I have always been intrigued by this Chinese restaurant east of Powell Hall on Washington Avenue; its cool lines remind me of the Greek letter Psi, so that is how I am going to start describing this roof shape. It’s similar in shape to the sculpture at Jamestown Mall, and to the props in the background of this Carpenters video.
Certainly the Greek alphabet has provided inspiration to Modernist structures in the past, such as with Delta wing gas stations.
I’ve never actually seen the restaurant open, and some people say that it just generates money from its parking lot. I don’t know for sure.
One thing’s for sure, it looks like it still has its original tables and benches.
A most fascinating building. I have also never seen it open for business. Wonder if it was originally built to be a Chinese restaurant or something else.
I presume it was probably a sandwich shop or diner originally; I think I may even remember its pre-Chinese restaurant days. I suspect someone will remember what it used to be.
This restaurant is owned by the Wong family. Wong with the meaning of people of the Kings. They are great people. Of course the kings own the best pieces of land. This family of close relation works only when they need. Old family friends from the lands of Cantonese heritage. The Origin of food that is spread all across the land around America. There is more Chinese food available than any other. The parking for Fox, Powell Hall & SLU campus events pays this family well to provide additional parking for the space when they have big events. It’s plenty more than they have to work for. This property is a gold mine. The food is good when open. Only 5 hours a day. Kings don’t have to work for a living. It’s just how it goes.
Thanks Allen, for the information. I’ll have to go check them out.
They’re open for lunch on weekdays. That’s it.
Wasn’t that a Whataburger back in the day?
Sunrise Chinese Restaurant…yummy!
Have you ever eaten there? It doesn’t seem to be open often.
It has a website! http://www.letseat.at/sunriserestaurant
Open Mon-Fri, 11 AM – 4 PM.
A reviews sounds promising! http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/28/322255/restaurant/St-Louis/Midtown/Sunrise-Chinese-St-Louis
Except for the review that says it’s “garbarge!”