Still owned by its original founding family, the Eastside Club Tavern has been an Olympia staple since 1942.  I instantly felt the warmth of wooden bar comfort as I planted my bum close to the tavern’s cute, friendly bartenders. This place reminds me of what a true tavern should be, and a place I could see myself spending endless hours killing what little brain cells I have left.

The Eastside does what it was born to do — serve beer and wine only — and they do it very well.  Their top priority is to serve micro beers from small breweries especially harder to find ales. 

With that being said, I deem the Eastside Club Tavern not qualified to be considered a dive bar.  Which is kind of deceiving from the looks of this joint from the outside.  Honestly, the place looks like a trashy hole as you pass by the front doors.  I’m not gonna lie about that.

As I ponder with complete orgasmic excitement over which unique beer I’m going to drink, I ask how I might grab a bite to eat. 

“I heard I can order food through a window from your neighbor, the Clubside Café,” I told Steve the bartender. 

He then informs me that there is in fact a binder full of local, independently owned restaurant menus that I am more than welcome to bring food in from.  Say what?  Yes, as long as it is not from McDonalds or some shit like that, you can bring it in.

Better yet, The Eastside has pool tables, wi-fi, ping pong tables, air hockey, trivia, pinball, video games, pay-per-use Internet kiosk, and get this: coin operated laundry.  Did you HEAR ME?  I said: Coin. Operated. Laundry.  Hell yeah!  Now the real question is, when can I move in?

Eastside Tavern

410 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.357.9985

Service: Top notch. Steve the bartender is kick ass.
Beer: Miraculous selection, plus they offer kegs and beer growlers “to go”.
Food: Supporting local indie cuisine

Bar Exam Dive Grade: C-  — it’s not a dive