If you’re looking for fun things to do in Isleton, you’ve come to the right place. The town is located in the Sacramento County area, just 50 minutes from Sacramento. It is also near Brentwood, Antioch, Fairfield, Lodi, Oakley, Pittsburg, and more. The town of Isleton is also home to Delta Bay. During the month of May, the town celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month with Lion dances and more. In October, the town is home to the Bass Festival.
Mei Wah building
The Mei Wah building in Isleton is a historic building that once served as a brothel, gambling hall, and opium den. It was owned by the Chin family in the 1800s. The new owners have invested thousands of dollars to revamp the old building into a tavern. The interior features antiques dating back to the 1800s, including a dragon head mask and Qing Dynasty pennants. The main bar is decorated with Chinese figurines and is adorned with a display case of Chinese antiques. The bar was even featured in the movie “Basic Institute,” which starred Sharon Stone.
Lilian Bodenhamer, who owned the River’s Edge Cafe on Main Street, decided to renovate the Mei Wah building. She was interested in renovating the aging building, which formerly housed a Chinese market. Though she had closed her restaurant a couple of years ago, she continued to visit the building. While she did not stay long, she noted that traffic on Highway 160 had gotten worse. She thought more Bay Area drivers were taking Highway 160 to get to their destinations.
In the early 1900s, Isleton was home to a thriving Asian community. A vibrant Chinatown and adjacent Japanese district were home to brothels, saloons, and gambling halls. The town’s Chinese and Japanese population also helped transform the Delta’s peat soil into fertile farmland. In fact, the town was one of the first in the United States to build a Chinese community.
The Mei Wah building in Isleton is a historic building that has been transformed into a modern tap room. The Mei Wah building, which means “beautiful place,” once served as a brothel, opium den, and gambling hall. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and has a diverse menu, live music, and delicious Chinese cuisine.
After years of neglect and decay, the Mei Wah building has been restored. In 2006, the Mei Wah building was listed, and since then, renovations have made the building more accessible and welcoming to visitors. Jean Yokotobi volunteers with the Isleton Historical Society.