Pinky the elephant was the much-loved icon of a restaurant called House of Steaks in the city of Marquette, situated in the bluffs of the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa.

With his friendly demeanor, top hat and ever-present cocktail, Pinky was a stylish chap who welcomed guests and he graced the front cover of this 1970s menu.

As well as steaks, the restaurant served seafood, and there was a cocktail lounge overlooking the river. Boat docking facilities were available for hungry customers who arrived by water to this charming tourist town.

We’re not sure when House of Steaks closed but all that remains of this eating establishment is a life-size plastic pink elephant version of Pinky, complete with top hat, outside the Lady Luck casino in Brown Street. 

Courtesy Private Collection.