With Cues from the Regent Cafe, the Viking Steak House Flourished

Another of Jackson restaurants of days gone by is the Viking Steak House at 801 E. Michigan Avenue...the name still evokes remembrances of days gone by.

There are tons of history to be discovered and related about downtown Jackson, but East Michigan Avenue, a few blocks away from downtown, has quite a history as well. All up and down E. Michigan during the late 1800s and early 1900s were many saloons, eateries, rooms for rent - and yeah, maybe a brothel or two – to accommodate weary travelers who departed trains from the nearby depot.

According to MLive, Stan and Mary Cyrocki bought one of those saloons – the Alibi Bar - in 1957. But what to do with it? Keep it as a bar or something else? It turns out they intended to turn it into an upscale steak restaurant. Over the next few years, it was called the Viking Bar, serving up everyday meals like sandwiches, soup, and salads. During that time, they were building up to a more extensive menu: more foods including steaks, but affordable, and renovations throughout the building...and by 1966, they were now called the Viking Steak House.

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Mary’s experience as a former waitress at the old Regent Café was instrumental in the transformation from the Alibi Bar to the Viking Steak House.....and with accommodations now for 165 customers and 17 staff members, the Viking was on its way.

When the Regent Café closed in 1966, the Viking became home to former Regent employees, as well as implementing their knowledge of what made the Regent so beloved. Thus, old Regent customers started to visit the Viking on a regular basis.

Even though there was a wide selection to choose from, it was the beef that made the Viking live up to its name: butt steaks (I remember them well), filet mignon, prime rib (their specialty), and strip steaks. An appetizer even became a Jackson favorite: garlic toast with Viking’s yummy cheese spread (you can still find that spread at the Kibby-Cobb Deli on Kibby Road).

Beginning in the early 1960s and for almost thirty years, the crowds were entertained by live music and dancing was encouraged.

In 1986, 29 years after buying the old Alibi Bar, Stan passed away. His family kept the Viking going until Mary died in 1999.....and then, all was said and done.

Viking Steak House closed in 1999.