The Flame, Phoenix 1955

The Flame restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, was famous for a chicken dish that was brought to the table and set on fire. Located in a stylish building designed by the famous architect Alfred Newman Beadle V, the restaurant also had a bar that was originally called the Rooster Bar but became known as the Jungle Bar, because of its jungle-themed décor, complete with thick foliage and a waterfall. The owners had a pet monkey called Yum Yum and, not surprisingly, it was called “the most talked-about bar in America.”

This 1955 menu describes dishes such as southern-fried chicken “served on a flaming sword” and chicken casserole “a la flame,” so table service was obviously quite an event. There was dancing nightly and a cabaret provided by a group of entertainers who were called Ambassadors of Melody and Humor.

This map – showing how all roads lead to The Flame – is full of whimsical details of people rushing by train, car, plane and on horseback to eat at The Flame. It was created by George M Avey, former art director for Arizona Highways magazine.

Incidentally, the first McDonald’s drive-in franchise appeared in Phoenix around the same time – in the mid-1950s.

We’ll be adding more information about this great vintage menu art image as we find it.

Courtesy Private Collection.

Each print is accompanied by a copy of the interior menu where available.

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