‘It was a place of legend.’ These are the Olympia restaurants of the past that readers miss most
Last week, The Olympian asked readers which former restaurants around the Olympia area you miss the most, regardless of how long ago it closed down. With over 150 online survey responses and more than 300 social media responses on The Olympian’s Facebook page, readers reminisced about regional restaurant losses, both old and new.
Some miss eateries that closed during the first several months of the pandemic in 2020, including Dillinger’s , Izzy’s and Cooper Point Public House.
One of the most frequently named restaurants was Falls Terrace, known to many generations as Tumwater Falls restaurant, or simply The Falls.
A favorite for marking special occasions and holidays as well as a top pick for honored out-of-town visitors, Falls Terrace featured upscale dining with a one-of-a kind view of Tumwater Falls from tables in the main dining room.
“Stunning view of Tumwater Falls, great seafood and wonderful ambiance,” wrote Jessica in her survey response.
“It was a special place,” wrote Bernie Stanman. “Having an excellent meal as you watched the water cascade — a really zen experience.”
An early victim of the pandemic, Falls Terrace closed down in 2020 and the parking lot remains in use as overflow for the nearby Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.
Several survey respondents said that the Falls Terrace represented something personal to them, and its closure feels like the end of an era.
“When we moved here in 1978 there wasn’t much of a food scene,” wrote Helen Pressley. “Whenever my folks visited, we always went to Falls Terrace for our visits and for birthdays and the like. Now my folks are gone, and so is Falls Terrace. I will always miss them.”
But wait, there’s good news: The restaurant is expected to reopen. Falls Terrace owner Daniel Vavrinec is working on repairs to the business and is having supply chain issues, he told the Olympian earlier this week. But he doesn’t have a timeline for when the restaurant will reopen.
Downtown Olympia
In downtown Olympia, you told us about many favorite spots for sandwiches, seafood, and beyond including the 5th Ave. Sandwich Shop, Darby’s, Waterstreet Cafe and Bar and more.
Many of you also mentioned missing Ben Moore’s, which now is owned by South Puget Sound Community College as an event space and goes by the name Percival Place at Ben Moore’s. It remains closed.
Quality Burrito, which shut temporarily during the pandemic, hopes to reopen sometime this summer.
Some lamented the loss of one of Olympia’s great Italian spots, Trinacria.
“The best pasta I have ever had in my life,” wrote Julie of now-shuttered downtown favorite, which made up for its tiny space with a mouth-watering selection of homemade dishes and wines. “Perfect portions. Delicious cannoli and wine. Small and intimate.”
Quite a few mentions were made of downtown barbecue favorite, Ramblin’ Jack’s, which shut down in 2018. The popular gathering spot for work groups, family gatherings and dates is still missed.
“A very special addition for downtown Olympia,” wrote Karen L. “Everything about it was good! My favorite was the pulled pork. But everything that I tried was very good. And it had a great atmosphere.”
Throwback memories
Some of the most nostalgic submissions were about Jo Mama’s, a family-favorite pizza and pasta place on State Avenue with a homey atmosphere and affordable prices. Others mentioned Crackers, a longtime American standard food and drinks establishment that dominated the downtown restaurant scene for much of the 1980s and 1990s. It eventually expanded into a restaurant-night club before it closed.
Readers liked Crackers for its late hours, offbeat menu fashioned after the Marx brothers, and elegant interior.
Some other deeply nostalgic mentions included Carnegie’s in the old library building at Seventh and Franklin as well as Seven Gables, both uniquely Olympia in their eclectic yet elegant atmospheres and historic settings.
Davis’ Brown Derby, or the Brown Derby to locals, was also mentioned quite a few times, even though it closed its doors in 1980. The popular diner combined brick-and-mortar Americana storefront charm with consistent high-quality food and service.
“I’ve been in diners all across America, and have never been in one approaching the quality of the Brown Derby,” wrote Doug Riddels in the survey. “Most noted for Mrs. Davis’s famous clam chowder, they also featured fresh-baked cakes and pies, homemade bread, great breakfasts, and the best hamburger I’ve ever had.
“There was usually a line to get a seat at the small counter, as a madcap crew of cooks and wait staff regaled their customers,” Riddels continued. “It was a place of legend.”
Some readers recalled major life events happening there.
“Davis’ Brown Derby, where my husband proposed 45 years ago,” commented Ann Lasko-Harvill on the Olympian’s Facebook page.
The oft-mentioned Apollo’s was lamented, as was Acqua Via, which closed in 2015.
“The food was unique, fresh, delicious, nicely presented, a wonderful bar, terrific staff,” lamented Merry Magie in her survey response. “All the things a local place should be.”
Painful pandemic losses
There were many who said the loss of certain places was about more than the food. Readers told us of their love for the beer, onion rings, smashed meatballs and friendly owners at the Cooper Point Public House. It closed in late 2020.
“I loved the energy of the place — the owners worked so hard to keep it going,” wrote Launi Meade in the survey.
There were also mentions of missing Hart’s Mesa and Mediterranean Breeze. One oft-mentioned favorite, Dillinger’s, was a victim of the pandemic.
“I moved to Nevada for 3 years and when I moved back I was so excited to get to go there again!” Nicole Grant stated on Facebook. “That was March 1, 2020. The world shut down 9 days later. I never got my chance.”
Among several favorite pizza places mentioned was Izzy’s, which announced in mid-2021 that it would close permanently.
“Great owners, delicious fresh choices,” commented Mari Blair Bochenek on Facebook about the popular family restaurant known for its pizza and buffet. “Fun memories. I miss them so much.”
Another patron, who only gave her name as Diane, noted it was one of the area’s last buffet restaurants.
Other restaurants you miss
In Olympia, there were a few mentions of some other spots, including Genoa’s, El Nopal, Cicada’s, JJ North’s, Oly Rock Fish Grill, Mini Saigon, Capital Mall’s Pints and Quarts, The Gyro Spot, Kitzel’s, Dino’s Diner, Shakey’s, Sweet Oasis, The Asterisk, Smithfield Cafe, Peppers Mexican Restaurant, Wally’s Sandwich Bar, and more.
Other area restaurants readers say they miss include Cancun Plaza, Mandarin House, Hans on College Street, Native New Yorker, Rib Eye, Schlotzky’s, Sizzler, Touch of Europe, Norma’s, Godfather’s Pizza, The Pizza Place, Paulie G’s, Royal Fork, Flavor Nook, Norm’s Drive In, Pacos Tacos and Hawks Prairie Restaurant.
Finally, readers also miss Miguel’s and the Mason Jar, as well the Point Tavern.
This story was originally published June 3, 2022 at 12:12 PM.
