![HappyCow logo](/img/hc-logo-name.png)
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.
102 Reviews
First Review by guyettjeff
TheFriendlyGiant
Points +151
Excellent - Edit
Great food here. Something for everyone.
Read moreGuest
veganmarketingpeople
Points +1565
Jeeeeeeeeezzzzz - Edit
Hands down the best cauliflower wings I’ve ever had ❤️
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-09-14
Guest
Turnipthebeet206
Points +132
Great fast food - Edit
Such good food and reasonably priced!
Read morePros: Always have specials , Great food, Great pricing
Guest
DeanJen
Points +5493
When wayfaring wander to this welcoming estaminet. - Edit
Outdoor dining available but not always a serene space.
Read moreGuest
threehippiesinapod
Points +86
the potato balls though - Edit
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.
Read morePros: fully vegan, potato balls, lots of options
Cons: slightly pricey- to be expected being fully vegan
Guest
Yalc
Points +24
Vegan food for Vegans - Edit
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
Read morePros: Vegan, Whole food plant based options , Great price
Guest
bEzz
Points +1683
Delicious Comfort Food - Edit
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.
Read moreOur 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
Guest
OliviaMadson
Points +49
Pretty good - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Cute art
Cons: Not a lot of flavor, No dine in
Guest
WynneScherf
Points +64
Happy mistake - Edit
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
Read moreUpdated 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
Guest
veganveronica
Points +1294
So worth it! - Edit
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.
Read moreI 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
Guest
AniM
Points +149
Yummmm - Edit
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!
Read morePros: Delicious comfort food, Reasonable prices
Guest
cecilCabbage
Points +15
Love ❤️ the Wayside! - Edit
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.
Read morePros: creative menu, great location downtown, friendly staff
Cons: generally too salty
Guest
HaleyIselin
Points +34
The Milkshake!!! - Edit
Get it. Any flavor. The soy curls are not my favorite item they have but everything else I have had is fantastic!
Read morePros: Good GF options
Cons: Hours
Guest
veg.kay
Points +20
amazing! - Edit
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!
Read morePros: Fully Vegan Menu, Gluten Free Options
Guest
wiseharts
Points +2183
Comforting comfort food - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Yum
Cons: Not open until 4pm.
Guest
Bariann
Points +354
Yummy vegan restaurant in downtown Olympia - Edit
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.
Read morePros: 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
Guest
katerspader
Points +59
Underwhelming Food - Edit
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.
Read moreGuest
Skirol97
Points +226
The heaven on earth - Edit
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 🥺🥺
Read moreI mean 😉😉waywort😉😉 doesn’t compare these are the OGs
Pros: Organized, Food is amazing , Staff is friendly
Guest
MarkPayne
Points +179
Best Vegan Food in Olympia - Edit
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.
Read moreSide 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.
Guest
VickieChapman
Points +13
Best vegan food! - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Delicious food, Friendly staff, Great local vibe
Guest
katlyncramer13
Points +132
New favorite! - Edit
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.
Read morePros: All vegan, Good variety
Guest
erin.bravo
Points +229
Not just great food - Edit
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.
Read moreTheir new location is bigger, clean and better suited for their awesome staff!
Pandemic hours: 4-8, call ahead to order!
Guest
FlopStar
Points +264
Best Vegan Guilty Pleasure Food, Ever! - Edit
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.
Read moreGuest
Thor14
Points +114
Hearty portions - Edit
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!
Read moreGuest
karolynkukoski
Points +16
Best in town! - Edit
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!
Read moreGuest
MichelleChinn
Points +18
Best cauliflower appetizer! - Edit
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.
Read morePros: All vegan menu!!!, Deserts are amazing as well.
Guest
HippieFood
Points +86
Downtown Olympia vegan - Edit
Best vegan restaurant in downtown Olympia.
Read moreConsistently good and very tasty plant based americana food.
Pros: vegan, downtown location, nice folks
Guest
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