Old Town Coffee Room

Culled from: Drury, John. Dining in Chicago, New York: The John Day Company, 1931, p. 121.

Note: The Newberry Library holds the personal papers of author John Drury.

OLD TOWN COFFEE ROOM, Basement, Hotel Sherman

Here is one of the novelty restaurants of Chicago. But the food has in no way been sacrificed to decoration or lay-out and you may enjoy the same highly edible dishes here as you do in the other restaurants of the Hotel Sherman.

Of main interest in this place, however, is the panoramic map, occupying the entire ceiling, of Chicago as it was in 18 52. It is the work of Tony Sarg, the noted artist and puppet-master. Done in the manner of the old cartographers, this map shows each house that stood in Chicago in that year, as well as boats, railroad trains, and wagons. The whole is highly colorful and entertaining. If you're seated at the counter, you won't have to strain your neck looking upward, since you may see the whole thing by looking downward into the mirror which covers the top of the counter.

As for other effects, the Old Town Coffee Room is decorated in the manner of Colonial America, with old maps and sporting prints hung about the walls, which are paneled in unfinished American pine. This is a delightful place to dine in on a hot summer's evening, the room being artificially cooled. Prices are very reasonable and there is both counter and table service.