Tonight, dinner is out. You decide to eat out, but where to? Use this list to find a meal to share with your kids while perhaps toasting your spouse with a tasty adult beverage. Our tour takes you through Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater to find delicious food in a family friendly atmosphere.
I start my recommendations in Tumwater, since these are the restaurants near my family.
Located adjacent to the Tumwater Valley Golf Course is River’s Edge Restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner year round. They also have a kids menu and outdoor seating available during sunny days. Watch a football game from just about every seat in the house. Arrive early on weekend mornings for their extensive Bloody Mary bar.
The Brick on Trosper is another family favorite located right in the heart of Tumwater. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The space is divided in half – one side a lounge, and the other a restaurant. The adults will be pleased to find they can partake in happy hour specials while dining in the restaurant and it’s ok if the kids aren’t quiet. Don’t forget to check their website for daily specials, including kids meals at $0.99 on Sundays.
Next on the list is Infernos Brick Oven Pizza located in the south end of Tumwater, just before the airport on Capital Way. I adore their daily happy hour with drink and food specials. Fill your pockets with quarters – the kids can be entertained in the small arcade while you wait for your food to arrive.
Traveling to West Olympia you will find plenty of family friendly dining options. A favorite among friends is Tugboat Annie’s. Located at West Bay Marina with a view overlooking Puget Sound, it’s hard not to love. The drink menu is extensive and unique, while their food menu includes pub favorites like burgers and fish and chips. Tugboat Annie’s fills up fast on a busy evening, especially the patio with great views.
Just up the hill, on Harrison Avenue, is Iron Rabbit Restaurant and Bar. With more vegetarian options, this is a good opportunity to try something new for dinner. Their hand-formed burgers get families coming back. Iron Rabbit also features many rotating beers on tap and a full bar. And the kids will get a kick out of the hand-crafted root beer on tap – super delicious and fun.
i.talia pizzeria is also located in West Olympia. A step beyond the typical pizza joint, the relaxed restaurant also features modern menu choices. Kids love the wooden pizza toys and making their own pizza while parents can sip a glass of wine or a beer. You order at the counter, but still receive table service. A meal at i.talia pizzeria can also feature fresh salads and delicious sandwiches. Be sure to save room for dessert – i.talia’s signature Italian gelato.
Our last stop in West Olympia is Pints and Quarts – a sports pub located inside Capital Mall. A recent remodel at this location has added more seating inside and out for customers to dine on breakfast, lunch, or dinner. From great salads, to sandwiches, burgers, and other pub favorites, you are sure to find something for everyone in the family here. Pints and Quarts also hosts a variety of events. A recent giant Jenga tournament certainly brought in a crowd.
Heading into downtown Olympia, dine at the oldest brewpub in the area, Fish Tale Brewpub. Fish Tale first opened its doors in 1993. You can still order all the Fish Tale organic ales on draft. On the menu, you will find typical pub fare, but also local favorites like oyster shooters and homemade clam chowder to tempt your taste buds.
Located only a few blocks away is Olympia’s newest brewery and restaurant – Three Magnets Brewing Company. Darby’s Café serves breakfast and lunch before the restaurant switches to a full pub menu for the dinner hours. Sample award-winning local beers, while dining with your kids.
Walk a few blocks to Old School Pizzeria. From the historic sports posters to classic arcade games, both kids and adults will stay entertained while waiting for pizza. Our family enjoys the back area because of the retro pinball machines and giant booth/table to seat everyone. Old School’s pizza, calzones, and salad are top notch and they have a wide selection of beers to choose from as well.
If BBQ is your craving, head over to Ramblin’ Jacks on Fourth Avenue. They smoke all their meats in-house and have homemade traditional sides to accompany them. Be sure to sample the mac-n-cheese even if it’s off your kid’s plate. With a full bar and large wine menu, you may find it hard to chose what to drink. This restaurant is very accommodating of large groups. I recommend calling ahead, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, for parties larger than five.
Take a short drive to South Bay Pub and Eatery. Just ten minutes from downtown Olympia, on South Bay Road, is this small restaurant with big ideas. You may think it’s just a bar, but they really cater to families. Our friends like to go on Tuesdays for the $1.50 tacos all day and free bingo in the evening. It’s a great way for everyone to play together and you may just win a prize.
Another hidden gem is Farrelli’s Pizza located off the Yelm Highway across town. Although they’ve expanded to other locations north in recent years, this Lacey location is the original. With hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza the kids will enjoy watching it be made right in front of them. My favorite menu items are bread sticks and Mama’s Signature house salad. Parents – delight in the full bar and even try your luck with some pull tabs.
A little further into Lacey, stop at O’Blarneys Irish Pub. A family favorite for many years, this restaurant and full bar is known for its’ sport leagues, games, and great food. You will find some traditional Irish fare like bangers and mash, but there are plenty of other options as well. Wednesdays feature an 8 oz. center-cut sirloin with a baked potato and veggies for just $9.99 or try their hot wing basket.
The last stop on this tour is Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor. The restaurant opened almost 40 years ago and is still going strong. It’s loud, crowded and one of the most iconic restaurants in Thurston County. Memorabilia covers every inch of wall space. The large menu includes custom pizza creations, sub sandwiches, and also traditional Italian items. I personally love that they still have a salad bar that is all-you-can-eat for only $7.50. To get really into the Olympia vibe, grab a pint of Olympia beer on tap.
With each of these restaurant options, families are encouraged to dine together. While many tour spots may be labeled as pizza joints, I selected restaurants with varied menus, well beyond a simply cheese pie. The key is finding someplace you feel comfortable as a family and really just getting out together. And don’t forget to tip your server.
