Welcome to Wayside Cafe and Deli
At Wayside Cafe and Deli, located in the heart of Olympia, we celebrate vegan comfort food with a twist. Our story is rooted in a passion for creating not just meals, but experiences that cater to everyone, including those with gluten sensitivities. From our signature Norma Classic fried chick'n sandwich to the hearty BBQ Jackfruit, every dish is crafted with care and flavor. We pride ourselves on fresh ingredients and inventive recipes that reimagine classic comfort food. The friendly ambiance, coupled with attentive staff, makes Wayside a true gem for plant-based enthusiasts and anyone seeking delicious, satisfying meals. Come share our journey!
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500 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501 Hotline: (360) 350-0233
Welcome to Wayside Cafe and Deli, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Olympia, Washington. Situated at 500 Capitol Way S, this vegan cafe masterfully combines comfort food with gluten-free options, ensuring that every diner can indulge without compromise. With a friendly atmosphere and a menu packed with mouthwatering selections, Wayside Cafe stands as a beacon for both vegans and those who choose gluten-free dining.
The star of the show at Wayside is undoubtedly their sandwich lineup. Each creation is crafted with care, using innovative ingredients that are satisfying and bursting with flavor.
- Buffalo Chick'n Sandwich: Picture crispy soy curls tossed in Buffalo sauce, topped with crunchy lettuce and ranch, all nestled in a toasty potato bun. It's comfort food at its finest, catering perfectly to both vegans and meat-lovers alike.
- Red Chili Jackfruit: This standout dish features jackfruit stewed in a rich guajillo gravy, complemented by house slaw and a green chile pepita sauce, proving that vegan can indeed mean hearty.
- The Dip: Steak-style soy curls sautéed with mushrooms and onions, served with rich house Au Jus, provides a comforting twist on a classic French dip.
In addition to their sandwiches, the Junk Food section offers a delightful array of dishes that may very well cause a guilty indulgence. For instance, their crispy Cauliflower Wings can be tossed in either Buffalo or BBQ sauce, serving as a perfect appetizer that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The DD Potato Balls also make a compelling case, delivering a delightful crunch alongside a creamy ranch dip.
Among the many rave reviews, customers like Kayla V. have praised the cafe for its gluten-free offerings and standout flavors, especially the buffalo "chicken" that left her craving more. Craig S. lauds the quality of the tempeh bacon BLT—an exquisite testament to the culinary versatility displayed here. Meanwhile, Mary J. appreciates the wholesome tahini bowls that emphasize health without compromising taste.
While the ambiance may echo the nostalgia of an 80s food court, the food is anything but ordinary. With a friendly staff dedicated to spreading joy through their culinary artistry, your dining experience at Wayside Cafe will be warm and inviting. If you’re searching for significant flavor without the heavy toll on your diet, then Wayside Cafe and Deli is a visit you won’t soon forget.
In conclusion, enthusiastic diners and food adventurers alike are sure to find a place in their hearts—and stomachs—for this delightful eatery in Olympia. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to indulge in the vibrant offerings at Wayside Cafe and Deli.
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
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!
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
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!
Excellent sandwiches with good service are what you'll get at The Wayside Cafe. The ambiance is nice and the staff are friendly and welcoming.
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!
Great vegan food Exactly what I was looking for Friendly staff, we're certainly very gracious even though my friend arrived by closing hours
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.