I’ve been to my share of Chinese restaurants but nothing compares to The Formosa Café!
There has always been a fascination for the exotic, the three biggest exotic locations being the South Pacific (Polynesia), Egypt and The Orient. When it comes to places that provide a full environment and experience, Chinese restaurants are right up there with Tiki bars. Looking back to my childhood, I believe my first exotic, full immersive experience was going to a Chinese restaurant with my aunt in Philadelphia.
I was blown away by how beautiful The Formosa Café was and I hadn’t even stepped foot inside yet. The Formosa opened up in the late 1930’s and the building has retained its art deco charm over the years.
When I walked over to the side of the building I noticed this train car …
It’s actually a trolley car from 1904 and it is the oldest surviving red train car in existence. You can actually dine inside the train car!
The Formosa Café has been around since 1939 and the list of famous people that have sat in these booths is long and spans decades of musicians, movie stars and entertainers. This list includes: Elvis, Charlie Chaplin, Bugsy Siegel, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Eva Gardner, Scotty Myrene, John Wayne and even Brad Pitt!
When I walked inside The Formosa Café, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The interior is so cool and beautiful. The entire interior was recently cleaned up and refurbished and I have to say that this might be one of the most beautiful bars I have even been in.
Speaking of bars, The Formosa has not one but two bars, both fully stocked and gorgeous. One in the front …
And one in the back …
Let’s move on to the food and drink at The Formosa Café, but before that, check out this awesome looking menu and complimentary chopsticks!
I felt more compelled to take them home as a souvenir than actually use them! The Formosa Café has a decent selection of food and cocktails.
My friends and I ordered a couple of items and shared them family style. This is what we ordered: The Kung Pao Chicken, The Fatty Noodles, and an order of Egg Rolls.
Everything was delicious! I’d definitely come back for the food alone, but the drinks are great as well! I had the Singapore Sling which is Gin based …
… and the Matador, which is tequila based. I enjoyed both drinks but I really liked the Singapore Sling.
I love The Formosa Café and I highly recommend making a point to stop by. If there are any places out there that are like The Formosa Café, please let me know! I would love to check them out. The Formosa Café was my first Chinese Bar/Lounge. Now that I’ve had a taste, I want more!
Here is The Formosa Café website
And Facebook page