Pirate Island brings folks back to the ‘good ol’ days’

COLLINSVILLE - Walking into Collinsville’s Pirate Island is like walking through a time machine, taking you back to the “good old days.” Glowing retro lights, vintage signage on the walls and over 200 colorful vintage soda pops surround the restaurant. The old-fashioned floats, burgers, pizza and old TV classics from decades past help create the familiar atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. This is what owners Carrie and Layne Lewter wanted to do. 

Carrie always dreamed of owning her own restaurant, a place built around a memory with a nostalgic atmosphere where customers could walk in and feel anchored to a sense of familiarity. When she became a mother to a house full of boys, she learned how to cook in large quantities, perfecting meals and recipes that would later become staples of her menu. 

Her husband, Layne, helped remodel the building according to the vision of Carrie’s old-fashioned family restaurant. Together, the Lewters made Carrie’s dream come true. What started out as a lifelong dream became a reality. For 23 years now, Pirate Island has welcomed customers with their motto “come on in and remember when” - a reflection of the nostalgic atmosphere they wanted to create.

One of Layne’s favorite parts of the business is seeing customers get excited over the 200-plus glass bottle sodas, many of which they have not seen since childhood. The retro memorabilia and classic touches throughout the restaurant spark nostalgia as well, prompting adults to remember simpler days. 

Carrie loves cooking for other people and making them feel right at home, and Pirate Island’s location on Main Street in the heart of downtown Collinsville makes it easy to welcome and connect with members of the community. 

Pirate Island also hosts an annual car show every year featuring all kinds of vintage and antique vehicles from different eras - another way the restaurant brings people together and celebrates the charm of days gone by.

Through it all, Layne remains right by Carrie’s side, supporting her lifelong dream. Together, they work to make Pirate Island a place where anyone can feel at home and “come on in and remember when.”