Halyard's Cafe

Well executed bar eats w many things grown in-house or made from scratch, including the dough for their buns and peppers for their chicken spice mix. I’ve tried almost everything on the menu, and it’s elevated to say the least. Their Smash burger is BEST BURGER in town, and their fried chicken sandwich beats out State & Central by a few degrees of magnitude. Great local beer selection as well.

This bar is fantastic! I love the nautical feel of all the decor and the smash burgers are seriously heaven! The prices are incredibly fair for a burger and fries, I think around $15-$16 for the meal. Everything is made there by the owners, including the buns! Perfect crispy edges on the burger and good drink selection. Try this place, you will not regret it!!

Best chicken sandwich I have ever had. Super crispy, juicy and the fries were amazingly seasoned and cooked perfectly. Next time will try the smash burger. Saw one and it looked amazing. Staff is super helpful and friendly. Will definitely be coming back!!!

Ordered through the window at the back of the Eastside Tavern. Definitely a step up from the kind of food you can generally order at a bar and we were grateful to have the option. Not sure when or if their street-side restaurant is open ...

Had the chicken sandwich which was a nice juicy boneless (of course) thigh, deep fried. I ordered it without the bun so didn't get the full experience but it was delicious just the same. We also ordered the Korean inspired burger, and polished that off. Limited menu, but quality stuff.

They make their own buns and also potato chips which are -- amazing -- melt in your mouth. Definitely try them on the side.

Word on the street is that they source all their ingredients locally, which if it's true, I say yay!

I tried Halyard's a few times through the window they have into Eastside Tavern, and today I ate at the counter of their own space, and everytime I have come away full, happy, and raving about their food. They added a few items, and the 3 other people I ate with agreed, some of the best food in Oly, and the space is fantastic.

I had the smash burger, which I've had a few times and is now my favorite burger in Olympia (I still love you, big Tom's!). I think even the bun, pickles and ketchup are made in house, and the whole thing is perfect.

I've also had the fried chicken sandwich, and my friend who had it today said top 3 of her life. Chicken thigh, breaded well in flavorful coating, cooked perfectly.

My wife had the special of the day, BLT on house made sourdough w heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market. She said it was the best bacon she had ever tasted, and I had a bite to confirm: not wrong.

My homie had the black bean burger, which I almost ordered instead of the smash burger, and his reaction made me decide I would get that next time (with bacon added).

We also had a bean dip and salsa appetizer (delicious), and enjoyed the decorations and bar seats in the jovially nautical styled room.

All in all, I love this place. Olympia, please come keep these guys busy and help a great local business do well!

They had wine and beer, friendly staff, and as I mentioned above you can also get the food through the window into the Eastside, so you can play pool or shuffleboard while you wait. Oh, and all food was prepped fresh and the wait was not super long. Just perfect service, get in there!

FANTASTIC food. The best burger I ate in a long while. The smash burger is a bomb. I enjoyed every bite of it. The fries so crispy and point. The salad fresh. I’m definitely coming back. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 💥💥

Damm! If you haven't tried their smash burger, do yourself a favor and give it a go. Crunchy edges, brioche bun, mustard sauce, dill pickle, a little bit of onion. Yes Absolutely! A burger from heaven! I think I'll have another please!

Halyard's has become one of my favorites! Limited seating, don't come with a large group. AMAZING food! Great beer, wine, and beverage options.

Unfortunately I can't share a picture of my spicy chicken sandwich that I got. It was so delicious that I just got lost in the meal. Fries were perfect. Staff was so nice and I could not recommend a better chicken sandwich in the nearest 200 mile radius if not more. Next time I will get their burger and review that. Their menu is small and that let's them focus on what they make. You have an easy view into the kitchen and you see spices and ingredients instead of sysco cans. You can taste the fresh flavors and care assigned to their food. I'll be back... A lot.

best burger AND chicken sandwich I’ve had in a long time… possibly ever? plus great service and atmosphere

We ordered the spicy chicken sandwich and smash burgers. Everything was absolutely delicious!
It was all fresh and the buns are homemade. I’d highly recommend this place. It is a hole in the wall diner with counter seating. Go check it out!

Really glad we stopped by for lunch. Clean and surprisingly comfortable atmosphere. This isn't a 5-star restaurant, but it's so good for what it is. I'm not vegetarian but ordered the veggie smash burger and wouldn't have even known there wasn't meat in it. So delicious. Toasty yet soft bun. My husband had the regular smash burger which was so good too. Not even greasy! We'll definitely be back.

What can I say about Halyards that can bring it justice? You need to experience the chill vibe, tasty food, and awesome record collection. These guys take vacation only one week a year. So, come down and check out the fun aquatic decor and groove with the music.

Small quiet spot which is nice.
The smash burgers here are insanely good, and the music taste is quite enjoyable.

Small menu of great options, nautical atmosphere, nice canned beer selection with some less known delicious beers, record player and hot nuts! Got the smash burger and side salad. Definitely worth becoming a regular.

Smash burgers are so good. Fun vibe, and you can order you food from the Eastside next door.

One of the best veggie burgers I’ve ever had! My husband loved his beef burger, too. I absolutely love the decor and the boat galley theme. It’s cozy and inviting. We will definitely be back!

Just finished my lunch and it was waaay better than expected. If you havent checked this place out, change that . Love the vibe and a decent beer/wine/cider list. I got the hot chicken sandwich and it was easily one of thee best I’ve ever had. And I’ve rated a few chicken sandwiches in my day. Hot juicy crispy chicken in a buttermilk crunchy batter. Do it.

Robby and Courtney have a hidden gem! They are an amazing duo and you need to go there! The Smash Burger and Yard Bird were super yummy and they accommodated my wife's dietary needs with an amazing burger salad. Thanks for everything you two! Plus the vingerette on the salad was amazing

Incredible burgers and fries. Great vibes and cool owners.