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These 16 historic Seattle restaurants are still open. Here's what they look like today

By Callie Craighead, SeattlePI

|Updated
Pike Place Market's Three Girls Bakery pictured in 1973.

Pike Place Market's Three Girls Bakery pictured in 1973.

ourtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives id:33146

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

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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.

Keep reading to take a walk down memory lane with past and present photos of 16 of Seattle's beloved local institutions still operating today.

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 Mike's Tavern & Chili Parlor in 1975.

 Mike's Tavern & Chili Parlor in 1975.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives ID:187405

Mike's Chili Parlor

This Ballard eatery has been serving its signature chili recipe since 1922, and needless to say they have the best chili fries and hot dogs in the city. The recipe itself was passed down from Greece, and the restaurant has been owned and operated by the Semandiris Family for 4 generations.

Through the decades, it has fed the city's fishermen and blue collar workers, and still maintains a no-frills, dive bar appeal today.

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Mike's Chili Parlor, established in 1922, photographed on Sunday Dec. 13, 2015.
Mike's Chili Parlor, established in 1922, photographed on Sunday Dec. 13, 2015.Grant Hindsley/SEATTLEPI.COM

Be sure to try their chili burger: a hamburger smothered in their homemade chili and topped with a mountain of cheese, onions and relish. Just be sure to ask for some extra napkins for when the inevitable mess ensues.

Virginia Inn pictured in 1937.

Virginia Inn pictured in 1937.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives ID 31839

Virginia Inn

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This Belltown restaurant and bar has been around since 1903, and appeared in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle." It later appeared in the 1992 cult classic "Singles," which emblemized Seattle's grunge scene.

Almost three decades after its Hollywood debut, the menu has become fancier and the crowd is more touristy, but the vibe is still laidback and purely Seattle.

The Virginia Inn photographed on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017.

The Virginia Inn photographed on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017.

GRANT HINDSLEY/SEATTLEPI.COM

The building itself is one of the oldest in the Pike Place Market area that is still standing and serves up Pacific Northwest fare from its patio.

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Mecca Cafe pictured in 1954.

Mecca Cafe pictured in 1954.

Mecca Cafe

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

The Mecca Cafe has been family owned since it opened in 1930 in Lower Queen Anne. Photographed Dec. 15, 2015.
The Mecca Cafe has been family owned since it opened in 1930 in Lower Queen Anne. Photographed Dec. 15, 2015.GENNA MARTIN/SEATTLEPI.COM

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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.

Three Girls Bakery in 1976.

Three Girls Bakery in 1976.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives id:37851

Three Girls Bakery

This bakery and quaint lunch counter has been filling Pike Place Market with delicious baking bread smells since 1912. It was founded by, you guessed it, three Seattle women and originally sold loaves of bread for just 15 cents.

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Three Girls Bakery in Pike Place Market

Three Girls Bakery in Pike Place Market

Michael S. via Yelp

Still in operation today, the business now serves up both hot sandwiches and baked goods to hungry customers in the market.

One of Seattle's landmark waterfront restaurants, Ray's Boathouse, burned in a spectacular fire on May 26, 1987. 

One of Seattle's landmark waterfront restaurants, Ray's Boathouse, burned in a spectacular fire on May 26, 1987. 

Courtesy of MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Photograph Collection

Ray's Boathouse

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In 1939, founder Ray Lichtenberger, moved his growing boat rental and bait house to the current location and opened a coffee house in 1945. Throughout the '60s, it operated as a fish and chips joint, known for it's iconic neon sign.

Ray's Boathouse caught fire due to a wiring problem on May 26, 1987. Some of the boats kept at the pier were damaged, and when the fire was finally out, only Ray's sign remained standing. No one was injured and the restaurant reopened on April 9, 1988.

Ray's Boathouse sign against a sunset.

Ray's Boathouse sign against a sunset.

Courtesy of Ray's Boathouse

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners made the hard decision to hibernate until dining restrictions eased. The restaurant officially reopened in March and is again serving up fresh Northwest seafood dishes.

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Hattie's Hat in Ballard pictured in 1975.

Hattie's Hat in Ballard pictured in 1975.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives id:179251

Hattie's Hat

Hattie's Hat is another good example of old-school, divey Ballard. It's been around since 1904 and has a popular Guinness meatloaf. It was first a saloon, and then turned into a diner in the 1950s when a Swedish couple purchased it.

Bar at Hattie's Hat.

Bar at Hattie's Hat.

Gaelen X. via Yelp

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The menu still retains some nods to its Swedish background with Swedish pancakes served with wild lingonberries. The wooden bar has been an original fixture since its opening in 1904.

Customers eat at the fish bar outside the Acres of Clams restaurant on Pier 54.

Customers eat at the fish bar outside the Acres of Clams restaurant on Pier 54.

PI FILE

Ivar's

Beloved local showman Ivar Haglund (1905-1985) established Seattle's first aquarium at Pier 54 and started a fish-and-chips stand in 1938 that grew into a restaurant empire.

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In 1946 Mr. Haglund opened the renowned "Acres of Clams" restaurant, one of 31 fish bars in the region. The restaurant also featured a dancing clam, known as Clem, in its advertisements. 

Ivar's remains a staple on the waterfront.

Ivar's remains a staple on the waterfront.

Hailey C/Yelp

While some locations, including the iconic Pier 54 restaurant, temporarily shuttered during the pandemic, all locations are now serving up bowls of creamy clam chowder to tourists and locals alike.

Maneki pictured in 1975.

Maneki pictured in 1975.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives id:195722

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Maneki

The Maneki Japanese restaurant has been around the International District for over 100 years. The restaurant serves traditional delicious family-style dishes in a warm, quaint atmosphere.

Initially built at 212 Sixth Ave. S. in 1904, Maneki had to be relocated after the restaurant was ransacked when Japanese citizens were sent to internment camps by the government during World War II.

Maneki remains one of Seattle's oldest Japanese restaurants.

Maneki remains one of Seattle's oldest Japanese restaurants.

Curtis Cronn/Flickr

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Once it was rebuilt following the war, this Seattle staple has been pleasing customers for over a century and is one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in the country.

In a post card from 1932, The Lockspot Cafe reveals its original digs.

In a post card from 1932, The Lockspot Cafe reveals its original digs.

Courtesy The Lockspot Cafe

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.

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"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.

Lockspot Cafe in Ballard.

Lockspot Cafe in Ballard.

Emily Z via Yelp

Along with being one of the longest-standing restaurants in Seattle's competitive food scene, Lockspot does also have another claim to fame: parts of the TV show "Deadliest Catch" were filmed there with the captains. Hanson also noted that Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and his wife are also patrons.

The historic restaurant was recently put up for sale by Hanson and purchased by new owners who said they remain committed to keeping the legacy of the cafe alive for the next generation of Ballard residents.

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Howard Donaghy, 43 and Jay Delistovic, 35, toast a beer at Seattle's Blue Moon Tavern in the University District in honor of Grateful Dead lead singer Jerry Garcia the day of his death in 1995.

Howard Donaghy, 43 and Jay Delistovic, 35, toast a beer at Seattle's Blue Moon Tavern in the University District in honor of Grateful Dead lead singer Jerry Garcia the day of his death in 1995.

JEFF LARSEN/seattlepi.com file photo

Blue Moon Tavern

Seattleite Emma Hellthaler is currently at the helm of the Blue Moon after taking over from her father, Gustav, who bought the bar with friends in the 1980s. Known for its open mic nights, live shows featuring local artists and cheap pours, the unpretentious spot has a long history of serving Seattle's counterculture through the decades.

Beat poet Allen Ginsberg was one of many who hung around the Blue Moon Tavern. Others poets who hung out there include Theodore Roethke, Richard Hugo, Carolyn Kizer, Stanley Kunitz and David Wagoner. Their time there and the history of the Blue Moon was preserved by the late Walt Crowley, another familiar face at the Blue Moon.

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Outside Blue Moon Tavern.

Outside Blue Moon Tavern.

Travis C via Yelp

Today, the inside still retains much of the bar's no-frills feel. The bar was also featured on a PBS documentary that showcased how local restaurants were surviving the economic downturn of the pandemic.

"It may be a dingy place, it may be a dive bar, but it's ours," one regular said in the documentary.

Athenian's neon sign in Pike Place pictured in 1974.

Athenian's neon sign in Pike Place pictured in 1974.

Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives ID 34675

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The Athenian

The Athenian has been serving seafood in Pike Place Market since 1909. In 1933, it was one of Seattle's first restaurants to receive a beer license.

It became a tourist hotspot after it served as a colorful backdrop for Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner to talk about tiramisu and the anxieties of dating in 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle."

The Athenian has been serving seafood in Pike Place Market since 1909. Photographed Jan. 4, 2016.
The Athenian has been serving seafood in Pike Place Market since 1909. Photographed Jan. 4, 2016.GENNA MARTIN/SEATTLEPI.COM

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Today, you can still grab burgers, salads and seafood from the bustling eatery and impress your parents who love the movie.

Dick's on Broadway in 1955.

Dick's on Broadway in 1955.

Dick's Drive-In

The famed Dick's Drive-In opened its windows on Jan. 28, 1954, by Portland-born Dick Spady.

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The first location was located in Wallingford on 45th Street, which is still serving up their famed deluxe burger, fries and milkshakes with a friendly smile and quick service to this day.

Even in the snow, Dick's on Capitol Hill still draws customers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. The neighborhood saw its first few inches of snow Sunday afternoon, with more showers expected on Monday. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson)

Even in the snow, Dick's on Capitol Hill still draws customers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. The neighborhood saw its first few inches of snow Sunday afternoon, with more showers expected on Monday. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson)

LINDSEY WASSON

Members of the Spady family still operate the franchise as well. The beloved chain has opened a total of 7 locations across Puget Sound and has become an iconic landmark in the city. A new location at the Crossroads Mall in Bellevue is expected to open sometime this year, bringing burgers and fries to the Eastside.

Crowd watching fire fighters at Mt. Fuji Hotel next door to Merchant's Cafe, Seattle, 1938.
Crowd watching fire fighters at Mt. Fuji Hotel next door to Merchant's Cafe, Seattle, 1938.Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Merchant's Cafe

Merchant's Cafe claims the debated 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.

The Mt. Fuji is gone, but Merchant's Cafe still stands, since 1890, as one of the oldest bars in Seattle.
The Mt. Fuji is gone, but Merchant's Cafe still stands, since 1890, as one of the oldest bars in Seattle.Genna Martin/seattlepi.com

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The restaurant's long and sometimes spooky history makes it a popular destination for those interested in hauntings, ghosts and the paranormal. It is also a good spot to catch a Seahawks game.

Georgetown taverns pictured in 1975. In operation in one form or another since 1888, Jules Mae's claims to be the oldest bar in Seattle, and continues to serve customers at 5919 Airport Way South.

Georgetown taverns pictured in 1975. In operation in one form or another since 1888, Jules Mae's claims to be the oldest bar in Seattle, and continues to serve customers at 5919 Airport Way South.

Tom Barlett/SeattlePI file photo

Jules Maes Saloon

Jules Maes dates back to 1888 starting as a grocery and hardware shop known as "The Brick Store" and eventually became a saloon. In 1912, it was bought by Belgian immigrant Jules Gustaf Maes, who was known as "the Mayor of Georgetown."

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Customers consisted of mostly lumberjacks and fishermen as Georgetown was the city's industrial district. The bar closed during prohibition but reopened several doors down on Airport Way South in 1939.

Patrons sit for a drink at Georgetown's Jules Maes Saloon & Eatery which first opened in 1888. Photographed Oct. 25, 2019.
Patrons sit for a drink at Georgetown's Jules Maes Saloon & Eatery which first opened in 1888. Photographed Oct. 25, 2019.Genna Martin/seattlepi.com

The 133-year-old wateringhole temporarily shuttered in July 2020 amid COVID-19 dining restrictions before longtime patrons stepped in to keep its legacy alive.

Pictured in 1920.
Pictured in 1920. Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal Archives ID 32313

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Lowell's Restaurant

Before it was serving up fish and chips and clam chowder, the space was a combination coffee roaster, peanut roaster and cafeteria in Pike Place Market called Manning's Cafeteria.

In 1957, it officially became Lowell's. The three-storied restaurant has become a tourist destination in the market and uses fresh fish and produce from other market vendors.

Then there's Athenian's neighbor at the Market, Lowell's.

Then there's Athenian's neighbor at the Market, Lowell's.

Lowell's

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Billing itself as "almost classy since 1957," the restaurant boasts of sweeping views of Elliott Bay.

Tai Tung in the International District.

Tai Tung in the International District.

Seattle Public Library, Werner Lenggenhager Photograph Collection

Tai Tung

This historic Chinatown International restaurant opened in 1935, making it the oldest remaining Chinese restaurant in the city. Bruce Lee used to frequent the restaurant, and would order their chow mein and fried rice. 

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Seattle's International District hosts thousands of guests over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for lunch and dinner. Tai Tung is no exception.
Seattle's International District hosts thousands of guests over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for lunch and dinner. Tai Tung is no exception.Sean C/Yelp

The third-generation owner, Henry Chan, has been working at Tai Tung since 1968, and can happily point out Lee's preferred table.

Callie is a web producer for the SeattlePI focusing on local politics, transportation, real estate and restaurants. She previously worked at a craft beer e-commerce company and loves exploring Seattle's breweries. Her writing has been featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as a student journalist.