By Mark Heidelberger
Olympia is the official seat of Thurston County, Washington, as well as the state's capital, with a population of more than 45,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city is a major cultural center for the Puget Sound region. It is home to numerous landmarks and attractions, such as the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Capitol Lakefair and the 600-acre Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area. In addition, food connoisseurs looking to indulge in authentic German cuisine will find numerous such restaurants in the Olympia area.
Oskar's German & European Deli
Patrons will find a charming, cozy dining room and friendly staff at this German bistro located just outside of downtown Olympia. The deli serves fresh Bavarian meats, breads and cheeses. The sit-down menu specials include veal loaf sandwiches, house-made sauerkraut and golden brown jagerschnitzel served with mushroom gravy over spaetzle. Try German cheesecake layered with sugar for dessert. Coffee and tea are included with each meal.
Oskar's German & European Deli
720 Sleater Kinney Road SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360-491-3251
Bavarian Wurst
This quaint, family owned bistro is located just two blocks east of Capitol Lake in the Olympia Farmer's Market and has been serving the area since 1982. Ten different kinds of sausages are available, with the juicy, traditional bratwurst by far the most popular, while German-style potato salad or curly fries make excellent side dishes. Chocolate cream puffs, beer-flavored sausage and deli edelweiss are also popular.
Bavarian Wurst
700 Capitol Way S.
Olympia, WA 98501
360-786-1934
Bavarian Corner
This casual German deli/restaurant has a small dining area furnished with traditional Bavarian decorations. The menu offers German cuisine made from fresh, authentic ingredients and often cooked by the owner, Angelika Irving. Some of the most popular items include wienerschnitzel, knackwurst and sauerbraten.
Bavarian Corner
8910 Martin Way E.
Lacey, WA 98516
360-456-5066
Wagner's European Bakery-Cafe
Anyone with a sweet tooth should try some of the German desserts made fresh here every day. Customer favorites include creamy German cheesecake, fruitcake, cinnamon swirl bread and a holiday yule log with raspberry filling. In addition, an extensive lunch menu features various hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and pasta and potato salads.
Wagner's European Bakery-Cafe
1013 Capitol Way S.
Olympia, WA 98501
360-357-7268
German Pastry & Coffee Shop
Located approximately 30 minutes outside of downtown Olympia is this small pastry shop. It features freshly made Bavarian pastries, including butter cookies with white fondant icing, chocolate custard donuts and schneken filled with raisins. The staff give recommendations on what goes best with their freshly brewed German gourmet coffee.
German Pastry & Coffee Shop
6108 Mount Tacoma Drive SW
Tacoma, WA 98499
253-588-5777
About the Author:
Mark Heidelberger has been writing for more than 17 years, with recent articles appearing on various websites. He has also written, rewritten and developed dozens of feature-film screenplays and manages a number of film and television writers. He holds a master's degree from University of California, Los Angeles in film and television producing.
