This iconic restaurant and lounge on First Hill was open from 1953-2022. In its heyday in the ‘50s-‘70s, under the ownership of “Uncle Vito” Santoro and brother Jimmy Santoro, Vito's was a notorious hangout for a wide swath of Seattleites, who partied over hearty Italian meals, cheap jugs of wine, and stiff drinks.
The Vito’s lore includes cops on the take, connections to organized crime, and backroom deals and card games in the Vagabond Room (later the famed Cougar Room, featuring Barbara the stuffed cougar). In 2010, new owners restored Vito’s to its former glory – mirrored walls and all – and hosted lounge acts and piano players, like the legendary jazz singer Ruby Bishop, who performed there until the age of 97.
A series of fires in the building starting in 2022 led to Vito’s permanent closure, but its raucous camaraderie lives on in the memories of many.
Just $15, and your purchase supports the work of Vanishing Seattle. FREE shipping (with Standard Ground) with purchase of $50 or more!
Vito's pin
Enamel pin dimensions are approx 0.75" across X 1.75" high, with 2 butterfly metal pin backings.
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