It is funny how an adventure can take on a life of its own. That’s what happened on Rooster and my Springfield, Illinois, trip. We thought we would visit all things Lincoln and ended up going to Route 66 excursions instead. We discovered most of the Lincoln attractions are still shut down due to COVID-19. The Route 66 spots are open because they are located inside businesses. Rooster and I decided to eat dinner at Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, & Museum. We heard they had good food and a nice collection of Route 66 memorabilia.
Our Experience at Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, & Museum
We searched for Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, & Museum on Rooster’s phone. We followed the driving directions to 600 Toronto Road Springfield, Illinois. The large Route 66 sign in the parking lot informed us we came to the right location. The restaurant became one of the most memorable places we visited while in town. I never thought much about Springfield’s relationship with the famous national highway until this visit.
The view from the parking lot
The parking lot held our attention for a considerable amount of time. We walked around the building, taking pictures. Before we walked through the door, we noticed the two race cars on the roof. The outside of the Museum had a green stamps advertisement attached to the wall. Some of you might be too young to know about collecting S&H Green Stamps. They were tiny squares with glue on the back became a valuable item for many American families. Many businesses handed them out as incentives to attract loyal shoppers. Once you filled a book, it could be turned in in exchange for neat items. I remember licking a lot of these stamps for my mother when I was a kid. She put us to work because she needed new pots and pans or towels.
The parking lot held our attention for a considerable amount of time. We walked around the building, taking pictures. Before we walked through the door, we noticed the two race cars on the roof. The outside of the Museum had a green stamps advertisement attached to the wall. Some of you might be too young to know about collecting S&H Green Stamps. The tiny squares with glue on the back, handed out by businesses, became a coveted item in many American households. Once a book filled with stamps it could be traded for cool stuff. I remember licking a lot of these stamps for my mother when I was a kid. She put us to work because she needed new pots and pans or towels.
The food at Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, & Museum
Rooster is on a strict diet due to acid reflux. What he eats amounts to grilled chicken breast and salad. The pizza at Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, & Museum came highly recommended. I ordered a small pepperoni for myself. I knew I could never eat it alone, but I couldn’t resist the temptation. I enjoyed one of the best-tasting pizzas in my life. The sauce had a unique flavor. (Our waiter said the brown sugar in the sauce made up the secret ingredient and lent a unique flavor to the sauce.) Rooster enjoyed his salad.
A visit to the museum
The museum part of the establishment is open during restaurant hours. Rooster and I weren’t sure about what to expect when we walked around the building’s side and entered the back area. Evidence of ongoing construction made us hesitant to journey beyond the fence. The restaurant took advantage of the COVID closure to add an addition. One of the employees told us it was okay to go into the museum.
Rooster and I walked through the door and entered a world consisting of all things Route 66. We explored a massive sign collection, a replica of Shea’s Service Station, and a mockup of a 1950s restaurant. This tiny museum appeared to be disorganized at the time of our visit, but we walked in during a renovation project. The next time we are in Springfield, we’ll be sure to stop at the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, & Museum and check out the improvements.
In conclusion
Rooster and I enjoyed our visit to the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, & Museum. It was the most interesting dining experience we had while we were in Springfield. I recommend dropping in for a pizza if you happen to be visiting this city or passing by on the highway. You can’t miss it. Just look for the big Route 66 sign and the race cars on the roof. This restaurant and museum is the perfect quirky sort of place you will remember for years to come. A stop here will put a smile on your face and good food in your stomach.
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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