This building was originally constructed as a Japanese boarding house between 1890 and 1905, and was purchased by Mr. Ng in 1915 as the new site for Ken Ying Low, the Chinese restaurant he had operated in Heinlenville for many years. Shortly after moving to the building, Mr. Ng contracted the Nishiura brothers to build a cantilevered balcony to resemble the one he’d had at his previous restaurant in Heinlenville. This and other additions, such as the barrel-vaulted roof that was popular among the Chinese in San Francisco, added to the character of the building.

Ken Ying Low was a popular Japantown restaurant for many years, and it continued to be operated by the Ng family into the late 1970s. The food is said to have been excellent, and was a favorite choice for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and graduations among both the Japanese and Chinese communities.

After Ken Ying Low closed its doors, the building housed a Filipino restaurant for a short time. In 1981, it became the Cuban Restaurant, specializing in Cuban, Brazilian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican dishes.

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