Maneki Restaurant
Photograph: Group at the Maneki Restaurant, "41st Birthday Party at Maneki - Seattle January 27th 1941 H.R. Hatate", Wing Luke Museum Collection, 1992.041.003.001.
http://db.wingluke.org/document.php?cat=photographs&id=1992.041.003.001
Photograph: Female waitstaff at the Maneki Restaurant outdoor garden and tea room. August 2, 1940. The tea room replicates a large Japanese castle, Wing Luke Museum Collection, 1995.039.001.
http://db.wingluke.org/document.php?cat=photographs&id=1995.039.001
Photograph: northeast corner of 6th Ave South and South Main in the 600-612 block of Main St. At the top end of the building is the Maneki Restaurant, 612 South Main, Wing Luke Museum Collection, 2000.015.267.
http://db.wingluke.org/document.php?cat=photographs&id=2000.015.267
Maneki Restaurant -- one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in the country and one of the oldest restaurants in Seattle -- has been serving traditional Japanese cuisine since 1904. That's over 116 years! Originally located in the heart of Nihonmachi (Japantown) at 6th Ave. S. and Main St., a half-block north from its current location, it was a grand, three-story structure built to resemble a Japanese castle and sat almost 500 people. During World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly removed and sent to concentration camps, and the original restaurant was ransacked. But Maneki has been operating from its current location at 304 6th Ave. S. since 1946 and continues to be a popular favorite with a huge following. Although closed for dining during the pandemic, Maneki currently offers online ordering for takeout. www.manekirestaurant.com What is your favorite dish from Maneki?