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;

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;

Exterior of Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In. Directional arrows guide hungry customers to the Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In on February 16, 1961. This was the second Busch's restaurant in the Tacoma area; the first was the longtime establishment famous for its car hops located on South Tacoma Way. Busch's Sixth Avenue was designed by Percy G. Ball and built in 1960. It featured covered parking and walkway along with dine-in service. TPL-5805

Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

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;

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)

Primo's Wagon Wheel (Lakewood); Bars--Lakewood; Signs (Notices); Facades--Lakewood--1950-1960;

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)

Anton's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anton, Tony; Anton, Mary;

Bar area of The Old Spaghetti Factory. Turn-of-the-century memorabilia was found in abundance within The Old Spaghetti Factory, located in the 1700 block of Jefferson Ave. The restaurant itself was located in a 1904-vintage building, former home to the Tacoma Biscuit & Candy Co. and the Blake, Moffitt, & Towne warehouse. Included among various antiques was the 24-foot oak bar and backbar from the Savoy Hotel, then 75 years old. in addition, booths and benches were made from old bed stands. The Old Spaghetti Factory, opened on July 19, 1971, had a floor space of 10,000 square feet and could seat 200 diners. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory. (TNT 7-18-71, B-7 - article on opening of restaurant) TPL-6394

The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma;

Interior view of The Old Spaghetti Factory, possibly lobby area. Diners at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1731-37 Jefferson Ave., could relax on turn-of-the-century styled chairs and couches while waiting to be seated. A quaint white gazebo, pictured above in this January, 1973, photograph, appears to have contained a bar, with casks of beer. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory.

The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Street railroads--Tacoma;

Three smiling ladies are looking forward to their meal at Papa John's in April of 1973. A waitress, dressed in flowery tunic and shorts, is prepared to take their orders. This is not part of the Papa John's pizza chain as that was not founded until 1984. Photograph ordered by LoMac.

Papa John's; Restaurants; Restaurant workers; Waitresses;

Unidentified restaurant in Des Moines photographed in December of 1978. A customer is placing an order with the restaurant's cashier as others dine peacefully. This is possibly a restaurant called the Pie Pantry where cut pies, ala mode, and whole pies to go could be purchased. Apparently other, more meatier dishes could be obtained as well as the condiments on the surrounding tables attest. Color photograph ordered by S & W Management.

Restaurants--Des Moines;

Restaurant in unidentified Mall. This may be a quick dining establishment called "Kitchen Burgers" as pictured in December of 1978. A partial glimpse into the restaurant shows a number of booths adjoining the bumped-out windows and separate tables within. Earth tones of copper and ivory are found both on the interior and exterior of the restaurant. Color photograph ordered by S & W Management.

Restaurants;

Can-can girls at Steve's Gay '90s. A staple at the South Tacoma restaurant, Steve's Gay '90s, was the trio of can-can dancers in full costume. Joining the newest members on June 2, 1970, was Hazel Gjerde (r) who had danced at Steve's for 14 years before retirement. This picture was used in the News Tribune large ad on June 18th to advertise Steve's 3-day celebration entitled "Good Ol' Days." The Gay 90s Revue would feature 25 entertainers, free noisemakers and free hats. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. TPL-8254 (TNT ad 6-18-70, C-17)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gjerde, Hazel;

View of lobby with "antique" furnishings, large brick fireplace. The young serving staff of Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House, 3327 Ruston Way, relax in the restaurant's lobby on April 5, 1972. Many, if not all, of the waitresses and hostesses were selected from the campus of the University of Puget Sound. Crystal Corbin and Susan Pettit (both standing extreme left) share smiles with their co-workers; the wait staff wore ruffled skirts and blouses, white stockings, and caps resembling the clothing of 19th century London pub employees. Even the men employed at the newly opened establishment sported white hose, buckled shoes and ruffled shirts. Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Waitresses--Tacoma--1970-1980;

"Extra pictures of crane wreck on Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation."

Bartender with shaker at unidentified restaurant. The walls are covered by bonds from various corporations.

ca. 1934. The lunch counter of the Fifteen-Eighteen Cabaret, 1518 Pacific Avenue. Signboard menu offers sandwiches ranging from a dime hamburger to a fried oyster sandwich for a quarter. Men seated in front of counter; manager in tuxedo and waiters in white jackets behind the counter. All are reflected in the large mirror, which is surrounded by ornate columns.

Fifteen-Eighteen Cabaret (Tacoma); Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking--1930-1940; Nightclubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Exterior view of the Fifteen-Eighteen Cabaret located at 1518 Pacific Avenue. A neon lit marquee extends out from the building. Fabric draping and liquor bottles decorate the front picture windows.

Fifteen-Eighteen Cabaret (Tacoma); Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking--1930-1940; Nightclubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1935. Around 1935, three unidentified men stopped in at Rowe's Cabaret, 1104 So. K St., where an unidentified bartender served them a refreshing beer. Rowe's is listed in the 1935 City Directory as a "Beer Parlor." It was owned by Guy S. Rowe. (filed with Argentum)

Rowes Cabaret (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Barrooms--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bartenders; Beer halls--Tacoma;

ca. 1933. Bohemian Club, for Mr. Columbino. Bartenders behind bar, man who appears to be owner or manager in foreground. Customers at bar in background. Caption reads "Good Luck and Prosperity to the Bohemian Club." The Bohemian Club was located at 1325 1/2 Broadway in the Langert Building; the building has since been demolished.

Bohemian Club (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Nightclubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bartenders--1930-1940;

ca. 1926. The central building in the picture is 1113 Broadway, viewed from the Commerce Street side. It was built in 1890 and designed by Kissam & Morris, architects. Over the years it has had many tenants, including the Tacoma Daily News. In 1926, on the ground floor was the "Heather Bell Restaurant." The address for the cafe was 1114 Commerce. It was known as the Heather Bell from 1925-28, later as the "Bell Cafe." Above the Heather Bell were the offices of L. R. Clark, dentists. To the right of the picture is 1112 Commerce, the location of F. Kuchera & Son Co., wholesale leather and findings. The company was owned jointly by Edward, Frank Jr., William, Otto and Marie (Frank Sr's widow) Kuchera. The building, although greatly changed, is still standing in downtown Tacoma.

Heather Bell Restaurant (Tacoma); F. Kuchera & Son Co. (Tacoma);

Banquet for "Pop" Reed at Rau's Chicken Diner. Pop Reed center in dark suit. Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp.

Restaurants--Graham; Banquets--Graham--1940-1950; Group portraits; Rau's Club (Graham);

Reopening of the Central Cafe, for Nick A. "Vic" Zvolis. Mr. Zvolis, the owner, is standing behind the counter on the right in this October 24, 1942, photograph. To the left of Mr. Zvolis are four women and two other men, probably employees. Mr. Zvolis was widely known in wrestling circles as a former competitor and a referee.

Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Zvolis, Nick;

Reopening of the Central Cafe, for Nick A. "Vic" Zvolis. Mr. Zvolis, the owner, is standing behind the counter on the right. To the left of Mr. Zvolis are four women and one other man, probably employees. Mr. Zvolis was widely known in wrestling circles as a former performer and a referee.

Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Zvolis, Nick;

Dick Bevington's new Triple X Barrel drive-in restaurant. Dick and Gwyne Bevington pose behind the counter with a large congratulatory flower arrangement in this May 29, 1940 photograph. Triple XXX Root Beer barrel dispenser in background. The Bevingtons had the restaurant constructed at a cost of $29,000 and actually resided in an apartment on the premises.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Bevington, Dick; Bevington, Gwyne; Flower arrangements;

Dick Bevington's new Triple X Barrel drive-in restaurant. View of kitchen area, four cooks in white uniforms, equipment and utensils, customers at counter visible through food pass out windows. The kitchen was advertised as having the latest in modern equipment and round the clock service. The chief cook was Ray Seger, assisted by Joe M. Powell and Dale Porter. [photographs taken 5/28-30/1940) (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)

Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma);

Dick Bevington's new Triple X Barrel drive-in restaurant. View of kitchen area, four cooks in white uniforms, equipment and utensils, customers at counter visible through food pass out windows. Triple XXX referred to the brand of root beer served in the restaurant. The modern, all electric kitchen was run by chief cook Ray Seger, assisted by Joe M. Powell and Dale Porter. [photographs taken 5/28-30/1940) (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)

Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma);

Six carhops wearing capes with gold braid, short skirts and white cowboy boots served the cars in front of Kruger's Triple XXX Root Beer Barrel drive-in at 3505 South Tacoma Way in June of 1941. Frank J. Kruger opened his new Triple XXX Barrel restaurant in October 1936 with free root beer to one and all. He came west with a Triple XXX Barrel franchise in August of 1931 and had opened at a smaller location. The new building was 55' x 41' with both booths and stools indoors. There was room in their parking lot for at least 300 cars. In 1943 the building was purchased by Bill and Thelma Busch and became Busch's Drive-In.(T.Times, 10/23/1936)

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Triple XXX Barrel (Tacoma); Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Top of the Ocean was one of the most popular restaurants in Tacoma. They opened for business on December 15, 1946, and quickly became a top choice for many clubs, associations and organizations to hold their activities. The Tacoma Athletic Commission had private facilities within the restaurant. Located on the waterfront near the foot of McCarver St. on Ruston Way, the Top of the Ocean was destroyed by an arson fire on April 3, 1977. David Willard Levage was convicted for starting the fire. This photo appeared in a Tacoma Times advertisement. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-2130

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

On the afternoon of June 30, 1947, a bevy of women fromTacoma's social set turned out for a reception at the Tacoma Athletic Club's Clubhouse, located at the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. The reception was to honor the "Queen for a Day" that had been chosen on the 10 a.m. broadcast from the Ice Palace the same morning. Unfortunately, neither of Tacoma's daily papers listed the name of the lucky winner. The Henry Mill and Timber Co. burner can be seen in the background.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts;

Twelve men at New Yorker Cafe, R.W. Russell. Ten men join together in a toast. The man in the middle holds a frame with individual photographs of many young men.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Men--Tacoma--1940-1950; Toasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits--1940-1950;