Flanagan's Apple

I'm not sure if anyone ever really GOES to Yelm...but, if you're in the area be sure to stop at Flanagan's Apple. It's a bit off the beaten path, but it's worth it!

When you walk in, whether the joint is packed like a sardine can or if it's only you and your buddies, you will instantly feel welcomed. The walls are adorned with folksy Irish artwork, blessings, and quotes...and, the owner (albeit not from Ireland, but Liverpool) will welcome you with as authentic of an Irish greeting as I've ever experienced.

On Friday and Saturday nights, they host and open mic night, which is extremely fun. But, get there early - the place is always PACKED!! My first time was a few months ago on a Friday and I was surprised that there were that many people that knew how to play and sing Irish music! Fiddles and guitars, singers and dancers all made for an enjoyable evening.

The menu is small and has a good variety of generic pub grub and authentic Irish fare. Not over priced, and the quality is suitable. Just be aware that this is NOT fine dining. They have a good choice of beer (including Smithwicks and Guinness, naturally) which are reasonably priced as well.

The ONLY complaint I have about this place is the wait staff. The owner, his wife, and I think his mother (cook in the kitchen) are all EXTREMELY hospitable, funny, welcoming and warm - but, the kids he has working the floor are a bit inattentive and slow-going.

Other than that, I say GO! You'll be glad you did!

I really wish I could put more stars on this place. I have been dying to go here for a while now living in Roy. finally went here with my girlfriend and I would say five stars for the environment and all the staff except our server. he was just plain horrible never once checked on us, had to keep going to the bartender to get the drinks and order food. if you are looking for a good traditional shepherds pie do not order it here. the shepherds pie is just a soup with a ridiculous amount of huge vegetables with a little bit of mashed potatoes thrown on top. I didn't come across any meat in it so who knows if it had any meat. it was completely flavorless so I ordered the bangers and mash and my server didn't even take it off of the menu he just throughout the shepherds pie that I sent back. If I were going to pay $12 for absolutely nothing I would've much rather brought it home and fed it to my dogs. it wasn't until I went to the bar to talk to the bartender who I believe is maybe a family member of the owner good then took it off the tab and finally after waiting for 20 minutes for a drink made me a new drink. the bangers and mash were pretty good I have had better but I wouldn't complain about it the shepherds pie is for sure no good as far as drinks the Irish fix is delicious. I would definitely come back here for the environment I would just never order that again it was such a disappointment when I was so looking forward to the shepherds pie. the reason I love this place is because I come from a heavily populated Irish town with many Irish pubs back east and was hoping to love it. unfortunately the food is not so great and the service is really horrible perhaps if I go back and the service is better I will review this place again.

I wish I could give it 2.5 stars. It's not too bad but the service gets slow and the food is not fresh. John the owner is very cool and sometimes sings. I like the feel of the joint but I just wish they were better.