Casa de Alex

Culled from: Drury, John. Dining in Chicago, New York: The John Day Company, 1931, pp. 190-191.

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

CASA DE ALEX, 58 East Delaware Place

The atmosphere and food of old Madrid — and the dance music of these United States. Don Alexander, the proprietor, a big dark Spaniard, knows lots of people in town, having been manager of the extinct Samovar Cafe in South Michigan Avenue. The standard American dishes are served here, prepared in appetizing style. You can also order a special Spanish meal, cooked by a real Spanish cook. The walls are decorated with original oil paintings by Alexander's wife, an artist of no small talent. Here, at dinner, you are likely to see one or two celebs almost any evening — Edward Gorey, political editor of the American; Thomas Ross, the actor; Aline Stanley, the actress; Jess Krueger, the newspaperman and American Legion official; Gene Morgan, the columnist; and Bob Andrews, the novelist. They are all friends of hearty Don Alexander. The Casa de Alex is a favorite with out-of-towners; we don't know how the word gets around. Dancing in the evening. No rowdy stuff allowed. Small, intimate. Afternoon teas attract many women, but there are no gigolos. Superior 9697.