We curated a list of some of Olympia’s best cocktail spots. Here are our recommendations
The next few days mark the first weekend of spring. To welcome brighter days to come, one thing you can do is try a cocktail while enjoying an evening sunset.
The Olympian curated a list of 11 of Olympia’s most highly-regarded restaurants for cocktails using consumer feedback from Yelp and Tripadvisor. Check out one of these businesses as spring comes into full bloom.
Olympia signature & handcrafted cocktails
Gardner’s Restaurant at 111 W. Thurston Ave. NW
This classic Olympia favorite has a wide range of signature cocktails that range in price from $12-14. Their tequila drinks include a Spanish mule and a pink paloma, both for $12. The restaurant also offers a selection of classic cocktails, including martinis, Manhattans and margaritas.
Basilico Ristorante at 507 Capitol Way S.
One of Olympia’s most popular Italian restaurants offers numerous specialty cocktails that evoke the flavors of Italy ranging in price from $10-12. They also offer a range of spirits including vodka, Scotch whiskey, bourbon, gin and others for $8-20. Liqueurs and bitters are $7-9 and grappas from $7-15.
Anthony’s Homeport at 704 Columbia St. NW
One of the area’s most idyllic spots for dinner and a drink with sunset views of Olympia and Puget Sound is Anthony’s. The restaurant’s Happy Hour menu from 3-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday includes $7 cocktails such as Moscow mule and hard lemonade. Well drinks with liquor, soda, tonic or juice are $6.
Budd Bay Café at 525 N. Columbia St. NW
A beloved waterfront spot in the heart of Olympia, Budd Bay Café offers $1 off well drinks during its 3-5:30 p.m. daily happy hour. Its expansive drinks menu offers a range of signature cocktails, all priced at $14, including a huckleberry fizz drink with vodka and other fruit-infused options that play with strawberry and pomegranate.
The Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar at 501 Columbia St., Suite B
Another favorite on the waterfront, The Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar offers house-designed craft cocktails from its bar menu. Ranging in price from $12-13, Dockside cocktail options include a rhubarb daiquiri, as well as specialties made with vodka, mezcal and more.
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill at 1675 Marine Drive NE
Popular for its cozy atmosphere and situated just off the core of downtown Olympia, Anthony’s Hearthfire offers a Monday-Friday Happy Hour from 3-6:30 p.m. The Happy Hour menu includes $6 well drinks and $7 cocktails such as appletinis and Manhattans.
Row at 208 State Ave. W.
Right in the heart of downtown Olympia, just off from the port’s boardwalk, is Row. Although their happy hour is still in the works according to their website, Row offers a robust list of drink menu options. Their cocktails range in price from $8.50-11 and include options like an old fashioned and a hibiscus cooler with vodka.
Cascadia Grill at 200 4th Ave. W.
Although it is more well-known for its burgers, Cascadia still has a nice selection of drinks on their menu. Their cocktails include concoctions with prosecco, sake, ginger beer and more, all for $10.
Octapas Cafe at 610 Water St. SW
The Octapas Cafe in Olympia is all about “creating that moment to relax, break bread with friends and family and enjoy life,” according to its website. The restaurant features signature cocktails with mixes including campari, creme de cacao, sangria or apricot brandy. You can sip on one of five select drinks for $9.
Olympia Oyster House at 320 Fourth Ave. W.
The Oyster House lets you turn a bottle of champagne into a monstrous mimosa with fruit and juices of your choosing for $22.99. Although the restaurant doesn’t have a full list of cocktails on its website, it occasionally posts its recent creations on Instagram, such as an apple-themed bourbon beverage for $14.
The Cove at 311 Capitol Way N.
Just opened in 2022, Olympia’s Cove restaurant is open seven days a week and has happy hour 3-6 p.m. daily that offers $1 off alcoholic drinks, including cocktails. Enjoy one of the sports bar’s handcrafted beverages while listening to live music or at one of the restaurant’s comedy shows.
This story was originally published March 25, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
