Played a music show at this fantastic shop, cafe and music venue. Staff were amazing, the fair trade shop has amazing and unique items from around the world. The music room was perfect for acoustic and folk music. read more

My friend and I had the worst lunch at Soul Cafe which is located in Traditions today In Olympia. The service was good but my dry tasteless quiche and my friend's arugula salad which consisted of one cup of arugula with no other ingredients. Poor presentation with no embellishments. I recommend the owner and staff would benefit by enrolling in a culinary school. read more

The Traditions cafe & shop was one of our very favorite places to go when we could. What's left of Traditions, hanging-on by threads--imported threads, is the import store-- no more cafe food. Unsure if they still have events there. We very much would have LOVED Traditions to still have their deliciously wonderful cafe!! (5 stars!) In May, we thot to go for an anniversary out to there, but found only the gift shop/import shop was still open. Sadly, this was our last anniversary to celebrate. The counter person said, since the shutdown, it's been impossible to find good cooks & staff or something like that. read more

This place is really cool since it is a gift shop, cafe, and music place! During our meal, we had a fun time since a community string group was performing some tunes while we ate. Although the menu consisted of just sandwiches, salads, and some specials, there are a lot to choose from. I got the salmon quiche which was amazing! They have different selections each day so keep an eye out for what they have that day. I tried the soup of the day which was a lentil sweet potato soup, which was good but nothing too special. This place is super cute and a great place to grab a bite of food while you are in town. I would definitely come back here to check out what other community event they have and try different items on the menu. read more

New Traditions Fair Trade - Gift Shops Near Me - Olympia, Washington

See all

This is a great place for a healthy meal, cup of tea, or a place to get unique, handcrafted, fair trade gifts from all over the world. There is a great welcoming vibe and the location right across from Capitol Lake is also a great feature! read more

We decided to stop in Olympia for lunch on our drive down from Seattle. I'm so glad we stopped here! Many gluten free options and everything is ethically sourced. The attached store had really unique fair trade items as well! I had the black bean enchiladas (4/5) and the side salad with lemon tahini dressing (5/5). My friend had the clam chowder (4/5) and the quiche which she gave a 5/5. She said it was one of best she has ever had. The staff were helpful and friendly. The seating area was lovely! We will definitely be back! read more

New Traditions Fair Trade - Black Bean Enchiladas, Lemon Tahini Salad, Quiche, Clam Chowder - Gift Shops Near Me - Olympia, Washington

See all

Excellent meal and great outdoor space with shade for me and my doggo. They even offer a water bowl to him on a hot day without my prompting. So delighted. read more

It closed in May or June. They still have music occasionally though. I miss their yummy soups.

You cannot go wrong in a place like this. Whether you are shopping for a special item for someone, to heading in to their cafe for a bite. They've got no guilt food and no guilt gifts. The prices are decent and there is a good sized variety of items to choose from. They've got your Ethical sneakers (which look like keds). They are child labor free (cannot believe we even have to worry about that), sustainable, and fair trade is a given of course. That's one example of the items they carry. There are denim pants made in the US, t shirts, skirts, jewelry, musical instruments, hats, decorative items for your home etc. The food in the restaurant is very down home delicious. I got their tahini lemon brown rice salad and a bowl of their dahl soup. Truly enjoyed the flavors and the wholesome and hearty food. You cannot have too many of these shops. They are very important and do a lot of good. It's not just a glut of shopping but you are contributing your dollars to various causes and needs. My favorite type of shopping. read more

See all

The cafe isn't open right now, and hopes to open in the spring but you can pick up select items from the store next door. I picked up a beautiful, vegan, sweet potato soup and it was so good. The flavor was great, & it had large chunks of sweet potatoes that were the perfect texture & done was for soup. The owner of the shop was a sweetheart. It's obvious she is very knowledgeable & passionate about the items she sells and where they originate from. This shop is an Olympia gem that shouldn't be forgotten about when looking for gifts. read more

So this may sound punny... but- Traditions is a tradition in my book. ;P In all seriousness, I love this place. There are a lot of things to look at, tinker with, and potentially buy- all fair trade/ethically sound. Their food is pretty darn yummy- and nowhere near as bad for you as other alternatives. They've got outdoor seating, and are right across the street from the lake... which makes this a great place to meet friends for lunch, then a walk around the park with the dogs. read more

My two friends and I met here to have lunch and discuss our latest writing efforts. We were here for two hours and no one ever bothered us or gave us that "eat it and beat it" glare. Some cool peeps work here! I had the smoked salmon salad and it was great. It was really good dry smoked salmon--not the wet kind--which made me happy. Asked them to sub brown rice for the goat cheese and they did it, no prob. The menu said the salad was gluten-free but I'm pretty sure the toasted bread served with it was not. Just beware if you are truly allergic or intolerant of gluten. read more

We came here for the first time during Arts Walk to watch the Fiddle Fest, and were excited to do so as we'd read a lot of positive Yelp reviews. And true to those reviews, we were happy we went. Traditions has a small menu, so it was pretty easy to make a decision at the counter. My wife got the bean and cheese enchiladas and I got the lasagna, both of which were very tasty. The dishes came with salads but we substituted for their two soups of the day - split pea and fire roasted tomato & basil. The soups were quite bland, with very little spices added to them to give them any kind of flavor. Lastly, we got a slice of huckleberry peach pie that was delicious. It was topped with homemade whipped cream, making it all the better. The music/atmosphere of the cafe was a lot of fun (how can it not be with so many fiddles about?!). After eating, we visited the shop and enjoyed browsing all the unique, fair trade items for sale. We really appreciate the fact that Traditions strives to serve mainly organic foods and sell fair trade products, and we felt like the prices were incredibly reasonable considering that fact. We would definitely come back here again. read more

Everything I've had here is always absolutely amazing. I stick to the vegan options (the panini is the best!) the cafe and store are so beautiful. I love coming here and introducing this place to people that have never been here! Definitely my favorite cafe in Olympia read more

I love the store and the cafe. I can find unique and meaningful gifts here that often have significance beyond the superficial. Staff are engaging without being invasive. I've struck up interesting conversations here many times. I've also attended musical events at the cafe and they've always been great. The cafe is clean and homey. It's very cozy and the food is consistently good. I had some pie one time that was incredible and their soups are usually very tasty. I'm a fan. read more

Hemp milk chai latte? Yes please! There were a limited amount of vegan breakfast options, but I did get a black bean enchilada that was pretty good. It wasn't very flavorful but there's a sauce bar that spices it up a bit. Great view of the Capitol from the restaurant. My friend got the salmon quiche and gave it a 5/5 stars read more

New Traditions Fair Trade - Black bean enchilada - Gift Shops Near Me - Olympia, Washington

I was searching for vegan restaurants and this was on the list of results, but there are no vegan items on the menu this place just serves carnists read more

The food is not bad. But the people here at the counter are not friendly or welcoming. It's a pretentious hipster vibe that's common in some of Olympia. Not having it. Coming from a large city where there's real competition for business, no one who wants to stay in business behaves that way. Been vegan for 10 years and for the first time I was made to feel it was annoying to ask what was vegan on the menu. I usually don't even use the word vegan so as not to annoy waitstaff (I ask what's "dairy free" or "made without meat") but I thought it was safe here. Nope! Other times I've come while working, and I guess dressing professionally and wearing makeup gets you treated like a second class citizen with a pretentious bent because they're better than that. Sorry, grow up. No thanks. read more

Right on the edge of downtown, excellent panini, coffee, tea and snacks. Love the atmosphere, food and quick service. Today I had and Vegan Panini and Earl Grey. Relaxing people watching. After eating be sure to checkout the amazing collection of fair trade goods in the other half of the building. I found American made jeans! Love it. read more

I've been in the shop a million times because it is my FAVORITE shop in Olympia, but I've never thought to try the cafe. For some reason I just expected it to be coffee and snacks. NOPE!! I finally learned when I brought my grandma to lunch that they have a very healthy sized menu and some of the best sandwiches/sorbets we've ever had!! And my grandma travels for retirement so she's got lots of food experience. Just amazing! They have beers and ciders as well. And enchiladas?!! I'll be back to try one. I'll be back a lot honestly! Try the Yammy Sammy, you won't regret it. Grandma had the Chicken sandwich. Try anything and you'll be happy with your choice, I am confident of that! Of course you get a crisp view of the Capital and the park/water fountain. And if you see Jody (one of the owners) she will find a way to make you smile/feel incredibly peaceful. All of the staff is very kind too, you really can't help but be positive with Jody nearby. She is one of my most favorite human beings I've met so far in life. Everything about New Traditions is perfect in my eyes. Well done and thank you! read more

Absolutely lovey, friendly and helpful staff, accommodating food options and beautiful live music was played by a patron

Traditions is kind of like the community center of Olympia: welcoming with delicious food and cool hippie things to buy. The cafe is distinctly separate from the store. I was told they have musicians there during the evenings. The service is extremely friendly and helpful, and the food was really good!!! I had the Tahini salad, and at the suggestion of the staff person, had avocados instead of tomatoes on it. Delicious! So refreshing! Traditions is clearly a place you can go to linger and relax, and easily welcoming for both the community of Olympia, WA and newcomers like me. :) read more

Kind of a strange place...given their old-timey sign and busy windows, I though they were a sort of touristy shop, filled with geegaws and conveniently located next to the lake and all. Oops. Completely wrong! Thanks Yelp for setting me straight. The cafe is decent and the "busy windows" are because the shop is packed to the gills with fair-trade/union/handmade goods. Their heart and politics seem to be in the right place. I wish my gazpacho was better, but I'll be back to try other facets (coffee/tea selections, ice cream, salads) and revise accordingly. read more

Fair trade, vegetarian, local, organic. That sums up traditions. The cafe is nothing fancy but it is good. The ice Cream is good, as is the vegetarian dishes. The store has typical fair trade goods. I like it. read more

Every time we eat at Traditions, we wonder why we don't eat there more often! Not only is the food of the highest quality, the atmosphere is very friendly. Plus, we know everything is fixed to the very highest standards. Prices are fair, or inexpensive. I learn about music, current events, and other issues that are of interest to me whenever I am there. This place is a "must go to" place to experience Olympia Washington. read more

Best vegetarian soup and sandwich combo in downtown Olympia. Situated across from the fountain, its a nice place to sit and take a break. If shopping is your goal, the retail store through the open doors will satisfy that need. The goods are fair trade and cooperative manufactured so you do some real good in the world when you buy something here. read more

I felt a little guilty having a chicken sandwich here, but hey, they sell it. Very tasty. A nice little salad on the side and tea all for about $10. There's a nice view of Olympia and while waiting for food, you can shop for fair trade stuff. read more

Pretty good and down to earth, but unfortunately I found a hair in my enchilada and even one in the Italian soda I ordered read more

New Traditions Fair Trade - Gift Shops Near Me - Olympia, Washington

This is one of those unique places that is kind of hard to describe in a couple of paragraphs. Let me highlight a few things. - They get entertainers that normally play larger, more expensive venues. You can see some excellent shows here in a setting that is far more intimate than the one in which the artists normally perform. But tickets often sell out - buy in advance! - The imported fair trade items sold here are very fairly priced. If you are shopping for a gift and out of ideas...this is the place to go for a nice, handcrafted item, with fair trade status documented. - The coffee shop serves high quality food and coffee at a reasonable price. Only downside is there is often a bit of a line during popular times (like when there is music here or a big downtown event), so plan ahead. - Nice diaper changing table in the bathroom! read more

This place has so much going on. I found it after moving here a few years ago. Nice food, quite a variety, all or almost all organic; they mark any regular and daily specials if it is vegan, gluten-free,etc. There are intimate little (holds maybe 90 people?) concerts held after the cafe closes (there is a slidin -scale charge for concerts to pay the musicians). They let lots and lots of local groups use the place for sooo many things (at no cost), ukulele get togethers, travel presentations, all sorts. Pretty sure anyone can attend. The shop IS fair-trade with items from all over the world! These cost more (but not always) than something sourced from exploited labor, and they pay their own workers a good bit more than minimum wage. I like going there. read more

So moustache himself (reviewer above me) has got himself a little Traditions Review going on both Traditions pages. I will too. Scored a wikked digital djembe drum (digijembe) from here last weekend went well at the festival. Good toe ring selection. read more

Very good food and last night great entertainment put on by the Honeydrops Place was packed. Really fun little shop there too! read more

New Traditions Fair Trade - Gift Shops Near Me - Olympia, Washington

See all

This place is incredible!!! What a lovely staff! They really care about their customers and provide excellent service and well crafted food. The entire menu is delicious, and beautifully prepared. I also love the atmosphere, the music, the way everyone is welcome, and how comfy children feel in the warm environment. Also, the store rocks!!! Beautiful treasures from every corner of the earth made in sustainable ways by people who are properly compensated. I always delight in the lovely clothing, toys, household goods, and jewelry they offer. Buy a beautiful treat for a friend or yourself with a tummy full of wonderful grub!!! read more

Whenever guests from out of state ask me to show them where locals go in Olympia, I take them to Traditions. Traditions gives 'out of towners' the local flavor of Olympia while being a great place to shop and to eat. When I am not bringing guests, my family and I go to Traditions Cafe for ice cream and coffee. We also love the live music! read more

every time I write a review for Traditions, it ends up in the spam filter. I don't know what I'm doing wrong- maybe I'm just too effusive with my praise. This place is very kid-friendly, well-priced, with a great atmosphere. It's easy to find good food to eat, as a vegetarian, and they make cold-brewed toddy now, so there's basically never NOT a reason for me to go there, hah. Their coffee is from Oly Coffee Roasters, and their ice cream is from Olympic Mountain. Their salad and soup combinations are great, and everything's made fresh there (though I can't see how that's possible, they work in such a small space!). I love shopping in the adjoining fair trade store. The music events are always excellent. The cafe workers are a mixed bunch- some are grouchy and some are ebullient, but they're kind of all lovable. read more

I have been a fan of Traditions for many years. New Traditions is just as nice and I like the new arrangement of the shop. We put a deposit down on some art and the staff person was very helpful. The only suggestion I have is please mark prices so staff working the register won't have to run around looking up prices. Lunch was great too. read more

The store Great place to get all your gift shopping as well as life shopping (clothes, house goods, etc.). Best selection I've ever seen of cooperative games for kids. The cafe If you've got extra time, the meals at the cafe are really delicious and just-right portions. If you're in a hurry stick to the grab 'n go fare. Revolving selection of local ice cream with unusual (and yummy) flavors. read more

I loved the cozy ambiance and the salmon quiche was delish. The staff is very friendly. I Will definitely be back to check out a concert. The menu is fairly limited but most items are organic/vegan. Happy to give my business to a locally owned restaurant. read more

New Traditions Fair Trade - Gift Shops Near Me - Olympia, Washington

I had a lovely salad here on a Sunday morning. The menu items are simple, fresh and delicious. My husband and I both enjoyed our meals. Truly a gem and I shall return :) There is a large selection a fair trade items in the adjacent store; a ton of unique gifts and literature. I got some delicious milk chocolate and a bottle of high-quality African black soap. Love it! read more

I love the environment the people are very knowledgeable and very kind, such unique selection of fair trade goods, and the concerts they put on in the cafe are just delightful. read more