As Bandito Betty and I spent the day rousing up the relaxed downtown Olympia area, we had thrown ourselves into shopping exhaustion. Thus, a beer was in order. Known for hosting local bands within its hidden back room, 4th Ave Ale House & Eatery was something I had only seen at night, and in an extremely crowded situation. To belly up to the 4th Avenue bar during the light of day was nothing short of a great treat.

 

Joe, The 4th Ave’s 12-year veteran bartender, chatted us up, asked questions about our day, talked Oly talk with us, and made sure our beers were as delicious as we expected them to be. The three of us compared notes and debated differences between the lifestyles and attitudes of those living in Olympia and those living in Tacoma. Eventually we all came to the conclusion that Portland was the best. Go figure.

 

We studied the dusty and aged paraphernalia taped to the back wall while a shower-challenged man ate his sandwich next to us. He politely informed us that at the end of the bar sat the owner of the building and the owner of the tavern. We felt as though we were in the presence of Oly-celebrities, yet we were comfortable as though we were right at home.

 

The 4th Ave has a fantastic jukebox, a huge room of pool tables, a predictable selection of domestic-micros on tap, sandwiches, pull tabs, and of course — the infamous “back room.” This room is my favorite. A full stage with plenty of tables suited for any local band to host the show of all shows. This just about covers all my bases, and makes the 4th Avenue Tavern by far my favorite dive in Olympia.

4th Ave Ale House & Eatery

210 Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.786.1444



Beer: Oh yes.

Food: Burgers, pizzas, you name it.

Service: Joe bought us our beers. Therefore, we love him.

 

Bar Exam Dive Grade: A