https://www.reddit.com/r/olympia/comments/1igd5bp/hidden_gems_of_oly_restaurants/
created by ZylVoices on 03/02/2025 at 01:12 UTC
52 upvotes, 55 top-level comments (showing 25)
My wife and I are on a kick of trying to find the best hidden gems in and around Oly for restaurants. We're talking places that aren't as well known, whether due to their location, being new, etc., that are 100% worth trying! Extra credit for budget friendly options that still have great food and don't nickel and dime you and add up to being the same price as everywhere else.
All recommendations welcome! We are particularly fond of burgers, Mexican/TexMex, solid comfort food, and good sandwiches, but my no means limit your recommendations to those.
Thank you!
Comment by Leading-Run5898 at 03/02/2025 at 01:17 UTC*
64 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Hucholitos
Edit: huicholitos
Comment by yodellingllama_ at 03/02/2025 at 03:56 UTC
28 upvotes, 1 direct replies
El Pulgarcito. Lacey Blvd. Excellent Salvadorian place. Unassuming, but always delicious.
Comment by bucket427 at 03/02/2025 at 02:39 UTC
46 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Everyone always sleeps on the Arepa food truck downtown!! Great food at a fair price! Try something new like the Paticon or an Arepa(delicious sandwich on a corn bun), they do also offer a burger and out of the norm fry varieties.
Comment by kbeazyfasheezy at 03/02/2025 at 02:08 UTC
64 upvotes, 4 direct replies
The new Nineveh restaurant!
Comment by OutrageousMail1484 at 03/02/2025 at 02:54 UTC
35 upvotes, 5 direct replies
I’ve been a regular at Taqueria la Esquinita on Legion since I went for the first time in 2021. It’s usually not busy, a little pricier than a food truck but incredible portions & a lovely staff. Plenty of options as well and INCREDIBLE guacamole. My favorite sit-down Mexican place in town. They also have all-you-can-eat tacos for 16$ on weekends.
Comment by g8tknow at 03/02/2025 at 03:55 UTC
15 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Don de La Colombiana - downtown Oly. Locally owned and operated Delicious food and lovely people!
Comment by WhereIsMyNalgene at 03/02/2025 at 03:57 UTC
13 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Dos Hermanos Mexican Kitchen in the 222 Market down town. My favorite spot for tamales! Basil Leaf on the westside for Thai food K-Kitchen in Lacey for Korean
Comment by Rabble_Arouser1 at 03/02/2025 at 01:49 UTC
38 upvotes, 3 direct replies
It’s a bit out of the way in Lacey, but Bacco is fairly nice If you like Italian. Of course, I would additonally offer the Mark for similar fare, though that’s an institution.
Comment by _1plus2plus1plus1_ at 03/02/2025 at 02:16 UTC
39 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Akashic food truck. Ilk smash burger.
Edit: autocorrect
Comment by emmalouhoot at 03/02/2025 at 02:08 UTC
44 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Hotstone in downtown for Korean comfort food!
Comment by MsKewlieGal at 03/02/2025 at 02:08 UTC
11 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Far East downtown
Comment by captaintrips420 at 03/02/2025 at 01:43 UTC
20 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Reach out to basilico ristorante and schedule a custom menu for a date night. You can get a fixed price custom menu for as little as two people and as many as 20, and the quality and portions of food were amazing.
Comment by Pizzawood1 at 03/02/2025 at 04:16 UTC
19 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Stone Creek Wood Fired Pizza on the west side. Fresh ingredients. Made from scratch cinnamon rolls, sausage, dough, sauces, chipotle sauces, salads, wings etc. Nice people. Family business. Outdoor covered event center with concerts and other events. Even a wood carving club. Real wood fired pizza. They even made the ovens and a lot more. Started as a food truck across the pond next to them.
Comment by Affectionate-Top4649 at 03/02/2025 at 03:33 UTC
8 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Bangkok Thai by Fred Meyers in Lacey is so good.
Comment by jbintch at 03/02/2025 at 04:08 UTC
16 upvotes, 0 direct replies
ASHHO Cultural Community Center is doing lunches on Saturday with different cuisines every time! I really liked what I had there recently.
Comment by Infamous-Leopard-684 at 03/02/2025 at 04:13 UTC
24 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Rush In Dumplings has been amazing every time I've had it. Loaded dumplings 🤤🤤
Comment by bonchmobile at 03/02/2025 at 02:51 UTC
13 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Seoul out by winco is so dang good. Their galbi-tang and fried mackerel 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
Comment by MNSUAngel at 03/02/2025 at 15:49 UTC
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Big fan of Safura's for Mediterranean food (family owned) and Punjabi Boy for Indian food (also family owned). I wouldn't say either are "budget options," but they do not break the bank either. Best pizza in town is Old School Pizzarreia.
Comment by PNW_gemini at 03/02/2025 at 03:29 UTC
14 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The leaning maple is fantastic! Another favorite is El Sitio! Both downtown Oly.
Comment by aliceinwonderwood at 03/02/2025 at 02:33 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Bangkok Thai
Comment by Smzzms at 03/02/2025 at 05:35 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
All good suggestions here, I’d add K-Kitchen to the list for Korean comfort food.
Comment by Bug_Kiss at 03/02/2025 at 04:09 UTC
10 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Valentina's is excellent Central American cuisine (almost Mexican), affordable and has one of the nicest interiors I've seen in this town. It's cozy and inviting. Check out
Comment by RazzmatazzWorth4993 at 03/02/2025 at 04:15 UTC
10 upvotes, 1 direct replies
German Diner to go
Comment by SalteeMint at 03/02/2025 at 05:55 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
K Kitchen in Lacey. Best Korean fried chicken I’ve ever had. Damn good bibimbap too.
Comment by Equal-Government-712 at 03/02/2025 at 01:40 UTC
12 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Buzz's. The nachos...