Yes, this is a cricket in a tuxedo and spats, drinking a glass of champagne. It’s another example of the wit and imagination of vintage menu art.

The Pink Cricket – what a great name for a supper club – was located in Santa Barbara, California, from the late 1940s and appears to have done business for a decade or more.

 Located on 944 East Coast Highway (US 101) in a one-level building painted a rosy hue,  it offered cocktails, dinner and dancing ‘in an atmosphere of charm.’ There was a large neon sign on the roof, featuring the Pink Cricket.

The owner – so far, we’ve only been able to find out that her last name was Murray – also owned the Montecito Inn, built in 1928 by the British comic and film star Charlie Chaplin who rose to fame in Hollywood during the silent film era.

The Pink Cricket was cleverly branded with the chirpy little fellow emblazoned on the supper club’s glassware and china. We’ve also found some Pink Cricket matchbooks – this was the era where most people smoked cigarettes.

The restaurant, which was formerly called The Lido, closed in the late 1950s or early 60s but we don’t have an exact date yet. 

Courtesy Private Collection.