The Oak Room Supper Club tradition began when friends petitioned owner Frank Case to open the room to an after-theatre crowd wishing to continue their merry-making until the wee hours of the morning. One of those friends was a charming Viennese chanteuse named Greta Keller, darling of such dashing chaps as the Prince of Wales and King Carol of Romania. Greta, who had starred with Peter Lorre and Marlena Dietrich in Vienna (and who reportedly taught the latter how to sing), became the first Oak Room cabaret star in November of 1939, to great acclaim.

Cabaret was eclipsed as more of Case's—and The Algonquin's—resources went to the war effort. Its revival came during the 1980s when brilliant singer-pianist Steve Ross began charming audiences. Ever since, The Oak Room has served as a launching pad for a wide variety of stellar talents.