1st fine dining restaurant in Chinatown

The Chinese Tuxedo restaurant opened at a time when several other upscale Chinese restaurants were also popping up, all attempting to take advantage of the influx of non-Chinese tourism to Chinatown. The restaurant was decorated with elaborate chandeliers and tables with decorative patterns, chosen to appeal to visitors looking for an “exotic” experience. The restaurant was best known for its ornate eagle-crowned balcony, which served as advertising that could be seen from the now-defunct Third Avenue El train.

The restaurant closed sometime in the mid- 1900s.

Named after Chinatown’s first fine dining restaurant, Chinese Tuxedo serves reimagined Chinese banquet dishes by Executive Chef Paul Donnelly.  The venue has been restored with original pillars and exposed walls, blending historic character with mid-century design and contemporary art.