I have been going here for years. FIVE full stars because: - Food is amazing. The entrees (my fave is the mac & cheese with yummy tempeh bacon) and absolutely the desserts, too! - Customer service, also amazing - They have a pay-it-forward program that helps those in need get meals for free Do yourself and Olympia a service and go check this place out! read more

Wayside is a super impressive vegan cafe that gets the thumbs up from plant-based eaters and omnivores alike. You order and then pick up your food at the counter and seat yourself at this casual spot. The menu, it seems, has nothing bad. We had the tahini bowl, the arugula and beet salad, and the mac and cheese bowl with soy curls. The tahini bowl is the platonic ideal of a grain bowl and is so delicious and well balanced in its flavors that you don't even notice that it's really healthy for you. The mac and cheese bowl is more indulgent but still doesn't make you feel like a bowling ball. Their vegan cheese is impressively creamy. Our lunch buddies had the almost famous bowl and the big dad salad and loved their food. Probably most impressive of all were the desserts. Vegan dessert is difficult to do well, but their cheesecake and gochujang cookie were so good, they would beat out a lot of dairy-containing desserts. read more

They do a really nice job for vegan eats. They are friendly & get your order out quickly. Highly recommend.

I have been wanting to try Wayside forever but am absolutely never in the Olympia area. Because we finally were this weekend, I definitely wanted to take the opportunity to come here. It did not disappoint! I tried the Norma sandwich which was delicious. The tofu skin patty was unlike any other faux chicken I've had and so good! And because I'm always on the search for great vegan mac and cheese I had that as my side. Absolutely delicious! Very creamy. Portions are large here so I brought some of the mac home and am looking forward to having it for lunch tomorrow. My husband tried the dip sandwich with a side of the mashed potatoes and gravy and ate every last bit. He loved it. It's a very cute cafe on the corner with friendly staff. I witnessed a man in need come in and take advantage of the program they have where you can buy a meal for a hungry person to come in in the future and have a free meal. That's a lovely service to the community. So glad I was able to finally patronize this great vegan business! I'll try to come back soon! read more

The Wayside Cafe - The Norma w/ mac n cheese. Yum! - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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The portions are massive and absolutely, band for your buck. The location is perfectly located as far as visibility, parking is bad though. It's spacious inside, plenty of space to sit. Very minimalist with ordering, you go to the counter order, wait and pick up at counter. The food: gravy good, mashers tasty and fresh, greens tasty. The almost famous was good, but another container should have been used it was leaking. I was not a fan of the Mac, the ribz texture was good could have used more flavor. Overall I would return to try other items. Also the chickpea flour overpowered the chikn. read more

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Best vegan food so far! The tahini bowl was absolutely larger and more filling than I expected. Loved the beets, grains, veg and tahini sauce..perfect balance. The potato balls blew me away. Large, crispy not greasy. So good!! My friend had the Dip and loved it. She also got some of them cookies. Parking can be a challenge, so be prepared. The place does get busy and they do a fair amount of takeout. Definitely coming back! read more

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This is clearly a local centric and forward pushing restaurant. The staff we spoke with were friendly and fun. They even gave us recommendations for our road trip! A cool mural decorates the wall and also posters and flyers highlighting local events and gatherings are in the corner near the door. Really great food! We had the barbecue wings, the mac and cheese, the Hulk Hoagie (R.I.P.) and the French Dip. Personally I have to give the flowers to the French Dip, the Mac and Cheese was bomb but maybe a more cheesy consistency would have been nice? The barbecue wings were also absolutely excellent. Would absolutely love to return and their menu is great. Excited to see what specials the chefs come up with definitely gonna follow their socials! Thank you!!! read more

Order at the front and food comes to you. The rib plate was amazing! It was WAY TOO MUCH food for me. It could be shared. read more

The Wayside Cafe - Rib Plate Buffalo Chick'n Gluten Free Mac & Cheese - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

I went here because it had good ratings, both on here and on findmeglutenfree.com. It did seem safe for those with celiac, as there were some options and the front-of-house employee was knowledgeable about what wasn't safe (no dedicated gluten-free fryer unfortunately!). I know GF flour is more expensive than regular flour, but especially in this economy, it sucks to pay an extra $2.50 just to eat like everyone else. And I wish their menu was more clear about that; I might have chosen a different place if I knew that my meal would come out to over $20. But props to their GF bread; my sandwich was ridiculously messy and it still didn't crumble under the weight and sauce of the sandwich, the way many GF breads would. And while I wish there were more enticing GF sides, the creamed corn was still good. The standout though was the flavor of the buffalo "chicken." As a vegetarian, I don't get to eat food like this very often! Anmy friend eats meat, but was still impressed by her chili jackfruit sandwich read more

The Wayside Cafe - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Solid good food choice. I appreciate the options of eating there, or getting takeout. Taste is a subjective experience to an individual, with that said, I have yet to eat anything there that I did not enjoy and want to order again and again. Please do not confuse that statement with portions, as I often find myself eating a single entree throughout two days. My family's definite "feel good" take out choice in the area. read more

The restaurant has the ambiance of an 80's food court, but the food is utterly scrumptious! I had the Tahini Bowl, a classic of theirs, and they gamely subbed lettuce for rice. The tofu strips were generous and tender. The beets and broccoli were crunchy and flavorful. The tahini dressing was rich, tangy, and garlicky, perfectly slathered over everything. The portion was large. No gimmicks, just really healthy and delicious vegan food. Yum! read more

The Wayside Cafe - Tahini bowl (window seat) - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

The wayside has the best cauliflower wings in town. There is always a delicious dessert or cookie to try - the flavors are adventurous and well balanced. The BBQ sandwich is my favorite. read more

I found this gem while in Olympia. The place was nice and clean, the service was great ! The lady was helpful and you could tell they enjoy their jobs. They food was cooked to order and I can tell the establishment is a gem because everyone started coming to place orders. The rest room was clean as well. The food is delicious. I'm upset I left my other order, but I was able to call and get refunded. They were sooooo nice. I'll stop back here when I return. read more

The Wayside Cafe - Bbq cauliflower wings - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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Update: They are open early now! Their creamed corn, ribz and mac n cheez my favorites. Their cakes cannot be beat. Cookies are huge!

Really delicious vegan and gluten free food. I love the cauliflower, the bowls, and the beverage selection. Great downtown location for people watching. read more

Just recently found this place online and since we live about an hour from it, we decided to try. We love trying healthy plant based food. Let's start with setting. Almost didn't go in because of all the extreme political signage. We are open to true diversity, but this was not diverse, actually quite hateful. (But folks have the right to do say what they want). But since we traveled for this, we went ahead and tried the place. The food was OK, not great, and not bad. The potato balls were unique and delicious (definitely recommend). Otherwise the bowls have undercooked cauliflower and brocolli and the flavors were not bad at all, just not great. Had a dessert cookie which was also OK. We will go back sometime, if we are already in the area to try sometime else, maybe. Won't make a special trip. read more

EAT HERE! Actually some of the best food I've eaten in a very long time! We were both blown away and will 1000% be coming back! Don't let the vegan menu give you pause, it is the most delicious food I can think of having recently! Fun space with a photo booth! Great service and the place offers a pay it forward to feel our community members living on the street. read more

Healthy delicious vegan food, it's been a favorite for years, the service is very friendly and pleasant and the space is large and cool. I feel so healthy after I eat here. Thank you Wayside Deli for existing. read more

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My family and I loved the food here! We enjoyed the Buffalo cauliflower wings, potato balls, Arugula beetroot salad, and Mac n cheese. My kids were completely floored by how cheesy tasting the Mac n cheese was even though it is completely vegan. For dessert they had some generous slices of carrot cake and chocolate cake. I saw they also offered ice cream and milkshakes (when available). My personal faves were the beetroot salad and Buffalo cauliflower wings. The batter was crispy and the Buffalo sauce was just spicy enough and delicious. This is an order at the counter and pick up yourself kinda place. Our service was awesome and the kind woman at the counter answered all of my questions. The artwork on the walls was really cool although my kids (aged 10 and 13) thought it was creepy. And we had a homeless guy come and eat with us at our table which was odd but welcome. He didn't seem to mind. My family would come and eat here regularly if we lived closer. read more

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One of my favorite things to order at a restaurant if I see it on the menu is a warm yummy french dip. This was my first time trying their french dip here and I can say proudly this is by far the best french dip combo I've had eating out and tops any I have eaten with meat inside them. The inside is clean and a perfect place to enjoy your comfort food favorites with your friends! I will definitely be back and this will be my go to winter combo meal, ugh so good! read more

The Wayside Cafe - The Dip with Mash & Gravy - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Although the prices may seem a bit high, the price you pay is incredibly worth it! This place has some of the best vegan food I've tried, and is definitely the spot to take someone to show them that vegan food can be good. The portion sizes are pretty big, and the few times I've gone, I'm usually walking away with leftovers. Really nice space where the food comes out to you after you order. Clean, not too loud, but not too quiet, and the staff are always really nice and helpful. read more

I love the food here! I usually pick one of the sandwiches - the BBQ jackfruit is a go-to favorite of mine. The staff are always so kind, and I like being able to chill inside and never feel rushed out. This is one of my favorite spots in Olympia! read more

The Wayside Cafe - BBQ jackfruit sandwich - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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Great vegan food Exactly what I was looking for Friendly staff, we're certainly very gracious even though my friend arrived by closing hours read more

Casual all-vegan cafe -- you order up the counter and they call out your name when ready. They have bowls, BBQ-type fare, sandwiches, etc. I got their Dan Dan Bowl ($15 plus tax), which came with three big pieces of tofu, tons of broccoli and cauliflower, some slaw, and served over red rice -- all smothered in a delicious peanuty sauce. Huge portion and very nicely assembled. Wouldn't change a thing. Service is competent and friendly enough. Awesome spot. read more

The Wayside Cafe - Dan Dan Bowl - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Pros-Unique, delicious, vegan everything. Usually there is a compromise going vegan...not here. The 'patties' are just right in texture, crunchiness...everything you'd expect. Wine and beer to boot. Cons- The price point seemed a little high though where else will you find this stuff. The atmosphere is as basic as basic could be...not complaining just noting. Bottom line-Lucky to have such a place in Oly. If you are on a vegan or vegetarian bend you have found your Nirvana...if not and you have a friend who is, go with them...I don't think you'll be disappointed either. read more

We keep coming back! The sticky mac and cheese and Norma calls our name! Service is great and quick and super chill vibe. read more

The Wayside Cafe - Mural - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Hey, this is a super fun place to try some delicious vegan food! We aren't vegan, but loved the "Philly Cheese Steak" they had (I think it was soy curls for the meat replacement), and the BLT, which had a chickpea based bacon sub. Really delicious food! I'm taking off only a star because I feel like despite making something "like" an existing sandwich, you're bound to cause folks to compare to the original. The BLT didn't feel like a BLT, but rather, a delicious chickpea sandwich. the Philly Cheese Steak felt *really* sweet. But my friends, the highlight was the VEGAN MAC AND CHEESE!!!! No joke, it was freakin' divine. I highlight recommend this place if you are curious of checking out vegan food and meat substitutes. read more

Wow! I'm so glad I ate on my one full day in Olympia at The Wayside - I got the "Five Spice Chicken Burger" which is essentially Dan Dan but in a burger form - I couldnt have imagined how good this burger would be. Crispy flaky peanut goodness with an excellent bite experience on a soft toasted bun. I got the potato balls for an upcharged side soooo perfect with ranch. I'm lamenting not being around for additional courses later. Eat here for sure! Also Ember coffee is just up the street, which was excellent too to pair. So incredible it's all vegan and delicious! They have a community table too creating a welcoming environment, and the staff member was very friendly and knowledgeable and helped me get just what I wanted. Thanks! read more

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Loved this restaurant! We were in town for a wedding and stopped by for lunch and the food was yummy with great selection. It is always a special treat to visit a town with a great vegetarian restaurant. They offer outdoor and inside dining and their selection is great! If vegetarian food is your jam, this restaurant is top notch! Can't wait to come back. read more

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Terrible excuse for vegan food. Have tried it several times and always found it to be a great disappointment. Mac and cheese tastes artificial, almost plastic-like. Collared greens have an overwhelming taste of liquid smoke - inedible. Creamed corn way too watery and sweet. Nothing tastes good and we will not return. read more

We stopped here on our way through Olympia and wow, we really lucked out to find this gem! Everything on the menu sounded so good it was tough to choose. They nailed the flavor and the portions were plenty. We left very happy. I crave this place. I'll definitely be back again! read more

I'm not vegan or vegetarian even, but I would be if I could eat here all the time. Was feeling gross after fast food while on a road trip / sports tournament with my kid and opted for The Wayside Cafe Tahini Bowl to eat some "real food". It was so good. Will always come here when driving through Olympia moving forward. The tofu was so much better than anything I've tasted from a store. Thank you Olympia for producing a better vegan place than anything I've experienced in Seattle or Portland. read more

My wife and i's favorite vegan spot. We are really picky about vegan food but everything here is sooooo good , our favorite it the TBLT. Staff is always so friendly and the place is very cute and clean (: , please eat here so they can stay open!! read more

We came in for a quick bite on our way back to Seattle from the coast. We ordered a few starters, shared them real quick and were out pretty quickly. You order at the counter and wait to hear your name. Pretty standard. The person working the counter was super friendly. The food was so tasty and filled our stomachs after some fun at the beach. I love that they allow you to buy a meal for someone who may need it in the future. It's the little things that mean so much. read more

The Wayside Cafe - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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This is absolutely delicious food! I've eaten there twice. First time I had the BLT where the bacon was Tempeh. Amazing! Second time sandwich is Cajun chicken, or the chicken is done with tofu. Amazing. On both sandwiches, the spreads were absolutely scrumptious and I wish I had the recipes. And the staff are good folks. Thank you! Be sure to give it a try! read more

Here's the thing, it's good Vegan food, but I think a restaurant should be graded on how good of food it actually is and honestly compared to a bbq plate it was quite lame. read more

The Wayside Cafe - BBQ Bowl - Vegan Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Best vegan comfort food around! This is a must stop for me whenever I'm in town! We were super bummed when we were in town on a Monday a couple weeks ago and found out this is one of their closed days read more

Went with family. We got a chickn sandwich , Mac and cheese bowl, ribs, and bean bowl. All vegan and all delicious. Good cookies and nice location read more

Every time we visit Olympia we will make time to visit Wayside - multiple times if we can. I'm not even vegan and I love their food so much. Besides dishing up some of the BEST vegan mac& cheez, they are a great asset to the community. Best advice I can give you is be sure to leave room for dessert! read more

Their vegan Chick'n Burger needs to be featured nationally. 10/10! Located in one of the prettiest historic downtowns of any NW city, the Wayside Café is perfectly situated to help your vegan cuisine dreams come to life. With a lovely and social staff to greet you and to explain how service works here, your time will be easy and tasty. Order the vegan Chick'n Burger for sure. The ample selection of sides will help your group have the best time, too. We chose the collard greens and the mac n' cheeze. Once your food arrives, prepare to be amazed! That was hands-down the best vegan chicken sandwich that I have ever consumed, and coming from Portland, I feel that says a lot. If you are in town for a second, an hour, or a few days, definitely make it a priority to visit Wayside. I am certain that within a few years, they will be awarded for their work! read more