Lady Of The Lake Public House — Restaurant in Washington

Today, after I finished teaching lessons, I needed to get off the ranch and away from a long list of admin duties.

Ray and I jumped in the car and took off with no particular destination in mind, until we decided to get lunch. I remembered wanting to try Lady of the Lake. I had heard about it and read mixed reviews. I was feeling adventurous, so off we went.

We drove to the end of the road, literally. Directly in front of us was the entrance. The restaurant is the original boathouse. There are 2 rather steep sets of stairs, making the restaurant non-ADA. The building was erected in 1939, and is on the Thurston County Historic Register.

It was a beautiful day with gorgeous views. We walked into what appears to be an upscale restaurant. It is tastefully decorated, with all of the charm of the original building left in place.

We were greeted warmly. Business was slow, with only two other occupied tables, so we had our choice of seating. I chose a window table.

Our server, who also seated us, was friendly and attentive without being obtrusive. I told her this was our first visit, and asked for her opinion as I was vacillating between 2 items. I appreciated her recommendation, rather than being told everything is good.

After perusing the menu, and reading the descriptions, Ray and I made our choices. He ordered the 3 piece cod and chips. I ordered the deep fried pickle burger. I was asked how I wanted my burger prepared. While I eat steaks cooked medium rare, I like my burger slightly more cooked. I said medium.

Our meals arrived, nicely plated and looked appetizing, looked being the operative word. After taking pictures, I bit into one French fry and it was cold, not lukewarm, but cold. So were the next two. Ray’s fries were also cold.

Our server came right over to check on us. When I told her our fries were cold, without hesitation she went right to the kitchen to request a hot order of fries. She apologized profusely when she returned with a hot fresh batch and told us she had delivered our food as soon as it came up. Having worked in food service, she picked up our order as soon as the bell dinged, so I know it did not sit.

The fried pickles were very good. I picked the spears off of my burger and just ate them. They were the best and only part of my meal I enjoyed.

My burger was supposed to have grilled onions. They were a few in there, somewhere, buried under a heap of raw onions. The hamburger patty was typical of a fast food restaurant. I don’t know how it could be overcooked AND cold, but it was. I shudder to think why.

After asking for hot fries I felt badly when I told our server my entire burger was cold. I also asked for a side of mayo as there was none on my burger. I ate half and was done.

Ray was relatively happy with his fish. The pieces weren’t hot, but they weren’t cold either. The coleslaw was soggy and limp. Neither of us cared for it.

We did not have dessert, even though carrot cake and flourless chocolate torte, are our favorites and on the menu. Our server knew we were disappointed. She did her best to salvage the situation. I do not blame her.

Based on the ambiance of the restaurant, Ray and I expected there to be a professional chef in the kitchen. Either the chef was having a bad day or this was a minimum wage new hire.

Ray and I had debated ordering steaks. Based on how disappointing our meals were, I would have been furious to pay $32 per meal to have an overcooked steak.

Lady of the Lake definitely has all of the pieces to be the upscale restaurant you see from the arched entrance, to the beautifully appointed interior, the vintage bar in the lounge, complete with mirrored back and the original fireplace, which has been converted to gas. Everything screams class except the quality of our meals, which came with high class prices.

Until I am assured changes have been made, we won’t be back. The potential is there to be fantastic. I really wanted to tell the world this is a must go. ...

First, I must give praise to this high energy, full of life, wondeful waitress we had named Debbie!! My cheeks hurt from all the laughing! And yet, wasn't over imposing, she was just natural in her fun nature.

She is a genius!! I wanted to try out some of the drinks from local distilleries and she helped develop this phenomenonal drink. Let me invite you to the warmth a freshness that is now named the Katherine Crunch.

Upon wanting to taste the Brown sugar bourbon whiskey shot, as they house a wide variety of whiskey, I was told "You know how fireball hits you all at once? Well, this shot is a gentleman the whole night" says Debbie! Well, now, I have to try this, no going back now.

It truly was. It was sweet upon arrival and left me with a taste of Sunday mornings at grandma's house as a finish. I was able to happily enjoy the remainder of my dinner (I'll save that part for another review) while enjoying the sunset over the lake with an ever so pleasant buzz.

By dinners end, I was feeling adventurous and wanted to taste some more of their variety of local whiskey. I ended up ordering the Brown Sugar 103 proof. Brave, right. It had a hard finish, which to be expected.

And this is how the Katherine Crunch became a thing. I asked Miss Debbie if I may have my shot, made into a double, with a sugared rim!!! Ladies and Gentlemen, she came back with the most delicious cocktail $22 could buy!!

A double shot of 103 BSB, in a martini glass with a honey sugared rim and a cinnamon stick and just a kiss of fireball!!!! It tastes just like Cinnamon toast crunch!!!

If you are less brave, the regular BSB is a great substitute. If you are a gentleman or would prefer to sip your drink and enjoy the aroma, wanting to try this drink, it goes wonderful on the rocks as well and for a cheaper price of $16!!! You will not be disappointed. I have returned 3 more weekends with my husband and enjoyed this while he fished and I enjoyed the sunset!!

Thank you Miss Debbie!! We will forever be returning, you...

I wanted to love this place from the day we stumbled on it during a Sunday drive... But unfortunately we had a bad expirence with our server... We sat for about 10 minutes before even getting water, another 10 minutes before asking if we wanted appetizers and we rushed it and put in our full order. When the food finally came it was well cooked and well presented but unfortunately it was cold! Not cold but not hot... Either way, it was clear that the food had been done for a while and it was left to sit as it waited for our server to bring it to us. I quickly asked for steak sauce when the food was put down and 5 minutes later she passes us and my girlfriend had to stop her a second time... After the second ask... She went outside to work with other tables... 5 minutes later I asked a different server and she ran and grabbed it within 30 seconds... This is pretty much how the night went on for us. I even noticed our server making small talk with one of the tables across from us for roughly 5 minutes while we waited. It was a disappointing expirence sadly. But I could tell that the other servers were on point, the place was not under staffed by any means, the food was well prepared and tasted pretty good(even tho it was luke cold), and the lake view/vibe was great. I'd probably try it again understanding that this was an issue with one person rather than the...