Are you a foodie, hate to cook or just like to try the newest flavors with your bestie on a Wednesday meet-up? Then you are in luck because a surprising number of new coffee shops, cafes and restaurants opened in Thurston County in 2024 and are waiting for you to taste their menus. Here is a list to get you started on your culinary tour of Thurston County!
Toast Mi
730 Sleater Kinney Road SE Ste E, Lacey
Have you jumped aboard the banh mi craze? Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with baguette bread filled with delicious meats and pickled vegetables. Toast Mi opened their Lacey location – its first in Thurston County – in 2024 and serves up banh mi to go, along with bubble tea and rice bowls.
Pawsific Northwest Cat Café
3415 Pacific Avenue SE F-1, Olympia
Olympia first cat café opened up in 2024. Pawsfic Northwest Cat Café sells coffee and tea, light snacks, all with a side of cute cat antics. Even better, the kitties are available for adoption – you just might find your new best friend. Be sure to check them out this year!
The Reef Restaurant
212 4th Avenue E, Olympia
If you like fresh, local seafood or delicious pairings like a fried chicken sandwich with carne asada fries then you will want to try The Reef, which opened in 2024. Owners Ryan Perkins, Noah Murry and Jiana Hook are excited to have you out!
Just Cuz Café
4410 6th Avenue SE, Lacey
Lacey natives Khaleel Abdulmanaf and his cousin Shahid Tam opened Just Cuz Café in Lacey last year. The menu includes incredible sandwiches including popular banh mi, sweet treats and unique coffees you won’t find anywhere else, like an oat milk matcha latte with fresh strawberry puree or a house coffee with ube cheese foam! They have artist nights, live jam sessions and more.
Coffee Pub NW Bar & Grill
804 79th Avenue SE suite 108, Tumwater
This family-friendly new restaurant in Tumwater combines a coffee shop, pub and grill…which means you can pretty much get whatever you are feeling, whether that’s a pint, espresso or pork belly tacos! Coffee Pub NW Bar & Grill is a great place to gather for fun as well with trivia, bingo, karaoke, live music and event classes throughout each month.
The Hobbit House of Coffee
10915 Littlerock Road SW, Olympia
This new coffee house is cute enough to belong to in The Shire, with tasty treats that hobbits are sure to delight in. Check out their fun-themed drinks or something more traditional, the Hobbit House of Coffee baristas work hard to give you exactly what you want every time.
Super Chix
2390 Marvin Road NE STE A, Lacey
Looking for a good chicken sandwich, loaded with everything you love from pickles and barbecue sauce to bacon, avocado and ranch? Super Chix has it! Along with chicken salads, chicken tenders, cheese fries and premium frozen custard, it’s a perfect place to go to satisfy that chicken craving.
LaBoba Lacey
4820 Yelm Highway SE, Ste C, Lacey
If you like boba – or have never tried bubble tea – check out the new LaBoba in Lacey! They have a large menu of milk teas and coffee. If you are not sure what to order, Thai tea is always popular and so is the matcha strawberry.
Frenchies on 4th
1001 4th Avenue E, Olympia
Although temporarily closed for remodeling early 2025, when this sourdough bakery – featuring non-sourdough vegan and gluten-free donuts – reopens, you will definitely want to give it a try. Frenchies on 4th also have sourdough breads, cinnamon rolls and even take-home pizza dough!
Golden Hour Exotic Tea
502 4th Avenue E, Olympia
If you have been wanting to try kava, Golden Hour Exotic Tea is a new tea house in Olympia that you will want to try. Their drinks are tasty and healthy and their atmosphere is family-friendly. Come and stay awhile, play a game and try a tea or two.
