Vegan
American
Fast food
Gluten-free

A plant-based all-vegan restaurant opened Summer 2018. Serves lunch & dinner and offers burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes, mac & cheese, salads, and more. Relocated from 609 Capitol Way S down the street. Open Tue-Sun 11:00am-8:00pm.


Venue map for The Wayside Cafe & Deli
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102 Reviews

First Review by guyettjeff

TheFriendlyGiant

Points +151

Vegan
23 Sep 2022

Excellent

Great food here. Something for everyone.

veganmarketingpeople

Points +1565

Vegan
14 Sep 2022

Jeeeeeeeeezzzzz

Hands down the best cauliflower wings I’ve ever had ❤️

Updated from previous review on 2022-09-14

Turnipthebeet206

Points +132

Vegan
14 Aug 2022

Great fast food

Such good food and reasonably priced!

Pros: Always have specials , Great food, Great pricing

DeanJen

Points +5493

Vegan
01 Aug 2022

When wayfaring wander to this welcoming estaminet.

Outdoor dining available but not always a serene space.

threehippiesinapod

Points +86

Vegan
24 Jul 2022

the potato balls though

the potato balls app was probably the best part of our experience, not going to lie lol! we also got the ‘tblt’ and ‘the norma’, as well as mac n chz and mash w/ gravy. it was all okay… just didn’t really do it for us.

Pros: fully vegan, potato balls, lots of options

Cons: slightly pricey- to be expected being fully vegan

Yalc

Points +24

Vegan
24 Jul 2022

Vegan food for Vegans

We had the Dan Dan bowl and Rib Plate. Everything was very good. Enough food for us to need a take home box. Friendly counter staff. Loved the give back / pay forward vibe of the place

Pros: Vegan, Whole food plant based options , Great price

bEzz

Points +1683

Vegan
15 Jun 2022

Delicious Comfort Food

Tasty, homestyle comfort food for a -relatively- affordable price (considering the rising costs of food and the fact that this is a restaurant in a downtown urban setting). Entrees in the $10- $15 range. While I have not had this item, the menu also features an entree size green chile rice and bean bowl with pepita sauce for $6.

Our family has had the Almost Famous bowl (chk’n fried seitan, mashed potatoes and gravy, and creamed corn); the Rib Plate (BBQ seitan ribs, collard greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, and mac n’ cheez); and the Large Marge (mixed green salad with onions, tomatoes, ranch dressing topped with buffalo chk’n fried seitan). Portions are HUGE, which makes the prices even more affordable, IMO. I can see why some folks have complained about some items being salty, but as someone who has a low tolerance for “salty” tasting things, I didn’t find this to be a problem. I did find the house gravy to be strangely sweet, which I didn’t LOVE, but also didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the meal. If I could eat the buffalo seitan every day, I would.

The food isn’t trying to be anything other than the stick-to-your ribs comfort food that it presents itself to be. No frills, no pretense. I look forward to trying more menu items soon.

Pros: Large portions, Affordable, Tasty

Cons: Limited operating hours

OliviaMadson

Points +49

Vegan
30 Mar 2022

Pretty good

The potato balls were probably my favorite food I’ve ever eaten. But the Dan Dan bowl and the arugula salad were pretty boring, actually.

Pros: Lots of vegan options, Cute art

Cons: Not a lot of flavor, No dine in

WynneScherf

Points +64

Vegan
21 Mar 2022

Happy mistake

I ordered something I didn’t mean to (the Hulk Hoagie) and it was still amazing! The Mac and cheez was so delicious and the cinnamon roll was gooey and warm

Updated from previous review on 2022-03-21

Pros: All plant based , Tons of desserts, Still playing it safe with COVID

Cons: Hard to park, Loud, had to yell to be heard by cashier , No online ordering

veganveronica

Points +1294

Vegan
15 Mar 2022

So worth it!

I’ve wanted to visit this place for a while but I live north of seattle. After coming back from a hwy 101 roadtrip we stopped by. We tried the bbq rib plate, the bbq jackfruit bowl, chocolate chip cake, and birthday cake. All of it was SO amazing. The bbq rib plate was my favorite. Best vegan mac and cheese I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried a lot.) These were the first vegan ribs I’ve had and they were definitely better than animal ones.
I love that they have a program to feed people on the streets, really a great place. They’re also the best I’ve seen at covid practices. They’re still doing takeout only and requiring mask. I would highly recommend them.

Pros: Great comfort food, Not a “typical” vegan menu

Cons: Parking

AniM

Points +149

Vegan
27 Jan 2022

Yummmm

Love their Chickn sandwiches and cauliflower wings! The Dip was also tasty. Haven’t had a chance to try their desserts yet but I’m looking forward to it!

Pros: Delicious comfort food, Reasonable prices

cecilCabbage

Points +15

Vegetarian
19 Oct 2021

Love ❤️ the Wayside!

I simply love this place for good ‘ol vegan or vegetarian comfort food, with a creative and delicious menu. Only con: not for those that are salt-sensitive. I find that some of their menu items, like The Dip, are too salty. Otherwise, I thank goodness that this place exists in our wonderful little town.

Pros: creative menu, great location downtown, friendly staff

Cons: generally too salty

HaleyIselin

Points +34

Vegan
01 Oct 2021

The Milkshake!!!

Get it. Any flavor. The soy curls are not my favorite item they have but everything else I have had is fantastic!

Pros: Good GF options

Cons: Hours

veg.kay

Points +20

Vegan
16 Aug 2021

amazing!

This place is my favorite vegan place, hands down. The Dip sandwich with the soy curls is delicious, and the gluten free bun is really great. The gluten free options are the best I’ve found. Their vegan mac and cheese is delicious (I like adding soy curls to that, too), and I didn’t miss the gluten! The GF pasta is awesome. It can get a bit pricey but the food is fantastic and I’m always thrilled to go back. The vibe is really cool, and I love the art work. I didn’t get the chance to go in pre-pandemic but I’m looking forward to it!

Pros: Fully Vegan Menu, Gluten Free Options

wiseharts

Points +2183

Vegan
03 Aug 2021

Comforting comfort food

The greens were the most amazing part of the rib plate. Spot on flavor and the perfect balance of heat. Mac and cheese is creamy and scrumptious. Potato balls are a very tasty treat.

Pros: Yum

Cons: Not open until 4pm.

Bariann

Points +354

Vegan
31 Jul 2021

Yummy vegan restaurant in downtown Olympia

We stopped in Olympia during a roadtrip in PNW, and this was one of many vegan options. Right now, on the heels of covid, they are only doing take out.

Pros: Lots of options, Wide range of decadent to healthier food

Cons: Pricier than I thought it would be, No dine in currently, Only open 4-8

katerspader

Points +59

Vegan
08 Jan 2021

Underwhelming Food

I really wanted to like this place, because it's hard to find vegan food in Olympia, but the food was incredibly bland, to the point where I couldn't finish my meal. The mac and cheese reminded me of microwave box dinner or cafeteria food. The barbecue was chewy and lacked any fire or sweetness. Four stars because the service is excellent. I hope they update the menu to match.

Skirol97

Points +226

Vegan
17 Nov 2020

The heaven on earth

This food is seasoned to the GODs and blessed with angel kisses. I want to say bless the cook, the owners, and the workers that serve. This is one of ✨THE BEST✨ vegan spots in Washington. Seasoning, the options, the staff, the package all so wonderful. Thank you, thank you Wayside. I got the almost famous bowl, a side salad with ranch, and potato balls. The side salad was just greens but with a good amount of greens and 2 dressings. The famous bowl was heavy so they put TWO containers to hold 🥺🥺
I mean 😉😉waywort😉😉 doesn’t compare these are the OGs

Pros: Organized, Food is amazing , Staff is friendly

MarkPayne

Points +179

Vegan
29 Oct 2020

Best Vegan Food in Olympia

Without a doubt the Wayside has the best vegan food in Olympia and every time I'm in the area it's hard to not just go here. They're menu has so many options and with the rotating specials it never disappoints. The staff are great, they have a pay it forward program where you can pay into a balance for those who can't afford a meal, and the food is always top notch. I have never had a disappointing meal from Wayside and I've tried at least half the menu at this point. I hae yet to find a vegan mac n cheese that can compete with theirs and as a Virginia native, I always have to get their collard greens. If you are in the area I implore you to give them a try, you won't regret it.

Side note: They also are taking ownership of a a bar downtown and I look forward to them revamping the menu to have a second vegan bar option alongside Cheeky's.

Pros: Amazing food like mac n cheese, Great staff, Pay it forward program

Cons: Nothing. They can do no wrong.

VickieChapman

Points +13

Non Veg
24 Oct 2020

Best vegan food!

I could bathe in their mac & cheez. So freaking good! We were visiting the area and I was looking for vegan places for my family to eat. What a treat! Desserts, comfort food. It was busy but the staff was super friendly and showed great grace under pressure. They answered all our questions to as we also need to avoid tree nuts. Love that they are also plugged in to local issues and social justice. Felt very welcome on a rainy day.

Pros: Delicious food, Friendly staff, Great local vibe

katlyncramer13

Points +132

Vegan
20 Oct 2020

New favorite!

I loved the all the options, it was hard to pick what to eat. The staff was great! I will definitely be going back soon.

Pros: All vegan, Good variety

erin.bravo

Points +229

Vegan
11 Sep 2020

Not just great food

All vegan mac and cheese, chicken sandwich, cauliflower wings, and milkshakes AMAZING!!! Their desserts are ALWAYS on point the best! They have a pay it forward card, so you can provide for others. To go containers are compostable.
Their new location is bigger, clean and better suited for their awesome staff!
Pandemic hours: 4-8, call ahead to order!

FlopStar

Points +264

Vegan
28 Aug 2020

Best Vegan Guilty Pleasure Food, Ever!

I love supporting vegan options anywhere, but sometimes it is more for the community than the food. Not at The Wayside, it's definitely the best vegan comfort food I've ever had out. Gotta try everything, but love circling back to my favorites.

Thor14

Points +114

Vegan
15 Aug 2020

Hearty portions

They just opened a bigger store front. Good people and food. If you’re driving down from Seattle. This place is a must. Make sure to get the buffalo wings, the cauliflower ones are dead one bomb!

karolynkukoski

Points +16

Vegan
21 May 2020

Best in town!

Wayside is my absolute favorite restaurant! The sandwiches are out of this world! Every type from tofu, jackfruit, for meat- they even have a seitan dip with an jus i want to just drink a bucket of. Nothing else like it around, vegan comfort food!

MichelleChinn

Points +18

Vegan
20 May 2020

Best cauliflower appetizer!

Seriously, the options on the menu are endless, but the chik wings and cauliflower are outstanding. I also really enjoy there smeat sandwich. There famous bowl one of my favs so comforting. Delicious, on point and awesome.

Pros: All vegan menu!!!, Deserts are amazing as well.

HippieFood

Points +86

Vegan
16 May 2020

Downtown Olympia vegan

Best vegan restaurant in downtown Olympia.
Consistently good and very tasty plant based americana food.

Pros: vegan, downtown location, nice folks




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