This week we continue our West Coast Road Trip to Tacoma, Washington. This is where we spent our college days at Pacific Lutheran University and this was when we were introduced to Bob’s Java Jive.
LISTEN to the Savory Road Feature, Episode 106
Radio Copy: Welcome to the Savory Road. Ever seen a building shaped like a milk bottle, corn cob, or hot dog? Such Novelty architecture was popular in the 1920s and 30s during America’s roadway boom. These creatively designed and fully usable buildings typically advertised whatever was sold inside. Some were just fun to look at. Thankfully, many have been spared of the wrecking ball and have evolved into beloved landmarks.
During our west coast road trip, we visited one of these whacky structures – a giant coffee pot now called Bob’s Java Jive. The 25 foot high attraction was built in 1927 as The Coffee Pot Restaurant, complete with a handle and spout ready to pour gallons of coffee over the parking lot. Over the years it was used as a speakeasy and go-go dance venue.
Come 1955 the place was bought by Bob and Lylabell Radonich. They renamed it Bob’s Java Jive after after the hit song by the Ink Spots. Bob added a back room to the giant pot to facilitate a music venue – he decorated the place with a “loosly-based” Polynesian theme and the party began. He found some local musicians that played instrumental surf tunes. They were the house band for awhile – then got a recording deal and immediately exploded on the national pop scene
– you might remember them as The Ventures?
The neighborhood surrounding Bob’s Java Jive became run down over the years and by the 1980s the giant coffee pot looked like a place that had seen better days – in short – it was becoming an ideal dive bar. It was immortalized in a couple of movies including Cameron Crow’s “Say Anything” During my college years in Tacoma, a visit to Bob’s was practically mandatory
My first visit was in 1982. A handful of us – donning Izod shirts and boat shoes – made our way inside the pot to find a group of working class folks sitting around the horseshoe bar chugging beers or sipping – you guessed it – coffee. The roof was low and covered with scraps of paper and trinkets that had been stapled there over the years. In the back we found a small dance floor and elevated stage with a drum kit and organ. Heads of jungle animals wearing sunglasses protruded from the walls and hanging monkey shaped lights provided dim lighting. Black light bulbs illuminated hand painted, tropical-themed murals. The aroma was reminiscent of the local zoo because at the back of the room sat two live monkeys in a cage – their names? Java and Jive.
I dropped a dime into the jukebox and the sound of the Ink Spots filled the room. We sat down at the nearest zebra-patterned vinyl booth and ordered some pitchers of Rainier beer. The place was a little creepy and I felt like one of those teenagers in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre praying nobody would burst into the room wearing a leather mask. At the same time, the place excited me. It had a vibe that begged you to enjoy yourself. The crowd eventually swelled and the entertainers took the stage. One bee-lined to the organ and the other plopped down at his drum kit. They launched into the theme from Hawaii Five-O, then Gilligan’s Island. Soon the dance floor was packed and the party was in full swing. The night was unforgettable.
Here at home, the most popular remnant of this Novelty Architecture craze is San Bernardino’s Wigwam Hotel sitting along Route 66 at the Rialto Border. It was one of seven “tee-pee villages” built across the US. This one was constructed among the orange groves in 1949 and active for many years. The village was renovated in 2005 and is back to it’s former glory and is one of the three remaining of the seven villages. Drive by and check it out.
So, what’s coming up here at home?
On Saturday August 27 the BEER & BACON FESTIVAL is being held in San Pedro. is a unique event offering local and regional craft beer, bacon fusions and live music. That evening, Refuge Brewery in Temecula is taking backyard parties to a new level with food trucks, live entertainment and a featured signature brew. Looking for something to do over Labor Day? Then head west! Paramount Pictures Studios’ back lot with be transformed into an epicurean pop-up and block party. It’s called The Los Angeles Times Food and Wine Festival AKA “the Taste” They will offer unlimited tastings from city restaurants along with a variety of wine, spirits and seasonal cocktails