F’s Steak House
The building at 125 Southeast Fourth has housed many restaurants since it was built in 1912. One of the most memorable was F’s Steak House, seen here in the 1960s, which opened in 1948 when the neighborhood was in decline. Over time, what began as a café serving sandwiches evolved into a popular, more sophisticated eatery that offered steaks, seafood, and possibly the first Cantonese cuisine in town. F’s closed in the early 1990s, but the site is now occupied by another restaurant.
I remember when on flights anywhere in the United States, not infrequently I might run into passengers, especially business travelers, going to or coming from Evansville or having been here, and a first comment identification was [… greatest meal at “F”s] or [can’t wait to get there so I can have dinner at “F”s].
I and my business associates from a bank in Louisville ate at F’s regularly in the 1970’s. Eleanor (Crow), the owner saw us so often that she called me “Mr. Preferential” because I jokingly told her we needed preferential treatment as we ate there so often. The Cantonese food was exquisite. Eleanor imported chefs (not sure how legally) from China. In the years since, I have tried to duplicate some of the recipes but have been marginally successful. The War Su Gai is my best effort. We have it often. I miss being “Mr. Preferential” and eating at F’s.
Talk to Frankie at Shing Lee’s on Main St. He & his wife opened the first Chinese restaurant in Evansville & his relatives helped start the Chinese food at F’s.
My great-aunt, Martha, grew up in Evansville. We would visit as often as possible, and the Museum was a favorite spot. As I grew older and I enjoyed lone visits with her (and I’m sure she was certain I would appreciate it), she took me to F’s. Twice. I certainly did appreciate it! I enjoyed the absolute best filet mignon I have ever had, even now at the age of 60! I recently spent a weekend in Paducah with friends, grabbed a brochure for Evansville (hoping to take my husband next year) and was amazed and thrilled to see how much it has changed – to the good – since my last visit (probably mid ’90s) before she died. I was saddened to not find F’s in the brochure. What a loss to the city! I still look forward to bringing my husband to the city I enjoyed as a kid and adult, showing him the things I remember and exploring those that are new. Minus the great F’s.
my parents ate there almost every weekend. there was a waitress that loved how my mother dressed. so my crazy mom went out in the car…took her dress off…put on my daddy’s sport coat and gave the waitress her dress. my lord it was to die for!
I ate there with my boyfriend at the time. Best steak and bleu cheese dressing on my salad ever. He ordered turtle soup. I had never tried turtle soup before but it was really good! This was in the late 70’s or early 80’s. Sorry to see they’re not there anymore.
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