The Odyssey of Our 1897 Brunswick Hand-Carved Mahogany Bar

When you sit down for an evening drink at Aversano’s, your hands rest upon more than a century of American history. Our hand-carved mahogany back bar has weathered gold rushes, prohibition raids, cross-continental voyages, and decades of Pacific Northwest camaraderie.

Built in 1897: The Brunswick Craft

Crafted in 1897 by the renowned Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company in Alabama, the ornate woodwork features solid mahogany columns, beveled imported mirror glass, and intricately carved architraves built to withstand generations of daily service.

The Journey Around Cape Horn

Before the construction of the Panama Canal, large cargo traveled the perilous waters of South America’s southernmost tip. Our bar was loaded onto a clipper ship, navigated the turbulent swells of Cape Horn, and arrived in the bustling port of Seattle.

• 1915: Installed in the Mecca Saloon on First Avenue in Seattle.
• 1918–1976: Shipped east over Snoqualmie Pass to Cle Elum, serving locals through Prohibition inside the Autorest Cafe.
• 1977: Carefully transported to Sumner and installed in the Hardtimes, where it has anchored our dining room ever since.

“A bar is not just wood and mirrors; it is the keeper of a town’s stories, toasts, celebrations, and friendships.”

Preserving the Legacy Today

We take immense pride in preserving every original carving, brass rail, and polished counter. Stop by our Sumner dining room, order a classic Negroni or Peroni on draft, and admire the craftsmanship of 1897 firsthand.