Washington is renowned for its evergreen forests, locally crafted beers, and coffee. If you find yourself in Olympia, the state’s capital, you must explore the city’s bustling coffee shop scene. With so many options, figuring out where to start can take time.
That’s why we put together this guide to the 11 best coffee shops in Olympia, whether you’re a local looking for a new spot or a visitor wanting to experience the city like a true Washingtonian.
From unique cafes to sprawling shops with ample seating, Olympia has a coffee shop to match every taste and mood.
And thanks to the city’s passion for high-quality, ethical coffee, you can trust that every cup will satisfy you. So grab a seat, relax with a hot drink, and get ready to fall in love with Olympia, one perfectly brewed cup at a time.
Coffee Shops in Olympia
Olympia Coffee Roasting
Olympia Coffee Roasting is a small-batch artisan organic coffee roaster that started in 2005. They have several locations around Olympia, including South, West, and Downtown Olympia.
Visit their downtown place; it stands out because it looks cute, is clean, and has many seats.
For a great coffee experience, consider signing up for their ‘Coffee of the Month subscription.’ They’ll send you expertly chosen blends to your door each month.
What to order at Olympia Coffee Roasting:
Their commitment to honestly doing business is evident in their flagship Big Truck coffee, which shows how much they care about quality.
The Nitro Iced is one of the best drinks you should try. It has a refreshing citrusy twist that makes it better than a regular cold brew. The Vanilla Latte is a popular choice for people who want something different.
Burial Grounds Coffee Collective
In Olympia’s Historic District, Burial Grounds is a special place for coffee lovers.
The place has a simple style decorated with local art and photos, making it a calm spot for coffee lovers.
Burial Grounds stands out from other coffee shops in Olympia because they offer discounts to students, military personnel, and law enforcement, fostering a welcoming community.
Unlike busy coffee chains, Burial Grounds is a quiet place to relax with friends or read a book.
What to order at Burial Grounds:
They get their coffee beans from Dino’s Coffee Company, which is organic and Fair Trade.
Each sip of their drinks shows how much they care about making things with quality and passion. You can find unique coffee choices like Toddy and Cafe Aulait.
You can also enjoy tasty pastries from San Francisco Street Bakery in Olympia while having the perfect experience at Burial Grounds.
The Owl’s Nest coffee + pastries
You can find The Owl’s in Downtown Olympia near The Olympia Center. It’s not like your usual coffee spot – it’s a cozy place for people who love coffee and pastries.
The cafe started in 2022 and is run by the owner, Shelby Haggard, who cares about quality and doing things ethically.
When you walk into The Owl’s Nest, it feels warm and friendly. It’s a great place to hang out, meet, or get inspired.
What to order at The Owl’s:
They serve Trailhead coffee, which is made by a local company that cares about using organic and fair-trade beans.
You should try their Owl Latte – a mix of espresso, steamed milk, caramel, whipped cream, and a chocolate owl on top.
Pair that with their most popular treat, the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It’s a moist and fluffy pastry with chocolate chips and walnuts, and it goes perfectly with your coffee or tea.
Dancing Goats
Dancing Goats has been making fantastic coffee worldwide since 1988. They care about quality and have high standards in the specialty coffee business.
Among the coffee shops in Olympia, they offer different types of coffee, like certified organic, fair trade, bird-friendly, and shade-grown.
They have four locations in the Olympia, each with a unique feel and enjoyable things. The downtown spot is in the middle of the city and has fresh local pastries.
It’s a prominent place with many seating options, so whether you want to read, do homework, have a meeting, or grab a quick coffee with friends. They even have a fireplace, which is nice when it’s colder.
What to order at Dancing Goats:
Try Cappuccino or Chai Latte – they’re both excellent choices. And if you’re hungry, they have yummy pastries and snacks made locally in the Pacific Northwest.
Samayra Coffee Co.
Samayra is a locally owned coffee shop and roaster in South Westside, Olympia.
This place has a chill vibe, dark walls, and energizing music. It’s different from those prominent corporate places where you feel cramped.
Samayra has plenty of space, and the outside tables give you attractive views of the Black Hills and a peek at the Olympic Mountains.
What to Order at Samayra:
Their Cortado coffee is impressive, made with the perfect amount of foam. Don’t miss White Chocolate Mocha—a tasty mix of sweet and brew coffee flavors.
Samayra also has delicious pastries from local bakeries. The blueberry Danish with croissant dough is a winner, and the almond cake with blueberries is a sweet way to end your visit.
Ember Goods
Ember Goods is a rad family-run coffee shop and store right in downtown Olympia. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before your next adventure in or out of the city.
This place is super cozy with awesome vibes. You can also find all kinds of PNW-style clothing and goods in their shop.
And get this – you can join their Ember Club and have coffee delivered to your door whenever you want! Pretty sweet.
What to Order at Ember Goods:
They roast their own beans just outside Olympia and have all kinds of coffee, from espresso to pour-over. We love that they make their own vanilla syrup, too.
For food, you can’t go wrong with their signature s’mores made with homemade marshmallows and graham crackers. Or apple cider donuts – yum!
Rediviva Tea & Coffee
Step into the fantastic world of Rediviva – a charming coffee and tea shop tucked away in Downtown Olympia.
The shop’s beautiful woodwork inside gives you magical vibes. The atmosphere here is always chill, making it the perfect spot for tea and coffee lovers looking to unwind.
What to order at Rediviva:
If you’re looking for Turkish coffee, Rediviva is a must-visit among the many coffee shops in Olympia.
Sip on rich Turkish, French, or Vietnamese coffee made by their friendly and talented baristas.
Tea drinkers can order their diverse selection, including exotic Jamaican and Thai tea flavors.
Rhythms Coffee
Rhythms has quickly become our favorite coffee shop in Olympia. Located just 219 feet from the downtown boardwalk, they offer the perfect place to enjoy these tastes.
Rhythms partners with the Blossom Coffee Roasters to supply the highest quality fair trade coffee beans. This creates a memorable cup of coffee for customers.
In addition to quality coffee, Rhythms also wants to nurture the musical spirit of Olympia. The shop offers a space for both musicians and music lovers.
An open mic night and booked talent allow musicians to explore and perform. It also gives patrons live music to enjoy alongside their drinks. Rhythms create a positive atmosphere welcoming all ages and genres of music.
What to order at Rhythms:
Artison coffee, teas, organic milk, and syrups at Rhythms is what keeps you coming back.
Their espresso drinks, like cappuccinos and lattes, are professionally made and packed with rich flavor.
Bar Francis
Bar Francis offers a relaxing haven for coffee lovers in Downtown Olympia. With its minimalist and Scandinavian vibe, this indie cafe brings the community together through art, crafts, and unique drinks.
Local talent helped Bar Francis succeed – artists, bakers, and designers contributed their skills.
Outside, you can share a single table with your dog and enjoy interesting art rotating through the exhibition.
What to order at Bar Francis:
The Almond Milk Latte with house-made vanilla is a standout choice, noted for picture-perfect foam. For something unique, try the Coffee Cola.
Their chai tea concentrate steeps for a long time, which brings out the strong flavor. There are no pre-made products, and all of the ingredients are organic. Bar Francis tries to come up with new things to serve.
Drip Espresso Bar
Drip Espresso Bar is a woman-owned small business that opened in 2015. They proudly serve Batdorf & Bronson coffee, one of the country’s best coffee roasters.
The shop is located near the Capital Campus, making it a convenient spot for students and workers. They have extra seating in the back, so you can find a quiet and comfortable place to relax or work.
Drip Espresso Bar is one of the best coffee shops in Olympia, and you should try it. You will love their coffee, their pastries, and their atmosphere.
What to order at Drip Espresso Bar:
One of the best things about Drip Espresso Bar is its various drinks and flavors. They always have seasonal drinks to try and are happy to recreate your old favorites.
The most popular drink is the London Fog; it is the best in the PNW, according to many customers. You can also choose from soy, almond, or coconut milk if you are dairy-free.
Northwest Grind
Northwest Grind is a locally owned coffee shop in Olympia Capital Mall that serves the best-crafted coffee in a warm and welcoming space.
For those who have yet to visit Northwest Grind, it’s time to see what they miss out on.
What to order at Northwest Grind:
Their coffee drinks taste and stay at the same temperature every time, which is something that not all coffee shops can do.
You should order the rich and flavorful Banana Bread Latte or French Toast Latte.
Beyond its wide range of caffeine options, Northwest Grind offers mouth-watering breakfast and baked goods to pair nicely with any hot or cold beverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best coffee shop in Olympia for studying or working?
Dancing Goats has ample seating options, including a fireplace, making it an excellent spot for studying, working, or reading in Olympia. Drip Espresso Bar also has extra seating in the back for a comfortable and quiet workspace.
Where can I find unique coffee drinks like Turkish coffee in Olympia?
Head to Rediviva Tea & Coffee in downtown Olympia for exotic coffee drinks like rich Turkish, French, and Vietnamese coffee options from talented baristas.
Which Olympia coffee shop is best for fair trade and organic coffee?
Burial Grounds Coffee Collective serves coffee beans from Dino’s Coffee Company, which are organic and fair trade. Olympia Coffee Roasting also prioritizes organic and ethically sourced coffee.
Where can I find Olympia coffee shops with live music performances?
Check out Rhythms Coffee in downtown Olympia near the boardwalk. They offer an open mic night and book musical talent in a welcoming atmosphere.
Note: Business statuses can change. We recommend verifying any establishment’s current location and operational hours before planning your visit.