I'm not one of those people that trashes everything. I really wanted to love this place. They should have just changed the name, rather than sully the memory of our old reef with such greasy, nasty, oily food. This is the second time I came here. Watch my video. I received the oiliest sandwich I think I've ever had in my life here. Oil just literally dripping off the entire sandwich, bun just soaked in it. The whole thing became a pasty nasty mess.
Instead of trying to make attractive looking pub food maybe focus on getting the flavors and textures right. And if you're going to leave the sky n on a thigh to fry it, make damn sure it's crispy. What I got was a nasty gob of fat and less than fully cooked chicken in the center.
I won't be back. I really, really wanted to love this place. Too bad. And while this might not be the experience every time, it is my honest review of the food yesterday. At least the service was better.
Also, don't give kids toys with auction cups on them. A 2 year old's first instinct will be to put them in their mouth to wet the suction cup. The absolute last type of toy I'd ever want my kid to have at a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
you mom
WOW!! My husband and I just left from here, the food, the service, the environment, absolutely outstanding!! Best food I've ever had from downtown olympia. Highly recommend the shrimp tacos! The asada tots, strawberry banana milkshake, the fries, the burger, literally just amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Vasu
Really enjoyed my experiences at The Reef with friends and family. The staff was very friendly and on top of everything we needed. We came for dinner one night, and brunch weeks later. The burger on the dinner menu is excellent - and I consider myself a burger expert. Exactly the kind of burger I want. Boneless wings were also great. The breakfast burrito is awesome, too. And, dinner cocktails and brunch cocktails were very well done. Looking forward to next time. Highly recommend The Reef!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
j m
Oly born and raised and have watched this local legend rise over and over, often from literal ashes. It seems to have chosen to rest, rather than rising again in glory, as we felt and tasted none of the Reefs former glory in this newest iteration.
80 dollars for 2 sandwiches, a burrito and three sodas. If the food was good, we could see paying this. We know food has gone up. But this food left us underwhelmed, two of the three of us still hungry, and overall, missing our old Reef.
We were hopeful with a great host service and we seeing that the menu was no longer a 3 page novel.
One major other major positive is how much cleaner the place is over all. It looks and smells much better than it used to, but that is about where it stops with improvements.
The service hasn't changed much once you are seated, however. One can still expect a long wait to get food, checks, refills or anything you need, except not due to customer volume. We couldn't really figure it out until we realized our server was working the lounge, leaving the front for 15 min at a time while we waited for service at various points during our visit. Our burrito sat in the service window for 10 minutes.
Hamburger was a preformed, low quality single patty on a cheap sesame bun. Iceburg and no tomato. Base price is 14 and every addition is 2 dollars, from grilled onions to blue cheese. Low quality american cheese is the standard on this burger.
Chicken sandwich is absolutly not worth the price at 18 for a single thigh, with a tiny portion of fries. Promised brioche bun was missing and a bland sesame bun was used in its stead. Hard time trying to understand why this has slaw and then pickled cabbage, too. Greasy and wet with vinegar and mayo all at once.
Burrito was massive with potatoes and eggs but lacked meat in any substantial way. Plate was hot and the food dried out after hanging out for a while under the heat lamp.
Inflation has pressed all of us. But this is next level. I can get higher quality food handed off with friendlier service for a fraction of the ticket price just about anywhere else in town. I will opt for 2 slices and soda for 6 bucks across the street from now on.
Parking: Reef spots have been removed from the Diamond lot and all parking is street or lot paid
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Melody Sorenson
The best French toast of my LIFE! And the veggie benedict is SO GOOD. And the staff is SO NICE!
I wish I could give them 10 stars.
Nathan Allan
The remodelled and reimagined Reef is fantastic. The food was delicious and plentiful. The decor has been refreshed and looks incredible. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. Can't wait to go back and try one of the honey whiskey drinks in the back bar.
Vegetarian options: The mushroom appetizer is to die for!
Parking: Paid until 5pm
Kid-friendliness: Take the kids!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angela Lard
Thought we’d try the The (new) Reef and were happily impressed. The atmosphere and vibe still have some of that Oly funk but it’s been upgraded and sanitized from the old Reef, in a good way. Our server was Lauren, she was attentive, full of information, and a pleasure to do business with. Our meals were stellar and the Kimchi Fried Rice is going to be something I dream about, and will keep me coming back for more. Great job guys, so happy the doors are open again!!,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Snodgrass
Fantastic spot! The owner personally came out to check on us and chat, which was a nice touch. I had the fried chicken sandwich, and it was the best I've ever had—the sauce was exceptional. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more of their menu.
Kid-friendliness: Great family friendly entertainment
Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access and space for anyone disabled.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Home Fries, Chicken Sandwich
Holly G
My friends and I were on vacation in Olympia and let me just say that this place really made us feel welcome and we had such a nice experience. The food was great (I got the carne tots, which I highly recommend), the service was so friendly (our waitress Tierney was absolutely lovely), and the vibes were immaculate. The tables in the lounge are close together, which I loved because it added a very convivial atmosphere where the fellow patrons were also super friendly and we got to chat with some locals. Next time I’m in the area, I’m definitely going back.
Dani Barton
We came here recently with friends who were visiting. We have been to The Reef now several times. Overall our meals have been great each time. We have had the kimchi rice bowl, the curry with pork belly, the eggs Benedict and the shrimp tacos so far. During our most recent visit there was only one server/waiter. And she was getting slammed. Having to try and remember to greet people as they came in, give out water, take orders, run the food, make the drinks (and time consuming milk shakes), clear tables, take payment etc. The place was at capacity with almost every table taken. I felt for her. Please consider having more staff over the weekend and public holidays. It will be a better experience for everyone. The service will be even better and the staff won’t have to run around like a chicken with its head cut off. She did all she could do given the busy situation. I just couldn’t help but feel stressed for her. Her hard work on that day didn’t go unnoticed by me.
Such a good experience! The food was perfect and Landon is always great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shelby Rowland
Delicious food, amazing vibes, and friendly staff! The breakfast burrito was enormous and had a delicious spicy sauce. Everything was priced really well and had good portions. They also have really fun and fresh pastries everyday, we had the house made pop tart and loved it! I can’t wait to go back and try some of their new features!
Vegetarian options: A lot of options come vegetarian/vegan and offer additional price to add meat
Dietary restrictions: Vegan and gluten free options
Kid-friendliness: Coloring books and little toy bin for kids!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Biscuits and Gravy
Woosi Wildwood
The revamp of the Reef is spot on! They have gluten free options for their sandwiches, and the kimchi rice and lemongrass curry were so good! Our server Isaiah was great- responsive and friendly!
Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian options with add ons if you want meat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Candice Garman
First time to the Reef since they re-opened. Definitely different options from what i remember. Food was decent enough and the customer service was friendly and they had activities to keep my toddler entertained.
Kid-friendliness: They gave my kiddo a bucket with a coloring book, crayons and other small toys that kept her entertained while there!
I'm not one of those people that trashes everything. I really wanted to love this place. They should have just changed the name, rather than sully the memory of our old reef with such greasy, nasty, oily food. This is the second time I came here. Watch my video. I received the oiliest sandwich I think I've ever had in my life here. Oil just literally dripping off the entire sandwich, bun just soaked in it. The whole thing became a pasty nasty mess.
Instead of trying to make attractive looking pub food maybe focus on getting the flavors and textures right. And if you're going to leave the sky n on a thigh to fry it, make damn sure it's crispy. What I got was a nasty gob of fat and less than fully cooked chicken in the center.
I won't be back. I really, really wanted to love this place. Too bad. And while this might not be the experience every time, it is my honest review of the food yesterday. At least the service was better.
Also, don't give kids toys with auction cups on them. A 2 year old's first instinct will be to put them in their mouth to wet the suction cup. The absolute last type of toy I'd ever want my kid to have at a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
WOW!! My husband and I just left from here, the food, the service, the environment, absolutely outstanding!! Best food I've ever had from downtown olympia. Highly recommend the shrimp tacos! The asada tots, strawberry banana milkshake, the fries, the burger, literally just amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really enjoyed my experiences at The Reef with friends and family. The staff was very friendly and on top of everything we needed. We came for dinner one night, and brunch weeks later. The burger on the dinner menu is excellent - and I consider myself a burger expert. Exactly the kind of burger I want. Boneless wings were also great. The breakfast burrito is awesome, too. And, dinner cocktails and brunch cocktails were very well done. Looking forward to next time. Highly recommend The Reef!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oly born and raised and have watched this local legend rise over and over, often from literal ashes. It seems to have chosen to rest, rather than rising again in glory, as we felt and tasted none of the Reefs former glory in this newest iteration.
80 dollars for 2 sandwiches, a burrito and three sodas. If the food was good, we could see paying this. We know food has gone up. But this food left us underwhelmed, two of the three of us still hungry, and overall, missing our old Reef.
We were hopeful with a great host service and we seeing that the menu was no longer a 3 page novel.
One major other major positive is how much cleaner the place is over all. It looks and smells much better than it used to, but that is about where it stops with improvements.
The service hasn't changed much once you are seated, however. One can still expect a long wait to get food, checks, refills or anything you need, except not due to customer volume. We couldn't really figure it out until we realized our server was working the lounge, leaving the front for 15 min at a time while we waited for service at various points during our visit. Our burrito sat in the service window for 10 minutes.
Hamburger was a preformed, low quality single patty on a cheap sesame bun. Iceburg and no tomato. Base price is 14 and every addition is 2 dollars, from grilled onions to blue cheese. Low quality american cheese is the standard on this burger.
Chicken sandwich is absolutly not worth the price at 18 for a single thigh, with a tiny portion of fries. Promised brioche bun was missing and a bland sesame bun was used in its stead. Hard time trying to understand why this has slaw and then pickled cabbage, too. Greasy and wet with vinegar and mayo all at once.
Burrito was massive with potatoes and eggs but lacked meat in any substantial way. Plate was hot and the food dried out after hanging out for a while under the heat lamp.
Inflation has pressed all of us. But this is next level. I can get higher quality food handed off with friendlier service for a fraction of the ticket price just about anywhere else in town. I will opt for 2 slices and soda for 6 bucks across the street from now on.
Parking: Reef spots have been removed from the Diamond lot and all parking is street or lot paid
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
The best French toast of my LIFE! And the veggie benedict is SO GOOD. And the staff is SO NICE!
I wish I could give them 10 stars.
The remodelled and reimagined Reef is fantastic. The food was delicious and plentiful. The decor has been refreshed and looks incredible. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. Can't wait to go back and try one of the honey whiskey drinks in the back bar.
Vegetarian options: The mushroom appetizer is to die for!
Parking: Paid until 5pm
Kid-friendliness: Take the kids!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thought we’d try the The (new) Reef and were happily impressed. The atmosphere and vibe still have some of that Oly funk but it’s been upgraded and sanitized from the old Reef, in a good way.
Our server was Lauren, she was attentive, full of information, and a pleasure to do business with.
Our meals were stellar and the Kimchi Fried Rice is going to be something I dream about, and will keep me coming back for more.
Great job guys, so happy the doors are open again!!,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic spot! The owner personally came out to check on us and chat, which was a nice touch. I had the fried chicken sandwich, and it was the best I've ever had—the sauce was exceptional. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more of their menu.
Kid-friendliness: Great family friendly entertainment
Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access and space for anyone disabled.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Home Fries, Chicken Sandwich
My friends and I were on vacation in Olympia and let me just say that this place really made us feel welcome and we had such a nice experience. The food was great (I got the carne tots, which I highly recommend), the service was so friendly (our waitress Tierney was absolutely lovely), and the vibes were immaculate. The tables in the lounge are close together, which I loved because it added a very convivial atmosphere where the fellow patrons were also super friendly and we got to chat with some locals. Next time I’m in the area, I’m definitely going back.
We came here recently with friends who were visiting. We have been to The Reef now several times. Overall our meals have been great each time. We have had the kimchi rice bowl, the curry with pork belly, the eggs Benedict and the shrimp tacos so far.
During our most recent visit there was only one server/waiter. And she was getting slammed. Having to try and remember to greet people as they came in, give out water, take orders, run the food, make the drinks (and time consuming milk shakes), clear tables, take payment etc. The place was at capacity with almost every table taken. I felt for her. Please consider having more staff over the weekend and public holidays. It will be a better experience for everyone. The service will be even better and the staff won’t have to run around like a chicken with its head cut off. She did all she could do given the busy situation. I just couldn’t help but feel stressed for her. Her hard work on that day didn’t go unnoticed by me.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Such a good experience! The food was perfect and Landon is always great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food, amazing vibes, and friendly staff! The breakfast burrito was enormous and had a delicious spicy sauce. Everything was priced really well and had good portions. They also have really fun and fresh pastries everyday, we had the house made pop tart and loved it! I can’t wait to go back and try some of their new features!
Vegetarian options: A lot of options come vegetarian/vegan and offer additional price to add meat
Dietary restrictions: Vegan and gluten free options
Kid-friendliness: Coloring books and little toy bin for kids!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Biscuits and Gravy
The revamp of the Reef is spot on! They have gluten free options for their sandwiches, and the kimchi rice and lemongrass curry were so good! Our server Isaiah was great- responsive and friendly!
Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian options with add ons if you want meat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time to the Reef since they re-opened. Definitely different options from what i remember. Food was decent enough and the customer service was friendly and they had activities to keep my toddler entertained.
Kid-friendliness: They gave my kiddo a bucket with a coloring book, crayons and other small toys that kept her entertained while there!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Home Fries, Eggs Benedict
cool speakeasy bar in the back of the diner
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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