Farewell, Vito's?

By Damon Agnos Thu., Jan. 8 2009 at 9:15 AM

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It's a sad day for First Hill, as it appears that Vito's, that bizarre combination of night club--with mirrored walls that give it a strip club feel--and decent Italian restaurant, may be getting evicted. (Sadly, Vito's was also in the news recently for a gang-related shooting.) Since at least last night, it's had a handmade "closed" sign on its door, along with a "notice of unlawful detainer"--basically an eviction notice. The law firm listed on the notice, Jameson Babbit Stites & Lombard, declined to comment.

Vito's was the site of a great night in which a friend's friend got so drunk that the mirror confused him into thinking someone was mimicking all his dance moves, to the point where he walked up to the mirror and did the E.T. finger-touch with his reflection. "I couldn't tell if he was making fun of me or just really feeling my moves," he said. Thanks for the memories, Vito's.

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I worked at the Sorrento for years in the 90's and was an after-work Vito's regular (as was all the staff). I worked briefly as a bartender at Vito's after leaving the hotel. I quit the night a guy committed suicide by the front door. I was a patron when Vito still owned the place. The place was cool then.....old men, red naugahyde and stiff drinks. Wish I had the mural in the men's room.
Vito's had become a place for thugs and gang violence. The police were tired of the issues there and I am sure the owner of the building was too. It was not the Vito's of old other than the booths adn pictures, and had not been for many many years. The shooting must have been the last straw for everyone involved. People live in that building and an innocent person could have died. Sad that our society has come to accept these kinds of incidents as common place and the kinds of things that went on in there as something to miss. 13 Coins is still around and they have the same quality food and service as in the old days and no gang violence as a side dish.
I spent a month in there some nights. I miss it. Can't believe its gone. Dumps like that are the heart of any city.
I'll never forget Kay, the beehived-hair cocktail waitress who, back in the 80's and early 90's used to rule the bar seating. Absolutely NOTHING would faze the woman. Many fond memories. RIP, Vitos.
I came out to my father there in January 1981 at lunch. I still remember how good the food was as he squirmed in his chair and tried to convince me to see a psychiartist. I told him to go see one.
I always had the feeling at Vito's that Dean Matin or Joey Bishop were going to walk into the bar at any moment. There are still some places left in Seattle (is 13 Coins still open?) that give you that time machine experience, but not many.
Ah Vito's.... (sigh)... the site of many good friend nights! Also where the two ric-k-sters kept me entertained on long Friday nights of little moola and good chats. Miss you guys! For Vitos - At least you made good memories while you could... not everyone can say that. Maybe you need the trio back to keep the riff raff out! :)
Not Vito's. My grandfather was a regular from the time it opened until the 90s. My first time there, not long after he died, I started sliding off my stool. I put my hand out to catch myself and came face to face with a picture of Grandpa, wearing his fedora, in a not dissimilar state. So proud.
I was just clearing off my desk and about to throw out a Vito's postcard showing the famous bathing nude tile portrait that is (was?) featured in the men's room. I guess I should save it for when it'll be a collectors' item. :-) The note on the postcard says that Vito's was opened in 1953. I wonder how many Seattle restaurants are still around from that era. The only one that comes to my mind is Dick's. --Ben
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Vitos is the scene of many great nights. One in particular I remember is the 21ish year old man telling everyone who would listen how he had been drinking whiskey since he was 12. Sixty minutes later I happen to be looking at him as he passes out and falls from his stool to the cement floor. Doesn't even wake up upon contact.
it is really to bad that vitos is closing....as odd of a place as it was it was always fun. and the food was suprisingly good. will have to poor a little liquor out for vitos tonight.