Polly Esther's - A Retro Nightclub Memory in Seattle

For a time in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Polly Esther’s was a beacon of retro kitsch located at 332 Fifth Ave. N, right across from the Space Needle. This chain nightclub was a dual-themed palace of nostalgia, split into two distinct eras. The Polly Esther’s side was a 1970s disco paradise, complete with a ‘Saturday Night Fever’ dance floor, lava lamps, and Brady Bunch memorabilia. The other half, the Culture Club, celebrated the 1980s with Pac-Man machines and a ‘Max Headroom’ themed bar. It was a loud, energetic, and unapologetically fun spot that, for a while, brought the funk back to Seattle.

Pink Elephant Car Wash Seattle

April 26, 2002

July 3, 2017

This photo features the famous rotating sign of the Pink Elephant Car Wash, a beloved and iconic Seattle institution for generations. The first Elephant Car Wash was opened by the Anderson brothers in 1951, but it was the giant, cheerful, pink neon elephant sign, designed by Beatrice Haverfield and installed in 1956 at the Denny Way location, that became a true city landmark.

For decades, the whimsical, spinning elephant was a familiar and delightful sight for Seattleites, especially for children who were mesmerized by it from the back seat of the family car. The sign became so cherished that when the Denny Way location closed in 2020, there was a successful public campaign to preserve it. The sign was declared a city landmark and was donated to Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) to be displayed as part of its neon collection.

While the original location is gone, the Pink Elephant Car Wash continues to operate at other locations, and its iconic sign remains a symbol of mid-century charm and a treasured piece of Seattle history. The Denny Way sign stood at 301 Denny Way.

Crocodile Cafe Seattle Belltown

July 1, 2017

This photo shows the original location of The Crocodile Cafe (often called “The Croc”) at 2200 2nd Avenue in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Opened on April 30, 1991, The Croc quickly became a legendary music venue and a cornerstone of the city’s grunge scene.

In its heyday, the club hosted an incredible lineup of influential bands, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Mudhoney, and Soundgarden, cementing its place in rock history. It was a vital hub for artists and music lovers, known for its intimate atmosphere and groundbreaking performances.

The venue temporarily closed in 2007 but was resurrected by new ownership in 2009, continuing its legacy. In 2020, The Crocodile moved from its iconic Belltown location to a larger, multi-stage venue on 1st Avenue. This photo captures the facade of the original building, a site of countless historic musical moments.

Comet Tavern

November 10, 2023

This photo shows the iconic exterior of the Comet Tavern, a legendary dive bar and music venue located at 922 E Pike Street in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. For decades, the Comet has been a cornerstone of the city’s counterculture and music scenes, celebrated for its gritty, unpretentious atmosphere.

As a historic rocker’s hangout and grunge institution, the Comet’s stage has been graced by countless bands, from local up-and-comers to artists who would go on to achieve international fame. It has a storied past of closures and rebirths, but it has remained a beloved fixture on Capitol Hill, known for its cheap drinks, pinball machines, and a vibe that captures the spirit of old Seattle.

Though it has evolved over the years, the Comet Tavern continues to be a go-to spot for live music and a classic dive bar experience, holding a special place in the hearts of many Seattleites.

Big Mario's Pizza: A Slice of New York in Capitol Hill

November 10, 2023

Big Mario’s Pizza brings an authentic taste of New York to Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The story begins with Mario Vellotti, who emigrated from Naples to New York in 1964 and honed his craft in the city’s legendary pizza kitchens. He eventually brought his expertise to the Pacific Northwest, opening the first Big Mario’s on Pike Street.

Known for its classic, foldable New York-style slices, a retro vibe, and a late-night slice window, Big Mario’s quickly became a beloved spot for concert-goers, locals, and everyone in between. It’s a go-to for a quick, satisfying meal in a neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife. The pizzeria is still thriving and serving up pies at its original location: 1009 E Pike St.