Iconic memorabilia from historic Springfield tavern sold to a local bar

The simple, red neon script that drew revelers to The Sportsman’s Lounge for decades no longer hangs at 229 W. Mason St.

The pre-civil war era, red brick building that has served as a neighborhood tavern since 1935 is destined for the history books.

But memorabilia from the popular downtown watering hole will continue to tell its tale at a new home on Springfield’s south side – Route 66 Motorhead’s Bar & Grill.

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“I can’t save the building, but I can save the memories,” said Ron Metzger, who recently finalized an agreement to purchase all the contents of the former tavern before the two-story, brick building is razed to make way for the Mason Street Apartments.

“I try to preserve as much as I can of Springfield, Route 66.”

Metzger owns Route 66 Motorhead’s Bar & Grill at 600 Toronto Road, which has become a living history book of former central Illinois and Route 66 hotspots.

The Sportsman’s Lounge exterior neon sign, bar stools and interior signs and posters will join the collection that already houses menus, signs and fixtures from Top’s Big Boy, The Den chili parlor and Sonrise Donut Coffee Bar.

Other recent acquisitions now on display at Motorhead’s include the neon arrow sign that reads “Eat” formerly at Quaker Steak & Lube in Legacy Pointe Shopping Center and the 36-inch disco ball from the Moonlight Garden dance pavilion/roller skating rink that operated at the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Chatham Road from 1927-1964.

Currently, Ace Sign Co. is doing some repair work to the 20-foot Sportsman’s Lounge neon sign before it gets an inside perch at Motorhead’s restaurant and museum.

Metzger anticipates The Sportsman’s Lounge neon will be available for public viewing again by early August. A tableau featuring signs, posters, photos and menus from the historic tavern already is on display at the restaurant.

The Sportsman’s Lounge, known for fried chicken, hand-breaded tenderloin and tavern chili, issued its last call Sept. 15. The business operated under the same name since 1957 but the address has housed a tavern since 1935.

The latest operators announced plans to sell the property to Windsor Development Group because the business was no longer financially viable.

The property development group has received approval from the city to construct a 24-unit apartment complex along the 200 block of West Mason Street and 400 block of Klein Avenue.

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A demolition date has yet to be set for the former tavern building, according to representatives for Windsor Development Group. However, more than just past memories of raised glasses will linger in the air.

Pictures taken of patrons through the decades, as well as the backlit, stained glass “Sportsman’s Lounge” sign that hung in the bar will be featured in the new apartment complex’s community center.

Delaney's Smokehouse finally cooking

The bar and grill recently unveiled the dining side of the establishment, after new ownership reopened the bar at 2249 N. Third St. earlier in the year.

The menu focuses on smoked meats with everything from pulled pork macaroni and cheese to a brisket sandwich melt. Smokehouse horseshoes come on a choice of cornbread base or Texas toast and topped with either a hamburger patty, grilled or fried chicken, pulled pork or brisket.

Pitmaster chili and pulled pork nachos are among the appetizer offerings.

Weekly specials include a two- or three-piece fried chicken dinner on Wednesdays, fish and chips on Fridays and slow-roasted prime rib on Saturdays. Side dishes range from coleslaw to collard greens, red beans and rice to potato salad.

Kitchen hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Phone: 217-679-1690.

Stuart Hillyer has overseen extensive renovations to the bar since purchasing the business in 2023. The establishment, first opened by Don Delaney, has been a part of the city’s north end since 1959.

Leftover coupon books? No problem

Coupon books that can be redeemed for produce at local farmers markets are available for low-income senior citizens at the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland beginning July 10.

The booklets contain five, $10 coupons that can be used at eligible farmers markets to purchase locally grown fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey. The coupons are valid July 10 through Oct. 31.

The Old Capitol Farmers Market in downtown Springfield and the Illinois Products Farmers Market at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, are both approved sites, as well as The LMH Market in Lincoln and the Jacksonville Farmers Market in Jacksonville.

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The state agency, located at 2731 S. MacArthur Blvd., will begin distributing coupon books July 10 at 8:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis. Participants must be 60 or older and have a driver's license or state id card. Anyone collecting booklets for an eligible participant must have identification for both themselves and the senior citizen.

The coupon books are part of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which has operated in Illinois since 2000.

The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closings, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at 217-737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Iconic memorabilia from historic Springfield tavern sold to a local bar