Several miles outside Casey, Ill. a charming green tin-roofed general store cooks up the illustrious moonburger.

Off-the-beaten track, this hard-to-find little hamburger stop is surrounded by farm fields and sits beside a lonely country road in the town of Moonshine. The minute farm town, with a population of two, draws visitors from around the country and around the world to feast on its legendary beef.

Appearing from the outside, the store looks insignificant, but a quaint front porch beckons visitors to waste away a warm spring day.

Step through the door and be transported to a time long gone. The establishment abounds with country-Americana and nostalgia. Decorative tin tiles on high ceilings, wooden floors, mounted deer heads, church pews for sitting and shelves lined with a little supplies of basic and a few souvenirs help set the mood.

As the weather warms up, the crowds begin to grow, said Helen Tuttle, the owner of the Moonshine Store along with her husband Roy Lee. The two, live above the store and Helen Tuttle, a gracious and humble host, can often be seen in the store front helping to feed hungry patrons.

Go up and order at the register. Choose from hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pork burgers, grilled chicken, barbeque pork, polish sausages, hot dogs, ham and cheese sandwiches or corn dogs. Their specialty is their moonburger though, and it is what keeps the crowds coming.

Tuttle does not use any seasonings or secret ingredients to make her burgers.

“There is no recipe to this,” Helen Tuttle said. “I get the best meat and make it with love, no different than what you would do at home.”

Once the order is taken, take a seat on one of the old church pews lining the walls or simply stand and enjoy the unique antiquated atmosphere. When your order is called, choose from an assortment of old-fashioned soda pops in glass bottles and grab a bag of chips.

Patrons can load whatever condiments they choose from a dated wooden Coca-Cola crate.

On nice days, meander outside and enjoy your meal on one of the many picnic benches under the trees.

Some argue it is the atmosphere that helps make this place special; others claim it is just the hamburger.

George and Michelle Mancy and their three children from Toledo, Ohio made a 30-minute detour to come to Moonshine. George discovered the restaurant out of his book “Hamburger America” by George Motz. So far they have visited 10 stops listed in the book, but Moonshine holds a special place.

“This was different,” George said. “They all have their own unique history about it, and this was by far my favorite hamburger so far.”

His wife agrees, distinguishing the moonburger from the rest by a lack of condiments.

“It didn’t need anything,” Michelle said. “You know it’s a good burger when you don’t need anything. It just melts in your mouth.”

“It’s a very fresh burger,” continued George. “It’s high rate. It needs no seasoning.”

For Dale and Glenna Schagemann of Effingham, it was their first time coming to Moonshine. Dale Schagemann said the burger is no better than anywhere else, but his wife said it was the atmosphere that drew the throngs.

“I think it’s because you see everyone from all over, the kids to grandparents, bikers, farmers,” Glenna said. “You get to talk to people you never talked to before.”

Helen Tuttle knows the ambience holds a unique mood.

“The atmosphere has a lot to do with it-all the people talking, and (they) get to meet each other,” Tuttle said. “If you are sad and have something on your heart, I hope you can come here and (we can) put a smile on your face.”

One thing is certain; people come from all over. A well-used and tattered-looking guestbook filled with the signatures of the many who have made the quest. New York, Maine, North Caroline, Nevada, California, Kentucky, New Mexico and Connecticut are just a few in the book. Some have come from farther: Ukraine, Thailand and Denmark.

Once the meal is finished, go back up and pay at the register. It is all on the honor system, but the owners trust their patrons. Tuttle said some forget to pay and just drop a check in the mail. Locals have running tabs and pay when they can.

“Seems like when we need money, someone comes in and pays,” Helen Tuttle said. “Even my accountant can’t figure it out. But the Lord takes care and supplies.”

The Moonshine NameSake

Legend has it that the store obtained its name from the reflection of the moon in a water puddle in front of the store.

Things to know before you go:

Open: Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The grills turn on at 9 a.m. and shut off promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Closed: Sundays and major holidays

Address: 6017 E. 300th Road, Martinsville, IL 62442

Phone: 618-569-9200

Website: www.themoonshinestore.com

Directions from Casey:

Take Illinois Route 49 south through the town of Casey about six miles. Go straight at the curve and take an immediate left onto 400th Road. Follow to 300th Road, then turn left and go two miles to 6017 E. 300th Road. Moonshine will be on the left-hand side.

Colleen Kitka can be reached at crkitka@eiu.edu or 581-7942.

A spotlight shines on the Eastern Symphonic Orchestra while they perform the Richard Strauss Concerto for Horn No. 1 in Eb, Op. 11 Sunday evening in the Dvorak Concert Hall.(Amir Prellberg/The Daily Eastern News)

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