggie-friendly options, such as Tempeh Hash and the Big Veggie Omelet. Open at 8:00 a.m. every day.
  • The Spar: One of the oldest eateries in Olympia, McMenamins Spar Café offers a New American-style breakfast menu, a dietary restrictions breakfast menu and a kids’ menu. The Amaretto French Toast and Greek Omelet are both excellent picks. Breakfast served from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on weekends.
  • Wagners Bakery and Café: For a truly indulgent breakfast, come to Wagner’s European Bakery and Café. Try the European breakfast plate or the Cinnamon Toast platter. And their beyond-tempting pastry case awaits you. On Sundays, they offer Belgian waffles.
breakfast olympia
The Bread Peddler offers French-style pastries and breakfast specialties in a bistro setting. Photo by Gale Hemmann

Lacey

  • Hawks Prairie Restaurant: The Hawks Prairie Restaurant is a Lacey landmark. This casual diner has a full breakfast menu, including gluten-free pancakes and lighter fare along with the traditional diner offerings. Open for breakfast at 6:00 a.m. every day.
  • Paco’s Taco’s: For breakfast Mexican-style, stop by Paco’s Tacos. Start your day with a breakfast burrito, huevos rancheros, breakfast muffins, or traditional pozole soup. Paco’s Tacos offers reasonable prices and generous portions. Open at 8:30 a.m. every day.

Tumwater

  • The Brick on Trosper: The Brick on Trosper offers an extensive breakfast menu, including a vegetarian omelet and homestyle classics, including biscuits and gravy. Open for breakfast at 7:00 a.m. every day.
  • Pellegrino’s Italian Kitchen: The elegant Pellegrino’s offers breakfast on weekends from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Their breakfast menu includes gluten-free, vegetarian and meat options. Enjoy classic breakfast plates and specialties like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
  • Ramirez Mexican Store: The Ramirez Mexican Stores offer breakfast meals and fresh-made Mexican bakery items in addition to their grocery items (they also have a store in Olympia). Their breakfast menu features authentic egg dishes, burritos, and chilaquiles. Both locations open at 9:00 a.m. seven days a week.
breakfast olympia
The Mud Bay Coffee Company offers a drive-thru for diners on the go who want a pastry or breakfast quiche with their morning coffee. Courtesy of Mud Bay Coffee Company

Littlerock

  • Farm Boy Drive-In: The Farm Boy Drive-In offers homestyle breakfast seven days a week, starting at 7:00 a.m. If you find yourself in the area, you’ll enjoy the Farm Boy’s homemade pancakes and pastries, eggs and bacon, and other classics. (View their menu.)

Tenino

  • The Sandstone Café: The Sandstone Café is a family-friendly breakfast and brunch choice. You’ll find hearty American dishes like bacon and eggs, as well as granola and other options. On weekends, they offer a waffle bar. Open at 7:00 a.m. every day.

Yelm

  • Road Runner Express: Known for their fried chicken, the Road Runner Express Espresso and Cafe also offers breakfast fare, including French toast, biscuits and gravy, and more. A drive-thru coffee window is handy for busy mornings. Breakfast served from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. every day.

On the Go Options

In a hurry? I recommend swinging by the Mud Bay Coffee Company drive-thru (West Olympia) for their custom coffee drinks, smoothies, and local pastries (including breakfast quiches and gluten-free goodies from Smiling Mo’s Bakery). In East Olympia, Eastside Big Tom’s offers quick and tasty options including breakfast sandwiches.

I hope this list gives you some fresh ideas for your next breakfast on the town. A bonus: Some of these spots offer breakfast menu items all day long. I, for one, am firmly of the belief that it’s always the right time for breakfast.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares