Skylark's Hidden Cafe
Triples Fairhaven Space

Think 1890's high-style bordello when visiting the new saloon in Skylark¹s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven. High ceilings, chandeliers, palms, a wood bar and carved mahogany fireplace mantel from Indonesia decorate the expanded area, to be joined with the old space when the wall is torn down on June 13th. The restaurant will close for at least two weeks during renovation.

The 10 year-old cafe had long outgrown it¹s tiny space on the cobblestone walkway at 1308-B 11th Street - half block off Harris towards McKenzie. Weekend breakfast seekers often had to wait in line, unless the outdoor seating was open. The kitchen needed more space, too. When Abbey Garden Tearoom moved out of the front space to a larger building next door, Skylark's owner Don White jumped at the chance to renovate.

'We're not changing the original Skylark's,' said White. 'We have a solid customer base that loves the day room on the cobblestones. We're just adding seating for people who would like to go out for a good home-cooked dinner that's not too expensive, with the benefit of a full bar.'

Taking his cue from the actual 1890's history of the restaurant's Fairhaven location, right in the thick of 'Devil's Row', where shootings and drunken rows were common, White looked for historical style. Though the saloons were plain wood and not very ornate, he was inspired to create the type of decor of an upper class brothel, which was very prevalent in Fairhaven during that era. Most had salons where the ladies could drink and mingle with customers. White plans to hang a large framed photo of the current Fairhaven Ladies of the Evening Society in the new space.

Skylark's Saloon will open with beer and wine, though the full-service application has been made. White hopes to offer acoustic music some nights, but is not creating a party atmosphere.

'It will be fun, but we are not having $2.00 margarita nights,' said White. ' It will be a much more demure bar crowd.'

A grand opening and 10th anniversary celebration is planned for July. Skylark¹s is open 7 days a week at 7:00 am with dine-in or Take-out orders for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information from Don, call
(360) 715-3642..

(6-24-2005)

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