We’ve all been there, but let me paint the picture: you’re miles deep into a road trip and suddenly you’re hankering for milkshakes on Highway 101. If you’re afflicted with milkshake cravings, then stop by Clarks Restaurant! This iconic diner has been around since 1923 when it was just a humble tavern called Ma and Pa’s. There are whispers that Clarks serves the best blackberry milkshakes in Western Washington. While it might not be featured on many lists yet, as a longtime fan, I agree!
Located just off the highway, Clarks is an easy solution to the growling stomachs that can spell disaster on a road trip. If you're on a tight schedule, don't worry. The restaurant has a drive-thru for grab-and-go diners!
If you do have the time, however, I recommend sitting inside. In an age where restaurants strive to meet the latest trends, Clarks is a refuge for nostalgia. Because so many of their regulars started coming as children, the current owners say they haven't changed a thing about the interior since they bought the place in 1997.
Part of what makes Clarks unique is their dedication to doing things the old-fashioned way. Their famous milkshakes are no different. All 30 flavors are made from ice cream Clarks whips up in-house.
Don't have a sweet tooth? No problem! Clarks' large menu will please even the most discerning customers. Those in the know typically pair their blackberry shake with a deluxe cheeseburger, but staples like the BLT are equally good, if slightly less calorically intensive.
A visit to Clarks Restaurant is a visit to the past. After its tenure as Ma and Pa's, the building exchanged hands again. For the entirety of the 1950s, it was known as Wolfs until John and Beth Clark purchased the business in 1963, renaming it Clarks. The couple owned Clarks for 20 years before retiring. Kathy Pacana had fond memories of working at Clarks in the 70s, so she purchased the restaurant in 1997 with her husband, Rich. Together they brought Clarks back to its roots of traditional American cooking.
Kathy was taught by John Clark himself to make ice cream following a recipe passed down to him by his own grandmother. This personal touch and family knowledge is the special sauce that makes visiting Clarks worth a detour.
A trip along Highway 101 will lead you to countless gorgeous overlooks and stunning parks. It can also direct you to some of Washington's most iconic, underrated restaurants. However, even among these gems, with Clarks turning 100 this year, few businesses can compete with their legacy.
The magic of the Pacific Northwest is that a brief stop for milkshakes on Highway 101 can connect you to so much more. Restaurants don’t last 100 years without deep roots in their community. Clarks’ enduring presence in Cosmopolis reflects this ongoing relationship. If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, consider checking out beautiful Hoquiam, Washington nearby!
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