Serving Lacey Since 2009: The Story Behind Beau Legs Fish & Chips

Beau Legs in 100 Words

Since opening its doors in 2009, Beau Legs Fish & Chips has become more than just a restaurant in Lacey, WA — it’s a local institution. Known for its signature fish and chips, po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits, Beau Legs offers a menu that combines Southern comfort food traditions with Pacific Northwest freshness. But behind every dish is a story: a story of passion, heritage, and community. For more than a decade, Beau Legs has welcomed families, friends, and visitors to gather over hearty food and warm hospitality. This is the story of how it all began.

The Vision Behind Beau Legs

Every great restaurant starts with an idea. For Beau Legs, the vision was clear:

• Bring Southern Flavors to the Northwest: The owners wanted to share authentic Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes with Washington diners.
  
  
• Celebrate Seafood: Fish and chips may have been the foundation, but the menu quickly expanded to highlight shrimp, catfish, and gumbo.
  
  
• Create Community: More than a place to eat, Beau Legs was designed as a gathering spot where families and friends could feel at home.
  
  

This vision shaped the restaurant’s identity from day one.

Why Lacey, WA?

Choosing Lacey as home base wasn’t accidental. The city offered:

• A Growing Community: Lacey has expanded rapidly, with families, students, and professionals creating a diverse customer base.
  
  
• Proximity to Olympia: Just minutes from the capital city, Beau Legs could draw from both communities.
  
  
• Local Appetite for Seafood: The Pacific Northwest already had a love for seafood, making it the perfect place to introduce Southern-style dishes.
  
  

By blending regional tradition with Southern flair, Beau Legs found its niche in Lacey’s food scene.

Building the Menu

From the beginning, Beau Legs’ menu was designed to stand out. While other restaurants focused only on Northwest classics, Beau Legs expanded the possibilities.

Core Dishes

• Fish & Chips: The signature dish, crisp and golden with a Southern seasoning twist.
  
  
• Seafood Platters: Generous portions of fish, shrimp, and sides for families and groups.
  
  

Southern Favorites

• Gumbo: A hearty stew of seafood, sausage, and vegetables.
  
  
• Jambalaya: Rice, shrimp, sausage, and Cajun seasoning.
  
  
• Shrimp & Grits: A Southern comfort classic brought to Washington.
  
  
• Po’Boys: Shrimp, catfish, or oyster sandwiches served on French bread.
  
  

Sides & Extras

• Hushpuppies: A Southern staple, crispy on the outside and soft inside.
  
  
• Coleslaw & Fries: Balanced sides that complement the rich flavors.
  
  
• Wings: An option for those craving something beyond seafood.
  
  

This mix of Pacific Northwest seafood and Southern comfort food quickly became Beau Legs’ signature.

Growing with the Community

From its first year, Beau Legs became more than just a restaurant — it became part of Lacey’s story.

• Family Traditions: Many locals made Beau Legs their Friday night fish and chips stop.
  
  
• Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations were often marked with seafood platters.
  
  
• Community Events: Beau Legs supported local schools, fundraisers, and neighborhood activities.
  
  

Over time, the restaurant became woven into the fabric of Thurston County.

The Challenges Along the Way

Like every small business, Beau Legs faced challenges. Economic shifts, supply chain issues, and even the pandemic tested its resilience.

• Adapting Menus: Adjusting offerings to match ingredient availability while keeping flavor consistent.
  
  
• Takeout & Delivery: Expanding service during COVID-19 to keep customers fed and connected.
  
  
• Staying Authentic: Maintaining Southern flavors while appealing to Northwest tastes.
  
  

Through it all, Beau Legs relied on loyal customers and a commitment to quality to carry it through.

What Sets Beau Legs Apart

Many restaurants serve seafood, but Beau Legs’ unique identity keeps people coming back.

• Authenticity: True Cajun and Creole influences in every dish.
  
  
• Generous Portions: Meals designed to satisfy, not skimp.
  
  
• Friendly Atmosphere: A place where staff remember your name and treat you like family.
  
  
• Consistency: Guests know their favorites will taste the same every visit.
  
  

This combination has earned Beau Legs a reputation as Lacey’s go-to seafood destination.

Milestones Since 2009

Over more than a decade, Beau Legs has hit important milestones:

• 2009: Opened its doors in Lacey.
  
  
• 2012: Expanded menu to include jambalaya and shrimp & grits.
  
  
• 2015: Grew catering services to support local events.
  
  
• 2020: Adapted to pandemic challenges with takeout and delivery.
  
  
• 2023: Celebrated 14 years of serving Thurston County.
  
  

Each milestone reflects the restaurant’s growth and resilience.

Customer Favorites Over the Years

Some dishes have become legendary among Beau Legs regulars:

• Catfish Po’Boy: A Southern favorite that many Washingtonians tried for the first time here.
  
  
• Seafood Platters: Families love them for variety and portion size.
  
  
• Shrimp & Grits: A comfort food classic that wins over locals and visitors alike.
  
  
• Gumbo: Perfect for Washington’s rainy, cold days.
  
  

These favorites showcase why Beau Legs continues to thrive.

Stories from Loyal Customers

Over the years, Beau Legs has been part of countless personal stories:

• A family in Olympia celebrates every graduation dinner with seafood platters.
  
  
• A couple new to Washington says Beau Legs’ gumbo made them feel at home.
  
  
• A group of coworkers makes Beau Legs their Friday lunch tradition.
  
  

These stories highlight how Beau Legs is more than food — it’s connection.

FAQs About Beau Legs’ Story

Q: Why the name “Beau Legs”?

It reflects the restaurant’s Southern roots and personality.

Q: Has the menu changed much since 2009?

Yes — while fish and chips remain the staple, dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys have been added.

Q: What makes Beau Legs different from other seafood spots?

Its Southern-inspired twist and family-style hospitality.

Q: Does Beau Legs still feel like a local restaurant after so many years?

Absolutely. Despite growth, the atmosphere remains casual, friendly, and community-oriented.

Q: Can Beau Legs cater special events?

Yes. Catering has been a growing part of the business since 2015.

Why Beau Legs Is Still Thriving Today

Longevity in the restaurant industry isn’t easy, but Beau Legs has succeeded by staying true to its mission: serving authentic, flavorful food while treating customers like family. Its ability to adapt to challenges while maintaining consistency has made it a trusted name in Lacey.

For locals, Beau Legs represents comfort, community, and flavor. For visitors, it’s a chance to taste the best of both Southern and Pacific Northwest traditions. Since 2009, Beau Legs has proven that when food is made with passion and hospitality, it never goes out of style.