RT 138 Cafe — Restaurant in Mount Olive

So, I needed to take a break after a long night of driving cross-country and the only place to do so was on Route 138 in Mount Olive, IL.

As I pulled off the highway, the landscape presented itself as a post-apocalyptic wasteland: delapidated-looking 'motel,' complete with half-destroyed "MOTEL" sign, some sort of what appeared to be a closed travel center and, to my surprise, a cafe aptly-named the Rt 138 Cafe.

When I entered a couple were just receiving a large plate covered mostly with a large portion of lasagna and bracketed by garlic Texas Toast. It smelled and looked delish! The couple assured me it was, in fact, delicious!

But I was in the mood for a burger. This greasy-spoon seemed to be the sort of place you could get a decent burger...so, I asked the waitress for the "...biggest burger you have." A mistake.

As we all mostly are, I was geared, mentally, for burgers you find in chain fast-food joints. Burger King, 5 Guys...you know of what I speak.

15 minutes later I was presented with what I can only describe as the biggest burger I'd ever seen. My choice was the 'double-cheese/bacon burger.'

I'd asked for extra onion and mayo. I got half an onion sliced up, but not grilled (disappointing) and a burger with a half a side of a cow sandwiched between two buns.

The waitress, looking at me looking at it, said "I won't think less of you if you use a knife and fork." Challenge accepted! I two-handed it and attempted to open my mouth wide enough to take a bite. Unfortunately, I'm not a snake and I cannot unhinge my bottom jaw for larger prey.

After two sad attempts, and to the amusement of the gathered folk at the counter, I capitulated and picked up the knife and fork.

It wasn't the best burger I'd ever had, but it was tasty. A little over-cooked just on the dry side. Not great, not horrible...but just right for a little cafe in the middle of nowhere apocalypto, heartland.

I could only consume about a quarter of the burger. The rest my bulldogs got to enjoy upon my return home the next day. They reported they loved it! So that's a point to the good.

I also had the coldest glass of milk I'd ever received in a restaurant, 1 to 5 star. That alone made the stop a success.

Next time, I'm going to try...

Waitress had an attitude. I tried makeing her laugh and I am always well mannered. She pretended to be nice but didn't really work. I feel like she was having a bad morning and taking it out on the diners. I was on my phone with earbuds in and she stood in front of me waiving her arms in the air and she wasn't going to stop till I acknowledged her all so she could ask me if I needed anything. That was the 4th time in 15 minutes. I get helping the customer but my plate was already taken away and l told her the other 3 times I was good. The Food was over priced for the portions. $3.50 extra for hashbrowns that took 6 bites to eat. I asked if the sausage links where real links and she didn't have a clue what that meant. Another customer said they where real and its my fault for trusting them. I couldn't even eat them because of how bad they where. But she didn't care. I understand prices are going up but the amount and quality of food should not drop. There where a lot of other issues as well.. I live in a small town and don't have many options for places to eat. I will try to give this place another shot but I doubt it will be better it the service...

I am always happy with the staff, the Server's, the cook is right on!! If I ever had a problem with anything, it is taken of right away. Since Sam took over the old Sunset,. Sam has done everything to make the restaurant CLEAN, not !Ike the Sunset, it was nasty dirty, and the rug smelled from all the different foods prepared, especially the fish!!! Sam, has painted the whole place, put down new rug, bathroom's are so CLEAN!!! Fixed the heating and cooling problems, new door entrance, so the. Cold or hot air is limited when opening the door it is held between them. Sam worked so hard to make the restaurant comfortable and inviting, people don't have to worry about anything when they eat at the NEW RESTAURANT!!! THE 138 CAFÉ is NOT THE sunset, it is a new experience YOU'LL HAVE TO TRY!!! THIS POST IS FROM SOMEONE WHO EATS THERE 3 TO 4 TIMES A WEEK!!! THE BEST RESTAURANT...