Post #436 by woofmutt on Fri, Apr 5, 2002 7:41 AM

I love the smell of old phone books. A recent round of research at the public library showed that in the early to late 60's the greater Seattle area had around a dozen Polynesian themed joints operating at once. At least 6 were within staggering distance of each other in the downtown area.
Except for flotsam and jetsam it's unlikely any trace of these places still exists. I've included addresses so any Jet City Tiki hunters can check out the locations if in the neigborhood.

The Polynesian Room/Outrigger/Trader Vics opereated from 1948 to 1991 in the Benjamin Franklin/Westin hotel. In 1991 the conglomerate that owns the Westin kicked TV's out, auctioned off the decor, and put a Japanese restaurant (Nikko, which is still there) in the spot. (Long description in Tiki Central archives on Yahoo)
The Kalua Room in the Hotel Windsor at 6th & Union. Designed by Ed Lawrence who, according to a Nov 15, 1953 Seattle Times blurb "conceived the idea for the famous Don the Beachcomber Restaurants." (Longe description in Tiki Central archives on Yahoo)
The Polynesia on Pier 51 was open from 1961 to 1981 when the State of Washington took over the Pier and literally kicked the Polynesia off. (Longer description right here at the NEW! Tiki Central)

Not much info on the following:

The Luau Barbecue Restaurant , 314 Broadway E, "Cocktails in a tropical hut"
The Trade Winds, 1st and Wall, had The Palm Room lounge.
Kau Kau, 1115 1/2 2nd, "Cocktails in the Polynesian Room"
The Golden Door near Pioneer Square had a live Polynesian dance show on weekends.
Lapu Lapu, 3296 Aurora N, "Exotic Tropical Cuisine"
Hula Hut, 7116 E Green Lake Dr
Tropics Restaurant 225 Auroar N
Tiki Hut, 544 Elliot N, "Exotic cocktails in the Shell Room"

Just outside of Seattle:

Porterhouse Restaurant, Bothel Hwy at Kenmore, "Superb buffet dining in a tropical atmosphere"
The Reef Restaurant, 1001 E Valley Hwy Kent, "Polynesian Atmosphere" "Cocktails in the Tiki Room"
Pantley's Pagan Room, 3201 156th SE Bellevue, "Exotic island atmosphere"
Clark's New Islander, 11th and A St Tacoma, (Long description in Tiki Central archives on Yahoo)