O'Brien's Restaurant, operated by Jim O'Brien, opened in early 1971 in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex at 1201-23 Pacific Avenue. Six of the restaurant's waitresses dressed in shimmering outfits and glossy shoes posed for a group portrait on January 29, 1971. At far left with her long hair pinned up is Carol Clark (now Yokes). The lady fourth from the right is Edreane Anderson, and the lady second from the right is her sister, Brynda Frazier, both graduates from Lincoln High School. According to a reader, owner Jim O'Brien had scouts out searching for the perfect women for his new restaurant. These six women were handpicked by him out of 200 applicants. Miss Clark had been waitressing at the Top of the Ocean when discovered. O'Brien's Restaurant was located below street level, accessible by a curving staircase and illuminated by the glow of a large fountain. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. Additional info provided by Ms. Frazier's daughter.

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Waitresses--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clark, Carol; Yokes, Carol;

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House in city's "Old Town." The "pub" style wood-framed restaurant was scheduled to open in March of 1972. It was designed by Tacoma architects Robert Billsbrough Price & Associates and built by the Rome Co. on pilings over Commencement Bay. The unusual name of the restaurant came from names common in 18th century London. The interior of the restaurant would be decorated with heavy wooden tables and sturdy tableware and employees would be dressed in the fashions of England past. The restaurant changed hands several times; in 2006, it is now called "Duke's Chowder House." Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House. (TNT 3-12-72, D-11)

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

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House located at 3327 Ruston Way opened in March of 1972. The $350,000 "pub" style restaurant was built on pilings over Commencement Bay. Red Baron, Inc., were the owners and operators of the building, designed by Robert Billsbrough Price & Associates. The interior was decorated with heavy wooden tables and sturdy tableware, and the waitresses wore costumes reminiscent of the clothing worn in Elizabethan England. The restaurant has changed hands several times since 1972; in 2006 it became "Duke's Chowder House". (Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.) (TNT 3-12-72, D-11)

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

ca. 1931. The Half Way House in Des Moines, Washington. The Half Way House was on old Hwy 99 between Tacoma and Seattle. The completion of Pacific Highway South (Hwy 99) in the 1930s attracted businesses that catered to drivers: service stations, motels, shops and restaurants. The Half Way House was a modestly priced steak and oyster restaurant and may have been in business until the late 1950s. (historylink.org)

Old St. Louis Tavern, 1110 Commerce St., Tacoma. Interior showing four men standing behind bar on December 15, 1946. Large mural of three horses on grassy land above bar. See TPL, image 6924 for view of bar without bartenders. For Bruno Lavorini.

Located ten miles south of Tacoma on Pacific Highway SW , Mammy's Cabin offered 1/2 Fried Spring Chicken on toast for a mere 50 cents. Their chicken and steak dinners were worth a drive on the "Camp Lewis Highway." Dozens of wooden tables and benches were available for dining alfresco under the grove of pine trees behind the small wood-framed restaurant. A huge log fire, seen smoking, continuously burned so patrons could gather around and converse. A phonograph with plenty of records was available on the porch so diners could select their own music. Mammy's Cabin, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Carrier, was open late each evening for those with fried chicken appetites. (scan from negative, no print on file) TPL-10530 (TNT 08-07-1924, B3)

Mammy's Cabin (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1893. Ladies' entrance and private dining booths at the Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. In the Gay Nineties, women did not dine without male companionship in public and the separate entrance and private dining made dining out possible for them. These booths also served as discreet, private dining rooms for those desiring a more intimate or quiet dining experience. In fact, a private dining booth at Chilberg's was the location of a triple murder in 1898 as a jealous ex-lover shot both his paramour and her new lover and was in turn shot by the woman. The proprietor of the restaurant was Isaac Chilberg. He had opened his first "chop house" in Tacoma around 1887 at 1111 Pacific. He moved to 1003 Pacific in 1888, remaining there until the size of clientele outgrew the establishment. His new restaurant at 1011-13 Pacific was designed by architect C.A. Darmer, and his business was relocated to this site in 1892. The building was three stories high, with the restaurant occupying the first floor and with lodging on the two stories above. By the early 1900's, the restaurant had closed and the structure was demolished in 1924 to make way for the Bank of California building. (TDL 1/1/1893, pg. 15; 6/16/1898, pg. 2-murder)

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

O'Brien's Restaurant. O'Brien's Restaurant is crowded on February 23, 1971, as people enjoy fine dining in the oak-paneled and red brocade room . The ceiling is covered with small light bulbs, creating an image of a star-filled sky. In addition, the restaurant was illuminated at night from the glow of the courtyard and fountain directly outside. O'Brien's was located below street level in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex. There was room for 125 diners and the adjacent bar held 92 customers. Dave Porter, singer-guitarist, was appearing in the restaurant's lounge at this time. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 11-1-70, A-16 - Emily Walker's column)

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Exterior view of The Old Spaghetti Factory. The Jefferson Avenue building housing The Old Spaghetti Factory once held a cracker plant, the Blake, Moffitt & Towne warehouse and a storage facility before the popular restaurant opened in July of 1971. This exterior view, shot in January of 1973, shows the plain three-story structure with five striped awnings. It was owned by Ed & Edna Groman and Guss Dussin. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory.

The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Facades--Tacoma--1970-1980; Awnings--Tacoma;

Unidentified restaurant. The restaurant is empty at this time except for one employee in the background. Once open, donuts, pies, and pastries could be ordered as well as hamburgers and other dishes. Customers could sit at either booths or separate tables. Color photographs ordered by S & W Management.

Restaurants;

Staff of Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House. In 1972, Crystal Corbin (far left) and Susan Pettit (far right) were hostesses at the new restaurant with the long name - Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House - located on Ruston Way. Beth Pritchard (third from right) was one of the waitresses. Employees of Clinkerdagger's wore outfits reminiscent of pub fashions worn in London of the 1800's. Many of the young ladies shown above in April of 1972, shortly after the restaurant's opening, were students at the University of Puget Sound. Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.

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

ca. 1934. Photograph is described in Richards' notes as "group at Rausch's Road House." However, associated pictures also show a sign on the building proclaiming that it is "Jay's Log Cabin, Dine & Dance." A group of people is seated in front of the log cabin. Group includes a young couple to the left of the seated row dressed alike in slacks, white shirts and sweaters and a woman in the standing row wearing a "Andre's Market" brown paper bag as a hat.

Rausch's Roadhouse; Jay's Log Cabin; Nightclubs--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Photograph identified in Richards' log book as "group at Rausch's Road House." Four people standing by door of log building with sign reading " Jay's Log Cabin, Dine & Dance" on the roof ridge and extending from the side of the structure. The two couples outside are possibly the proprieters. One man is dressed in a long apron, as if he has been or is planning to cook. The log cabin is located in what appears to be a rural location. For a closer view of these individuals in a group shot, see image #2.

Rausch's Roadhouse; Jay's Log Cabin; Nightclubs--1930-1940;

ca. 1933. Some "Good Fellows" gaze out into the night form the glass store front of the "Happy Days Here Again" Beer Parlour. Night view of neon-clad exterior of the drinking establishment. Caption: "Where Good Fellows Gather." The tavern was owned by Ido Innocenti and managed by Albert D. Innocenti. Beneath the overflowing stein on the big neon sign, it is stated that the tavern has both "Ladies" and "Gents" service and also serves "Dutch Lunch."

Happy Days Here Again (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Innocenti, Albert--Homes & haunts;

ca. 1933. Interior view of the "Happy Days Here Again" beer parlour. All the gents lift a glass to the photographer. This is the "gentlemen's service," a particular area where only men were admitted. White aproned bartenders stand behind the counter. The walls are adorned with what appear to be prints of women. As was proper in this more formal time, most of the men are wearing hats. The male only atmosphere allowed the men to drink, smoke and joke more freely. The glass topped cases in the foreground of the picture contain boxes of cigars available for purchase.

Happy Days Here Again (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Innocenti, Albert--Homes & haunts;

ca. 1934. The Rathskeller, beer parlor, owned by Lyle Lane. New establishment showing modern counter, and mirrored walled above cabinets. The establishment was located on the ground floor of the Rust Building, 950 Pacific Ave. (WSHS)

Restaurants--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Alcoholic beverages; Rathskeller (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. The Rathskeller, beer parlor, owned by Lyle L. Lane. New establishment opened at end of Prohibition on the ground floor of the Rust Building. Modern-style wood booths with abstract pattern floor covering. The beer parlor is empty at 11:25 a.m.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Alcoholic beverages; Rathskeller (Tacoma);

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor celebrated its grand opening on May 21, 1974, with dignitaries enjoying a bite of red licorice instead of the traditional red ribbon snipping. Located in the west end portion of the Tacoma Mall, Farrell's offered delicious hamburgers and other delicacies as well as mountains of ice creams in many flavors. It was an old fashioned ice cream parlor, believed to be the 84th in a large chain. Food was not served sedately but with much horn blowing and drum beating, especially for soon-to-be popular birthday parties. Color photograph ordered by Gerber Advertising, Portland. (TNT 5-22-74, B-12 -article)

Farrells Ice Cream Parlor (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980;

An unidentified carhop delivers a tray holding two large mugs of Triple XXX Root Beer to a smiling customer sitting behind the wheel of his car. Dick Bevington opened his Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant at 924 Puyallup Avenue in May of 1940. The restaurant offered booth, counter and car side service with a staff of six waitresses and six carhops.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

J & M Cafe, interior view from behind counter. Coolers, soda fountain equipment, many flowers, bar, and stools. This photograph, taken on October 22, 1936, may have been for the grand opening of the small cafe.

Restaurants--Tacoma--1930-1940; J&M Cafe (Tacoma);

J & M Cafe, interior view. Counter and stools, coolers, soda fountain equipment, many flowers, bar, and stools. This is most probably the grand opening of the cafe.

Restaurants--Tacoma; J&M Cafe (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. Interior shot of the Fifteen-Eighteen Cabaret bar. Men raise a toast with glasses in hand. Man in tuxedo and white jacketed servers behind the bar. Men at bar wear overcoats and hats. The room's decorative accents are in the art deco style.

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

By June 26, 1938, employees and customers of Dorothy and Joe's Silver Dollar Cafe were settling in at the cafe's new quarters at 905 Pacific Avenue. Proprietors Dorothy and Joseph L. Duckwitz oversaw the move from their old location (910 Pacific) across the street. The Cafe had all new fixtures, including a back bar, that were manufactured in Tacoma. In 1940, Joseph started the Gehri Co. with George Gehri. Dorothy continued to operate the Silver Dollar Cafe until 1945. The Cafe, under new owners, officially closed around 1949. (filed with Argentum) (TNT 7/25/1958, pg. 5)

Silver Dollar Cafe (Tacoma); Duckwitz, Joseph--Homes & haunts;

Pop Reed at banquet held in his honor at Rau's Chicken Diner. Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp.

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

Reopening of Central Cafe, for Nick A. (Vic) Zvolis. The "Sagebrush Racketeers," two men and two women in Western outfits, with a guitar and a bass, on stage. "Kitty" box for tips at right.

Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Kruger's Triple XXX Root Beer Barrel drive-in restaurant in South Tacoma. On June 4, 1941, six young carhops in uniforms and boots lined up in front of the building with neon signs on cornice and giant root beer barrels on roof. There are automobiles parked in front of restaurant which was owned and operated by Frank J. Kruger. It had celebrated its grand opening in October of 1936. The drive-in was sold to Bill and Thelma Busch in 1943 and became familiarly known as Busch's Round Table Restaurant.

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

ca. 1979. Sidewalk leading up along the side of the C. St. Cafe and the rear of the cafe, circa 1979.

C St. Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

The staff of The Steak House posed for this photogragh on March 24, 1945 shortly after it expanded by taking over an adjoining building. The Steak House was located at 2622-24 No. Proctor, across the street from the Proctor (now Blue Mouse) Theater. At the time this picture was taken, it was owned by Ted Clark. It closed in the mid-50s.

Restaurant workers--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Waitresses--Tacoma; Cooks; Uniforms; Steak House (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. Rudder Club, Mr. Avge. Interior of dining room with tables and chairs, doorways leading into additional seating. Floral wallpaper, a figured carpet draperies and lighting add to the ambiance.

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. Rudder Club, Mr. Avge. Photograph of the interior of the Club, showing the restaurant counter with the kitchen seen through the doorway at the rear. Floral wallpaper, a figured carpet and gleaming linoleum are also shown. Coffee pots are at the ready and the cash register is, too. The Club facilities included a restaurant, bar and club room and lounge. (TNT 8/26/1943, pg. 19)

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma);