Tucked away, kitty-corner from the Starbucks my husband and I call the “Magnolia Starbucks” (because it looks like something Joanna Gaines would have created), is a welcoming taphouse with delicious food. Locally owned and operated, Briggs TapHouse is a great place to check out next time you need a date night, business luncheon or a place you can take the dog.
Owners Levi and Kayla Hendricks are not new to the restaurant business. They opened the 21-and-over Oly Taproom in 2015, which they sold last fall. Opening the Briggs Taphouse felt natural to them. “With having a child in 2017, it was a must for my second establishment to be family-friendly,” shares Levi. “And that’s how Briggs TapHouse was born.”
Olympia Taphouse Has Something for Everyone
Opened in March 2022, Briggs TapHouse is part family-friendly restaurant and part taphouse. This allows parents to get that fresh, beer-on-tap flavor while satisfying the kids’ cravings for pizza and wings.
And really, let’s not kid ourselves – adults love pizza too! Especially when it starts with a hand-tossed, fresh sourdough crust. “It literally needs attention every single day to ensure the fermentation process of the starter continues to thrive,” explains Levi. If you have never had a sourdough crust pizza, you are missing out (seriously, it will ruin all other pizzas for you!)
Even their gluten-free crust is sourdough, and comes out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
You’ll find unique specialty pizzas at Briggs Taphouse in Olympia, like pickle bacon pizza with rancho sauce; the ohana luau with beer barbecue, honey ham, SPAM, pork sausage, pineapple and jalapenos; and chicken n’ waffles that really has chunks of waffles on it, among others.
You can also create your own pizza with a long list of toppings, be be as creative as you like or go with classic pepperoni.
Kiddos and the designated driver will love the on-tap root beer – it just tastes better! “I have the carbonation dialed in to perfection,” Levi shares.”
If you are a wing-person, Briggs TapHouse has you covered! “The Teriyaki wings are by far my personal favorite,” says Levi. They also have loaded tots, cheese curds and other appetizers to share.
When it comes to adult beverages, they have rotating, seasonal cocktails that Briggs TapHouse Manager Taylor Griffin is the brain behind. And of course, plenty of local beers on tap. While these can rotate as well, they typically have IPA’s, lager, cider, pale ale, porter, stout, sour and many more
Dog-Friendly Restaurant in Olympia
“I built Briggs to be a community hub for families and friends to come together in a warm, welcoming and safe environment for all to enjoy good friends, pizza and craft beverages,” shares Levi. This includes your dog!
Their dog-friendly covered patio is perfect for bringing along your well-behaved pup. “I have loved dogs my entire life,” says Levi. “I currently have two French Bulldogs, Sophia and Cocobeans. I have had Frenchies for 20 years and love to see all breeds of friendly doggies on the patio.”
And don’t worry about the weather, they will turn on the overhead heaters for you. They definitely keep you warm on a windy day! (PS. If you are craving dessert afterward, Humble Cow next door is also dog friendly and has doggy ice cream, gluten/dairy-free waffle cones and dairy-free ice cream options!)
“I’m always grateful for my employees who help in my vision of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all who stop in,” says Levi. “And a big shout out to the community for welcoming us with open arms.”
Levi and Kayla also own Frenchie’s On 4th, if you are looking for a breakfast spot in Olympia with gluten-free options. Kayla also owns Pure Skin in west Olympia. Support these friendly, local entrepreneurs by visiting any one of their businesses!
Briggs TapHouse
4528 Maple Lane SE #105, Olympia
