The Spar opened in 1935 as a loggers' diner and saloon, and has continued in roughly the same form ever since. The interior — long wooden bar, leather booths, original signage, cigar humidor — is largely unchanged. The crowd mixes state employees, lumber workers, university students and tourists.
Food is honest American — breakfast served all day, classic burgers, meatloaf, fresh local seafood, decent steaks — and the bar serves a long list of Northwest beers and a creditable cocktail menu. A useful first stop in town, especially in bad weather.