We first ate there as 'newbies' in October 1973. The restaurant was in Wanchai Road ( not to be confused with The New American) . They soon moved to Lockhart Road next to the small playground. Business started in the present location in about 1979.
Our children grew up eating at The American. My son will be visiting for the 7s and wants to go there at least twice in ten days. I think you need this kind of history to really appreciate the place. The waiters know us and I have not looked at the menu for years.
It is true that the place was popular with US servicemen and tourists. Howvwer, last Saturday the place was packed and there no tourists downstairs. Usually it is expats and large groups upstairs and locals ( both western and Chinese) and old timers downstairs. We'll be downstairs this evening. See you there!!