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Cafe Olga
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
11 Point Lawrence RdOlga, WA 98279
(360) 376-5098
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Cafe Olga
Review Highlights
-
"The cutest (and only) lunch spot in Moran Park." In 6 reviews -
"return if I make it back to Orcas Island some day." In 5 reviews -
"...no farther than their consistently delicious blackberry pie." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Juli-ann W.
Bellevue, WA
Made a trip here specifically for cinnamon rolls thanks to sage advice from a friend and so glad we did. They are the size of your head (great for sharing) but well made with the right balance of gooey and cakey. The bottom had some carmelized sugar crunch and the raisins were a nice touch. The coffee? Best on the island.
We then shopped the art gallery and I was impressed with the selections and variety of the art. The James Hardman gallery upstairs was really impressive and I am a new fan of his work. -
Review from Marin J.
1/12/2012
After staying at the Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, I had begun to wonder about the little place on the corner each time I passed.
Was it for locals? or was it for everybody? Biker Bar, or Local Dive.
Decided to go for breakfast. Man, I love breakfast. Breakfast is an all-american pastime for me. Eggs, Pancakes, bacon, maple syrup...bring it!
Cafe Olga...while your name evokes a certain stalwart, no nonsensical demeanor, your breakfast was particularly lovely. Basic ingredients, done with care.
At the time I enjoyed it, I learned that the chef was quite young. It didn't matter. He was excellent and obviously cared about what he was doing. I hope he is still there.
The cafe, however, is very tiny. You should get there early or be warned, you will have to sit outside and watch the hummingbirds. (what a punishment).
Wait until after you have scored your coveted place at the table and enjoy the very sweet and quality filled gallery which is attached.
Not to be missed.
Not the cheapest place to eat, but certainly good quality and very filling. -
Review from B B.
Denver, CO
8/29/2011
Visited this places twice this past weekend. First time: excellent service, super nice people, let us keep our dog tied to their steps since they don't allow dogs on the patio (even gave him water!) and let us hang out when our kayak delivery was late. Second time: service a little less attentive (had to ask for refills on water and coffee) but they were quite a bit busier...
Food was delish, coffee was exactly what we needed, and they didn't even flinch when we visited our last morning on the island after camping and not showering for a few days... I'm not suggesting you do the same (these fine folks deserve to have unoffensive-scented patrons) but if you have to, they'll be pleasant about it.
Got a cinnamon roll to go and it was wonderful! I'd def. return if I make it back to Orcas Island some day -
Review from Stef M.
10/3/2011
The gallery was really cool - I didn't eat at the cafe, which seemed pretty pricey (and it was mid-afternoon anyway so I figured I could wait until dinner) but the gallery was nice. I actually bought a beautiful sea glass and silver necklace for a non-exorbitant price.
they had lots of other stuff that didn't appeal to me (art, cutting boards, quilts, expensive knitted things that I liked but decided I could make it myself for 1/10 the price) but some fun stuff too: really amazing madrona wood bowls, the sea glass jewelry which I pretty much wanted to buy all of, and some good-smelling handmade soap. check it out if you're driving by: even if you don't think you're the "gallery" type, you might find something. -
Review from Alice T.
8/21/2011
I really like this cute little homey cafe. I've been here for breakfast a handful of times, and each time the service is friendly and the food is magnificent. I especially favor the homemade yogurt...YUM!
It's a bit of a drive from the main thoroughfare, but if you have a car, it's worth the scenic drive over. -
Review from yekta a.
4/17/2011
The cutest (and only) lunch spot in Moran Park!
The cafe is tiny and cute, there isn't a lot of room so coming with a group is NOT a good idea!
The Turkey sandwich on chala bread is SO delicious! -
Review from Robert B.
Newport News, VA
9/25/2011
Good food and friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Save room for a piece of pie--yummy. We've enjoyed our meals here for years.
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Review from Ez M.
Seattle, WA
11/20/2011
Amazing cinnamon roll the size of your head. Funky little place off the beaten path. But I think my waitress was stoned. LOL.
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Review from Julia Z.
6/12/2006
Wow! This is a sweeeeeeeet cafe. Just three miles from the excellent Doe Bay resort, this is a great retreat for an omnivore (the Doe Bay resort is vegetarian, so meat-eaters will be happy to find this place). Housed in a corner of an historic-register strawberry barrelling plant, the cafe's decor is very simple, with varnished woods and lots of windows featured.
The food is similar; classic, simple, well-prepared, delicious. We started with fantastic bacon and swiss scones. Then I went on to baked eggs with ham, cheddar, red onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. It was perfect and the fruit that accompanied the eggs was fresh and pretty. My fiance had one of their famous cinnamon rolls (which I had to skip because they have nuts) and their homemade granola and yogurt, which also looked awesome despite having nuts in it. He was certainly happy with his choices. :-)
The coffee was much better than average cafe stuff, I even drank a second cup which I never do.
They do serve lunch and dinner as well. If you eat one of those meals, you have to have some pie... the lemon Shaker is what they're famous for... it's tart and uses the entire lemon. I also understand that the French chocolate pie is to die for.
I really can't imagine you'd go wrong here. Our waitress was super-friendly, kept us happy in terms of food and drink, and the prices were good too. I really enjoyed supporting this locally-owned and run business.
When you're done, please be sure to browse the art gallery (surrounding the cafe) and the bookstore upstairs. Far from kitschy, most things were of highest quality and had real artistic merit. It was hard to leave to go to the ferry dock!Listed in: Desserts!, Last Suppers, Regional Destinations
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Review from Brandon S.
Olympia, WA
7/31/2008 2 photos
One of the specials of the day at Cafe Olga the day that we visited was a Dungeness crab quesadilla. It sounded wonderful, but I was certainly afraid that there would only be a smattering of crab here and there. Thankfully, I was very wrong. There was a ton of real, fresh Dungeness crab mixed with melty cheese and green chiles and it was so darn good.
I'm a little sad that it was just a special and not on their normal lunch menu, because when I get to Orcas Island again, I'm going to want a Dungeness crab quesadilla from Cafe Olga, and chances are, I'm not going to get one.
But that's OK, because everything else that we ate at Cafe Olga was delicious as well - the soup and their turkey club on challah bread - and we'd definitely eat there again. -
Review from Chrissy F.
Lynnwood, WA
2/24/2010
It's a quiet Sunday morning, a soft rain falling outside. I open the door and my sense of smell is overwhelmingly pleased with the deliciousness of homemade soups, fresh bread baking.
There's an unparalleled sense of being welcomed and invited in by the aromas, the delightful displays of local crafts (rose petal bead jewelry, photography, clay works, paintings, knitted items, and more). We are seated immediately.
There are trailing houseplants around us and DELICIOUS fresh coffee comes mere moments after requesting. I can't help but want to slow down and savor each bite of my breakfast (and remember to order a home-made cinnamon roll to take with you for the road as they sell out quickly). All of my senses fill with pure bliss and each time I've visited this cafe over the past 15 or so years, I've had similar experiences (all have been breakfast or lunch outtings. Dinner on Orcas, if I go out, is usually a picnic, or a stop at Vern's for a yummy burger).
Cafe Olga has a certain magic about it, and comes highly recommended. -
Review from Doug H.
Woodinville, WA
10/2/2011
Clean. Good service. Food was plentiful and DELICIOUS! Order was slow to be prepared, but ultimately worth the wait. We just played cards and browsed the gift shop while waiting. Good coffee and cup was never empty. Haven't visited them all, but this is our #1 choice for breakfast on Orcas Island so far!
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Review from Tiffany S.
Seattle, WA
5/14/2007
Thanks again to Yelp who steered us to this wonderful place for dinner on our one-night stay on Orcas after my Mother's Day debacle (MDD). This is a place you wouldn't just stumble onto by accident, and there's no real reason to go to Olga otherwise (there's nothing there but a quaint little post office, and old gas pumps that read $1.50. Ahhh, the good ole days).
So here, in the middle of nowhere, is this barn conversion with a nice art gallery/shop and its cozy restaurant. We were seated quickly (as we were the only ones there) and after we ordered our wines/beer, the shop lady was nice enough to warn us that the shop was only going to be open for another ten minutes. We placed our order and then took a quickie run through the beautiful shop space that provided a multitude of gift options.
Dinner started with homemade herb bread with the yummiest sun-dried tomato spread. I'm going to crave it for days....then we each had a cup of the curried vegetable soup which was super yummy. Chris had the halibut which was served with an olive tapenade and roasted root veggies. I had the shrimp on angel hair pasta. Both were served with the freshest asparagus I've ever had. The dinners were light and fantastic. For dessert, we took home a piece of blackberry pie(obviously made from frozen berries I'm guessing, since they're not in season) which was good - tasted more healthy than decadent but maybe that's for the best.
I think all told the bill was around $60 after tip, if I remember correctly. Definitely a must-do stop on the island! -
Review from Annie S.
Seattle, WA
7/16/2007
I'm a bit tossed on Cafe Olga. I definitely love the cute, quaint vibe, but i was disappointed that the gallery area wasn't open during dinner hours.
As for the food, the bread was delicious and was served with blue cheese/walnut spread (SO GOOD). We ordered tomato basil soup, which was a little disorienting because i felt like i was eating spaghetti sauce. GOOD spaghetti sauce, but definitely thick and chunky like my favorite Ragu... not the usual creamy base. I couldn't get past that feeling...
As for the entrees, my halibut was a bit dry and flavorless. It came with a chopped tomato topping, but definitely could have used a sauce or something (hmmm, maybe the tomato sauce??). The hubby's steak was really good, though they undercooked it the first round. His garlic mashed potatoes were really good too, more like smashed potatoes (nice & chunky). Super fresh veggies were great!~
BUT, the BEST THING EVER is their fresh berry pies. I had the raspberry, the hubby had blueberry, and i swear i could have eaten the entire pie. Best pie i've had in a LONG time. I would go back just for that! All in all a good visit, but steer clear of the fish. -
Review from Chelsea N.
WA
9/1/2010
The smell that fills one's nose upon entering the Orcas Artworks/Cafe Olga building, is like none other and nearly intoxicating. It's a combination of yeasty warm bread, sugar, and comfort that always makes me feel happy and at home, year after year.
I've been eating at Cafe Olga once a summer for nearly thirty years and can't remember a time when the food wasn't delicious. I've only grown to appreciate it more as I've gotten older. I usually have lunch there, so can't say much about breakfast or dinner, but their menu maintains the right amount of the same and new from year to year.
The roasted red pepper and fontina sandwich has been delicious in recent years, coming with the salad of the day on the side. When I was younger, but too old for the kids menu, I'd beg for the plate with melted cheese on crescent rolls with season fruit alongside. Scrumptious
The menu also features other sandwiches and salads, including a reuben with crazy amounts of meat. For desert, look no farther than their consistently delicious blackberry pie. You must taste it to believe it.
The seating areas both inside and outside aren't large, so come only slightly hungry and get hungrier as you wait and browse the art gallery. They're both permeated with quaintness - but outside is suggested if the weather's nice and the yellow jackets aren't too fierce.
Drive the length of Horseshoe Highway to get to Cafe Olga - you'll be very glad you did. -
Review from Ginger E.
San Diego, CA
8/31/2011
The Olga Cafe is located at the back of an old strawberry packing plant in rural Olga, WA on Orcas Island. It's a lovely pit stop for a snack or a full meal. After browsing the lovely array of home made crafts and local artwork, you can enjoy a delicious meal of local produce that is heavenly. I have not had their desserts but I hear they are also divine! Definitely worth the drive to Olga.
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Review from Forrest K.
Vancouver, WA
8/5/2011
Tasty eclectic menu surrounded by art from local artists. I had the "scallabit cake" sandwich on challah bread with mildly spicy Tai sauce. Delicious! My wife had the Natural Turkey sandwich. Also quite good. A bit busy. Be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak season and hours.
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Review from Lily S.
8/4/2009
Baked eggs w/ smoked salmon alongside potatoes & homemade coffee cake?
YES PLEASE.
And now to go back for dinner someday soon...that's if they don't close @ 6:30pm like we had heard. -
Review from Shannon L.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2007
Wow - my experience at Cafe Olga was very different from the rest of the Yelpers. While the cafe is very cute and the waitstaff nice - the food was pretty much awful. I think that maybe the cafe is better for breakfast but I would not receommend eating dinner there.
The herbed bread was yummy and theie salads were fine but the entrees were very dissapointing. My boyfriend had the halibut. I have never seen halibut that dry in my life...EVER. It was like eating tires baked in sand. I had an herb crusted beef tenderloin. I was pretty unhappy with it as they ruined a really good piece of meat. The herbs were not fresh and, in fact, just seemed of poor quality. They covered a sizeable and very good cut of meat with about an inch of this overwhleming and just plain icky herb rub. Why god, why!
I would go back to Cafe Olga for two reasons:
1. The gallery was closed when we were there and it looked like they had some nice local art.
2. I would try the breakfast as I heard from multiple people that it is good but also because there are not many breakfast places on Orcas. -
Review from Sandy K.
Long Beach, CA
6/16/2011
Fun little place in a cool setting on the way to Moran State Park and Obstruction Pass Park. We stopped in for breakfast and it was really good. They have a cool little patio overlooking the forest with a few hummingbird feeders, so hummingbirds are all around. There is also a very cool gift store here, where a lot of the local artists display their wares. Loved it!
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Review from Dan and Tif S.
San Marcos, CA
5/28/2010
After spending the morning exploring Moran State Park, my husband and I stumbled upon Cafe Olga on our way back to our hotel in Eastsound. The cafe itself is inside a rustic art gallery that showcases some of the local arts and crafts.
We arrived at lunchtime on a Friday. Cafe Olga is small but not cramped, with a seating capacity of around thirty. Although we were seated promptly, we could tell the place was quite popular since there was a wait by the time we left.
The lunch menu features soups, salads, and sandwiches. We shared a starter of their 'scalibut' cakes, a combination of scallops & halibut with Thai chilis. They tasted very fresh and had just the right amount of "kick". For my lunch, I had a cup of their soup of the day, which was tomato basil, and the Cafe Salad. The soup was incredible, with tons of flavor. The salad was enormous and was made with both marinated (green beans, asparagus, pepperoncinis) and fresh (four types of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes) vegetables, as well as hardboiled egg. My husband had the Greek Salad, which was made with spinach, cherry tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives and marinated feta cheese, which was also very good. Both of our salads were served with a side of balsamic vinaigrette and fresh baked bread.
Our service was very friendly, but a bit slow, although not unexpectedly so for such a small place, and given how busy it was. Besides, who wants to eat in a rush when you're on island time? The food was definitely worth the wait!
We will definitely eat here again on our next trip to Orcas. -
Review from Chuck C.
Bothell, WA
7/20/2011
Everyone said the pies were the best. I thought the pie was just, well, OK. We stopped for lunch here and had sandwiches and pie. The person running the place complained to us about how we parked saying we were leaving too much space between vehicles. The parking lot was large and EMPTY. We were the only customers there, and there were four couples in our group. After the parking lot issue the same person treated us less than king inside. The food was OK and the service satisfactory but I say 2-stars for this place.
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Review from Ingrid H.
Bowling Green, KY
4/14/2011
We ate here after spending a cold morning in Moran State Park. It was wonderful!! We had scones and then split the baked egg special which included baked eggs, cheese, onions and crab meat served with home fries, sweet roll and fruit. We are already planning another visit while we are here.
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Review from Nage R.
WA
4/30/2007
This great cafe saved our lives. We had trouble finding good food at our hotel so we ventured here on a friend's suggestion. I had the turkey club and loved it. My wife ordered some sort of veggie sandwich and really enjoy her offering. The place is a really cool cafe/gallery south of Moran State Park. The staff is very courteous. Their applemint drink is quite refreshing too. It might be a bit out of the way, but so worth the trip.
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Review from Ken N.
Portland, OR
7/4/2009
I had just finished biking to the top of mount constitution. I had some cell coverage at the top and checked yelp for restaurants in Olga. This was my only option. I wasn't expecting much because of it being the only restaurant in the area, but I was hungry and would have settled for anything. Well I was pleasantly surprised because Cafe Olga was just what I needed. I had a nice decor. The wait staff was attentive and easy going. Most of all the food was great! I had stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes. It was soooooooo good. It was a little pricey, however, for the quality of food they serve in such a remote location they deserve to bump up the price a little. I will be back on my next trip.
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Review from Shannon W.
San Mateo, CA
6/30/2010
The sandwiches were GREAT!!!
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Review from Paul S.
Tualatin, OR
10/31/2010
It was closed throughout a Saturday -Monday stay in late October. Unfortunate.
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Review from Marky M.
Mountain View, CA
3/11/2010
Olga's Blackberry Pie...an 11 year wait for a second piece!
Labor Day week in 1996...my wife and I traveled to the San Juans and stayed on both San Juan Island and Orcas Island. It was one of our best vacations. During our stay on Orcas Island, we stopped at Olga's and after looking around at the arts and crafts for a bit, we headed up to the top of Mount Constitution. After a long hike, we settled on the rocks beneath the stone tower, enjoying the beautiful view.
After a time, a group of bikers arrived at the summit and as one of them sat down, he announced, "Man, I am all over a piece of Olga's Blackberry Pie!" At this, our ears perked up and we said, "Let's go...", and we headed back down the mountain, back to Olga's and a piece of their delicious blackberry pie!
Over the years, I've thought about and even told that story many times. Finally in 2007, along with some friends we went on a similar Labor Day week trip to Orcas Island and my wait for a second slice of pie ended. Olga's blackberry pie was exactly how I remembered it...DELICIOUS...and worth the wait! -
Review from Vance A.
Tampa, FL
5/26/2011
Breakfast at Cafe Olga is a must on Orcas Island. I write reviews for Yelp because I appreciate the info when I am looking. This one is a no-brainer. The food here is made with skill and cafe not just for the ingredients but the guests. If you are down at Olga's end of the Island you are there for the out-of-doors experience at Moran State Park. There is only one thing that beats the view from Mt. Constitution on a crisp clear morning, and that is Olga's baked eggs, their coffee, and the deadly blueberry coffee cake. What a great place in a great location including the humming birds at the feeder on the porch. Do not miss this restaurant just because it is where it is.
