Interior view of the Cathay Restaurant located at 1221-1223 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Shows the view from the second-floor staircase, looking down at the main dining room on the first level and the balcony sections that flank the main stairway. Depicts on the first floor, a line of red tray holders for waitstaff in the left and rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. On the balconies are additional rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. The edges of the balcony are lined with different-colored figurine lamps with fringed shades. Colored paper lanterns and a chandelier hang from the ceiling. The Cathay restaurant, also called the Cathay Tea Garden, was a Chinese restaurant that had a large dance floor where musicians and bands played. They also broadcasted a live radio show. The restaurant closed in 1973., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Numbered 95415 on verso., Sheet number: 112A03., Divided back.
Creator
Brightbill, George M., collector
Date
[ca. 1920]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Hotels and Restaurants - Bingham through Green's - 112]
Menu for the Cathay Tea Garden located at 1221-1225 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. The green and gold menu cover depicts a Chinese woman, attired in a dress and high-heeled shoes, raising her left hand to her chin as she faces the viewer. She stands on a balcony or bridge overlooking a landscape of trees and mountains under a moonlit sky. The menu is in English and organized by number in sections for “Wines and Liquors” (#1-167); “Chinese Menu” (#1-179); and “American Menu” (#181-383). The Chinese menu includes categories for chop suey, chow mein, Chinese omelettes, and a prix fixe “Table d’Hote” with three different options and prices from $1.25 to $2.50. The American menu includes categories for sea food, steaks, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant advertises music, broadcasting, and dancing from 12 to 2:00 P.M., 6 to 8 P.M., and 10 to 1 A.M. with a note that “our patrons are requested to dance only with their escorts. This rule is for the protection of both you and us.” A one sheet insertion, decorated with a red border of bamboo, promotes three Table D’Hote dinners for Tuesday, August 17th for 85 cents, $1.10, and $1.35. The Cathay Tea Garden, also called the Cathay Restaurant, was a Chinese restaurant that had a large dance floor where musicians and bands played. They also broadcasted a live radio show. The restaurant closed in 1973., Title from item., Date inferred from content and active dates of business., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
Date
[ca. 1930]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *ephemera - Menus - C [P.2023.43.7]
