Both shots above from the W. Trade St. location - 1960
Independence Blvd location - 1968
Above 3 shots all from the mid-70's (all courtesy of Ronnie Yee)
1950's ashtray
1977 menu
1948 ad
1951 ad
1954 ad
1958 ad
1966 ad
The Oriental Restaurant opened at 126 W. Trade St in 1923. It would prove to be one of Charlotte's most famous and popular Chinese restaurants. It would also be one of Charlotte's longest running eateries -- staying in business for a span of seven decades. The Oriental was noted for its private booths, almond cookies, and a walking bridge over the indoor Koi pond. In 1967, the restaurant moved to E Independence Blvd (at Morningside Dr) after a fire destroyed the original location. It would flourish through the '80's before closing for good.
I've always fancied myself a bit of a history buff, but alas my knowledge of certain local lore has proven to be lacking. At least this was the case when it came to the famous Oriental Restaurant. I also am a pretty big fan of some good Chinese cuisine, and it is a shame that I won't get a chance to visit the Oriental Restaurant. I'm curious whether you'd think their is a contemporary Charlotte restaurant that provides a good Chinese and American combo like the Oriental used to?
ReplyDeleteMy family lived in Gastonia but my dad took us at least once a month, It was a splurge but we loved that restaurant. I must have starte at age 5 and the last time I ate there I was 30. The Lobster Cantonese was awesome and I have never found it anywhere else. So would like to have it again. I finally mastered the almond cookie recipe.
DeleteMy family lived in Gastonia but my dad took us at least once a month, It was a splurge but we loved that restaurant. I must have starte at age 5 and the last time I ate there I was 30. The Lobster Cantonese was awesome and I have never found it anywhere else. So would like to have it again. I finally mastered the almond cookie recipe.
DeleteMy parents would take us to the downtown location on Sunday during the 50's was a treat to drive to Charlotte to eat. Best chow mein ever.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother & I dined @ The Oriental everytime we shopped "downtown". I was so young, the owners allowed me to come into the kitchen when paying our tab & I recall reaching into that big clear cookie jar for an almond cookie-the best I have ever found! And not since The Oriental closed their doors have I found chicken chow mein as they prepared-strips of white meat atop chow mein. And of course a side of fried being a typical kid! Miss this wonderful place & kind owners. So nostalgic!
ReplyDeleteWe ate there every week growing up. That chow mein was the best and pork fried rice. After we ate, we would go to Krispy Kreme on Independence.
DeleteWho were the owners?
ReplyDeleteI grew up eating at The Oriental Restaurant on Trade St. My family thought it was a real treat when our parents took us there in the 50's and 60's. Also went to the new location on Independence Blvd. I am now in my 60's and there is not another Chinese restaurant anywhere that comes close to The Oriental Restaurant!!!
ReplyDelete