Description
According to legend, the large neon sign with the martini glass in front of Luna Cafe once doubled as a cryptic invitation for the johns who enjoyed cruising Route 66 in search of hookers. In the mid-1900s, the building's basement served as an illegal gambling outfit and the upstairs floor was a brothel; when a girl was available, the bar owners would light up the neon cherry inside the martini glass, beckoning randy travelers inside. (Don't get too excited: There's no hookers these days.) There are plenty of other reasons to venture out to this unique spot, located in Mitchell, a couple miles north of Granite City, though. Step inside and hear Roy Orbison playing on the juke, play pool or hit the slot machines with a few locals (don't expect large groups of people here) and witness every square inch of wall covered with busted-up license plates, 1980s bumper stickers and old photos of Al Capone, who used the bar as a safe house. You can hear those stories and more at Luna Cafe.
