Tuesday 9th of September 2008 02:00:02 PM

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What a nice place to stop at in Centralia. Did not think you would find this here but it was great. The atmosphere a typical McMenamins which I love. The beer was great and plenty the food as usual was awesome. Had a very nice time the pool tables I could see are an asset at busy times and the music was awesome also. Good old hard Rock and Roll. This would be a fun place for a nice party. The bar was filled and the liquor to choose from was also plenty. I want to try there own stuff but that will be next time. Across the street are about 10 antique stores so guys bring the wives give them the credit card and you can drink your worries away. Great place!!!

Tuesday 27th of November 2007 04:44:42 PM

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If you don't know about McMenamin's beer, hotels and clubs, you should.
They cover the Pacific NW from Seattle south to Roseburg in Southern Oregon with 55 brewpubs & hotels, 35 in the greater Portland area alone!
Not bad for a coupla of ex-hippie brothers who started with one pub in 1983. According to its own website, "older brother Mike, a recent Oregon State grad, recognized that Oregon's standing definition of a pub was stale. The local tavern scene -- dark, smoky, male-dominated and hard-drinking -- was a far cry from the all-age community pubs, cafes and piazzas that marked the landscape of Ireland, England, France and Italy. Over time, we've learned that what makes a good brewpub is the journey to get there."
And "fun" they said, was the key ingredient. After visiting all 88 brewpubs in Washington State (and getting ready to start in Oregon) I too have learned that the journey is fun...but the reward must also be a place of fun and, just as important, a feeling of community...and let me tell you, McMenamin's delivers.
I've tasted better beer in smaller pubs in even tinier towns...the axiom here being; the smaller the burg, the better the beer...but I've never discovered any place more infused with the spirit of family.
McMenamin's opens their arms and welcomes you as family for as long as you wish to hang around...and makes you sad to leave. The staff is trained well, the service impeccable, the history of the places fascinating.
Olympic Club in Centralia was a one-time "gentleman's club" and that means exactly what you think it means. At the beginning of the 20th Century, here men could get a shave & a haircut ("2 bits"), eat a steak dinner, smoke Cuban cigars, play pool or poker and enjoy the "company" of the "residents" of the adjacent, upper-floors Oxford Hotel.
It was also one of the few establishments that survived prohibition, due in part to its owner being named "King of the Bootleggers" and counted Centralia's Police Chief as one of the club's many regulars. It's no coincidence that from one spot near the kitchen, every nook of the Club and the sidewalk in front can be seen through the reflection of the many mirrors.
Today the Olympic Club looks exactly like it did 100 years ago. Although missing the brass spittoons in the corners, the Tiffany lamps, leaded glass, Franklin stove, bar, cash registers, even chest-high urinals remain as a historic reminder of days long past and perhaps longed-for.
The European-style hotel (meaning restrooms across the hall) have named the rooms after the colorful characters who once roamed those halls (and hooch-smuggling tunnels) including Turkey Red, Tacoma Iron Mike and One-Eyed Tony. The drawback here? (and it is huge)...the hotel resides next to the train station, a constant reminder that the railroads still operate...all day and all night! The rooms also sit above the theater which features live performances twice a week. So if Dr. Metropolic comes to town with its 11-man band playing rap music until 10:00 PM...well, you get the picture.
Still, McMenamin's beer is delicious and you can be assured of the same quality no matter
which pub / hotel you visit.
Again, to quote the brothers' own website:
"...the most important realization (is) that the essence of a pub is its people."
Become one of 'em.
'Nuff said.