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Life // Food & Dining

16 historic Seattle restaurants still open — and what they look like today

A past and present look at long-standing Seattle restaurants

by Callie Craighead, Seattle P-I

With cranes in every direction, rising costs and the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused over 80 bars and restaurants to shutter permanently, the Emerald City has seen its fair share of once-stapled restaurants closing up shop.

However, some restaurants have managed to make their place in this ever-changing city, finding a foothold in their neighborhood and building a community around them.

Whether it's Seattle's oldest Chinese restaurant where Bruce Lee used to dine or the famed lunch counter at the Athenian Inn from "Sleepless in Seattle," these legendary spots define the Emerald City's food culture.

While indoor dining restrictions are still in place, take a walk down memory lane with past and present photos of 16 of Seattle's beloved local institutions still operating today.

1. Lockspot Cafe
Lockspot Cafe has been open for over 90 years, staying true to its no-frills roots and representing the character of "old" Ballard in the rapidly growing neighborhood. It has doled out platters of crispy fish and chips through numerous world wars, market crashes and natural disasters.
Courtesy The Lockspot Cafe

Lockspot Cafe has been open for over 90 years, staying true to its no-frills roots and representing the character of "old" Ballard in the rapidly growing neighborhood. It has doled out platters of crispy fish and chips through numerous world wars, market crashes and natural disasters.

"When you walk into the Lockspot Cafe, it's like coming home. This is a generational place," said owner Pam Hanson, who started working at the cafe as a bartender in 1996. With a covered patio, the longtime cafe is still open for outdoor dining and pickup amid the pandemic.

"When you walk into the Lockspot Cafe, it's like coming home. This is a generational place," said owner Pam Hanson, who started working at the cafe as a bartender in 1996.

With a covered patio, the longtime cafe is still open for outdoor dining and pickup amid the pandemic.

2. Mecca Cafe
This Lower Queen Anne institution opened in 1930 by C. Preston Smith and his wife Frances, who opened 5 Point Cafe one year earlier. When Prohibition ended in 1933, the two historic joints were the first legal bars in Seattle. 

This Lower Queen Anne institution opened in 1930 by C. Preston Smith and his wife Frances, who opened 5 Point Cafe one year earlier.

When Prohibition ended in 1933, the two historic joints were the first legal bars in Seattle. 

The Mecca stayed in the Smith family until it was sold in 2001. The late-night establishment still stands today, serving up burgers, benedicts and sandwiches at reasonable prices. During the pandemic, Mecca is offering pickup and delivery options with no added fees to stay afloat.
GENNA MARTIN/SEATTLEPI.COM

The Mecca stayed in the Smith family until it was sold in 2001. The late-night establishment still stands today, serving up burgers, benedicts and sandwiches at reasonable prices.

During the pandemic, Mecca is offering pickup and delivery options with no added fees to stay afloat.

3. Merchant's Cafe
Merchant's Cafe claims the title of "Seattle's Oldest Restaurant" and has stood on the corner of James and Yesler since 1890.  Originally named "Merchants Exchange Saloon," the owners changed the name to cafe during prohibition and also operated as a cigar shop. A fire at the Mt. Fuji Hotel next door almost destroyed the structure in 1938, but the cafe has persisted.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Merchant's Cafe claims the title of "Seattle's Oldest Restaurant" and has stood on the corner of James and Yesler since 1890. 

Originally named "Merchants Exchange Saloon," the owners changed the name to cafe during prohibition and also operated as a cigar shop. A fire at the Mt. Fuji Hotel next door almost destroyed the structure in 1938, but the cafe has persisted.