PREGNANT WOMEN BE WARE!! Overall, I like the Mark and have been there a few times and enjoyed their cheese boards and non-alcoholic drinks. HOWEVER, I just went there with my grandmother and I ordered a *virgin* drink with lemon and ginger (for medical reasons I generally don't drink), only to realize that it in fact had alcohol. If you need to avoid alcohol, don't trust them. Stick to water. Or better yet avoid the place all together (although their cheese boards are yummy). read more

Best grass feed beef I've ever had the steak was so on point I had a Ribeye and the flavor was mind blowing the first bite had me hooked. My GF pasta was pretty delicious also. Cocktails are pretty amazing and the decor is very nice to! Definitely a must make reservations early because there special items I.e. steak and fish run out fast. read more

Went to the mark for lakefair service and food were horrible on top of that they put gratuity on the bill for a party of 4 had the special which was Oliver's little bit of meat and cheese for 17 bucks plain rip off read more

Every time I've eaten here, everything has been perfect. I don't know if I can say that about anywhere else in Oly. Extra impressive that so much food here is local/organic. If you like eggplant, try the pasta Norma. read more

The food was amazing. Drinks were great. The issues, our reservation was at 630. Saw the close time was 12am. We came in for a celebration and planned to have a night out. We had cocktails, salads, dinner, bottle of wine, dessert, and bottle of champagne. The issue was when it was 8:45. We checked in, as we were the last table, and were told that we were the last table and made to feel like we were holding things up. If your close time is listed it is a bit ridiculous to think people are inconveniencing you at 9pm. Also, watched the owner "scold" the server for issues with another table. As a service employee this really rubs me the wrong way. I love seeing an owner work their restaurant and be apart of it. But to break down the person you have in your employment is awful. We were there for a special occasion and it was definitely felt like we were in the way at the end of the night. I totally understand that Olympia is a sleepy town at the end of the evening but don't list your hours if they will not be followed. Will probably not be back, which is a bummer because the food and what this place stands for is amazing but your a business. Act like one. read more

Awful. This place used to be cool, now it's just poorly cooked way over priced food. The service is the worst in Olympia. We have come back several times to "give them one more chance"'. Never again. The servers act as though they are doing you a favor and seem very put out even taking a drink order. Steak ordered med-rare came out med-well. Salmon was over cooked and dry. There are several WAY BETTER restaurants in Olympia, with better menus, better prices and a staff that cares about what they do. read more

Absolutely delicious, we had the salumi tasting plate as an antipasto and the ragu as the main. The main course pastas are big enough to share, and are fantastic. Very busy (a good sign) , they're open for walk-ins and the staff is charming. read more

Incredible service, food, and atmosphere. Very swanky and great cocktails!

My fellow Yelpers have yet to steer me wrong. The Mark hit the mark with a lively ambiance, chill music, and delicious food. The food and drinks came out a lil slow but the wait staff was apologetic and very friendly. The smoked salmon appetizer was an excellent segue to our entrees which were rib steak and lightly sauteed zucchini for me and flank iron steak and zucchini for my better half It was all sensational not to mention they use locally grown produce, local dairies, free range poultry, and grass feed cattle. The prices are much higher than your average restaurant but the food is tastier than your average restaurant. Four martinis, an appetizer, and two entrees came to ~$150 including 20% tip. Add to all that our love for the eclectic and hippie vibe of Olympia and you have a great dinning experience! read more

The food is just so-so, but they have really fun cocktails! Eat else where and then drink here!

I'm often in Olympia for business, and often driving through on my way to the coast. Wife and I stopped here for a 9pm dinner. Wife has a milk allergy, so the large selection of goat's and sheep's milk cheese was a welcome change. The cocktails were well crafted and very reasonable (especially by Seattle standards). Both pasta's we ordered were delicious, very simple and fresh, just as described. Also our servers were great. Only reason this isn't a five star review is that I found the house white wine not very good, but hey, can't win them all. read more

I love going to this place for drinks. My favorite drink is The Lady from Shanghai. It is coconut water with coconut rum, and it is so easy to drink. They have pretty creative cocktails (at least for Olympia). I find the food to be pretty plain though, but I know plenty of people that like it. read more

Really nice outdoor seating, best in Olympia! High quality and locally sourced food, a warm welcome, and lovely staff!

My Husband and I went to the Mark last night for a date night and really enjoyed ourselves. The staff was great, fast service, friendly and the Manhattans were great. It is a small place so there are not a lot of tables. Call ahead to make sure you can get a place to sit and eat. Our food was good Italian good not out of this world food but I will go back a gain for sure. read more

Much respect for the only organic certified restaurant in Olympia. I enjoy the local artwork and cozy dining area. However, I wish either the menu had more options or the ability to add/substitute. There are a lot of affordable pasta dishes I would love to pay to add chicken to, but that is not allowed. No biggie, they do have great food. Friendly staff and a relaxing evening when it isn't to crowded. Fun drink specials. I think last time I ordered some cleverly-named combination of a can of PBR and a shot of whiskey. Oh, Olympia, I just can't quit you. read more

We had high expectations of The Mark after hearing great reviews. That the restaurant was mostly empty when we there - a Friday night - should have been a clue. Wait staff was friendly but inattentive. The food was okay, but nothing special and certainly did not warrant the prices. The rage tasted primarily of canned tomatoes and garlic. If you want great Italian food then check out Basilico, also in downtown Olympia. read more

Two big thumbs up for The Mark. First, the atmosphere and decor are wonderful. Beautiful wood paneled walls, a nice quiet carpet on the floor, and some well chosen jazz in the background make for easy conversation. The food was delicious. Not on the cheap side of the spectrum, but everything was obviously made from quality ingredients and prepared with care. The deserts were top notch as well. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful. All and all, a great combination--one of the best dining experiences I've had in Olympia. read more

My wife and I stopped by for thanksgiving dinner, and it was wonderful. Honestly, we just drove around, and stumbled upon this great place. The server was friendly, and the owner greeted us directly. We started with the wild smoked salmon. It was delicious. It had a nice smokey crust and tender pink meat. It wasn't salty as some salmon can be. Next, we ordered a vegan pesto and handmade pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. My pesto had great flavor. Nothing was overpowering. My wife's dish was equally amazing. The handmade pasta was firm and hearty, and the tomatoes were delicious. They were not bitter as some sun-dried tomatoes are. Finally, we ended with a dessert of pears and plums boiled in red wine with fresh cream. The pears were tender, and fell apart in your mouth. The plums added some beautiful color, and sweetened the dish. Overall, one of my favorite thanksgiving dinners ever!! read more

I can't say much about the food or drink here because we received no service. A group of 4 of us went in relatively early on a Friday night, maybe 7 or 8. There were two empty tables right by the door and the girl at the bar told us to go ahead and sit down. 10 minutes goes by without anyone paying attention to us when finally a waitress comes by and says, "Oh, did you guys need menus?" Well yeah. She brings us menus and another 10 minutes goes by. No one comes back, so we leave. Yes, we were right by the bar, but typically when you go to a restaurant and sit at a table, you get waited on. I'm not one to be super fussy about service, but that was a little ridiculous. I won't go back. read more

I went for a private birthday party recently, which means we primarily drank instead of eating. However I was so very impressed with the layout and decor. I have heard mixed reviews about The Mark, however my own personal experience was amazing, and the staff was very friendly and willing to make sure we were having a great time. The owner even went out of her way to recommend a few places for me to try when I travel to San Francisco next month. I cannot wait to go back and try the local ingredients used in all of the dishes. The fire roasted vegetable pasta, along with olive oil, fresh bread, meats, and cheeses I had were addicting! I will defiantly be back for more; I thought it would be harder to find such a well-rounded fine establishment in Olympia. read more

I have eaten at The Mark several times and have always had a wonderful experience. Last time I went, I ordered the porterhouse steak. It was the best steak I have ever eaten. Next timeI want to try their chicken. I hear it is to die for. The Mark is a hidden gem just waiting to be found. The prices are reasonable, the atmospher is relaxing and the service is great. I recommend The Mark to people all the time. read more

I love this restaurant - not only for its food, but for its verticality. I could walk into The Mark and have a small business meeting in a quiet setting, or bring a date for drinks and desert, or my mother for a healthy dinner! I can eat here and know that the quality of the food is up to the par that I would serve myself at home - from the olive oil, the rosemary and even the chicken, I know it is either 100% organic, or as close as it gets. Management cares what goes into our bodies, which can be a rare feat to find when going out to eat. I always try to order something new from the menu (as it is all quite tasty) though often find myself consistently eating the mixed baby greens with baked goat cheese. The balance is perfect; the creamy goat cheese isn't too heavy (which I've experienced elsewhere) when combined with the bed of greens. I must admit - I have a weakness for their drink menu. Each time I review the creative menu I am thrilled to see the drinks named after various films from the Criterion Film Collection! My personal favorite is the Lady From Shanghai, which is not only tasty, but also clean and crisp - and makes me feel like I'm sitting next to Orson Wells himself. So from the healthy foods (and not only are they organic, but cooked healthy, too - not tons of butter and salt - just enough to bring the natural flavors to their fullest!) to the wonderful and creative environment, I thoroughly enjoy this restaurant. Oh, and have you been into the Red Room? I've had a few drinks and enjoyed the funky tunes, and also had the pleasure to attend an event or two held there, and I just think it is both classy, fun and functional. I couldn't ask more. read more

I wish I could eat here everyday! I am pretty much in love with the pasta norma, even though I pride myself on being quite a carnivore, this vegetarian pasta is TO DIE FOR!!! The staff are genuinely super duper nice. The bartender came out to our table just to make sure we were enjoying our meals, even though she wasn't even our server. She was excited to answer questions we had about the restaurant, the organic food, the art, and joke with us about the preconceived judgment people pass on this place. After reading some of the reviews I want to scream at some of these people for their arrogance. The food is delish (btw peeps this is Olympia, not San Fran), the food is affordable ($20 gets me my pasta norma, a manhattan, and a tip), the patio is AWSOME, the vibe is so unpretentious for such a classy place, and the music just makes you feel great! The service can be a little slow at times, but it's never bad service. Overall the mark is everything it wants to be. Rustic...not innovative, simple yet elegant, affordable for anyone (even for me), and the best kept secret in olympia (ok they are probably not trying to be a secret but they kind of are). read more

When my wife asks me where I would like to go for dinner, I usually choose The Mark. I enjoy the food and find the intimate polished wood interior to be restful and welcoming, especially on our typically rainy and dismal evenings during the winter months. I appreciate the calm, understated and thoughtful service. There are other reasons why I like to eat at The Mark. I know that I will be enjoying fresh, local organic food. I will be supporting local farmers. My money will be returned to the local economy. The owner, Lisa Owen is genuinely committed to serving local organic food even though its higher cost means a lower profit. Over the past 10 years, I have consistently enjoyed excellent dinners at the Mark. The food is prepared and presented in a straight-forward manner. Don't expect your dish to look like a miniature work of art. Do expect your food to be fresh, tasty and carefully prepared using quality ingredients. The pasta will be perfectly al dente and food cooked on the grill has an added dimension of flavor. I particularly enjoy the free range grass fed beef, which usually comes from a local ranch. My wife and I often order a wonderful Italian style five course meal by mixing and matching an appetizer, a green salad, a pasta dish, a free range steak cooked on the grill or wild salmon, and perhaps a seasonal sorbet for dessert. By sharing all of these dishes we are able enjoy a fine meal at a very reasonable price and still have some food to take home. The selection of alcoholic beverages is large and we usually choose one of the interesting regional Italian wines that are not commonly available at most restaurants. read more

This is a delightful place for dinner. The staff is lovely and the food is pretty good too! We are always seated promptly, however you may get turned away without a reservation as it open Thurs-Sunday only. Their drink menu is extensive and creative. The 'Local' consists of a shot of Makers Mark, a Tall Boy Olympia and an American Spirit cigarette. I don't smoke anymore but if I did, it would surely be a favorite. I love their Virgin Exotica drink. It's an endearing mixture of ginger, lemon and soda water. It was so refreshing for when I was pregnant. I always get their Solo Verdura which is grilled eggplant and green beans topped with calleprese salad. It's amazing. I then finish my meal with creme cotta which is a custard dish topped with fig compote and pistachios. It's perfect. Although we appreciate the fact there is no hurry here- some may be concerned about the time it takes for food to arrive at the table. This is a place for conversation, enjoyment and for getting lost in time. So if you're in a hurry- this may not be the place for you. Otherwise- make your reservation, get gussied up and prepare to enjoy yourself. read more

Went here for a private party last night. The drinks were good and the staff was fast and friendly. The food was average and nothing was bad. Had salmon and it was ok and the salad was ok. Great place to grab a drink. read more

MINIMALIST ITALIAN This seemed like a great place to try. Northern Italian cuisine and not part of any chain or franchise. The dining room has no view, but is rich red velvet and wood paneling. The front area is intimate with about 7 tables and no seats at the bar. There were some clever things on the menu; the 12th step, which is a root beer with a cigarette back. The drinks were indeed tasty and beautifully presented. We had a sheep cheese appetizer which was great. It came with a little bread and olive oil. We had a side salad was front yard salad with just olive oil...no other veg than the lettuces. Pasta at The Mark does NOT come with any sauce. I ordered a 4 cheese ravioli that arrived with a dozen toasted pine nuts and olive oil. My friends pasta was the same - just olive oil. . By the time I was half way finished with my dish the ravioli had started to dry out like naked ravioli does. The red wine was very nice. The service was pleasant. The bathroom could have been cleaner. All in all - I wouldn't go back or recommend it to any one. read more

Nicely decorated joint, drinks are expensive compared to any other bar in town. And no stools at the bar? I don't understand that. But all in all a classy place where you can dress up and pretend you're not in Olympia. We'll be back to try dinner soon! read more

Take it from me! As a guy who needs to shed a pound or two, the food options for eating out in Olympia are very limited. Nowadays, like most of you, I have become increasingly aware of the type of food I put in my body. So when I go out for dinner, I want healthy, organic options. Being a Portland foodie I did not think that there were any restaurants in Olympia that paid reverence to local, sustainable ingredients that are certified organic. I was delightfully surprised to find out that The Mark is such a place! When I first walked into The Mark my senses were enveloped. You name it, anywhere from the chic décor to the contemporary art, I was truly impressed. And trust me, I am as picky as they come. The waitresses were friendly and attentive. Not to mention the cocktails were super good! The ragu I ordered was excellent and I even saved room for desert. I don't go out to dinner as often as I used to, but I think I've found a place that is both healthy and fits my budget. I'll be back soon! read more

I want to like this place, but I can't. The Mark has the right look, the right drinks...but the wrong attitude. The owner does not seem to care AT ALL about her customers. The service could not be slower if they tried - AND the pre-make their mixed drinks (I thought that was illegal?) It's a shame really...not the cool spot that they try so hard to be. read more

Jessica M. Los Angeles & Olympia The ambiance and warm staff make this my first choice in Olympia to savor organic, locally sourced and beautifully presented meals. The salumi salami appetizer, steak, gluten free options are not to miss. I do bring my family, young and old, to experience the jasmine scented patio. I love the conscious choices made by owner Lisa. You know you are supporting local farmers and enjoying a delicious meal. read more

Um...let's take a look at the vegetarian menu. They have a vegan/vegetarian section, which is absolutely essential in Olympia, and yet the only vegan options offered are a white bean tomato soup and an eggplant-zucchini dish. Fine, but let's look a bit closer. They state that their definition of "vegetarian" includes fish, but what's even more ridiculous is there are BEEF and BACON options included on the VEGETARIAN pasta menu! This is absolutely absurd. Why should we support a restaurant that can't seem to get dietary needs and restrictions straight? read more

Planning for a yummy simple meal at The Mark. Veggies, steaks, gluten free pasta and bread. What more could a healthy paleo ask for?

We came here 15-18 years ago, and the menu was small, and we weren't eating out a lot. Came back tonight and we're so pleasantly surprised! Amazing all organic food, personal service with owner on a Friday night, and absolutely delicious food. My date had the salmon and I had chicken from Stokesberry Farm, with pasta, which was excellent. Highly recommend. read more

We waited for 1 and half hour for our steak and pasta. I asked the waitress why, she said, we only have one cook. I was shocked. How can they run a restaurant with only one cook??!!! Then we waited almost 20 mounted for waitress to get our check, they we found out they only have 2 waitresses. Shocked and shocked!!! Moreover, the steak is way too salty. The other food don't taste that good.....!!!! read more

Terrible. The rooms are really cool with neat music which would be ideal for a party (which is what I went to) if the service wasnt so terrible and the food so absolutely basic (think sharis quality with fancy ingredients) not impressive for the price. Our service was absolutely terrible. The waitress we had seemed to give no shits about making sure everyone was serviced (She was the lightskinned girl if the owner reads this). She actually physically ran into me in the hallway and just looked at me and said "oh" and kept walking. Two people in our party got their order a good 30 minutes before everyone else and were completely finished before the rest of our orders even arrived. The waitress kept skipping over people for drink orders and never asked how anyone was doing. It also took atleast twenty minutes for us to close our bills. While i understand we were a large party THEY RENT OUT THESE ROOMS. You would think that if you rent out these rooms you would be adept at handling large parties, that was the literal complete opposite. Decent drinks, shitty service, and overpriced food. Would not recommend. read more

I wish I had 4 thumbs to give this place 4 thumbs down. I travel for a living and eat out about 80% of the time and this was the worst restaurant experience I can remember. Drinks took 40 mins to get then our second round took 30 mins. Food was awful, tiny portions over cooked and bland. Service was awful and owner came out and was extremely rude...went as far as blaming us for not ordering properly...never seen this before. Don't know how this place stays in business. They really missed the "Mark". Go to Gardners or Riccardos way better, friendlier and value you can't beat. read more

This is by far the best restaurant in Olympia. Rotating art makes the atmosphere fresh. This spot makes me want ot have huge private party. You can rent out a room and have your own private server for the whole for cheap. The music is good the drinks are great, and the atmospere is awesome. I love this place! read more

My friend and I were excited to go to The Mark after reading the comments on their website. However we were pretty disappointed. It was OVER 1 1/2 hours until we got our food (which would make more sense if it was a busy night, but it was NOT). The "Chicken Breast" was sliced boneless chicken, like you buy in a pack in the lunchmeat aisle at the grocery store. It probably took so long for us to get our food because the service was awful and after 45 minutes we flagged someone down and asked for a food menu. The atmosphere was cool, but the food didn't even try and pretend like it was supposed to be worth the amount you were paying. The drinks were good (but, was there any alcohol in them? maybe not), and the little cheese-plate we ordered was tasty. So if you're looking for a place just for drinks and to talk, this place is ok, but if you're looking for some delicious upscale food and some good service, this is not your best bet. Maybe try Mercato's. read more

One of my favorite places to go. The food is mouth watering delicious. The restaurant is certified organic making the food explode with flavor. The relaxed atmosphere adds to the enjoyable evening. And the drinks are very good. Go check it out. read more