"Karibalis," the business located on this site, was founded in 1922 by Gus Karibalis, newly arrived in Hayward from North Dakota. Rumor has it that the building was acquired in a poker game in which Gus held the winning hand. The "pool emporium," which Gus operated, consisted of the present bar, seven pool and three billiard tables. It served as a gathering place for many of the farmers, lumberjacks and young "sharks" of the Hayward area.

During the thirties, prohibition forced Gus to put away his bar glasses, but many local bootleggers kept the pool players supplied with "spirits." After the first hard years of the depression, tourism began to grow once again in Hayward, and with the summer visitors came new forms of recreation: slot machines. The one-armed bandits were quite prevalent throughout the Hayward area at that time, as were the likes of Al Capone, John Dilinger and Baby Face Nelson (it seemed they too, needed a vacation).

In 1939, the pool tables were eliminated and a lunch counter, dining room and kitchen added. "Karibalis Bar & Grill" was the best place in town for a 5¢ beer and a 10¢ hamburger.

After World War II, Gus was joined in the business by his son, Curt, and Curt's wife, Ellen, who became owners-operators after Gus's death in 1963. Since then, a series of remodelings have made "Karibalis" one of the most modern restaurants in the area.

In 1983, we added our new Garden Room, Salad Bar Lanai and Outdoor Terrace. "Karb's" is presently owned by Larry and Diane (Karibalis) Nelson. In Spring 2004, a new Northwoods Look exterior was added.
 

"THE WORLD'S BEST BURGERS!"