Sit and Bull Cafe (Closed)
Lafayette, IN Photo and info courtesy Kevin Heggi
Sit and Bull Cafe was one of those places where the sign pulled you in before you even knew what was on the menu. The bright blue neon "Cafe" lettering stood out along U.S. 52 near Lafayette, making it a familiar sight for travelers and locals alike. Even though the restaurant was usually busy, it eventually closed its doors. 10-08
The diner actually dated back to 1952 and went by several different names over the years before becoming Alexander's Sit-N-Bull Cafe. Housed in a classic prefabricated diner, it was the kind of roadside eatery that seemed perfectly at home along a busy highway.
Thankfully, the story didn't end when the restaurant closed in 2010. After sitting abandoned for years, the diner building was rescued by a group of dedicated volunteers in 2021 and moved into storage for preservation. It's always good to see an old roadside landmark get a chance at a new life, even if its future home hasn't been decided yet.
UPDATE: Sit and Bull Cafe remains closed, but the historic diner building was saved from demolition and is being preserved. The fate of the original neon sign could not be verified. 06-26
The Grill
North Judson, IN Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi
The Grill is the kind of little hometown cafe that always catches my attention. It may not have a giant neon sign or flashy architecture, but places like this are often where you'll find the best home cooking and friendliest people. The colorful vintage sign out front only adds to the charm and makes it worth a second look. 11-08
Located in North Judson, Indiana, The Grill advertised exactly what hungry travelers wanted to hear: "Home Cooking." That's about as simple and honest as it gets. Small-town diners like this have long been gathering places where locals meet over breakfast, catch up on the day's news, and welcome visitors passing through town.
UPDATE: The current status of The Grill and its vintage sign could not be verified. Recent documentation confirming whether the building or sign still survives was not available. 06-26
Uptown Cafe
Noblesville, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
Uptown Cafe has been a fixture in downtown Noblesville since 1932, and its vintage hanging sign is one of those details that's hard to miss while walking around the courthouse square. Housed in a brick building that's more than 130 years old, it looks every bit like the kind of place you'd want to stop for breakfast or lunch. 02-09
The cafe has remained a local favorite for generations, serving classic comfort food in a relaxed, old-fashioned atmosphere. Over the years the menu has evolved, but the restaurant has managed to keep the character that made it a longtime downtown landmark.
I've always liked finding places like this in small-town downtowns. They're the kind of restaurants that give a town personality, and an old sign out front is usually a good indication that they've been doing something right for a long time.
UPDATE: Uptown Cafe remains open in downtown Noblesville. The historic building and its vintage hanging sign continue to welcome customers more than 90 years after the cafe first opened. 06-26
Nite Spot Cafe (Demolished)
Fairmont City, IL Photo and info courtesy Dennis Dixson
Nite Spot Cafe was one of those classic Route 66 stops that caught your attention long before you reached the front door. Sitting along Collinsville Road in Fairmont City, Illinois, the restaurant was best known for its colorful roadside sign advertising chicken and steaks. Even after the cafe closed, the sign remained a favorite among roadside photographers for years. 10-09
The cafe dated back to the 1930s and became a popular stop after Adam and Anne Galas purchased the property in 1947. Operating around the clock, it welcomed truck drivers, Route 66 travelers, and local residents alike. Along with serving meals, the cafe even sold household items and gifts, making it more than just a place to eat.
Sadly, the restaurant closed in 1984, and the vacant building slowly fell into disrepair despite efforts to save it. The structure was eventually demolished in late 2025, bringing an end to one of the area's longtime Route 66 landmarks.
UPDATE: The Nite Spot Cafe building has been demolished. The fate of its iconic roadside sign could not be verified. 06-26
Satellite Cafe
Lebanon, MO Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Check out the Satellite Cafe sign standing alone in the fog of Missouri. Yes this is the old Route 66 sign that points the way towards and old roadside cafe that a serving up a good hot meatloaf and chicken fried steak with an endless cup of coffee for the bleary eyed traveler... except the cafe is no longer there.
It's a disappointment to keep traveling without a chance to grab some fried chicken or home made pie. Yes, some hot apple pie sound really good right about now. 09-08
Satellite Cafe Rocket
Lebanon, MO Photos and info courtesy Rod Holcomb
Satellite Cafe was one of the more unusual stops along Route 66 near Lebanon, Missouri. Alongside the restaurant sat a giant rocket that helped draw travelers off the highway, making the property a perfect example of the Space Age roadside attractions that popped up during the 1950s. When these photos were taken, the rocket was still standing. Today, it rests on the ground, but it's still a fascinating sight. 11-10
The cafe was known for its fried chicken and homemade pies, while the neighboring Phillips 66 Space Station added even more curb appeal with its towering rocket. Together they created one of the more memorable roadside stops on this stretch of Route 66, giving passing motorists another reason to pull off the highway.
Like many businesses along the Mother Road, the arrival of Interstate 44 changed everything. Traffic disappeared, the cafe eventually closed, and the building was later destroyed by fire in 1999. Fortunately, the story didn't end there. The original counter and several stools were saved and are now on display at the Lebanon Route 66 Museum, while the weathered cafe sign and rocket remain at the site.
UPDATE: The Satellite Cafe building is gone, but the vintage sign and the famous roadside rocket still survive near the original location, making this a worthwhile stop for Route 66 fans. 06-26
Satellite Cafe
Lebanon, MO Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb
Corner Cafe
Monroe, WI Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
Corner Cafe is the kind of place that makes you want to pull over the moment you see the sign. Sitting in downtown Monroe, this classic diner has the look and feel of an old Main Street café where the coffee is always hot and the home cooking keeps the regulars coming back. 07-11
Inside, you'll find a traditional lunch counter, cozy booths, and the kind of friendly atmosphere that's getting harder to find these days. The menu is packed with comfort food favorites, from oversized pancakes and crispy hash browns to homemade cinnamon rolls and fresh pies. If you leave hungry, it's probably your own fault.
I've always enjoyed finding little diners like this while traveling. They're often the places with the best stories, the friendliest people, and meals you'll remember long after you've finished them. The vintage hanging sign out front only adds to the charm and makes the Corner Cafe an easy place to spot.
UPDATE: Corner Cafe, now operating as Amy's Corner Cafe, remains open in downtown Monroe. The classic hanging sign still welcomes customers looking for a good home-cooked meal. 06-26
Sit and Bull Cafe (Closed)
The Grill
Uptown Cafe
Nite Spot Cafe (Demolished)
Satellite Cafe
Check out the Satellite Cafe sign standing alone in the fog of Missouri. Yes this is the old Route 66 sign that points the way towards and old roadside cafe that a serving up a good hot meatloaf and chicken fried steak with an endless cup of coffee for the bleary eyed traveler... except the cafe is no longer there. 
Satellite Cafe Rocket
Corner Cafe
