It might seem hard to believe, but I have been coming to the Olive Pit for close to fifty years. When I was a wee one, my parents would make a special stop at what was then basically a roadside stand. They would purchase a jumbo jar of pimento-stuffed olives to bring to my mom’s brother’s family on our annual summer trip.
My oh my, how times have changed! The place is now a full service stop off the highway, offering more than just olives. Plenty of parking. A respite from the heat if you are driving the I-5 during the summer. Clean bathrooms. Food. Coffee drinks. Generally personable staff. I tend to stop here now once or twice a year and order from them online at least yearly (given their reasonable prices and flat-rate shipping costs).
I have my favorites, mostly the various olive varieties as well as the cocktail onions. I have items I avoid, mostly those that are labeled “Made for the Olive Pit” or those made by other brands but sold there. I’ve noticed that they don’t have as many larger sizes as they used to offer. Then again, prices are still quite reasonable, especially when compared to some brands offered at national chain supermarkets.
As you can tell, I already recommend this place. But a recent online experience only highlights why (I think this is called “burying the lead”). Bought approximately eight items. Opened one and something was off. The lid didn’t make a slight pop when I broke the seal. The smell, taste, and mouthfeel were a bit weird. So, I emailed them. Wasn’t necessarily looking for a refund (and, to be clear, didn’t ask for one in that email either). Within less than a day, I received a response from them, checking on the “use by” date. They then checked that stock and reported back that the samples were fine. I assume it was a one-off sort of problem. But they also offered a refund after asking me to check to make sure none of the other items were bad. That is stellar customer service. Thank you, Kalin!
And thank you, Olive Pit. In one way or another, you have been part of my life for close to fifty years. Here’s hoping both you and I are around for many years to come!
Antoinette Bissig
This little store is the greatest! I'm not much for green olives to be honest, but that is not all they carry. I Love to find different kinds of locally sourced merchandise such as honey. They have some great nostalgic candy options and I love their flavored vinegars.
Richard Winkler
Had lunch on the way to Vacaville, hamburger and tots feed both me and my wife, along with sharing a amazing orange shake. So good we timed our return trip north so as be there to enjoy lunch again on the way back. Also picked up some gifts in the store that our friends have been enjoying.
Richard Anderson
We went for the orange infused olive oil and found out from one of the ladies that work there that they use it to make milk shakes. We went home and tried it... the best orange cream flavored milkshake EVER! Thank you Olive Pit!
Jamie Mcgaster
Stopped in on the way back to bayarea, wow what a good stop. Staff very knowledgeable about all things olive. Just ask to taste what you see. Selections are vast. Even a few surprises. Clean bathrooms, a plus. Well worth the stop.
Callie Barnes
Great place to stop even had room for truckers to get in to shop
V4957PYthomasf
We always stop here on our way to Oregon. Usually we stop for balsamic vinegar and olives but this time we got jellies and ate at the restaurant. Busy but food was prepared quickly. We ordered sandwiches, but the burgers looked good too. They sandwiches were reasonably priced and delicious. Most people also got milkshakes which looked great…next time!
Andrea Meyers
Love love trying all the olives. They're great quality and great gifts.
James Lindauer
It was my first time there, so I ordered the Bacon Burger with Jam. It was unbelievably good. I don't usually go for that sort of thing, but I'm glad that I gave it a try. It was delicious, and the staff was clean and friendly. I am definitely going back to give it another try.
Samuel Vaughn
It is a very good place to shop, and the food is amazing 👏
Love the selections and the tastings to help me decide which olives to buy.
Dro “Darzo” Arzooian
I got Burger from here and gosh, was it the best? I think it was. Got some olive oils and balsamic vinegar to die for
John Elliott
I worked for the Forest Service and every summer on our way to fire assignments we would stop there to eat . even stayed in there motel .
original bar that was saved from the fire . great place to eat and Stay . I highly recommend stopping here to eat or shop . love there stuffed olives.
Edenia Urenda
This is the place for OL•IVe your needs 😆 This was a great stop on our road trip thru CA. I am obsessed with charcuterie boards and always looking for great options. This has little snacks, oils for dips, wines and of course olives. There is a great selection for all the charcuterie afficionado in your life. We will definitely be back again.
Ira Kortum
More than just olives. A great place for jams, jellies vinaigrettes and much more. Also if you’re hungry, they cook a mean burger!
It might seem hard to believe, but I have been coming to the Olive Pit for close to fifty years. When I was a wee one, my parents would make a special stop at what was then basically a roadside stand. They would purchase a jumbo jar of pimento-stuffed olives to bring to my mom’s brother’s family on our annual summer trip.
My oh my, how times have changed! The place is now a full service stop off the highway, offering more than just olives. Plenty of parking. A respite from the heat if you are driving the I-5 during the summer. Clean bathrooms. Food. Coffee drinks. Generally personable staff. I tend to stop here now once or twice a year and order from them online at least yearly (given their reasonable prices and flat-rate shipping costs).
I have my favorites, mostly the various olive varieties as well as the cocktail onions. I have items I avoid, mostly those that are labeled “Made for the Olive Pit” or those made by other brands but sold there. I’ve noticed that they don’t have as many larger sizes as they used to offer. Then again, prices are still quite reasonable, especially when compared to some brands offered at national chain supermarkets.
As you can tell, I already recommend this place. But a recent online experience only highlights why (I think this is called “burying the lead”). Bought approximately eight items. Opened one and something was off. The lid didn’t make a slight pop when I broke the seal. The smell, taste, and mouthfeel were a bit weird. So, I emailed them. Wasn’t necessarily looking for a refund (and, to be clear, didn’t ask for one in that email either). Within less than a day, I received a response from them, checking on the “use by” date. They then checked that stock and reported back that the samples were fine. I assume it was a one-off sort of problem. But they also offered a refund after asking me to check to make sure none of the other items were bad. That is stellar customer service. Thank you, Kalin!
And thank you, Olive Pit. In one way or another, you have been part of my life for close to fifty years. Here’s hoping both you and I are around for many years to come!
This little store is the greatest! I'm not much for green olives to be honest, but that is not all they carry. I Love to find different kinds of locally sourced merchandise such as honey. They have some great nostalgic candy options and I love their flavored vinegars.
Had lunch on the way to Vacaville, hamburger and tots feed both me and my wife, along with sharing a amazing orange shake. So good we timed our return trip north so as be there to enjoy lunch again on the way back. Also picked up some gifts in the store that our friends have been enjoying.
We went for the orange infused olive oil and found out from one of the ladies that work there that they use it to make milk shakes. We went home and tried it... the best orange cream flavored milkshake EVER!
Thank you Olive Pit!
Stopped in on the way back to bayarea, wow what a good stop. Staff very knowledgeable about all things olive. Just ask to taste what you see. Selections are vast. Even a few surprises. Clean bathrooms, a plus. Well worth the stop.
Great place to stop even had room for truckers to get in to shop
We always stop here on our way to Oregon. Usually we stop for balsamic vinegar and olives but this time we got jellies and ate at the restaurant. Busy but food was prepared quickly. We ordered sandwiches, but the burgers looked good too. They sandwiches were reasonably priced and delicious. Most people also got milkshakes which looked great…next time!
Love love trying all the olives. They're great quality and great gifts.
It was my first time there, so I ordered the Bacon Burger with Jam. It was unbelievably good. I don't usually go for that sort of thing, but I'm glad that I gave it a try. It was delicious, and the staff was clean and friendly. I am definitely going back to give it another try.
It is a very good place to shop, and the food is amazing 👏
Restaurantji Recommends
Love the selections and the tastings to help me decide which olives to buy.
I got Burger from here and gosh, was it the best? I think it was. Got some olive oils and balsamic vinegar to die for
I worked for the Forest Service and every summer on our way to fire assignments we would stop there to eat . even stayed in there motel . original bar that was saved from the fire . great place to eat and Stay . I highly recommend stopping here to eat or shop . love there stuffed olives.
This is the place for OL•IVe your needs 😆
This was a great stop on our road trip thru CA. I am obsessed with charcuterie boards and always looking for great options. This has little snacks, oils for dips, wines and of course olives. There is a great selection for all the charcuterie afficionado in your life. We will definitely be back again.
More than just olives. A great place for jams, jellies vinaigrettes and much more. Also if you’re hungry, they cook a mean burger!
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