Day 162: Bamboo Inn, Indianapolis, Indiana
📌APIA Every Day (162) - The Bamboo Inn, situated on 39 Monument Circle in Indianapolis, Indiana, was established on July 13, 1918 as a Chinese American within the Circle Theatre Building. Initially managed by George Gong, the restaurant quickly changed hands to Tuen Hip Wey, a Chinese American group from Chicago. The Bamboo Inn featured a resident orchestra, bamboo décor, and a balcony, becoming a popular spot for its evening and late-night musical entertainment. Under head chef Henry Shinohara, the menu offered a mix of Americanized Chinese dishes, traditional fare, and French cuisine, setting it apart in the Indianapolis dining scene.
The 1920s were marked by both success and controversy for the Bamboo Inn. In 1920, it faced legal issues over allegations of serving impure meat, resulting in a court case that brought negative publicity. Despite these challenges, the restaurant continued to attract patrons and emphasized its cleanliness in advertisements. It also became a target for robberies due to its late hours and opulent interior. In 1932, the Bamboo Inn expanded its entertainment offerings with the opening of Club Orientale on the second floor, which featured midnight floorshows and dancing. However, the club's operation was short-lived, ceasing activities within a few years due to the Great Depression.
During World War II, the Bamboo Inn remained active in the community, with employees raising significant funds for the war bond drive. After its lease at the Circle Theatre expired in 1946, the restaurant relocated to the English Hotel and subsequently to other locations. In the 1950s, the Bamboo Inn continued to offer live music and entertainment. By 1961, the restaurant was sold and renamed Jong Mea, ending its long-standing presence in Indianapolis. The last known owner was Henry Guy Chung, who had managed the Bamboo Inn for decades as part of the Tuen Hip Wey group. Today, the site of the original Bamboo Inn is part of the Hilbert Circle Theatre and continues to be a reminder of the tenacity and success of Chinese American business owners who endured exclusionary laws during this period.
LEARN MORE:
Indiana Historical Society: The Famous Bamboo Inn Restaurant: 1918-1961
WRTV: AAPI Heritage Month: A look back at Bamboo Inn on Monument Circle
Encyclopedia of Indianapolis: Bamboo Inn
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