Tony’s Café

Anthony J. Gambino dreamt of opening his own cafe and bar lounge for many years while working for businesses owned by other people. A lifelong New Orleanian, he had managed a number of successful establishments, like Mack’s Crystal Room and Bar at Canal St. and Exchange Place, and grown an appreciative local clientele. 

When the time finally came for him to strike out on his own, he had many friends and customers ready to support him. On October 16, 1941, Tony’s Café opened for business on the corner of Canal and Chartres Streets; more than 6,000 people visited on opening day to enjoy lunch, dinner and cocktails. 

Tony’s Café was outfitted with the most modern equipment available, and Gambino knew that quality food at low prices was what people wanted. Lunch – a traditional meat-and-three plate plus salad, drink and dessert – cost $.30 and seating was at capacity almost every day for the first few months of operations. Dinner featured steaks, chicken and seafood. The bar and lounge were open all night with music, drinks and food available, making Tony’s a 24-hr. business.

While the downtown spot was popular, Gambino decided to make a move to Lakeview. On Valentine’s Day in 1946, the new Tony’s Café opened at 5329 Canal Blvd. The Art Deco style building was air-conditioned and had separate areas for the newly decorated and modern dining room and lounge. Open 24-hrs like its predecessor, there was dancing and live music all nights except Mondays. With ample parking available, carhops provided car-side service.

The menu stayed similar to the previous location, with Kansas City Steaks being a primary draw for diners. The bartenders mixed cocktails, including the signature “Tony Collins,” to lure in afternoon drinkers and keep dancers active on the dancefloor till the late-night hours. 

While Tony’s remained popular for a few years, like its time downtown, it didn’t stay open in Lakeview for very long. In September 1949, Tony’s closed, and creditors were given notice that the business and all its furnishings were to be auctioned off.

After Tony’s Café closed, the building at 5329 Canal Blvd. was Azalea’s Café for one year, and the Belle Vista Lounge for another. In 1952, it became the Lakeview Post Office for 10 years until its lease expired. At that time, in 1962, it was converted into a Bell Super Market. Currently, it’s a paint store.