Historic cafe to offer 1929 prices
The dive has barely changed since its doors opened in 1929.
That was the year Guy Lombardo played Auld Lang Syne for the first time. Babe Ruth hit his 500th home run. The New York Stock Exchange crashed, and the 5 Point Café opened.
"It opened during hard economic times and again, it's hard economic times," said owner Dave Meinart.
For 80 years, the 5 Point has been known for its stiff drinks, big portions and colorful characters.
"Tom Leykis came in here one time and was ejected from the place so harshly (he) had to go to the hospital," said Meinart.
Dusty pictures of the past crowd its dark walls. Bras dangle from the mounted moosehead.
To Meinart, the place now "kind of feels like a second home."
 Image of the cafe's window by Flickr user ricardo.martins. |
"I think this is the original cash register. And this is the first ice cream freezer and still freezes," he said, taking a look around the place.
"It's just like one of those seedy type bars. That's part of the charm," said patron Chelsea Cooper.
There have been a few changes come in the men's room. After the World's Fair, the owner put a periscope above the urinal so guys could take care of their business while taking in a view of the Space Needle at the same time.
On Tuesday the cafe's telephone could be ringing off the hook as the restaurant celebrates 80 years, and offers blue plate specials at 1929 prices -- a 20 cent burger and fries, and beers for quarters.
That's not much to pay for a slice of history.
All month, the 5 Point is also offering seniors two-for-one lunch specials.