The days of the classic 50’s diners are long gone----with only a few of the Real McCoy left standing around the country (not counting a few knock-off wannabe’s). A “city” incarnation of these diners is the small restaurants located in old houses and other structures no longer suited to their original purpose. Immediately excluded from this genre of eateries are restaurants that have relied on “architectural planning” and/or “large bankrolls” to create artificial The places I am talking about are the labors of love of the visionary owners/entrepreneurs that are more interested in service and quality of food than in whether the place looks like Martha Stewart or the Olive Garden. They are places to share gossip, have great coffee and eat----with the kids or without. The Wild Mountain Café, in the Crown Hill Neighborhood of Seattle, is such a place. It is easy to find, at 1408 NW 85th St, because it is the only Purple House on the street. It’s funky exterior and interior, is awesome Seattle-eclectic at its best. There is artwork on the walls, and there is live music on Friday’s. Tables are set up throughout the “house” such that you can eat in the living room next to the fireplace, in the dining room (where else), in one of the bedrooms----no beds though (dang----no breakfast in bed) or even in the bar. You can order breakfast (lunch & dinner too) as simple as the plain old “Jane Doe,” or as plentiful as the “Joe Schmoe.” There is even a kids menu. So----check it out when you are in the neighborhood and you need a good cup of coffee, a good meal----or just need a place to hang with friends, meet with your real estate agent, or rendezvous with a lover----or just read the paper by yourself. Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
These diners were gathering places of the locals to share gossip (early networking) and a place for truck drivers to have coffee thrown at them. 
ambiance.
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Hi Charles,
I don't get to Seattle too often I'm afraid but that cafe is certainly worth checking out.
Steve
Good Morning Charles,
Thanks for the post and great photos. Have an awesome day.
Wild Mountain has very good food besides being a fun place to eat.
Oooooh, I'd love to meet you there for a cup of coffee. It is really lovely. And, I just love it when the hosts come out to talk to you and tell you their story. Thanks for the peek inside!
Steve, thanks----yes check it out
Patrick, you are welcome
Glenn, I figured you would have been there :)
Suzanne---check out their website----lots of cool information about how the place came to be the way it is.
Buell - Like Suzanne, would love to meet you there for a beer cup of tea. You don't find many places like this. I love the decor and I'm certain this is one of the many reasons Jennifer wants to get me out West for a visit or three.
Sardi, all I can say is listen to her----she is right----of course you knew that :)
What a fun place to sit and enjoy a meal. Doesn't look like it would be hard to find either:)
Charles, we have 5 of those stainless steel diners within 6 miles of where I'm sitting right now...Used to have 6 but they sold and moved one down south somewhere...If I ever get to Seattle I'll try this place...Looks great...Enjoy the day.
This is lovely, Charles. It does look like you have been invited to someone's home.
Love places like this!! My dream job would be to open a B&B, and cook breakfast for the quests. This is a lovely looking establishment!!
I love these type of places. Sadly, like you mentioned many of them have long disappeared from the landscape. We do have on here in the Raleigh area that I know of, and it's a well loved and often frequented spot for me and my cohorts.
Charles - It's always great to have such places in your area. Having grown up in the restaurant business, I'm well aware of the commitment that is required.
Erika, it is cool
Ernie, I think most of the old real diners are still on the East Coast
Jane, it kind of does doesn't it.
Carla, I am sure there are lots of places like this in Portland
Craig----I will be expecting a blog post about it :)
John, I know of few more difficult jobs----you have to love it.
Mr Charles,
As a courtesy to you, from cousin Nutsy who is in Alaska, I am monitoring your blog posts. I am thinking that for half of my typical $10,000 appearance fee I might be able to perform at that roadhouse on your recommendation.
Wheatloaf Wallenda, superstar
Wheatloaf----but then they would have to put all those unsightly bait boxes all around the place. So I don't think so.
That looks like my kind of joint! Next time I am nearby I might just stop in. If you will be there of course...
Looks like a great place and I am sure the food is as special as the location.
Charles, I love places like this!! ~ Susan
Jay, sure----I will take you there
Diane, fun ambiance
Susan---you must have places like this near you too.
Thanks for the nice blog, Charles! I added a link to this page on our website:
http://www.thewildmountaincafe.com/Wild_Mountain_Cafe/about_us.html
Come back and visit us again real soon!
~Connie
Hi Connie, thanks for commenting :) I'll be back
Here is your link to your page with the reviews
Mr Charles,
If they do lots of weekend traffic, I can be there by Sunday morning. I am a bit slow right now so I will perform for $2500.00 this one time.
Wheatloaf
That's my town! Originality, all the way!
Wheatforbrains, me thinks you are a little slow in many ways
Stacey, ain't the NW grand!
Charles, Seattle has such great funky places to eat and hang out. You have to with all that cool moist air 3 seasons out of 4!
Gloria