#1413 - Harbor Lights, Tacoma, WA - 4/14/2011

Founded by Yugoslavian immigrant Anton Barcott 62 years ago, Harbor Lights is owned by the Anthony's chain now, but it preserves its mom and pop individuality, especially in the lounge.  The restaurant and bar hover over Commencement Bay, and caters to old school seafood fans.

The lounge is full of vintage liquor bottles, vintage workers, and vintage patrons, and serves strong, cheap drinks.

2761 North Ruston Way Tacoma, WA 98402 - (253) 752-8600
Est. 1959
web site - tacomanewstribune - tacomanewstribune - seattletimes - yelp - tripadvisor

#1412 - The Spar, Tacoma, WA - 4/14/2011

The Spar is rich in Tacoma history and the oldest bar in that city -- at least by a certain reckoning.  It is on the site of the original Old Tacoma Bar, established 1884, which served as a house of ill repute until Washington State enacted prohibition in 1916, whereupon it was torn down.

A new structure was built the following year was operated by the Radonich brothers as shop selling men's furnishings, billiards, and soft drinks (and apparently some less legal methods of quenching one's thirst).  It was named The Spar by the 1920s, and became a bar again with the national repeal of Prohibition in 1933.  A remodel in 1988-89 opened up a back room and view of Commencement Bay to customers. It is now a very comfortable tavern and restaurant in the heart of Old Tacoma.

The Spar in 1949, Tacoma Public Library photo

2121 N 30th Street, Tacoma, WA 98403 - (253) 272-2122                
Est. as bar: 1933 - Building constructed: 1917
Previous bars at this location: Old Tacoma Bar (1884-1916)
the-spar.com - weeklyvolcano - tacomaweekly- seattletimes - yelp

#1411 #S864 - Rock Box, Seattle - 4/13/2011

This is just an incidental sort of bar in a Japanese style karaoke joint. What the bar is missing are TVs showing the various  private rooms full  people doing karaoke, which a switch to choose which one you want the sound for.

1603 Nagle Pl, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 302-7625
Est. 2011
rockboxseattle.com - facebook - capitolhillblog - thestranger - seattleweekly - yelp

#1410 #S863 - Varro, Seattle - 4/13/2011

Update:  Varro closed in July 2011, after being open for approximately 3 months.

Casual Italian bar with Fellini-era decor, small plates and cocktails.

1542 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 324-4400
Est. 2011
varrolife.com - facebook - seattlemet - thestranger - yelp

#1409 - Twisted Cork, Bellevue, WA - 4/12/2011

900 Bellevue Way NE, Ste 100, Bellevue, WA 98004 - (425) 698-4100
web site - bellevuescene - yelp

#1408 #S862 - KiKi Tap & Eatery, Seattle - 4/7/2011

Update:  Kiki closed in April 2012

Several tasty Vietnamese and Asian fusion  dishes and a better than average bar.

600 E. Pine, Seattle, WA 98122 - (206) 320-7777
Est. April 1, 2011
Other bars at this location: Kurrent
kikiseattle.com - facebook - seattle.eater -  yelp

#1407 #S861 - Cuoco, Seattle - 4/2/2011

Update: Trattoria Cuoco closed temporarily in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, then announced permanent closure as of July 15, 2020.

Cuoco ("cook") is the Italian third Italian of the new Tom Douglas triptych in the historic Terry Building in South Lake Union (along with the Ting MoMo Tibetan dumpling cafe and Brave Horse Saloon).  Although we did not have time for dinner (it's Italian and Tom Douglas, so it seems pretty much a slam dunk), we were treated well at the bar by bartender Cody.  They were still working on a cocktail menu, and we will certainly be back.

320 Terry Ave N. Seattle, WA 98109 - phone
Est. 4/2/2011 - Building constructed: 1915 - Closed July 15, 2020
cuoco-seattle.com - thestranger - seattleweekly - dailycandy - yelp - greenbuilding - constructor