Brewpub Grub: Gyro Sandwich, McMenamins Olympic Club Hotel and Theater, Centralia, WA

Waiting in Centralia for my Amtrak ride home, I dropped by McMenamins Olympic Club Hotel for a leisurely dinner. I went with the wait staff's suggestion of the Gyro and a side of tater tots.

The Brothers McMenamins' gyro offering is beef stuffed in a Greek style pita with cucumber, red onion, tomato, lettuce, feta cheese and tzatziki sauce.

Gyro and Tater Tots

The gyro is a hefty sandwich. Picking up the sandwich, do not be surprised if all the wonderful fillings fall onto your plate: the pita is chock full of delicious and crunchy vegetables. Just pick up your fork and carry on. The seasoned beef and zingy feta gives the gyro a pleasant contrast to the mellow vegetables. In all, if you want a filling and tasty sandwich, the gyro is a good alternative to the usual pub fare hamburger. Give it a try.

For my side, I chose McMenamin's famous tater tots. Crispy on the outside and potato smooth inside, the 'tots are true comfort food. Dipping the fried tots in the ranch dressing is a uniquely different experience from the usual fries. Gyro and tater tots: you can't get more unique than that.

The brew I chose was the house Hammerhead Pale Ale. Fresh and clean with a sweet malt taste to it, the ale drank down refreshingly. A moderate hoppiness didn't overwhelm.

Located between Seattle and Portland, the Olympic Club is a historic and intriguiging building in downtown Centralia. The Club has a magnificent mahogany bar to belly up to plus booths for family and group sitting. If you would like to spend the night, the Club offers 27 intimate European-style rooms where you can share your time with the gamblers, train robbers, boot leggers, and ladies of the night from previous stays. Enjoy.

Sunday-Thursday: 7am-12am