Right in the heart of downtown Olympia, Uptown Grill has quietly earned a reputation as the capital’s favorite scratch-kitchen comfort food destination. 🥧
This is a locally owned restaurant formed by friends with a shared vision, serving everything from massive chicken pot pies to fresh Alaskan cod, all made completely from scratch.
Locals keep discovering it, and once they try that famous pot pie, they rarely stop talking about it. 🐟
How Uptown Grill won Olympia’s hearts
The story of Uptown Grill’s rise centers almost entirely on one dish — the Scratch Chicken Pot Pie, which comes sizzling out of the scratch kitchen in a massive dish, stuffed with peas, onions, and carrots, and it is easy to see why nothing else on the menu can quite top it.
Beyond the pot pie, diners consistently rave about the made-from-scratch clam chowder, which locals have rated the best in Olympia, giving the restaurant a second signature dish that pulls in seafood lovers. 🍲
It also helps that this Olympia WA restaurant built its reputation on generous portions and bold flavor.
The mix of scratch-made comfort food, fresh Pacific salmon, and creative salads keeps both regulars and first-time visitors coming back for more.
Add in a lively Taco and Tequila Tuesday and daily happy hour, and it becomes clear why this downtown Olympia dining spot has become such a beloved local institution. 🌮
Food Highlights
- Prime Grade Beef Stroganoff: Tender prime beef served in a rich, creamy sauce over noodles for a hearty classic.
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Scratch Chicken Pot Pie: A massive scratch-made pot pie stuffed with peas, onions, and carrots inside a flaky, golden crust.
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Grilled Salmon and Seasonal Veggie Bowl: Grilled Pacific salmon served over seasonal vegetables for a fresh, protein-forward bowl.
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Alaskan Cod Tacos: Large, fresh cod tacos served with house-made sides, praised for freshness and flavor.
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Beer Battered Cod Fish & Chips: Wild Alaskan cod fried in a crisp beer batter, served with house-cut fries.
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Marinated Niman Ranch PRIME Grade Top Sirloin Steak Mediterranean Bowl: Marinated prime sirloin steak paired with Mediterranean-style vegetables and grains.
- Bacon Cheddar Burger: A juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon
- Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich: A crispy, spicy fried chicken breast balanced with fresh toppings on soft bread.
- Braised Pork Poutine: House-cut fries topped with 6-hour oven-braised pork, gravy, caramelized onions, and queso fresco.
Atmosphere
Uptown Grill feels cozy and lively, blending a scratch-kitchen comfort food vibe with an energetic downtown Olympia backdrop. 🌆
Taco and Tequila Tuesdays bring an especially spirited crowd, while daily happy hour draws regulars in for casual after-work drinks.
The dining room stays relaxed enough for families, yet buzzy enough for a night out with friends. It is unpretentious, welcoming, and clearly built around hearty, generous meals shared in good company.
Bottom Line
Visit for the massive scratch-made pot pie, the best clam chowder in Olympia, the fresh Alaskan seafood, the juicy signature burgers, and a downtown dining experience locals consider a true hidden gem. 🍔
Address:
514 Capitol Way South, Olympia, WA 98501
📞 (360) 338-0340
🕔 Open Mon-Thu 11:30 AM–7:45 PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM–8:45 PM, Sun 1:00 PM–7:45 PM