Back to Reviews

Offering an olive branch

Tacoma eatery a place for the hoity toity in all of us

Enjoy both breakfast and lunch at The Olive Branch in Tacoma. Photo credit: Jason de Paul

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

Announcer: Who doesn't like a tea house? It doesn't matter if you sling hammers or papers for a career, everyone can embrace their inner pinkie finger and enjoy a spot of tea, a cucumber sandwich, and a little lace.  The Olive Branch in Tacoma is the right place for all those lamenting the end of Downton Abbey, and or just looking for a great breakfast and lunch spot.

Jake: As a teahouse you would certainly expect a wide variety of tea available, but I was surprised at the vast amount available.  I was escorted to the tea cabinet and left to literally breath in all the choices; from black teas to floral infusions and everything in between.  I particularly enjoyed both the huckleberry cream and the chocolate mint tea, yes chocolate mint.

Jason: It is pretty important to deliver on the tea, and these folks get that.  They drive high interest in teas, and with the selection, they offer reasons to keep coming back to try new flavors. Beyond the tea however, they also understand how important ambience is to their guests and the rooms are decked in English décor - lots of lace, Victorian furniture, heavy lamps and more which make for an experience that extends beyond the food.  

Jake: The French Dip here is one of the best I've ever eaten.  The roast beef is sliced thin and piled high on a fresh hoagie roll, then topped with provolone cheese and hot pressed until the cheese is melty and the bun is toasty.  But what makes this sandwich is the house made au jus sauce which is derived from the actual drippings of the sandwich which guarantees it will pack even more flavor into your sandwich.

Jason: The main draw from my perspective is the high tea fare - the three tiered plates of goodies that accompany the tea.  They offer great selections of sandwiches, fruit, and mini-desserts.  Those that enjoy high tea won't be disappointed. The curry almond chicken sandwich spread was especially delectable - mild in flavor but with that exotic taste that only curry can provide.

Jake: After enjoying the French Dip so much, I had to give the French Dip salad a try.  Had I not already relished in the flavors of the sandwich, I would have certainly passed this by on the menu.  Served on a bed of fresh lettuce and garnished with ripe tomatoes, red onions, and black olives, the juicy roast beef is stacked and then topped with the aforementioned au jus sauce.  Last up is the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich.  Crisp, creamy and served on sourdough bread, this is a perfect light sandwich for a day out with a hot cup of tea.

THE OLIVE BRANCH, 2501 E. D St., Tacoma, 253.330.6511, www.olivebranch-cafe.com

Read next close

Stage

Death on the Supermarket Shelf

comments powered by Disqus