Rex & Rose Coffee and Tea is a delightful coffee shop tucked away in the historic Security Building in Olympia, WA, offering a cozy and intimate retreat for both local coffee enthusiasts and visitors alike. This charming café, though modest in size with just about five inviting seats, punches well above its weight in delivering a memorable and quality coffee experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Stepping inside Rex & Rose, you immediately sense the warmth radiating from the friendly and attentive staff, creating an atmosphere that feels both comfortable and refreshing amidst the bustle of downtown Olympia. The aesthetic strikes a balance between quaint and artsy, adorned with beautiful local artwork that enhances the experience of enjoying your coffee in a quiet, relaxed setting. Whether you’re here for a swift caffeine boost or a leisurely moment of calm, the space adapts perfectly.
The coffee here is truly at the heart of Rex & Rose’s appeal. From smooth, rich vanilla lattes that hit just the right sweetness, to unique and imaginative creations like the “Green Teddy Bear” – a drink that left one visitor raving about its phenomenal flavor – every cup is brewed with care and precision. Customers have praised the quality and diversity of offerings, including iced mochas with creamy oat milk or classic iced macchiatos, perfectly balanced and never overpowering in sweetness. The baristas are more than just coffee makers; they engage warmly with guests, ready to adjust drinks promptly if expectations aren’t met, underscoring a commitment to customer satisfaction.
What’s notably exciting about Rex & Rose is their forward-thinking vision. Plans to expand their menu to include wine and beer licenses hint at an evolving social spot that could extend beyond morning routines into more vibrant evening experiences. It’s a space that already feels infused with energy — whether it’s the upbeat music that often accompanies a chat over coffee or the laid-back vibe valued by patrons who appreciate both strong brews and alternative leisure activities like video gaming.
While most experiences here are glowing, a couple of honest notes from customers remind us that perfection is always a journey. Some found the cookies underwhelming, and the café’s small size might be easy to miss on a casual walk-through with only a small sandwich board outside. Yet, these quirks only add to the authentic small-business charm that makes discovering Rex & Rose feel like finding a hidden gem.
In essence, Rex & Rose Coffee and Tea is more than just a pit stop for caffeine — it’s a thoughtfully curated community hub where quality coffee intersects with genuine service, artistic expression, and a welcoming atmosphere. For anyone exploring Olympia’s vibrant café culture, this intimate spot offers an experience that is both comforting and thoughtfully crafted, leaving a lasting impression that beckons you back again and again.
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Kelly Goodliffe
11/12/2025
Great experience. The manger was friendly and attentive. Coffee was good.
Genevieve Ruth
05/12/2025
This was on our “Shop The Block” list this week and, based upon first impressions, it was cute. Small but nicely set up. My lack of full stars were the two $5/ea cookies we bought that were stale and underwhelming. We were sad about that. Otherwise, worth checking out.
I Mooser
03/12/2025
Rex & Rose, nestled in the historic Security Building in Olympia, is a gem in the local coffee scene. This café delivers a beautiful coffee experience, highlighted by an excellent vanilla latte that is smooth, rich, and not too sweet. The barista informed me of their plans to get a wine and beer license, adding to their diverse drink offerings, so they are more than coffee. The vibe at Rex & Rose is warm and inviting, with gallery displays on the walls. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and creativity. With all the local options like this, it's no surprise that downtown Olympia no longer has a Starbucks, and Rex & Rose are at the top. Rex & Rose is more than just a café. It's a testament to the dedication of local business owners who deeply care about quality and community. Their passion is evident in every cup, and I can't wait to revisit it!
Lynnette Gardner
09/11/2025
Barista was pleasant. My friends drink was not what she expected. She couldn’t taste flavor. It was fixed promptly. Very small cafe. Thinking 5ish spots. Easy to miss if you are just walking by. Small sandwich board on the sidewalk. Nothing fancy, but feels comfortable, and quiet for a quick break.
Sirscreen
30/10/2025
Honestly the best vibe in Olympia if video games and strong coffee are you things! The space is small, but the music usually slaps!
Ivey Soto
28/10/2025
The barista was amazing. Got a drink called a green teddy bear and it was phenomenal. I will definitely come again
Cole Cortez
28/09/2025
I visited here today after a filling lunch just to grab a quick coffee. The service we received was excellent. Great conversations all around. The art displayed around the place is beautiful and is definitely worth checking out. I got an iced mocha coffee with oat milk and my wife got an iced macchiato with half and half. My drink was delicious and not too sweet. My wife liked her drink as well. They also sell lotus here which is a bonus. We will definitely be back in ! Pictured below are the neat stickers on the cups and they also have loyalty cards which is always a bonus.
T B
16/09/2025
Amazing coffee and place owned by wonderful people and friendly staff. I try to make a point to stop here when I want to get my caffeine fix.