Kathleen on lunching in town, nostalgic and delicious finds

Kathleen Anderson

I had to be out and about quite a bit last week, so my daughter Nikki and I took the opportunity to revisit some of our favorite places for our lunches.

There are many places in our communities to choose from, but without discussing It, we both drifted toward old favorites.

We started out at the Dairy Queen in Lacey. Who doesn’t love a yummy blizzard? But did you know their chicken strips are to die for? Or that they serve some of the best hamburgers on the planet?

I also love places that support our communities. Dairy Queen had a sign in the front of their seating area that states if Little League Team Players come in after their game while still in uniform, they will receive a free ice cream cone. Americana at its best.

Next up was Applebee’s, also in Lacey, where most of my stops were located. We love Applebee’s for several reasons, not the least of which is the food. Their salads, riblets and specials have long been some of our favorites.

We also enjoy the décor. Every Applebee’s I have visited has a pictorial history of the community they serve and we enjoy learning something new each time we go.

A couple of years ago, I “accidentally” popped in during one of their community events – Breakfast with Santa, hosted by a local non-profit organization.  Somehow, I missed all the signs announcing this event and didn’t realize this was going on until I went inside, where I quickly realized I was the only patron present without a kid. But I happily stayed for the pancake breakfast anyway. Again, a local business supporting its community, so I will continue to support them.

Next, we tried a place new to us. In the mood for Mexican food, we popped into El Sarape, also in Lacey, I think. (I am not always sure where I am within the Olympia/Lacey borders.) The food was delicious, the service was great and the portions were very generous.

South Bay Pub and Eatery

Last but not least, we stopped in a place close to home, South Bay Pub and Eatery, in northeast Olympia. We have been here several times before and it is a neighborhood favorite. It also reminds me of my previously owned café. It boasts a very friendly, comfortable environment with a little bit of fun. For instance, there is a colorful mural on one of the walls, and the ceiling is littered with dollar bills attached by darts…a skill I have so far not been brave enough to attempt. 

This is not a large place, and customers often visit with each other while waiting for their food. On one such visit we were sitting at the bar and the lady sitting next to my daughter was served her salad before we had ordered.

When my daughter commented on how good it looked, she offered her a bite, so she could try it before ordering. Another customer sitting a little farther down joined in the conversation and we discovered we were neighbors.

During another visit after we first moved here, the bartender introduced us to a cocktail she had invented using a local berry that is only available for a short time.

Since none of us can remember the name of the berry we haven’t ordered another, but everyone agreed it was delicious, and so is the food.

I love these kinds of places. On the day we were here last week, the place was packed, and there was only one waitress who ran from table to kitchen to bar non-stop, with a smile on her face the entire time.

This brought back memories of my little café and the 4^th of July, when the local steam train was running, the café was packed with tourists and my waitress didn’t show up.

I told the customers I was the cook, waitress, and dishwasher and if they would write their order down on the pad on the counter, I would get it to them as fast as I could.

This went on for a short while when a couple appeared in the kitchen. They informed me they had a place like mine where they lived in Chicago, and would be happy to help. She assumed the waitress responsibilities and he washed all the dishes. They would not accept any pay and insisted on paying for their food.

Good people and good times…

We’ll be back

My daughter and I agreed we would be back to try their breakfast menu, which is only served on weekends. Personally, I am looking forward to trying the stuffed hashbrowns. You can not go wrong with stuffed hashbrowns, in my humble opinion.

Maybe I will see you there?

Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia.  Contact her at  kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comment below.