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Olympia’s Fire Creek Grill and Ale House, located at the Capitol City Golf Club, was established in 2003 and has been providing indoor and outdoor dining to golfers and non-golfers alike ever since. The Ale House recently underwent an extensive remodel complete with a new outdoor deck and fire pit overlooking the championship course it borders. Fresh furnishings and a newly styled menu featuring a variety of steaks, pasta and northwest favorites make it a must on your list of new places to try.

Luckily, you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the revamped menu at the Fire Creek Ale House. In fact, General Manager Steve McNelly shares that many regular customers have never set foot on the golf course, but enjoy the view of the course and its expansive greens.

Fire Creek Ale House has a decidedly Northwest feel with its rustic lodge decor. The indoor fireplace and wood finishes make it a cozy spot for dinner or their very popular happy hour.  An extensive list of appetizers make it a great stop after work or with friends on the weekend.

Fire Creek Grill
Fire Creek Grill’s Northwest inspired decor and polished wood bar make it a perfect spot for after work drinks or happy hour snacks.

The restaurant enjoys working with its local vendors. Among them is beverage distributor L&E Bottling. General Manager McNelly was familiar with L&E Bottling from his time at the Riverside Golf Course in Chehalis. “When I moved to the Capitol City Golf Club we had a contract with another vendor, we honored the contract and as soon as possible we switched to Pepsi products and L&E Bottling,” says Steve.  McNelly states that the customer service that L&E provides is above and beyond any other beverage vendor. “Any time we have had a problem and called L&E, there are at least two service people at our door within 30 minutes.” L&E Bottling provides their support in other ways by co-sponsoring the Capitol City Men’s Amateur Open each year.

McNelly says that they also stock their bar with brews from Lacey-based Top Rung Brewing. The mouth-watering steaks and other meats are procured locally from Tri City Meats. McNelly himself is a local product, too.

He grew up in Chehalis and attended Riverside High School. Prior to working at Capitol City Golf Club he worked at the Riverside Golf Club in Chehalis.

fire creek grill
As the weather warms, the patio, particularly around the firepit, become a perfect post-golf hang out.

McNelly played golf for St. Martin’s University and became a professional golfer in 1997. He spent time teaching in Roseburg, Oregon before his path led him back to his hometown of Chehalis. The opportunity to oversee the entire operation at Capitol City Golf Club came eight years ago. The off-site owner wanted someone who could run both the restaurant and the golf facilities. McNelly manages the relationships with the vendors and keeps costs in line. While he did not have previous restaurant experience, the Fire Creek Grill has only improved during his tenure.

Steve says he couldn’t do it without his food and beverage manager, LeeAnn Stoner. LeeAnn is a longtime member of the Capitol City Golf Club and served as the Ladies Club president in the past. She was a regular customer and sold her own restaurant at the Yelm Golf Course to run the Fire Creek Grill and Ale House. “Since LeeAnn has served as our food and beverage manager we have experienced a 40% increase in business and I attribute much of that to her,” says McNelly.

“This is like home to me,” says Stoner of the Fire Creek Grill. “My husband and I live a mile away and I have golfed here for years.” Stoner has watched the restaurant grow since it was a hot dog and sandwich shop to the extensive dining establishment it is today. “It has only gotten better and better,” Stoner says.

Fire creek grill
Fire Creek Grill and Ale House server Lindsay chats at the bar, waiting on fresh cocktails for thirsty patrons.

There is something for everyone on the Fire Creek menu. Daily specials are a great value. The New York steak served on Wednesdays with a baked potato for just $13.95 is a huge hit. Half price bottles of wine make the evening even more affordable. I am looking forward to trying out Taco Tuesdays when beef or pulled pork tacos on a soft tortilla are on the menu for just $1.50.

The Fire Creek Grill and Ale House is currently open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. They offer breakfast on the weekends but due to popular demand will be expanding its hours and offering breakfast seven days a week starting April 10.

Fire Creek Grill and Ale House
5225 Yelm Hwy
Olympia, WA 98513
360-491-5111

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