If you happened to meander into Le Voyeur off Olympia’s Fourth Avenue, you might assume you were in just another eclectic restaurant serving handmade food. You’d see moms with their kids, couples having lunch, and friendly staff behind the line getting their hands dirty as they cooked up some grub.

 

Take a few steps behind the back wall, and enter “dive-city.” Please, allow me to explain “dive-city.” Dive-city is a different type of dive bar, one that Le Voyeur represents very well indeed. There’s something gritty, unusual, down-to-earth, and non-scary about a “dive-city.” It has walls that aren’t black, yet they’re still covered with posters promoting local shows. The barstools are wobbly and torn, yet they’re red and glittery just the same. “Dive-city” is a scene right out of any random B-movie where the newly blossoming 1980s American “alternative” music scene can be played out.

 

You know the one I’m talking about. Where the girl with long bangs takes her yuppie friends to explore bands like The Smiths. THAT’S Le Voyeur. It’s seedy, it’s alternative, it’s unique, and it’s wonderful.

 

Le Voyeur has red and pink walls, framed crayon drawings, a wooden bar, mis-matched seats, and an amazing selection of beers and wine. And by amazing I mean different and plentiful. On tap you find the likes of Lagunitas, Boddington’s, Hoegaarden, and then some OLY beer. The wine selection had a sheet of its own on the menu, delicately broken down by country. I loved it.

 

Thank you, Le Voyeur, for giving me something to look forward to upon my return visit to the wonderful city of Olympia.

Le Voyeur Café and Lounge

404 E 4th Ave Olympia, WA 98501, 360)943-5710

 

Beer: Excellent selection and very cold.

Food: Vegans and carnivores can finally eat together in harmony.

 

Bar Exam Dive Grade: A