Fat Dave’s: End of an Era in Hazel Dell

PC: (Sarah Wolf/The Columbian)

As summer winds down in Clark County, another chapter in Vancouver’s dining history is coming to a close. Fat Dave’s, the old‑school diner perched at 1511 NE 99th Street in Hazel Dell, has announced that it will serve its last plate on Sunday, August 31, 2025. A handwritten sign taped to the front door says it all: “After 40+ years, we will be closing August 31st… Thank you for your loyalty, support & memories”columbian.com.

A roadside relic with deep roots

Fat Dave’s wasn’t born out of a corporate concept; it grew organically from the imagination of the late Bob Roberts, who opened the place in the early 1980s. Unlike polished national chains, the restaurant embraced its dive‑y charm. Reviewers have long noted its around‑the‑clock hours, strong cocktails and eclectic clientele, and they praised the kitchen for dishing up oversized portions of diner classics such as French dips, shrimp dinners and breakfast specials. In a 2023 article about an impending change of ownership, WhatNow described the business as an “easygoing spot fixing up around‑the‑clock American standards from breakfast fare to burgers” and noted that the building was originally built in 1975 and spans about 3,200 square feet.

Fat Dave’s served its community for more than four decades, making it a go‑to for late‑night grub, strong drinks or just a cup of coffee and conversation. Recent diners praised the friendly, attentive staff and small‑town feel; one August review remarked that servers kept coffee and water glasses full even during a busy dinner rush. Others joked that the bar side was “a dive bar in the best way possible, a place to sip a cheap stiff drink while watching the neighborhood unfold around you.

Why is Fat Dave’s closing?

The Columbian’s brief report on the closure didn’t offer a detailed explanation beyond the sign on the door. However, context clues suggest that change has been brewing for a while. In late 2023, a permit filing showed the property shifting ownership to LTZELLER LLC, with the new manager listed as Lois Zeller. The property’s description—“great hard corner for redevelopment”, hints that the 1975 building may be slated for a remodel or an entirely new project. Long‑time customers have also noted on social media that the restaurant’s hours became irregular this year, fueling speculation that the closure was inevitable.

For regulars, though, the reasons matter less than the memories. Fat Dave’s was where generations celebrated birthdays, grabbed a plate of biscuits and gravy after an overnight shift, or swapped stories over a burger and fries. In a world where sleek brunch spots and craft‑cocktail lounges seem to appear weekly, the loss of a rambling, no‑pretense diner hits differently.

What’s next?

The closure leaves a gap on NE 99th Street, but it doesn’t mean Hazel Dell is bereft of comfort food. Here are a few spots that carry a similar spirit:

Replacement option	Highlights	Source
The Diner Vancouver (5303 E Mill Plain Blvd)	Operated by Meals on Wheels People, this non‑profit diner serves breakfast favorites and signature sandwiches while funding meals for older adults. They’re proud of their eggs Benedict and emphasize that “every bite you take helps fight hunger and social isolation”thediner.org. A “skip the tip, feed a neighbor” policy lets diners donate to support the missionthediner.org.	Meals on Wheels People website thediner.org
Stardust Diner (1110 SE 164th Ave)	Looking for a retro fix? Visit Vancouver WA calls this a “throwback to the 50s” with retro jukeboxes, barstool seating, milkshakes and classic American mealsvisitvancouverwa.com. It’s family‑friendly, decked out in chrome and neon, and the menu covers everything from meatloaf to sundaes.	Visit Vancouver WA visitvancouverwa.com
Peachtree Restaurant & Pie House (6600 NE Hwy 99)	If you’re staying near Hazel Dell and craving homestyle cooking, this locally loved spot is known for its hearty breakfasts, skillets, pancakes and homemade piespeachtree-restaurant-pie-house.restaurants-world.com. Reviewers rave about dishes like the Meat Lover’s Skillet and Peachtree Breakfastpeachtree-restaurant-pie-house.restaurants-world.com and appreciate the casual yet classy atmospherepeachtree-restaurant-pie-house.restaurants-world.com.	Restaurant summarypeachtree-restaurant-pie-house.restaurants-world.com
Your own kitchen	Let’s be honest—after 40 years of letting Fat Dave’s fry your eggs, maybe it’s time to dust off that skillet at home. Or better yet, support a neighbor’s potluck and reminisce about the diner over homemade pie.	—

Watching a long‑standing business shutter can feel like losing a piece of the city’s identity. Fat Dave’s was never about polished decor or Instagram‑ready plating, it was about being a refuge for night‑owls, shift workers and families who wanted a simple meal made with love. As Vancouver continues to grow and modernize, it’s important to remember and celebrate these unpretentious places that have fed us body and soul.

If you have favorite memories or old photos from Fat Dave’s, drop them in the comments. Let’s give this legend the sendoff it deserves and keep the spirit of community alive, over pancakes, burgers or whatever comfort food brings you joy.