Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill

Weezy’s Route 66 is a bar and grill located on 108 South Old Route 66 in Hamel. This local hotspot is decorated with black and white checkered floors, red vinyl booths, and chrome tables and chairs. The walls are adorned with old photos and signs giving each visitor a glimpse into the past. The rustic charm of the restaurant is only outmatched by its menu. Weezy’s is known for its charbroiled burgers, homemade pies, hearty breakfasts, and their biscuits and gravy made with fresh sausage from locally produced hogs.((Teri Maddox, “Route 66 Leads Straight to Weezy’s,” News Democrat, May 7, 2011.))

Before becoming Weezy’s Route 66 in 2009, the restaurant was named “Tourist Haven”, “Earnie’s Roadhouse”, and “Scotty’s Route 66 Bar and Grill”.

The U.S. Route 66 and Illinois 140 intersection is located in the middle of Hamel. George Cassens’ purchased all four corners of the intersection placing different business on each corner. The original intersection had a gas station, automobile showroom, office building, and a small white building called the Village Inn.((Quinta Scott, Along Route 66. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2000, 50.)) Soon the Village Inn was replaced with the Tourist Haven. The Tourist Haven first opened its doors in the 1938. The yellow-and-brown tweed brick building was said to have, “FRESH FRIED CHICKEN prepared the good old fashion way while you wait.”((Edwardsville Intelligencer July 23, 1938, 5. Kaszynski, William. Route 66: Images of America’s Main Street. Jefferson, North Carolina, and London: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2013, 24.)) In 1965, Route 66 ceased running though the town, moved to the alignment of present I-55. However, Weezy’s has not lost the spirit of Route 66. Inside Weezy’s today you can still see the old Tourist Haven sign hung on the wall for display. Weezy’s is home to Route 66 memories where current travelers embarking on the long 2,451 mile journey stop to grab a bite to eat and learn about the rich history of Madison County.