Luna Cafe - Mitchell, Illinois
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 38° 45.703 W 090° 05.330
15S E 752950 N 4294359
The Luna Cafe in Mitchell has a storied past and an early start along the Mother Road.
Waymark Code: WM1AB8
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 03/13/2007
Views: 78
The Luna Cafe was built in 1924, two years prior to the establishment of Route 66. The Cafe is rumored to have been frequented by gangsters in the likes of Al Capone and by travelers along Route 66. The Cafe did operate as a cafe on the main floor but as a gambling operation in basement and house of ill repute upstairs. The neon sign out front had a cherry which used ruby glass to enhance its red glow, it is said that if the cherry was lit, the girls were in. At one time, the cafe was a "fine dining establishment" and so expensive that most law-abiding citizens could not afford to eat there. The Luna is now a working man bar with mostly locals.
There is an on-going effort to have the neon sign restored to its former glory.
Business Name: Luna Cafe
Business Type: Restaurant/Diner
Physical Address:
201 East Chain of Rocks Road
Mitchell, Illinois
Web Address: [Web Link]
Condition of Neon Sign: Inactive: Evidence of tubes can be seen but sign does not light up.
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Visit Instructions:
Please upload a day & night photo of the sign if possible and tell us about its current condition. Is the neon working? How is the paint wearing?