‘To those discriminating people who are connoisseurs of good food and properly mixed cocktails…to those who enjoy the relaxing and romantic atmosphere of the Pacific Isles. We welcome your visit to the Coral Reef … may it be a pleasant one.’

This was the welcome message on this 1947 menu from the Coral Reef restaurant and nightclub in Millbrae, California.

Owned by Buddy and Roberta Maleville, it was one of the first Bay Area restaurants that catered to the post WWII fascination with tropical and tiki themes. There was also a sister restaurant in Sacramento.

Serving Chinese-American dishes and ‘refreshing tropical drinks,’ the Coral Reef regularly held ticketed five hour Luaus (traditional Hawaiian feasts) with Polynesian entertainment.

On some occasions, Polynesian dress was compulsory for diners and this lavish entertainment probably explains the prices, which would have been expensive at the time.

Hollywood entertainers Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were regulars at the Coral Reef.

The nightspot closed in 1953 and was turned into an English-style restaurant.