McMenamins Spar Café & Bar (114 4th Ave. E, 360/357-6444, 7 a.m.–midnight Mon.–Sat., 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun.) is a family place serving solid all-American breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. In business since the 1930s, the Spar has a decor to match: Classic Northwest logging photos line the walls.

For an all-natural breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try the Urban Onion (360/943-9242, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. in summer, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun.–Thurs., 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. the rest of the year) at the corner of Legion and Washington, with wholesome cuisine that includes salads, soups, sandwiches, Mexican meals, and vegetarian specials. Try the open-face shrimp-and-cheese haystacks at lunch, or the huevos rancheros for breakfast.

The Mason Jar (478 Cleveland Ave. SE, 360/754-7776, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri. only) is a favorite Tumwater lunch spot with homemade soups, freshly baked breads, and sandwiches.

Get some of the best pastries in southern Puget Sound at Wagner’s European Bakery & Café (1013 Capitol Way S, 360/357-7268, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.) where they also serve soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch, as well as light breakfasts. Be prepared for a line of state workers on weekdays at lunchtime.