Via Lago Matchbook

The Via Lago was noted for its illuminated glass dance floor. It must have been quite a sight!

We found this particular matchbook on eBay, which is a great site for vintage Uptown memorabilia.

1930s Uptown Chicago Restaurant Reviews

"You may brush shoulders with college boys and boys who don't go to college in the Uptown district..."

Editor's note: What a gem of a find! The excerpts below are from "Dining in Chicago" by John Drury.

Six miles north of the Loop lies Uptown, a sort of miniature Loop. Tall terra cotta office buildings, hotels, business houses, movie palaces, amusement centers and restaurants, as well as orange huts, photomatons, chop suey parlors and $1.88 women's hat shops, abound in the district and give it a sort of gay carnival air. It is quite definitely a night life pleasure area and serves the entire north side and, more particularly, the romming house and apartment hotel district immediately surrounding it. The beaches of Lake Michigan are at its feet; street-cars and elevated trains lead to it; and at night it is the Great White Way of the north side.

From among the many restaurants of this lively area, we have selected the following as being most notable for good foods. Some of them are famous all over the city for certain specialties, while others offer a general menu worthy of the attention of any gourmet...

SALLY'S WAFFLE SHOP

4650 Sheridan Road Chicago

(Editor: Building later housed Mi Rancho Supermercado; currently Fresh Harvest Market)

The best waffles in town. This shop has been here for many years, and people come from all over the city to this famed uptown eating establishment—especially for late supper or a snack in the wee small hours. Other dishes are exceptionally good here, too. Ashton Stevens drops into this place frequently during the spring months for the delightful asparagus tips served at the Sally board. The heroine of John Gunther's novel, "The Red Pavilion," ate her waffles and bacon at Sally's. In other words, everybody thinks of Sally when they vision waffles. Located in the heart of the uptown district.

KRISTENSEN

4017 Sheridan Road Chicago

(Current home of Nick's Uptown)

Alfred Kristensen is one of the most interesting restaurateurs in Chicago. He was born in the United States, of Danish descent, but served his apprenticeship in the culinary art in Germany, France, and England. In 1910 he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago. Once he was chief steward for the United States Shipping Board. After holding various positions with the Astor and Vanderbilt Hotels in New York City, and the La Salle and Blacksone Hotels and the Canadian Pacific Railway in Chicago, he resigned from such work and set up this important uptown restaurant. As recently as a few months ago he received an honor diploma from the Societe de Cuisine de Paris in recognition for laboratory research work in connection with foods. So, with such a background, Mr. Kristensen ought to be expected to serve good foods—and he does. He has no specialties on his menu since every item on it is a specialty. Worth trying.

SKOOGLUND CAFETERIA

1136 Wilson Avenue Chicago
(Building currently houses Nick's on Wilson and 7-11)

Although a cafeteria, Skooglund's is an uptown culinary landmark. The cuisine is both Swedish and American and you can get a large assortment of food items—baked goods, vegetables, salads, meats, and fish. Here you can also eat the delicious Dundee cake and those savory little wafer pancakes that the house specializes in. The Swedish hors d'oeuvres alone would make a meal. A bakery and delicatessen is conducted in connection with the cafeteria.

EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL

5349 Sheridan Road Chicago

The Marine Dining Room is the principal dine-and-dance center of the uptown area. Here, in a large and attractively decorated room, located in a hotel which stands right on the shores of Lake Michigan, you may dance every night except Sunday night. Special nights are featured during the week—Monday is Celebrity Night, when theatrical stars are usually present; Friday is Fraternity Night, with plenty of frat members at the tables, as well as co-eds; and Saturday is Formal Night, a time of starched linen and red velvet wraps. Always there is plenty of fun, the music is lively, and the walks along the terrance between dances are pleasurable and refreshing. The Marine Dining Room serves luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and late supper. Similar service is rendered in the Grill, another dining room of the Edgewater Beach.

ALICE BAUM'S DINING ROOM

5200 Sheridan Road Chicago

(Current home of Sheridan Edgewater Apartments)

A high-toned and well-known eating parlor, located in the high-toned and well-known part of Chicago. The mansions of the wealthy are on all sides and directly across the street are the grounds and low builings of the Saddle and Cycle Club, one of the most fashionable and exclusive clubs in Chicago. Alice Baum offers genuine home cooking, with plentiful portions, and her seasonings are notable. The room is tastefully decorated and the atmostphere is restful and dignified. Table d'hote luncheons are 65 cents, and similar dinners are $1.00 and $1.50.

Lincoln Tavern Town Club

4806 Broadway Chicago

(Current home of Fiesta Mexicana)

Where the uptown sun-dodgers go. Texas Guinan used to have this place. Diverting revues, plenty of fun, and "hot music." Jack Huff, who conducts the Lincoln Tavern outside the city limits during the summertime, is host.

Via Lago

837 Wilson Avenue Chicago

Earl Hoffman's music, plus several revues, plus a glass dance floor, plus colorful surroundings, plus prices within the means of high school kids...

Dancing the Night Away at Uptown's Via Lago

The Via Lago Cafe—"The Beauty Spot of America"—was located at 837 Wilson Avenue. It featured "Uptown Chicago's Famous Illuminated Glass Dance Floor." The back of the card, which does not have a postmark, reads: "Good Food—Good Service. Refined Atmosphere for the Discriminating. Private Dining Room for Social Affairs and Private Parties. No Cover Charge at Any Time. Special Chicken and Steak Dinners served from 5 to 9 p.m., also a la carte. Dancing from 6:30 to Closing."

I think it's time for another jazz-era cocktail. This one is again from The Savoy Cocktail Book:

Chicago Cocktail

1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 dash Curacao
2/3 glass Brandy

Shake well and strain into cocktail glass. Frost edge of glass with castor sugar and fill with Champagne.

Of course, I don't have any Champagne chilling at the ready, so it will have to wait for another evening. (Also, I suggest you sugar the rim of your glass before pouring anything in—I typed in the directions as the book listed them.)