Underneath a parking lot in Ottumwa, Iowa

Yes, this place was literally located beneath a parking garage in Ottumwa, Iowa.  Not Missouri, I know.  But I was on a road trip up to West Branch to see a David Plowden show, and was amazed to find this neon-bedecked diner crouching in the shadow of a downtown parking structure.  I assume the lot had been built up around and over the canteen.  Its lunches must be notable, to eschew demolition and preserve a most unlikely piece of commercial real estate in Ottumwa.

The Powhatan Restaurant, Pocahontas, Illinois

The Powhatan Restaurant, just after having had supper there.  Located in the intriguingly named town of Pocahontas, Illinois, on old highway 40, I've always been curious about this place as we have driven by on our way to Indiana.  I was not disappointed.  It's about 30 minutes east of St. Louis, and still retains the charm of a vintage, highway eatery.  Sorry, but I just had to get out of Missouri for this post.