Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DIAMOND'S CAFETERIA AND GRILLE
DIAMOND'S CAFETERIA AND GRILLE. One of Dubuque's favorite restaurants, Diamond's New Cafeteria and Soda Grille had the motto "The Finest in Foods." The restaurant was located in the basement of the FEDERAL BANK BUILDING and offered live music during the noon hour and on many evenings. (1) On November 27th, 1929, it made an assignment of all its property for the benefit of its creditors and went out of business. (2) It reopened under the same name at the same location by 1932.
The grand opening of Diamond's Cafeteria and Grille took place on January 28 and 29, 1933. (3) Located at the corner of 9th and Main STREETS, it was air-conditioned by Frigidaire. Diamond's was a popular place for dining or holding a party. On April 4, 1936, the freshmen of the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE established a "tradition" by holding a party at the Indian Room of the cafeteria with games, dances, and refreshments. The sophomores decided to established their own tradition and crashed the party. (4) The Indian room proved to be a popular choice for social gatherings including at least one dinner for the Catholic Daughters and a wedding breakfast. The junior-senior banquet of the Finley School of Nursing was held in the Diamond Room of the cafeteria in 1963 and the Dubuque Senior High held their after-all-night party there the same year.
The 1923 and the 1929 Dubuque City Directory listed the location at the basement of the Federal Bank Building.
The 1934 through 1966 Dubuque City Directory listed 902 Main.
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Source:
1. Paul Hemmer, e-mail, February 28, 2018
2. Legal Notice, Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, December 27, 1929, p. 5
3. Advertisement. Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, January 30, 1933, p. 2
4. "Clock Watcher Sees April Fool Pranks at U." Telegraph-Herald, April 5, 1936, p. 10
