ca. 1957. A bright neon sign pointed the way to the new Kings drive-in restaurant at 315 Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way) in late summer, 1957. A delicious burger could be purchased there for only 19 cents. The small brick building had expansive glass windows and fluorescent lighting; the parking area was still unfinished. King's #2 celebrated its grand opening on September 12, 1957, with food specials and orchids for the ladies. Owner Werner Schmid was well-known for his clean restaurants and fine service. In addition to King's #2, Mr. Schmid owned Smitty's Drive-In on Puyallup Ave., King's #1 on Pacific Ave., Smitty's Hilltop and the Burger Bowl. Werner Schmid died in January 1984 at the age of 78. Photograph ordered by Smitty's Drive-In. (TNT 9-11-57, D-3) TPL-8326
Kings (Tacoma); Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;
A distinctly Western motif greeted customers of the Branding Iron restaurant in January, 1958. Horseshoes, pistols, gates, and even a steer's head decorated the walls. Jukeboxes would be readily accessible for patrons to play their favorite tunes. Owned by Leo Balistreri and Ernie Zarelli, the Branding Iron was located at 8413 Pacific Avenue across the street from Puget Sound National Bank. Sepia photograph ordered by the Branding Iron.
Branding Iron (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Horseshoes; Jukeboxes;
Customers could dine from 12 noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays and weekdays and until 1 a.m. on weekends at the Branding Iron restaurant. The neon cactus and the restaurant name itself gave some indication of the type of food it served--dishes from the American West, including lots of beef. Parking facilities were available in front and on the side of the brick and wood building. A broad porch would shelter patrons from inclement weather. The Branding Iron restaurant was located at South 84th and Pacific; it was owned by Leo Balistreri and Ernie Zarelli. See A112067-4 for interior of restaurant. Photograph ordered by the Branding Iron.
Branding Iron (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Night exposure- Busch's Drive-In. It appears that patrons preferred to dine in at Busch's Drive-In on a cold winter's night. Busch's provided both curb-side service and interior dining at their South Tacoma Way restaurant. Extensive neon lighting would make the restaurant visible for several blocks. Purchased by Bill & Thelma Busch in 1943, the restaurant was a popular spot for both young and old alike. It was later renamed Busch's Round Table Restaurant. Photograph ordered by Busch's Drive-In Restaurant.
Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buschs Drive In (Tacoma);
The grand opening of Primo Gasparetti's newly remodeled Wagon Wheel restaurant at 8602 South Tacoma Way was held June 18-21, 1958. The redecorated and expanded building now had room for 350 people, up from 50, and two well-lighted and well-patrolled parking lots. "Corky" Corcoran and his four-piece band supplied dancing music six nights a week. Primo Gasparetti owned several businesses on or near the same lot near the city limits of Tacoma on the 8600 block of South Tacoma Way. One year later in July of 1959 the Play Boy Cabaret, operated by Jimmy Carbone, opened at this location. (Photograph ordered by Primo's Wagon Wheel.) (TNT 6-18-58, B-2, B-3)
Interior - Primo's Wagon Wheel. The interior of Primo's Wagon Wheel appears to have been heavily decorated with wood panels, matching the rustic exterior of the tavern. A mounted deer's head would have been staring at the customers lined up on the bar stools before the polished bar. The Wagon Wheel had been at its 8602 South Tacoma Way location since 1938; the space had formerly been occupied by Babe's Inn. It had celebrated a grand reopening in 1940 after extensive remodeling, and another grand opening in June, 1958. Known as the "Home of the Singing Gondolier", the business was owned by Primo Gasperetti. It now had room for 350 people and offered dance music six nights a week. Photograph ordered by Primo's Wagon Wheel. (TNT 6-18-58, B-2, B-3)
Exterior - Max Frolic's cafe. Well-known entertainer Max Frolic opened his restaurant in 1938 at the (then) South Tacoma Way location. It was designed and built by Mr. Frolic and William Thornburg because of the rerouting of U.S. Highway 99 from Lakeview Drive to the newly extended South Tacoma Way. On June 20-22, 1958, Max Frolic's celebrated its grand opening to highlight its new exterior and new dining room. Neon signs advertised sea foods and fried chicken as part of the menu. Colorful awnings help to shade the windows of this brick and wood building. Max Frolic was a former vaudevillian, violinist and band leader. He directed the Elks Club Extravaganzas for many years. He also was the music director, arranger and conductor of the Pantages Theatre orchestra from 1920-1932. Mr. Frolic died at the age of 89 on December 14, 1974. Photograph ordered by Max Frolic's Restaurant. TPL-5799. (TNT 6-20-58, p. 4, History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 421)
Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood; Electric signs--Lakewood;
Interior - Max Frolic's cafe. Well-known entertainer Max Frolic opened his restaurant in 1938 at the (then) South Tacoma Way location. It was designed and built by Mr. Frolic and William Thornburg because of the rerouting of U.S. Highway 99 from Lakeview Drive to the newly extended South Tacoma Way. On June 20-22, 1958, Max Frolic's celebrated its grand opening to highlight its new exterior and new dining room. Neon signs advertised sea foods and fried chicken as part of the menu. Colorful awnings help to shade the windows of this brick and wood building. Max Frolic was a former vaudevillian, violinist and band leader. He directed the Elks Club Extravaganzas for many years. He also was the music director, arranger and conductor of the Pantages Theatre orchestra from 1920-1932. Mr. Frolic died at the age of 89 on December 14, 1974. Photograph ordered by Max Frolic's Restaurant. TPL-5799. (TNT 6-20-58, p. 4, History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 421)
Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood; Interiors--Lakewood;
In 1958, Anton's Restaurant was located in the venerable Roberts-Parker Building at 11th and Tacoma Avenue South, across the street from the Tacoma Public Library. It was owned and operated by Tony and Mary Anton. This view of Anton's interior shows a long, curved lunch counter with a chef and waitress ready for customers. Tony Anton is the chef by his grill and his wife Mary is seated across the counter from him. There are four women are seated at upholstered booths. There is an Arden's Milk clock mounted on the colorful wallpaper. Anton's was later succeeded by Siri's Restaurant and then Kelly's at the same location. After extensive remodeling, the SideBar Bistro opened in this building in June of 2010. (Additional identification provided by a reader)
This was the crowded Little J.E.M Dining & Dancing Cafe parking lot on July 16, 1958. Every Wednesday night from 8-12 was "Teen-age Hop" night with admission at 75 cents. The place was packed that Wednesday, crammed with kids anxious to listen and rock to the sounds of the Bluenotes, one of first rock bands in the area. In July of 1958 the Bluenotes included Robin Roberts on vocals, Bill Engelhart on guitar, Buck Ormsby on bass, Frank Dutra on sax and Lassie Aanes on drums. The Little J.E.M. was located on Highway 99 just past the Puyallup Bridge, and outside of Tacoma's city limits. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Little J.E.M was opened from 11 am to 2 am for dancing with live music. (TNT ad 7-23-58, A-10)
Little J.E.M. Cafe (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;
This was the crowded Little J.E.M Dining & Dancing Cafe parking lot on July 16, 1958. Every Wednesday night from 8-12 was "Teen-age Hop" night with admission at 75 cents. The place was packed that Wednesday, crammed with kids anxious to listen and rock to the sounds of the Bluenotes, one of first rock bands in the area. In July of 1958 the Bluenotes included Robin Roberts on vocals, Bill Engelhart on guitar, Buck Ormsby on bass, Frank Dutra on sax and Lassie Aanes on drums. The Little J.E.M. was located on Highway 99 just past the Puyallup Bridge, and outside of Tacoma's city limits. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Little J.E.M was opened from 11 am to 2 am for dancing with live music. (TNT ad 7-23-58, A-10)
Little J.E.M. Cafe (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;
This was how the Montello Block at 202 St. Helens Avenue appeared in September of 1958. It was kitty-corner to the Temple Theater. The Montello Block dates back to 1890 when builders H.S. Huson and Nicholas Lawson constructed the Montello Hotel on this property. Fire broke out in 1899, necessitating rebuilding and remodeling. It has since been occupied by a series of businesses. In 1958, the Tarry Tavern, owned by Wilbur Nash and Grayson McCain, was listed at that corner. The other units in the building were apartments. The building was destroyed by arson in November of 1997 and subsequently demolished. Next door was Temple Motors' used car division. Currently it is occupied by Doyle's Public House. Photograph ordered by National Mortgage, Inc.
Tarry Tavern (Tacoma); Temple Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;
ca. 1958. Exterior - The Pantry, ca. 1958. Brick and wood formed the exterior of The Pantry restaurant in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center. It was owned and operated by Eugene and Betty Sobolik and was one of the original 24 occupants of the Plaza, opening on Sunday, May 12, 1957. There was a flowering bed of plants and bushes positioned in a cement planter opposite the restaurant door. Located next to Rhodes Bros. Department Store, the Pantry advertised itself as the only complete dinner restaurant in the Villa Plaza. It featured roast prime sirloin of beef and homemade bread and pastries. The Pantry was a cafeteria until 4 pm and then became a restaurant for evening meals. The restaurant had a colonial-style atmosphere with maple furniture and accessories. It was accessible through Rhodes and the breezeway. The Villa Plaza Shopping Center continued to attract new businesses to their suburban location, including department stores, financial institutions and restaurants. Photograph ordered by the Villa Plaza Development. (TNT 1-30-59, p. 3- Ad, TNT 8-7-57, B-16; TNT 5-10-57, B-10-article)
In February of 1959, the Original Pancake House, located in Lakewood at 3701 Steilacoom Blvd, was prepared to celebrate its grand opening after extensive remodeling. The restaurant was owned by Roy Rosenthal, Jr., and Morris Plotkin and was franchised through Smitty's Pancake House in Seattle. The building itself had been there since 1930 and was the former home of Pucci's Inn. There were eighteen varieties of pancakes always available. There were actually 120 kinds of pancakes on the list and the restaurant rotated its selection regularly. All pancakes were individually prepared and made from fresh ingredients. The owners did not use prepared mixes. The Original Pancake House was so confident of its cooking that it publicly announced a money-back guarantee if the diner was not satisfied. (TNT 2-13-59, p. 9)
Original Pancake House (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood--1950-1960; Electric signs--Lakewood;
Exposure of architect's scale model for the new expansion at Busch's Restaurant, ordered by architect Percy Ball. Photograph shot near the Top of the Ocean. Through the power of photography, Buschs seems to have been magically transported from 3505 South Tacoma Way to Tacoma's waterfront. Clouds could have been added later through super imposition of Richards' stock footage.
Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buschs Drive In (Tacoma); Architectural models;
Exposure of architect's scale model for the new expansion at Busch's Restaurant, ordered by architect Percy Ball. Photograph shot near the Top of the Ocean. The remodel appears to include a two story interior dining room.
Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buschs Drive In (Tacoma); Architectural models;
The Opera House at Steve' s Gay '90s Restaurant. The Opera House opened in 1956 and was the main entertainment venue at Steve's, where a full floor show was performed every Friday and Saturday night. Its crystal chandeliers came from the Seattle Opera House and its walls were adorned with photographs of the beautiful old homes of Tacoma. It was furnished with antiques gathered by owner Steve Pease at estate sales and auctions. In mid June of 1959, Steve's was celebrating its 10th anniversary with "continuous" entertainment Wednesday - Saturday. (TNT 6/16/1959, pg. 8-9)
Busch's Drive In restaurant on South Tacoma Way. Busch's had long been a Tacoma landmark famous for its car hops, waitresses that came directly to your car to take and deliver orders. They also featured dine in service. Built in 1936 as the Triple XXX Barrel and purchased by Bill & Thelma Busch in 1943, the building remains today.
Buschs Drive In (Tacoma); Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma;
Open kitchen area at the new Harbor Lights restaurant. The restaurant was opened in February of 1959 by noted Tacoma restaurateur Anton Barcott. Barcott had formerly operated the renowned California Oyster House, opened in 1919 by his father John Barcott Sr. Due to a lack of parking and limited seating space, Barcott had closed the Oyster House after 40 years of operation and chosen this waterfront location. Located 3 blocks north of the Old Tacoma Dock, the main portion of the restaurant was built over the waters of Commencement Bay with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade range. It could seat over 100 and had ample free parking. A 60 foot dock was planned for construction before the summer with moorage for boats. All food preparation was performed in the pictured all electric kitchen in eye view of all patrons. The kitchen also contained a charcoal broiler pit, enabling the restaurant to offer BBQ meats, fish and chicken in addition to seafood. Anton and his daughter LaMoyne (Mrs. John) Hreha represented the third and fourth generation of food catering. Anton was the son of the Oyster House founder John Barcott Sr. and the grandson of famed Yugoslavian inn keepers. Anton started in the business at 12 years of age as a dishwasher and apprenticed to his father for 12 years before taking over the reins of the business in 1946. Photograph ordered by Vermiculite Manufacturing Co. (TNT 2/17/1959, pg. 4-5)
ca. 1959. The new "Golden Era Cafe" at Steve's Gay Nineties restaurant featuring the fireplace and bric-a-brac from the demolished Yorktheimer mansion. This hand carved spool type entry way came from the mansion. The mansion was located at 27 Broadway and was built in 1887. When it was demolished in August of 1959 to make way for the Belmont Terrace apartments, part of the building's ornaments were purchased by Steve Pease for the remodel of his Gay Nineties restaurant. The restaurant had recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and was well recognized as the #1 spot to entertain out of town guests. It was also the largest entertainment emporium in the northwest, occupying six historic buildings. Steve's had recently demolished an adjoining service station to build its own parking lot. (TNT 11/26/1959, pg. D 2-3)
ca. 1959. The "Golden Era Cafe" at Steve's Gay Nineties restaurant. The new dining area featured the fireplace and the bric-a-brac rescued from the demolished Yorktheimer mansion, formerly located at 27 Broadway. The mansion had been built in 1887 and was demolished in 1959 to make way for the Belmont Terrace apartments. This hand carved spool type entryway came from the mansion. Steve's had recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and was widely recognized as the premier night spot for out of towners. Pease had decorated his restaurant with bits and pieces from some of the finest homes in Tacoma. The Golden Era Coffee Shop served meals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To see the spool woodwork in the Yorktheimer mansion, see I61 images 1 & 2. (TNT 11-26-1959, pg. D-2-3)
ca. 1959. Steve's Gay Nineties restaurant. This is believed to be the entrance to the restaurant conglomerate. The intricately carved wooden panel to the right came from the recently demolished County Courthouse. A cardboard cutout of Steve's famous can can dancers sits atop the panel. To the left rear is a piano, that also appears to have percussion equipment located at the bottom. This is believed to be the "Orchestron," originally from the Red Front Saloon, and located in the lobby of Steve's. The hand carved, hardwood instrument could play drums, cymbals, chimes, mandolin, organ and xylophone music. Steve's was divided into five restaurant areas, the Golden Era Cafe, the Cable Car Room, the Opera House (with the floorshow), the Gay Nineties Smorgasbord (with the fringed surrey seating) and the Memory Lane Banquet Room. They were celebrating their 10th year in the restaurant and entertainment business. (TNT 11/26/1959, pg D-2 - D-3)
ca. 1959. Interiors of Steve's Gay Nineties Restaurant. Whenever the old famous structures of Tacoma were in danger of the wrecking ball, owner Steve Pease was first in line, with cash in hand, to purchase as much of the past as possible; and most of it ended up in his Gay Nineties Restaurant. This staircase came from the Hewitt mansion at 501 No. 4th St., once considered to be the most beautiful home in Tacoma. When it was razed in 1957 to make way for a parking lot, Pease purchased this staircase and panelling, among other things. To see a photograph of the staircase in the Hewitt home, see D97664 image 7.
Viafore's, a new restaurant located at 2409 Pacific Ave. The restaurant was owned by Edward Viafore and Matt Allegro. This is either the cocktail lounge or a quick service food area.
Exterior of Cliff House Restaurant. Large windows of the Cliff House provide its patrons with outstanding views to complement the restaurant's fine cuisine. Built originally as a tavern in 1925, it was later operated by Buz Erhart & Frank Gillihan. The restaurant was remodeled and rebuilt after a 1958 fire by Houston "Hugh" Odum Smith.
Cliff House Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Interior of Cliff House Restaurant. A busy floral patterned carpet greets customers of the remodeled Cliff House Restaurant in this February, 1960, photograph. Near the entrance is the kitchen/serving area where an enormous black fan catches the eye. It would provide excellent ventilation of cooking odors. The kitchen area appears well equipped with shiny metal appliances.
Cliff House Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Dining room of Cliff House Restaurant. Empty tables with starched tablecloths and napkins await diners of the remodeled Cliff House Restaurant on February 15, 1960. Picture windows facing the Tideflats have their shades removed to the side so that patrons can enjoy the beautiful views. A display of large ferns complements the leafy pattern of the dining room carpet.
Cliff House Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;
The Cliff House restaurant at 6300 Marine View Drive N.E. still has the same commanding view of Commencement Bay and Tacoma's skyline as it did in February, 1960 when this photograph was taken. It was originally built by W.R. "Bill" Keyes in 1925 as the Cliff House Tavern. That building burned to the ground in 1958 when a beach fire got out of control and the flames spread up the bluff. Hugh O. Smith purchased the property and built a new Cliff House (the one shown here), but instead of a tavern, he built a restaurant. The building has been remodeled several times, first in 1977 and again in 1988.
Cliff House Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Interior of Barcott's Sea Food. This May 16, 1960, photograph was taken prior to opening as the dining room is empty. Cloth napkins, silverware and coffee cups have been placed on the rectangular tables. Each table has been draped with a tablecloth. Barcott's emphasized their delicious seafood entries including fried ocean scallops at $2.00; to accompany the meals was a selection of California wines and champagne. Barcott's had been at their Pine St. location since May, 1953.
ca. 1926. Unidentified restaurant interior, circa 1926. Build in wicker stools at lunch counter, backbar with leaded glass, two men and two women employees behind counter. (filed with Argentum)
