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Roadside Cafes Midwest

 

Glenn's Cafe
Columbia, MO
Photo courtesy Dirk Burhans

Here's a good example of how to preserve history in changing times. Glenn's Cafe in Columbia, MO was once a dive on the business loop. Now, it's a chic Cajun restaurant downtown.

 

 

Valois Cafeteria
Chicago, IL
Photo and info courtesy Dirk Burhans

Although Valois Cafeteria in Chicago sports a rather drab sign out front, the place itself is rather famous. According to local media, the Valois is served by smiling guys who assemble food orders in front of their customer, spawning the slogan "See your food."

 

 

Keith's Cafe
IL
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

The road sign for Keith's Cafe is a real treasure in its simplicity. The truck a little rear heavy. It would be great if the wheels rotated on this sign.

 

 

Cardinal Inn Cafe
Pittsfield, IL
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

Pittsfield, IL is home to the Cardinal Inn Cafe and its eye-catching marquees. If you're ever in Pittsfield, the Cardinal Inn is worth a stop at least for a look at these signs.

(Far left) The marquee for the cafe

(Near left) A close-up of another of the Cardinal Inn signs

 

 

Monty's Grill
Royal Oak, MI
Photo and info courtesy Richard Weiss

Check out this shot of Monty's Grill of Royal Oak, MI. This little eatery is located next door to a couple of roadside motels. 01-07

 

 

The Toast Cafe
Anderson, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Check out this sign for the Toast Cafe, complete with little bulbs that light up. In some respects, this sign looks like one that is found on a movie set. 07-08

 

 

Steamboat Cafe
Hannibal, MO
Photo and info courtesy Richard Weiss

Here's the Steamboat Cafe located in a Missouri town called Hannibal. The Steamboat looks to be a classic neighborhood style cafe that's a good stop for locals. 07-08

 

 

Sit and Bull Cafe (Closed)
Lafayette, IN
Photo and info courtesy Kevin Heggi

The Sit and Bull Cafe in Lafayette, IN showed off its neon blue "cafe" lettering off the roadside. Unfortunately, the Sit and Bull closed down despite being always crowded. 10-08

 

 

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© Copyright 1998-2021 Syd Nagoshi. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the author.