The Speakeasy Cafe: A Seattle Tech and Arts Hub

April 29, 2002

April 29, 2002

Located at 2nd Avenue and Bell Street, Seattle, WA, the Speakeasy Cafe was a groundbreaking establishment in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood during the 1990s. It was one of the city’s first and most influential internet cafes, quickly becoming a vital community hub during the dawn of the public internet.

More than just a place to get coffee and get online, the Speakeasy was a cultural center for artists, tech enthusiasts, and musicians. It hosted digital arts events and provided a gathering space for Seattle’s burgeoning tech and creative scenes. The distinctive metal radio tower sign became a recognizable landmark, symbolizing the cafe’s role in broadcasting new ideas and connecting people in the digital age. The interior was just as expressive, featuring murals that captured the intersection of technology and art.

Tragically, the Speakeasy Cafe was destroyed in a two-alarm electrical fire on May 18, 2001, which consumed the upper floor of the building and caused extensive damage to the cafe below. The loss of the Speakeasy was a significant blow to the Belltown community and marked the end of an era for a true internet pioneer.

Art Deco Gem on Mission Street

September 27, 2003

This striking Art Deco building, located at 5401 Mission Street, with its clean lines and geometric shapes, is a beautiful example of the Streamline Moderne style that flourished in the 1930s and 40s. It stands as a testament to a bygone era of architectural elegance in the heart of the Mission District. While its specific history remains elusive, its presence adds a unique character to the vibrant and ever-evolving streetscape of Mission Street.

Doc's Clock: A Mission Mainstay

April 30, 2005

A true San Francisco institution, Doc’s Clock has been a beloved Mission District dive bar since it first opened as the Clock Tavern in 1951. It got its current name in 1961 when a dentist, Dr. Ralph Mancuso, bought the bar and installed the iconic neon sign.

In 2017, after losing its lease at its original home at 2575 Mission Street, the bar was forced to move. A battle ensued with the old landlord over the vintage sign, but with help from the community and the city’s Legacy Business program, owner Carey Suckow was able to reclaim it. On September 18, 2018, the sign was triumphantly re-lit at its new home at 2417 Mission Street, a symbol of a neighborhood fighting to hold on to its character.

The Table - Willow Glen, San Jose

December 9, 2014

Opened in July 2012, The Table is a beloved urban neighborhood eatery in the heart of Willow Glen at 1110 Willow Street. The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, hand-crafted cocktails, and progressive wines. Owners Jim and Angelique Stump have created a welcoming space with a commitment to sourcing from local farms and ranches, delivering a menu of contemporary American cuisine.

Slows Bar B Q - Corktown, Detroit

October 21, 2012

A Detroit institution, Slows Bar B Q opened its doors in September 2005 in the historic Corktown neighborhood. Located at 2138 Michigan Ave, it quickly became a destination for its gourmet take on barbecue, extensive craft beer selection, and commitment to the local community. Over the years, Slows has been featured on cable TV shows and in numerous national publications, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit spot in Detroit.

Seattle Mamas Mexican Restaurant Belltown Elvis Room

May 25, 2002

May 25, 2002

July 1, 2017

This photo captures a glimpse of the legendary Elvis Room at Mama’s Mexican Kitchen, a beloved Belltown institution that operated at 2234 2nd Avenue from 1974 to 2016. For 42 years, Mama’s was a neighborhood mainstay, celebrated for its vibrant, kitschy decor and hearty Mexican-American comfort food.

The Elvis Room was a particularly famous and highly requested section of the restaurant, lavishly decorated with a treasure trove of Elvis Presley memorabilia, including posters, statues, and other collectibles that created a unique and festive dining atmosphere. An Elvis statue also famously greeted customers at the entrance.

After a long run, Mama’s Mexican Kitchen served its last meal in 2017. The building, a designated city landmark, was eventually approved for demolition to make way for new development, marking the end of an era for one of Belltown’s most iconic and colorful establishments.

Dick's Drive-In - Capitol Hill, Seattle

A true Seattle institution, Dick’s Drive-In has been serving up classic burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes since 1954. The Capitol Hill location, opened in 1955 at 115 Broadway E, is an iconic spot, famously mentioned in Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Posse on Broadway”, referenced in The Presidents of the United States of America’s 1996 song “L.I.P.”, and featured in Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “White Walls” music video. It’s a must-visit for a taste of classic Seattle fast food.