Opened in 1911, The Crystal Restaurant was once one of Reading’s most popular dining establishments. It was opened by Greek immigrant Constantine Mantis. On June 10, 1970 a fire broke out in the Crystal Restaurant due to an electrician who caused an electrical dead-short at the main breaker panel in the basement. It was revamped and run for another 10 years until it was sold by the Mantis family in 1980, and was completely destroyed by another fire a February 26th, 1981.
“Life was a ball at the Crystal” Reading Eagle Article
Alexa Freyman
Born and raised in Berks, I am fascinated by the style, design & culture of the mid-late 20th century. I started this website to research and build a collection of the places, things and stories I have heard about my entire life. Read more here.
Been there many times
Had my Bar Mitzvah celebration there
I remember, as a young child, loving to go to the Crystal for dinner with my parents because after dinner I would be able to pick a toy out of the restaurant’s ‘toy box’. Great memories!
I worked there in the mid 60’s ,Don Shain