ANNOUNCER: Food tastes better in Olympia — or so it seems of late as the boys continue to spend a lot of time eating south of the Pierce County line. They almost walked past QB on Fourth Avenue because little out front indicates some of the best vegan and finely crafted Mexican food resides inside. If you don’t study it closely, the place looks like an empty storefront. Inside, the long row of booths, some torn like the aftermath of a fraternity party, doesn’t improve the place’s image. But once the food arrives on the table, all else seems of little consequence.

JAKE: Olympia features a few places like QB, however, QB reigns. The food features whole ingredients — not organic but simple, close to the earth cuisine with little in between — sort of like the décor. You get a door to enter, a seat to sit, some flatware, and that’s about it. But don’t be scared — what the place lacks in aesthetics, it delivers in taste.

JASON: They don’t take plastic so come prepared with cash or check. There is a cash machine onsite, however it requires a $2.50 fee. Frankly, the place seems thrown together — as if opened on a wing and a prayer. That works in Olympia, where gritty is an art form. Centrally located downtown near great clubs and theater, the QB is a come-as-you are place where Birkenstocks, dreadlocks and Tie-dye are kept alive.

JAKE: The sweet potato lime soup (also available in vegan form — basically minus the sour cream) tastes velvety smooth with a sensational earthy-meets-citrus flavor. Sweetened with cilantro, it pairs well with the tangy pink grapefruit vinaigrette salad with pecans, avocado, tomato, cilantro, lettuce, carrots and croutons. On a hot day, these two starters make the perfect light lunch.

JASON: I started with the sweet potato fries — long, thick cuts that arrive literally too hot to handle. Right from the deep fryer, these sweet slices are soft yet not greasy. They come with two creamy dipping sauces — cilantro lime aioli and chipotle aioli. I enjoyed the Mexican flavors and they paired nicely with the woody potato — nothing overpowers, instead the balance is perfect.

JAKE: The chicken taco disappointed me a little. The flavors were right. The soft tortilla, thick in the traditional Central American fashion, had a strong corn accent, while the jack and cotija cheeses, pico and cabbage were fresh. The chicken pieces, however, tasted fatty. They didn’t promise all white meat, but even for dark the chicken seems off. The steak taco, however, with the same accouterments had a better cut of meat — not filet but certainly not gristle.

JASON: QB has several other tacos and quesadillas worthy of a try including a bacon and potato taco, tempura zucchini taco and a cotija and jack quesadilla. But, bar none, the best item on the menu is the QB’s Steve’s deep-fried Cadillac burrito — a mama with chicken, tofu or grilled vegetables, beans, rice, avocado, cheese, sour cream and pico. This bad boy tastes great the next day cold too. Not fried like a chimichanga, but rather flaky and firm, for those who love a thick tortilla and strong pico freshness, this is your burrito.

JAKE: The QB has three desserts worthy of taking home for the next day so leave room. The banana and chocolate wonton tossed in cinnamon sugar and served over vanilla ice cream and homemade thick caramel made my night. The buttery caramel and the small, bite-sized banana wonton are unique for the area. Other desserts include ice cream with caramel and a Cinnamizzy — fried tortilla tossed in cinnamon and powdered sugars, the perfect end to a perfect Olympia meal inside a not-so perfect building.

QB

Where: 213 Fourth Ave E., downtown Olympia,  360. 357.7292
Hours: Hours: Mon 5:30 p.m. to midnight, Tues–Sun, 10 a.m. to midnight.
Cuisine: Earthy, whole foods where vegans, vegetarians and lovers of Mexican foods can all find something excellent to eat.
Scene: Shabby and not chic, it’s a no-frills joint where the food takes center stage.
Drinkies: You may have a mimosa, soda, root beer float, tea, coffee, horchata or kombucha, and that’s it.

MENU

• Vegan ranchero burrito >>> $7
• Tofu tacos >>> 3 for $7
• Fish tacos >>>3 for $7.95
• Fish and chips >>>$8