Metro-east diner moved to a new spot. Don’t worry, it didn’t go far
An established eatery reopened last week at its new location closer to the heart of Granite City.
The owner of Teri’s Route 66 Diner said she made the move to 1416 20th St. for multiple reasons, adding that Mayor Mike Parkinson tried for years get her to move closer to town center.
“It was just time,” Teri Bonvicino said.
Bonvicino said moving was scary, but she hit the ground running for the diner’s reopening Aug. 5. In fact, it was so busy that the diner ran out of fries that afternoon. She had to order more for same-day delivery.
The regulars were quick to find the new location, she said. Others in town are just now discovering it.
Bonvicino originally opened Teri’s Route 66 Diner eight years ago at 3121 W. Chain of Rocks Road. At that location, the diner was attached to the Route 66 Flea Market and a bar, The Kickstand. It was out of the way, she said, and easily overlooked.
The Kickstand’s owner built up that business with the addition of gaming and other amenities, said Bonvicino. She didn’t want to be attached to a bar, and her customers felt its growing crowd started to change the overall atmosphere of her business.
Other than an address change, everything at the diner is the same, from the vibe and décor to the menu.
The spacious diner has table and counter seating in a fun setting that includes Historic Route 66 memorabilia and a 1950s music vibe with vinyl albums on the walls. The coral and teal color scheme adds to the nostalgic feel of the place.
The new location offers more storage space, allowing Bonvicino the ability to keep more supplies on hand and, over time, expand her menu, she said.
Known for tacos, burgers and benefits
The menu at the diner currently includes breakfast, which is served all day, burgers, sandwiches and wraps.
Breakfast:
- Two Eggs Any Style – Comes with bacon or sausage patties, hashbrowns and toast;
- Lawnmower Man – Full order of biscuits and gravy covered with hashbrowns and two eggs and covered again with gravy. It’s a lot of food, but you can ask for a half-order, which Bonvicino calls “The Weedeater.”
- Breakfast Burrito or Bowl – Flour tortilla or bowl with choice of bacon or sausage, hashbrowns, two eggs and cheese;
- 3-Egg Omelette – With bacon or sausage;
- French Toast;
- Three Pancakes – Smothered in butter and served with syrup;
- Biscuits and Gravy – Golden biscuits smothered in gravy and sprinkled with sausage. Full and half orders available;
Burgers (served with fries): Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Bacon-cheeseburger, Route 66 Burger, Pizza burger,Jalapeño burger, Bourbon burger, Farmhouse burger, Mushroom Swiss, Kiddie burger (no fries).
Burger descriptions aren’t included on the menu, so diners have to ask for the details. Bonvicino said it encourages more interaction between the staff and customers.
Sandwiches/Wraps: Grilled cheese, Pork tenderloin, Philly Cheese Steak, BLT, BLT wrap, Chicken club wrap, Buffalo chicken wrap, Fried chicken salad, Steak salad, Grilled chicken salad;
Appetizers: Fries, cheese fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, breaded mushrooms, chicken tenders, breaded cauliflower, fried pickles;
Kids Menu: Pancake and scrambled egg, kiddie burger and fries, grilled cheese and fries, chicken tenders and fries.
Daily special items include fried cod (Fridays), country fried tenderloin with mashed potatoes and green beans (Wednesdays) and tacos (Thursdays), which are very popular.
Bonvicino said she paid for three funerals with tacos. That’s a lot of tacos.
Aside from feeding her customers well, Bonvicino’s priority is to continue supporting the community by hosting benefits and fundraising events. Besides the burgers and tacos, she says she hopes that’s what she’s best known for.
The diner will host a dine to donate fundraiser for Sept. 25 supporting the Granite City Braves Football & Cheerleader Club.
About Teri’s Route 66 Diner
Teri’s Route 66 Diner is located at 1416 20th St. in Granite City. The location previously housed The Sugar Shack Café, which opened in spring 2024 and closed early this year. Prior to that, the location was home to Petri Café, which opened in 1946 and operated until the end of 2019.
Hours at Teri’s Route 66 Diner are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The diner offers dine-in, carryout and curbside pick-up. Delivery will soon be available.
For more info or to place an order, call 618-797-1501. Watch for updates, food specials and events on the diner’s Facebook page.
