By Gale Hermann
You know the scenario: It’s late. You’re hungry. Maybe you’re out with friends, on a date, or otherwise find yourself out and about in the wee hours, looking for a tasty bite to eat. You’re wondering what’s open.
The lights are on and there’s great food waiting for you at quite a few spots around Thurston County. I rounded up some late-night dining options in all price ranges. Whether you are craving classic diner fare, have special dietary needs, or want an elegant dessert, these are some spots that cater to the night owl crowd. And there are even coffee options, for those who want to stay up even later.
For the purposes of this article, I defined “late-night” as places that serve food until 11:00 p.m. or later at least one night a week. These venues are all-ages (though of course bar or lounge areas are for the 21+ crowd).
Late-Night Dining Highlights
West Olympia
- The Iron Rabbit: The Iron Rabbit serves dinner until 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (they close earlier on Sundays). They also offer a full bar in back. The Iron Rabbit features New American-style cuisine with many gluten-free and veggie options, local produce, and house-made desserts.
Downtown Olympia
- Quality Burrito: Quality Burrito offers vegan, vegetarian and meat options in a funky atmosphere. Open until midnight seven days a week. Get breakfasts, burritos, tacos, and more, or visit the bar. Their house-made sweet potato fries with aioli sauce have a loyal following, and they serve a nice, strong cup of coffee.
- The Spar: You haven’t lived until you’ve tried the Cajun tater tots at McMenamin’s Spar Café. This long-standing Olympia spot serves “Northwest pub fare” with seasonal ingredients. Curtained booths provide an elegant seating option and there’s a lounge in back. Open until 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and until midnight the rest of the week. The Spar offers an extensive dietary restrictions menu.
- The Reef: King Solomon’s Reef is a worthwhile stop for its funky, old-school diner atmosphere and genuinely awesome food. They source ingredients from local vendors like Western Meats and the San Francisco Street Bakery. They are open until 3:00 a.m. every night (the lounge is open until 2:00 a.m.). Check out their menu here.
- The Mark: The Mark is an elegant restaurant serving organic, rustic-Italian style fare. This is one of my picks for entertaining guests or a special evening out. Open Thursday through Saturday evenings, they offer an antipasti and dessert menu, along with drinks, until 1:00 a.m. (dinner is served until 10:00 p.m.).
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You’ll find delicious homemade ice cream options, both dairy and vegan, among the Bearded Lady Food Company’s weekend dessert offerings. Courtesy of Bearded Lady Food Company The Bearded Lady: *Editor’s Note: The Bearded Lady is now closed. For a fun, artisanal food experience, stop by The Bearded Lady Food Company for dessert. This weekend-only spot is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. (they also offer weekend brunch). Order a plated dessert from the ever-changing menu, or choose from the bakery case. They also make their own ice cream. They offer gluten-free and vegan options aplenty. Read more about them here.
- Burial Grounds: Burial Grounds is Olympia’s late-night coffee shop, staying open until 1:00 a.m. seven days a week. This Gothic-themed coffee shop is definitely funky and for the adventuresome. (Read a full article about Burial Grounds here.) You’ll enjoy creative coffee drinks, free wifi and comfy seating. They also stock treats from the Bearded Lady.
- Old School Pizzeria: For an iconic Olympia late-night experience, stop by Old School Pizzeria. Open Friday and Saturday nights until 11:00 p.m., and all other nights until 10:00 p.m. Pizza by the slice and garlic knots are tempting options (or get a whole pie to take home).
East Olympia
- Dirty Dave’s: This much-beloved pizza and pasta joint offers a casual place to gather with friends. Open until 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor has sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian options as well as plenty of pasta dinners and pizza choices (try the cashew topping).
- Shari’s: Shari’s Café and Pies has long served as one of Olympia’s 24-hour diners, with two locations (on Martin Way and Pacific Avenue). Did you know that these days, Shari’s also offers a gluten-free menu, as well as several no-sugar-added pie options?
- Martin Way Diner: The Martin Way Diner is a family-friendly spot with a 50s theme. They’re open until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and until 10:00 p.m. all other nights. Grab a homemade milkshake, a burger (meat or veggie), or a breakfast meal.
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It may be late, but the lights are on and the food is excellent at Farrelli’s in Lacey. Courtesy of Farrelli’s O’Blarney’s Irish Pub: O’Blarney’s Irish Pub has been a popular Olympia spot since it opened in 1985. Enjoy a wide range of pub fare, including burgers, full meals, appetizers, and a healthy options menu. They are open until 2:00 a.m. seven days a week.
Lacey
- Farrelli’s Pizza: The wood-fired pizza and comfortable atmosphere at Farrelli’s Pizza and Pool Company make it a great stop for families, dates, and groups of friends. They are open weekdays until midnight and weekends until 2:00 a.m. Farrelli’s offers gluten-free and whole wheat pizza crust options. You can also shoot a game of pool.
- Denny’s: Denny’s is synonymous with “All-American,” and the Lacey Denny’s is a local landmark. They are open 24 hours, with a range of classic options, from breakfasts to desserts. The Fit Fare menu offers some great lighter options. And who doesn’t enjoy their mozzarella sticks as a late-night treat?
Tumwater
- Nickelby’s Restaurant and Lounge: For a low-key, “down-home” experience, stop by Nickelby’s Restaurant and Lounge, a Tumwater institution. Open until 2:00 a.m. seven days a week, you can find your traditional diner favorites here including breakfast served at all hours.
Across Thurston County
- El Sarape: This popular Mexican spot has three locations in Thurston County, two in Lacey and one in Tumwater. El Sarape serves food until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights (the bar in back is open later). The affordable prices and tasty dishes make it a good late-night destination.
So, whether you’re pulling an all-nighter to study, winding down after a late movie or show, or, like me, looking for a spot to write late at night, I hope this article gives you some new dining options to keep you satisfied until the sun rises.
