Balalaika, San Francisco 1950s New York suffered damage in two legendary

suffered damage in two legendary storms in 1944 and 1962 and was badly damaged by fire in 1963

The main dining room was the Grand Salon where lunch and dinner was served by waiters in formal dress

Sliced Bananas and Strawberries with Cream Cheese Bar le Duc)

Marlene Dietrich and Boris Karloff are likely to have been entertained here after they performed in the theatre

Less than 30 of these diners are still in existence

Balalaika, San Francisco 1950s New York suffered damage in two legendary960 Bush Street in San Francisco was a church from 1918 until 1931. After that a succession of clubs and theatres occupied the space until 1947 when the "colorful" Balalaika opened offering Continental music and Old world cuisine. "The Continental art of dining expresses itself in this lovely setting where inspired cuisine is served amidst the haunting strains of Gypsy melodies.. and candlelight." Balalaika closed in 1955. In 1971 The Boarding House