Restaurants

Restaurants

The Shire Joel Wall 465 NW Chehalis Avenue, Chehalis, WA 360-748-3720 http://www.theshirebarandbistro.com/ Open Tuesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to closing and Saturday 5:00 p.m. to closing. Serving freshly made dinners and lunches made with local and regionally supplied ingredients. The Shire was established in February, 2003 in a historic downtown Chehalis building which originally housed the Olympia Tavern. The Olympia was founded around 1900 by Leopold Schmidt, the forefather of the Olympia Brewing Company. For decades the Olympia was a sattelite tavern which served to market Olympia beer products. Back then, as was the custom, the Olympia was a gentlemen's club catering to the working class. The daily menu consisted of billiards, card games and beer. Though the ownership has changed throughout the years, the name remained the same until the late 1980's when a group of investors purchased the building and renamed it Guido's. In 2002 the building became available again. This is where our story begins.

People often ask what's behind the name, "The Shire". To me the question is three fold though a bit of thievery comes into play as well. Growing up in the midwest as a youngster I would occasionally frequent a unique establishement called The Shire. It had a large stage, lots of mohogany trim, great food and wonderful musicians, acotors and comedians. That establishment has long since been defunct, but the feel and almost magical atmosphere never left me. So I stole it! Shire is also a suffix often found in villages and townships abroad, and that sense of community was an element which held great appeal. Finally, I am a big fan of literature. Upon reading the Hobbit, I remember how captivated I was by those little critters who lived and loved to eat, drink and be merry. So, after much renovation and a giant leap of faith The Shire was born. Though the menu may change now and then, the light hearted staff has shared much longevity. We enjoy serving delicious food, plentiful beverages and quality entertainment to our longstanding and loyal patrons. Above all we enjoy meeting new friends. We hope to meet you soon.

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