- Attraction: Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex
- Location: 600 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL 62711
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.66motorheads.com
Gearheads and food lovers, prepare for sensory overload.
Route 66 Motorheads transforms what was once a 1970s Stuckey’s truck stop into a 7,000-square-foot automotive wonderland that celebrates America’s Mother Road in spectacular fashion.
Owners Ron and Pat Metzger saved this historic building from demolition in 2016, transforming it into a restaurant, bar, and entertainment center that opened its doors in June 2018.
The attraction commands attention from Interstate 55 with its crown jewel: the World’s Largest Route 66 Shield, a massive 32-foot-by-32-foot aluminum sign perched 60 feet high on the original Stuckey’s poles.
In 2024, they added “Big Ron,” a custom 30-foot-tall fiberglass giant who appears to hold up the massive shield with his outstretched arms, complete with Motorheads hat and sunglasses.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights & Signature Eats
The Famous Horseshoe: Springfield’s signature dish gets the Motorheads treatment – Texas toast smothered in cheese sauce and topped with crispy potatoes, available with your choice of hamburger, ham, turkey, grilled or breaded chicken, pork tenderloin, pulled pork, Italian beef, bacon, buffalo chicken, or prime rib. You can even get creative with combinations like an Italian beef horseshoe for the ultimate indulgence.
“Start Your Engines” Appetizers: The jumbo pretzel called “The Twist” is so enormous they hang it on a hook, served with fat tire beer cheese or honey Dijon mustard.
You’ll find it’s the best pretzel in Springfield, hands down. The “Lug Nuts” (cheese curds) are perfectly golden and not greasy, making them a crowd favorite.
Car-Themed Menu Fun: The entire menu plays with automotive puns – find “Trans Am” high-performance pizza, “Green Flag” salads with “Gear Lubes” dressing, and the Road King Cheese Curd Burger. The bacon-wrapped Dino Dog and Pork “Chopper” Tenderloin Sandwich showcase their playful approach to comfort food.
Premium Options: For heartier appetites, the Route 66 Ribeye delivers quality cuts alongside the comfort food classics.
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Discover MoreThe pork tenderloin gets rave reviews for being substantial – almost like a breaded pork chop in the best way possible.
Atmosphere & Automotive Wonderland
Museum-Quality Displays: The centerpiece is a 1915 Ford race car that dominated dirt track racing in central Illinois during the 1920s and 1930s. Ron’s personally customized 1969 Chevy Camaro hangs dramatically in the rafters above the dining area.
Vintage Memorabilia Everywhere: The entertainment space called “The Motordome,” beer garden, and back rooms showcase vintage neon signs and memorabilia from local Springfield legends, including items from Shea’s Gas Station Museum, Sonrise Donuts, and long-gone motels and service stations. You’ll find yourself getting up to walk around and check out all the incredible decor.
Unique Bar Setup: The 100-foot-long bar features 18 beer taps mounted creatively from the rear ends of vintage cars.
TVs are strategically placed throughout, and the beer selection stays consistently good and cold.
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Keep Exploring →Racing Heritage: The name “Motorheads” connects to Springfield’s world’s fastest dirt mile track, tying the restaurant deeply to local racing culture.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: You’ll find mid-tier pricing that matches the generous portions and unique experience. The servings are substantial – burgers are often too big to finish, and the horseshoe portions are notoriously filling. The quality justifies the cost, especially considering you’re getting dinner and a museum experience rolled into one.
Parking & Accessibility: Plenty of parking accommodates vehicles of all sizes in the adjoining lot. Big Ron and the massive shield are easily visible from the road and lit at night for maximum impact.
Family-Friendly Fun: The attraction offers entertainment for all ages with car and motorcycle shows, live performances, and private events.
Regular events include live music performances, trivia nights, and car shows that bring together Route 66 enthusiasts.
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Discover MoreNoise Level: The atmosphere can get lively and loud when packed, which adds to the energetic vibe but may not suit those seeking quiet dining.
Despite the bustling atmosphere, it’s consistently busy for good reason – excellent service, food, and atmosphere.
Hidden Gems: The museum section contains fascinating exhibits including displays about former Springfield establishments like the Bel Aire Manor Motel and A. Lincoln Motel and Dining Room. They accommodate dietary restrictions with gluten-free options including Udi’s buns, pizza choices, and protein platters.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex
📍 600 Toronto Rd, Springfield, IL 62711
