Hangman’s Tree Cafe


An article from the Reading Eagle (Oct 27, 1954) explains what this place was:

Jim Long, our Hollywood correspondent, has visited another unusual restaurant. This one was Hangman's Tree Cafe, "the rendezvous of those who enjoy lousy food." That isn't Jim's opinion. It says so on the menu which he sent us.

Many of the items on the menu carry special notations, to wit:

Top sirloin steak, $3.15. Not the usual "mule hide" but finest aged beef.

Chicken fry steak, $1.85. Oh, no, it ain't chicken; it's a beat up cow.

Lamb chops, $2.75. Mary lost it, we found it, you can have it.

Chef's salad, $1. Yeah, we know, every restaurant has a chef salad, but they ain't got our chef.

Caeser salad, 80 cents. The chef will hate you for ordering it, but go ahead and gamble.

On top of the wine list is this announcement: "Seasoning for the town's most tasteless food."

These additional notes are carried inside the menu:

"Don't be a glutton. Leave a little on the plate. Remember, all leftovers are used in our Sunday hash."

"Warning! Well done steaks at your own risk."

On the cover it says: "Lousy food. Warm beer and cocktails. Sneering service."

It's a really good place, Jim writes. But, it seems, everyone in California likes humor with their meals. They must have something to laugh at since the smog keeps the citizens rather gloomy.
     Posted By: Alex - Sat Dec 28, 2013
     Category: Restaurants | 1950s





Comments
Well, it's a lot more creative than The Dew Drop Inn or Take a Walk.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 12/28/13 at 10:29 AM
Was it located in Lynchburg? :lol: :coolsmile:
Posted by Tyrusguy on 12/28/13 at 11:36 AM
A great place to hang out.
Food to die for.
Death bed and breakfast.

So many more ......
Posted by BrokeDad in Midwest US on 12/28/13 at 12:05 PM
Booze I can understand but a wine list at a greasy spoon?
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 12/29/13 at 07:10 PM
@Patty: Mexafornia.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 12/30/13 at 12:30 AM
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