1. Ivar’s Acres of Clams & The Captain’s Table
Ivar’s Acres of Clams is a Seattle institution. The restaurant, opened by Seattle folk-singer Ivar Hagland, originally opened in 1938, but this incarnation, at the same location, opened in 1946. There are numerous location, but only a few actual restaurants. You can check out their website for all of the locations.
The Captain’s Table opened in 1964 at 333 Elliott Ave. W. At one time The Captain’s Table was the gauche spot to have a classy seafood meal in Seattle. But in the 1970s business slowed a bit and the restaurant was changed to a more family-friendly vibe. In 1991, faced with the cost of significant structural repairs to the building, which they did not own, The Captain’s Table was relocated to the town of Mukilteo and renamed Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing. It is still open to this day.
2. Hofbrau
Hofbrau, a German restaurant was located at 5th & Lenora, directly under the monorail track, in downtown Seattle. The restaurant offered a “Tyrolean” Atmosphere & lively Bavarian band. It touted itself as the restaurant “where fun and fine food clap hands.” It appeared to be around in the ’50s and ’60s. I have found very little information about this place. I cannot even figure out which corner housed the restaurant.
3. King Oscar’s Smorgasbord
King Oscar’s was located at 4300 Aurora Ave N. Known for their Swedish-style Smorgasbord and Swedish pancakes.The Swedish pancakes were served king’s style, filled with a rich cream sauce, chicken, and mushrooms, all served from a chafing dish at the table. The Fjord Room, located upstairs, featured entertainment in a room with Scandinavian decor. The Fjord Room featured a cocktail “The Voyager” which was served in a bowl like drinking glass for two people. Inside the bowl, floating in the drink, were a couple of little Viking ships. The restaurant opened in the mid-1950s and closed sometime in the late 1970s.
4. Copper Kitchen Restaurant
The Copper Kitchen was located at 1641 Westlake. Started by Scotty Watts, owner of the Peppermill and the Dutch Oven restaurants in Seattle, The Copper Kitchen specialized in home-style food at a reasonable price. This type of restaurant seemed to exist in every town in the United States in the 60s and 70s. Close your eyes and you can picture the decor and smell the stale cigarette smoke and soup lingering in the air. You see the waitresses decked out in gold or avocado green. I can’t find much information about when it opened and closed. The Westlake Center is now located at the site of the restaurant.
5. Hattie’s Hat Restaurant and Aunt Harriet’s Room
Hattie’s Hat, a Ballard/Seattle institution, originally opened in 1904 and it still going in 2016. The restaurant contains a wide variety of food, including veggie and vegan friendly options. The drinks are strong and the food is good. I am guess this matchbook dates to the 1960s before the all-numeric seven digit phone numbers were instituted.
6. Gino’s American Italian Restaurant
Gino’s was located at 620 Union St. in Seattle. This one is tough. There are and have been several Italian restaurants and bistros with Gino’s in the name. I cannot tell if they’re affiliated with this place or if it is just a common Italian name. This matchbook dates to probably the early to mid 1950s.
If you have any information on this place, please leave me a comment or send me an e-mail. My address is the site name at gmail.com. All one word.