AMBER ALLEY
Few past restaurants are as well-remembered or discussed as the Rams Head Rathskeller. Ted Danziger opened the restaurant in 1948 in the basement below Old World Candy & Gift Shop, a store opened by his father, Edward Danziger (“Papa D”). In 1939, because of the threat of Nazi concentration camps, the Danziger Family left Austria, their home and successful candy business to start over in Chapel Hill with a $500 grant from the local Quaker community. The Rathskeller was the first restaurant in the southeast to serve draft beer and, in 1951, introduced pizza, a first for the community and the region.
As civil rights proponents, the Danzigers hired local Blacks for all restaurant positions, unusual at the time in the South, and opened their businesses to serve everyone. Chef Kenny Mann, Sr., led the kitchen at the Rathskeller for 60 years and the waiters became legendary for their talents, wit and fun with customers. The "Rat" was known for its themed rooms including the Cave Room with its fake stalactites and Chef Kenny Mann’s food - such as the Gambler steak platter or “bowl of cheese,” which was actually, a glorious and tasty lasagna. The Danzigers sold the restaurant in the 1990's and the restaurant closed in 2008. As an example of the beloved longtime waiters, read Ode to Davis Blackwell - Chapelboro.com. Gizmo Brew Works opened in the space in 2019.
Amber Alley dates back to 1927 yet it was Ted Danziger who named it for the amber lights lining the passageway to his restaurant.