Jade Pagoda

The Jade Pagoda in Capitol Hill, owned by Pearl Woo, will close its doors on August 31st, 2006, after more than 60 years in business. Known as Jimmy Woo’s Jade Pagoda, after her late husband, whose uncles opened the restaurant in 1943.

In 2006 the Jade Pagoda still had a rotary payphone, an awesome jukebox, and a very distinctive neon Cocktails sign. Jade Pagoda was a part of a breed of Chinese American restaurants, lounges, and cocktail bars in Seattle with a mid-century vibe. It featured affordable cocktails and devoted regulars. It also had that classic working-class character. The building’s owner raised rent in order to cover the costs of much needed repairs and Pearl made the choice to close the doors on the anniversary of her husbands death.