If you feel like stepping back in time, there are all kinds of retro places in Washington that will leave you nostalgic! From bowling alleys to drive-ins and diners, here are 10 classic establishments in our state that will send you straight to the past:
- Chalet Bowl, Tacoma
Chalet Bowl / Facebook
Alyson F. / Yelp Since 1941, this has been the longest continually operating bowling alley in our state! They host leagues during the week as well as birthday parties and group events. If you’re up for a game, the boutique 12-lane alley can be found in the heart of the Proctor District!
- Blue Fox Drive In, Oak Harbor
Charlie M. / Yelp Looking for classic entertainment on Whidbey Island? You can still drive up to see a feature film at this long-running outdoor theater, go for an exhilarating race around their go-kart track, or stop to enjoy some great food at their snack bar!
- Pattison’s West, Federal Way
Pattison’s West / Facebook There’s nothing quite like the rush of going roller skating like back in the day! This skating center along Pacific Highway has been open for over 30 years and offers fun the whole family can enjoy.
- Skyline Drive-In Theater, Shelton
Serval By Photo Max Although seasonal, this staple in Mason County was established in 1964 and is another one of our state’s few remaining drive-ins! They show some marvelous double feature films in a farmland setting and offer burgers and fries at the concession stand.
- North Bowl, Spokane
Stephen S. / Yelp This family-friendly center offers open bowling as well as leagues, a pro shop, pub and spectacular night light effects to make for cheap, yet exciting entertainment in Eastern Washington!
- Rosy’s Ice Cream & Diner, Richland
Clayton A. / Yelp
RushCubFan / TripAdvisor (Note: as of September 16th, 2020, Rosy’s is permanently closed). Is diner food ever a bad idea? This ’50s-style restaurant in the tri-cities nearly feels like another era with its vintage decor and traditional menu favorites from burgers to hot dogs.
- Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Placefull This is one of the only bowling alley and roller skating rink combos in the whole nation! The business dates back to the ’50s and features a climbing wall for kids as well as a fantastic restaurant and bar.
- Wheel-In-Motor Movie Drive In, Port Townsend
Facebook / Wheel-In Operating since 1953, this is another seasonal spot where you can actually still enjoy a film on the big screen in the great outdoors! Surrounded by forest, this single screen drive-in offers a cinematic experience unlike traditional theaters.
- Hal’s Drive In, Sedro-Woolley
Skagit Eats Since 1964, this restaurant has been serving some of the most mouthwatering 1/2 lb. burgers in Skagit County! In addition to their quality homemade food, the ’50s atmosphere also includes old jukebox players at each table.
- Johnson Candy, Tacoma
David A. / Yelp If your sweet tooth is strong, here’s another staple to check out in Tacoma that’s been around since the 1940s. Their sweet variety of confections includes everything from mouthwatering chocolates to candies and ice cream bars!
Feeling nostalgic yet? Have you been to any of these classic spots in Washington?
Chalet Bowl / Facebook
Alyson F. / Yelp
Since 1941, this has been the longest continually operating bowling alley in our state! They host leagues during the week as well as birthday parties and group events. If you’re up for a game, the boutique 12-lane alley can be found in the heart of the Proctor District!
Charlie M. / Yelp
Looking for classic entertainment on Whidbey Island? You can still drive up to see a feature film at this long-running outdoor theater, go for an exhilarating race around their go-kart track, or stop to enjoy some great food at their snack bar!
Pattison’s West / Facebook
There’s nothing quite like the rush of going roller skating like back in the day! This skating center along Pacific Highway has been open for over 30 years and offers fun the whole family can enjoy.
Serval By Photo Max
Although seasonal, this staple in Mason County was established in 1964 and is another one of our state’s few remaining drive-ins! They show some marvelous double feature films in a farmland setting and offer burgers and fries at the concession stand.
Stephen S. / Yelp
This family-friendly center offers open bowling as well as leagues, a pro shop, pub and spectacular night light effects to make for cheap, yet exciting entertainment in Eastern Washington!
Clayton A. / Yelp
RushCubFan / TripAdvisor
(Note: as of September 16th, 2020, Rosy’s is permanently closed). Is diner food ever a bad idea? This ’50s-style restaurant in the tri-cities nearly feels like another era with its vintage decor and traditional menu favorites from burgers to hot dogs.
Placefull
This is one of the only bowling alley and roller skating rink combos in the whole nation! The business dates back to the ’50s and features a climbing wall for kids as well as a fantastic restaurant and bar.
Facebook / Wheel-In
Operating since 1953, this is another seasonal spot where you can actually still enjoy a film on the big screen in the great outdoors! Surrounded by forest, this single screen drive-in offers a cinematic experience unlike traditional theaters.
Skagit Eats
Since 1964, this restaurant has been serving some of the most mouthwatering 1/2 lb. burgers in Skagit County! In addition to their quality homemade food, the ’50s atmosphere also includes old jukebox players at each table.
David A. / Yelp
If your sweet tooth is strong, here’s another staple to check out in Tacoma that’s been around since the 1940s. Their sweet variety of confections includes everything from mouthwatering chocolates to candies and ice cream bars!
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