Member Spotlight: The Leaning Maple, A Friendly Gluten-Free Restaurant & Event Space in Downtown Olympia

The Leaning Maple is welcoming in a way that feels thoughtful and sincere, the kind of place where a smile makes everything feel familiar, even on your very first visit.

If you arrive on a Friday or over the weekend, that welcome is often set to music. You’ll likely be greeted by the soft notes of a live pianist playing a century-old instrument, the sound weaving easily through the room while cafe string lights cast a golden glow overhead. Between the music and the scent of fresh coffee and waffles rising from the kitchen, there’s a quiet, steady confidence here that tells you everything is thoughtfully made and consistently good.

But, the thriving restaurant you see today wasn’t the original plan.

No Kitchen, No Problem: Building The Leaning Maple from Scratch

The story of The Leaning Maple didn’t begin with a restaurant concept. It started with a completely different vision: a wellness center. But the moment owner Becky Slosson, a licensed mental health counselor, stepped into the space, something clicked.

Within months, that instinct turned into action. Inspired by family dreams of soda shops and pubs, and backed by her children, Slosson pivoted.

“It was a whirlwind—the building was in pretty poor condition, no kitchen to speak of, and it ended up being so much bigger than I ever could have known,” Slosson shares.

Keys in hand on April 1, 2024, the Slosson family took on a space that needed far more than a refresh, installing an entirely new kitchen, all new electrical wiring, and more. Two months later, The Leaning Maple was open.

What was meant to be a small cafe had grown into something much bigger: a full-service, from-scratch restaurant, an event space, and a reflection of six generations with a strong connection to Olympia.

A Gluten-Free Menu That Doesn’t Feel Like a Compromise

Here’s where The Leaning Maple quietly changes the game: everything is gluten-free. Not as a niche offering, but as the standard. The result? A menu where no one has to second-guess their order. No cross-contamination worries. No “making do” with limited options. Just really good food.

Think: a perfectly crisp hashbrown benedict, a spicy chicken waffle with just the right kick, or an apple pie waffle that somehow feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Add in high-end specialty coffee drinks and a curated selection of wine, beer, and champagne, and you’ve got a breakfast or brunch experience that hits every note.

Cabaret, Corporate Events, and Everything in Between

More than your average restaurant, The Leaning Maple is a friendly, accommodating event space. Their calendar frequently features community events ranging from cabaret shows and trivia to murder mystery dinners and stand-up comedy.

The space is also highly adaptable for private rentals, comfortably seating up to 100 people. Outfitted with a 14-foot theater screen and a complete PA system with cordless mics, it regularly hosts everything from daytime corporate “Lunch & Learns” to town hall meetings and private celebrations.

A Taste of Olympia: Building Community Through Local Partnerships

With partnerships spanning nearby farms, coffee roasters, and small businesses, The Leaning Maple is intentional about keeping things collaborative. By working hand-in-hand with local vendors, the restaurant not only supports the greater Olympia community but also ensures that every bite, sip, and experience carries a sense of place and care.

“We hope that the space we have created brings more traffic to downtown for everyone,” Slosson says.

Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or brunch, enjoying live piano on the weekend, or hosting an event in their versatile space, The Leaning Maple is a trusted corner of Downtown Olympia where familiarity, flavor, and community come together.

The Leaning Maple
111 Washington St NE
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 706-2905

Photo Credit: Olympia Downtown Alliance. All images are our own; please contact us (mwillie@downtownolympia.org) for explicit permission before use.