At Don Roth's Blackhawk, you'll be surrounded with memorabilia from our original Blackhawk Restaurant. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries of entertainers who helped define the spirit of the 1920s, 30s and 40s as well as historic scenes of downtown Chicago.

In 1920, Otto Roth opened a fine dining restaurant, the original Blackhawk Restaurant at Wabash and Randolph in the heart of Chicago's Loop when the Roaring 20s was in full bloom. In 1926, the Blackhawk added exciting new dance orchestras to the menu.

Direct from the Blackhawk's bandstand "Live! From the Blackhawk!" was broadcast nightly across the United States over Radio Station WGN. Bands including Coon-Sanders and the Kansas City Nighthawks, Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Perry Como, Ozzie Nelson, Hal Kemp, Bob Crosby and the Bob Cats got their start at the Blackhawk. In 1939, "Big Noise from Winnetka" was composed on the spot. Kay Kyser and his famous Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge. And Ish Kabibble was another Blackhawk hit.

Mel Torme was just four years-old when he made his singing debut at the Blackhawk with the Coon-Sanders Orchestra. And he returned in 1942 to sing with Chico Marx's Orchestra.

Guests danced through dinner and into the night. Already known for its excellent menu, the restaurant now offered excitement and showmanship before, during and after World War II. People throughout the country spent evenings listening to their radios play the hottest cutting edge music. They danced in their living rooms while the crowds filled the restaurant's dining room.

When the Big Band Era came to an end, Otto Roth's son Don made "food the show" at the Blackhawk. In October, 1952, Don Roth rolled in a big stainless steel Roast Beef Cart that was pushed through the dining room by the chef in his high white toque. At each table, he carved to order prime rib served on the bone.

While the bandstand and dance floor were dismantled, a new act – still performed today – made its debut as the Spinning Salad Bowl. Waiters spun the big bowl of fresh greens at each table, adding the special Blackhawk Dressing with its "21 Secret Ingredients" and tossing it only six times, gently, so as not to bruise the tender greens. They topped each serving with anchovies or shrimp just as it is still done at Don Roth's Blackhawk in Wheeling.

"The Food's The Show" became the big attraction at the downtown Blackhawk for 30 more successful years. Meanwhile, Don Roth's Blackhawk in Wheeling, opened in October 1969, still celebrates these culinary delights and pays homage to the original Blackhawk's musical legacy where the "Big Band Era" plays on and the salad still spins to rave reviews.