Olympia Coffee Roasting — Restaurant in Tacoma

One of the staff members, John, was extremely knowledgeable and gave me tips on steaming alt milks. He made recommendations on low acidity roasts for my latte art at home. That guy was awesome and made my experience top notch.

Olympia is a big name amongst the area's roasters, but this shop is unique even amongst them. Staff were passionate, used scales, and knew how to dial in a shot. I have full confidence that the beans I purchased will be delicious because I was able to try an espresso before leaving.

New wave specialty coffee roasters seem to stigmatize dark roasts. It's unfortunate. I think there is this truism that a roaster only goes to second crack if they're trying to hide something, but I'd personally love to see options at all ends of the spectrum. There are so many flavors to explore in dark roasts, so it is a shame there wasn't at least one dark roast on the shelf.

Olympia impressed me with their selection given this trend, however. They did have medium dark roasts, but it was a limited selection. So if you're looking for light or medium roasted beans for pour over, this is a great place to find coffee. Some of their mediums and certainly their couple of medium dark beans will be suitable for espresso. You won't find dark roasts...

Interior is overly sterile with white on white and hard surfaces. The exterior is simple and unassuming but extremely bland like the coffee I'd thought a third try was in order since I buy coffee daily on the way to work and on the weekend at Starbucks directly across the street. I should make an observation about business at Olympia Coffee now when they open in the morning they have an absence of customers for the first hour or so. I sit reading the paper at Starbucks every morning every day of the week and clearly see no one in the place. My question is why open up if you have no business.Top Pot Donuts have nearly learned their lesson as to when to open. (Could I suggest 10:00 till 4:00 for TP) As for OCR maybe 7-4 for them as well. Coffee in both of Starbucks competitors is not as good as what the mermaid offers. The service is straight forward and like the interior bland and sterile simply not a lot of personality bit they are nice. I'll be so very surprised if either of these places are open in the Proctor area in 5 years. Unless the landlord is giving them the space. Like the Walla Walla must be an online company because no one is ever in the place Some of these places ....what are they even...

Thank you to Laura and Patrick for a great start to my day with a delicious Americano and friendly conversation! The in-house roasted beans make a delicious cup...not acidic or bitter, just smooth and full bodied. They know how to pull shots here. (Thank you again Patrick) I'm very excited about the pastries here, provided by Left Bank Bakery (Olympia). FINALLY! A proper Chasson aux Pommes (apple turnover) and beautiful Kouign Amann...among other delicious offering that include cookies, Danish, croissants, etc. Not cheap (apple turnover is $4.25) but worthy of indulgence. This is a pretty space with retro touches to its sleek, light look. If you are looking to "laptop camp" here, it would not be ideal as the tables are small and round...but those looking to meet a friend or take a breather will be well served by the space. Olympia is definitely "winning" when it comes to imports to Tacoma...Seattle has sent us a bunch of gringo taco joints....Oly has brought Compass Rose and now this wonderful coffee shop. Welcome...