Coffee shop with long bar with stools, rows of booths on right, three rounded booths at rear. This was dubbed the "Long Island Coffee Shop," part of the "new" New Yorker restaurant in November of 1951. The restaurant was celebrating its grand opening on November 16, 1951. The coffee shop faced Sixth Avenue and was open from 7 a.m. to closing (either midnight or 1 a.m.) weekdays. Only food was served on Sundays at the New Yorker. (TNT 11-15-1951, C-11-article)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flower arrangements;

Exposures of several after remodeling pictures of Manning's Market. Manning's underwent extensive remodeling in 1950. This photograph, taken on July 31, 1950, shows a multitude of small tables and booths in the cafe section of the store. Recessed lighting, painted murals, and new linoleum flooring enhance the dining atmosphere.

Manning's Market (Tacoma); Manning's Inc. (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma;

Portrait of cooks and servers standing behind buffet-style table at Steve's (Gay Nineties) Cafe. Street scene on wall with representations of Tacoma businesses by Knabel.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1943. Rudder Club, Mr. Avge. Two cooks in the kitchen, one at the griddle. Large pots, baskets, bowls, and utensils are also shown.

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

Pianist Bert Kool (far right) led the distinctive quartet of musicians who provided dance music at the grand opening of the Olympus Cafe and Supper Club in August of 1944. The new club opened on August 12, 1944, and was located directly below the Olympus Hotel, 815 Pacific Avenue, in what was then the heart of Tacoma's civic center. Bert Sundgren, the new owner, stated it was "Tacoma's newest and Washington's finest" restaurant and pledged dance music nightly with no cover charge. The saxophone player has been identified as Gus DeBock, a lifetime member of the Musicians Union. The last dance he played was with his band, Gus DeBock and the Fabulous 4, on August 9, 1991, two months before his death. (T. Times, 8/11/44, p. 11-article; T.Times, 8-12-44, p. 3-photograph used in ad). (Additional identification and information provided by a reader) TPL-10200

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Olympus Cafe (Tacoma); Kool, Bert; DeBock, Gus; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The newly opened "Olympus Cafe" and Supper Club, located in the Olympus Hotel, is celebrating their grand opening. Lettering on the column at the back of the room reads, "Activian Room". Draperies are open showing another room beyond. TPL-6422

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Olympus Cafe (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission, Square dancing and style show, Elliott Metcalf. Bob Starkey was the caller for the square dancing revue put on for the members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the Top of the Ocean. Couples are dancing with arms around each other and the men have crossed arms in the middle. Several couples watch from the side lines. (TNT, 12/22/1949, p.20)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Banquet at Poodle Dog Restaurant for employees of Mannings Market. Ordered by Mac Manza. This view of the interior includes the photo mural with images of many Northwest industries. TPL-9689

Diners (Restaurants)--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife); Banquets--Fife--1950-1960; Mannings Inc. (Tacoma);

Interior and exterior of restaurant and tavern, Rainbow Tavern, Mr. Howe. The bar stands along the length of the Rainbow Tavern on the right hand side. Stools are lined up against the bar. Mirrors are hung on the wall at the back. A bartender stands ready to pull a beer from the siphon handles in front of him. A woman and a companion are seated in one of the booths along the other side of the room. A slot machine stands in the middle.

Rainbow Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bartenders--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Stools;

Publicity for Community Chest at Manning's Bakers, Robert Sconce Advertising, Robert Sconce. Four waitresses stand ready to take an order from a gentleman looking into the case of baked goods with cookies and several cakes to choose from. As of Friday, October 29, 1948 some $308,893 had been collected under the just concluded Tacoma Community Chest campaign drive. Businesses and individuals donated the funds to support many social services agencies in Tacoma. The 1948 goal was $358,000 but several groups had yet to report with their donations. TPL-9504 (TNT 10-30-1948, p. 1-article on Tacoma Community Chest)

Manning's Coffee Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cakes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cookies; Bakeries--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission would be remembering the past year's triumphs, including a $12,500 Tacoma Open-Golf Tournament, the Penn State and Washington State football game, Fourth of July Show at Tacoma Stadium and many other events. Howard R. Smith, 1948's T.A.C. club president, admires a mirror decorated for Christmas; his image appears to have been painted with a list of the major 1948 Tacoma Athletic Club events. (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Christmas decorations; Bars--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Mirrors; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Smith, Howard R.;

Building on 56th and M showing block construction, Holroyd Company, Mr. Holroyd. The Clipper Restaurant is featured not because of their free coffee or good food but for the two-storied building's construction. It is made of concrete block and the photograph was ordered by the Holroyd Company, manufacturers of concrete building materials. A neon sign over the door advertises the restaurant and another in the window advertises Meadowsweet Ice Cream. Some older automobiles are parked along the street and a public telephone is to be found inside Clipper's. A beauty salon is housed in the opposite end of the building.

Holroyd Co. (Tacoma); Clipper Restaurant (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Banquet at New Yorker in honor of Langlie, John Prins, Republican Central Committee. Arthur B. Langlie appeared before members of the Republican Central Committee in Tacoma. He is standing at the microphone on the far right wall. Arthur B. Langlie ran for governor of the State of Washington in 1940, 1944, and again in 1948. He won in 1940 and 1948. Mon C. Wallgren won in 1944.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquet halls--Tacoma; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors--Washington (State); Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Gus and Mike Peters and family members celebrate the opening of their new restaurant, Peters Golden Gate Oyster House. Gus and Mike immigrated from Greece and have been in Tacoma for more than 30 years. The brothers have 35 years of experience in seafood catering. Interior view of the noon time crowd at Peters Golden Gate Oyster House. (T.N.T., 12/9/1948, p. B9).

Oysters; Restaurants--Tacoma; Restaurant workers--Tacoma; Waitresses--Tacoma; Peters Golden Gate Oyster House (Tacoma);

In 1948, George A. Sample, Jr. took over management of the restaurant in the Rust Building. He changed the name to The Rathskeller, and over the next year, working with the Andrew's Fixture Company, completely remodeled the service area. This photograph from September 1949 shows five unidentified employees standing behind the newly installed counter. The Rathskeller was only in business until 1954, when it was replaced by Lindy's operated by G. Howard Lindholm.

Cafeterias--Tacoma; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Counters--Tacoma; Building materials; Rathskeller (Tacoma); Rust Building (Tacoma); Andrew's Fixture Co. (Tacoma);

Cocktail bar with bartenders, Murphy's cocktail lounge, Mrs. Lund. The bartenders are lined up behind the bar at Murphy's. Several service men and other men have taken most of the stools at the bar. One of the machines where customers could make their selections from the jukebox is seen next to the sailor in the center of the photograph. Mirrors line the wall behind the bar.

Murphy's (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lounges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sailors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bartenders--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes;

Olympus Hotel was owned by Paul Sceva and managed by Virgil West. West had initiated the remodeling project just after he became manager, two years ago. The Frontier Room was accessible through the back entrance and through the main lobby; it was decorated like a 19th century inn, with amber glass and darkened wood rafters, historic murals of Washington State and could accommodate 100 people. Interior view of the Frontier Room, located in the Olympus Hotel; view of bar and restaurant area (TNT 8/29/49, p. 4-5). TPL-3264

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Table settings & decorations; Tablecloths; Hotels--Tacoma; Frontier Room (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma);

Fife's Poodle Dog restaurant was opened in 1933, added on and renovated in 1939, demolished and rebuilt in 1949 at the same location. The famous restaurant would be rebuilt once more in 1967. Richard's Commercial Photography would be displaying a photo mural at the restaurant. Interior view of the Poodle Dog restaurant in Fife; view of the Dining Room, showing photographs by Richard's Studio and domed jukebox. TPL-9686

Photographs; Photography--Tacoma; Dining tables; Dining rooms--Fife; Jukeboxes; Murals--Fife; Interior decoration; Restaurants--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife);

The Last Round Cafe was located at 1516 Broadway in Tacoma's downtown district; this building was built in 1889. The restaurant was owned and operated by William M. Hamilton. Exterior view of the Last Round Cafe; restaurant signs and "Open Day & Nite" signs on windows. Photo ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board for the tavern's liquor license.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Business enterprises--Tacoma; Parking meters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Last Round Cafe (Tacoma);

The Poodle Dog had just rebuilt their restaurant at the same site; this work was completed in 1949. Interior view of the Poodle Dog in Fife, from the west inside new building showing double horseshoe counters, kitchen and waitress area, murals by Richards Commercial Photo Service on walls; structure was replaced by the current building in 1967. Photo ordered by Tacoma Fixture Company, Incorporated. TPL-9683

Soda fountains--Fife; Equipment; Restaurant workers--Fife; Waitresses--Fife; Diners (Restaurants)--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife); Tacoma Fixture Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

K Street Club was owned and operated by John J. Hafsos and Lawrence J. Corvari. K Street Club was located at 1111 South K Street, in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. Interior view of K Street Club, a shuffleboard table is set up in the center, jukebox behind the game table, booths on left side, bar and lunch counter on right side; a cash register behind the bar. Photo was ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board, likely for a renewal of their liquor license.

Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Shuffleboard; K Street Club (Tacoma);

Shuffleboard and electric scoreboard at Central Tavern, Champion Sales Distributing Company, Mr. Vern Westby. Two men are trying out the shuffleboard at the Central Tavern. The electric scoring machine is hung on the wall over booths running along one side of the tavern. An edge of the bar and a stool can be seen in the foreground.

Central Tavern (Tacoma); Shuffleboard; Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Interior of new barroom at Mondau's Tug Boat, Andrew's Fixture Company, Andrew Richards. Mondau's, owned by Louie J. Mondau, held a grand opening of the "Wheelhouse Room," an ultra modern cocktail lounge recently completed. Mondau's, having been in business for 25 years, advertised, "A place to bring the Family," with dinners of all kinds, Italian spaghetti, ravioli, famous pizza pie and their new Wheelhouse Room, "the coziest place in town." The remodeled bar has been decorated with a nautical theme. (TNT, 7/20/1949, p.11)

Mondau's Tug Boat Restaurant & Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Remodeling--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Two waitresses, Jennie Wheeler (right) and Josephine Trumble, in dark dresses and crisply ruffled white aprons pause in setting a homey checked table to smile for the camera at Steve's Gay 90's. Behind them is a large antique mirrored hutch. Steve's was furnished with pieces from some of the finest mansions in South Tacoma, and the walls were decorated with pictures of those homes. (TNT 6/13/1956, pg. C-9- C-11)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Waitresses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wheeler, Jennie; Trumble, Josephine;

One of the original rooms at Steve's Gay '90s. The table for the smorgasbord can be seen to the left. The buffet was served daily at lunch and dinner for a nominal charge. At the back of the room can be seen the stage where Jane McKee and Arnold Leverenz performed nightly; it is surrounded by hand painted signs by Bill Knabel for local South Tacoma businesses. The booths recall surreys with fringe on top, and wagon wheel chandeliers and checkered cloths complete the look. Steve's had grown to include 5 dining areas: Steve's Cafe- serving meals 24 hours a day; the Cable Car room- with cocktails and food; this Gay 90's Smorgasbord- open 7 days a week; the Opera House Coliseum- with its live revue and the Mystery dining and banquet room. TPL-6699 (TNT 6/13/1956, pg. C-9 - C-11)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

John E. Barcott, Jr., celebrated the grand opening of his Barcott's Sea Food restaurant in May of 1953. The new restaurant was located at 3832 South Pine Street, in what was dubbed "the center of the city," on Pine just off South 38th St. Mr. Barcott had 15 years experience in restaurants and was a member of a pioneering Tacoma restaurant-operating family. A large rooftop neon sign had an arrow pointing downwards, drawing the eyes to smaller neons of the "chops, seafood, steaks" menu. There was also a whimsical lighted sign of a smiling fish with large bubbles nearby. The water theme continued in the interior of the restaurant with fishing gear and nets decorating the spacious dining room. The structure was built by Walter C. Witte, general contractor, and fixtures supplied by Andrew's Fixture Co. Fifty years later, the location is now occupied by the Pine Street Landing eatery and is across the street from the Evergreen Post Office. (TNT 5-28-53, p. 15) TPL-8122

Barcott's Sea Food (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Kit Kat Tavern was celebrating its third anniversary in April, 1954. Overhead view of tavern's interior; all seats seem to be occupied with happy customers. People could enjoy a drink while playing what appears to be a form of bingo. Budweiser, Lucky Lager, and Rainier beers were some of the beers available for purchase. The Kit Kat Tavern was located at 746 Pacific Avenue and owned by Elmer Gardner and Patricia White.

Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kit Kat Tavern (Tacoma);

ca. 1957. Employees at the new King's are possibly preparing for a noon rush in 1957 as they are applying relish and pre-wrapping burgers. The drive-in featured Medosweet dairy products including Smitty freeze cones for 5 and 10 cents and hard ice cream. Prawns could be purchased for 65 cents and hot dogs cost a quarter. Signs assured the public that only the finest of meat cuts were served from King's own Sunset Markets. King's #2 on Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way), just off Pacific Avenue, was designed by owner Werner Schmid to run efficiently and provide excellent customer service. Schmid was the owner of the Smitty Drive-In restaurants; King's #2 was the latest of five in the Tacoma area. Photograph ordered by Smitty's Drive-In. (TNT 9-11-57, D-3)

Kings (Tacoma); Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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 little boy, with some coaching from a woman, perhaps mom, appears to be placing his order at Gil's Hamburgers, a fast food restaurant. They are standing outdoors and speaking to an employee through a small slot in the window. Hamburgers were selling at 19 cents each with cheeseburgers at 24 cents and french fries for only 11 cents. Shakes could be made with the Sweden Shake Maker models, or ice cream cones purchased for 5 to 10 cents. Gil's Hamburgers had three locations in the Seattle area; this particular site was not identified. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW.

Drive-in restaurants--Seattle; Fast food restaurants--Seattle; Gil's Hamburgers (Seattle); Signs (Notices);