Block 1400

09/26/2026

Looking for Route 66 merch - we have it - along with great photo ops on Block 1400.
1400 Niedringhaus Ave
Granite City IL

Come check it out.

09/02/2026

Check this out - something new on the block! And be sure to checkout The Garden Gate Tea Room too.

08/21/2026

🥣 Your favorite cereal just got a cookie makeover! 🍪

We’re adding a little more fun to the lineup at Boardgamery with our NEW Cereal-Inspired Cookies!

Fruity Pebbles
Cocoa Pebbles

Sweet, colorful, a little nostalgic and perfect with a coffee while you play.

Come grab a cookie, pick a game, and unplug and play! 🎲

📍 Boardgamery
1406 Niedringhaus Ave.,
Granite City Illinois

08/14/2026

More merch just arrived at our Mother Road Merch Mart - check out the graphic novel by the giant creator himself - Mark Cline
Some of Granite City’s very own giants are part of the adventure. Grab your copy today!

06/13/2026

📚 Where It All Began

Long before Block 1400 became a destination with a tea room, a retro diner event space, boardgames, a Route 66 merch mart - with more still to come, it was a BOOKSTORE.

When the previous owners decided to relocate, we were given the opportunity to continue something special. What started as a bookstore has certainly grown and evolved over the years, but one thing has never changed:

The books stayed.

There’s something comforting about a bookstore. The shelves are filled with stories, ideas, adventures, and discoveries just waiting to find the right person. Every used book carries a little history of its own, and every new book is the beginning of a new journey.

Today, you’ll still find hundreds and hundreds of pre-loved books, alongside books from local authors whose stories deserve to be celebrated.

We’re especially proud to support our friend Benjamin T. DeShon, whose book Sh**head can be found on our shelves. And we’re excited to hear that his second book will be arriving soon!

While Block 1400 has changed over the years, books remain part of our foundation and part of who we are. So next time you visit, take a few minutes to browse the shelves. You never know what treasure and adventure you might discover.

📖 Pre-loved favorites
📖 Books by local authors
📖 Stories waiting for their next reader

Because every great community deserves a bookstore.

05/20/2026

Follow Ben’s blog - you won’t be disappointed

One of my absolute favorite places in Cutesville, USA (Granite City, IL) is without a doubt, the Garden Gate Tea Room! I have been a regular patron of this fan favorite establishment ever since I moved back to Cutesville from Southern California back in the summer of 2017! Sadly for myself, I'd neve...

05/01/2026

You’ve heard of get your kicks on Route 66…

Now it’s time to
get your “KITSCH” on Route 66.

We’re talking vintage vibes, retro style finds, and souvenirs that celebrate the Mother Road.

From hats to mugs to those little treasures you didn’t plan on buying…
(it happens 😄)

📍 Inside Boardgamery on Block 1400
Don’t miss it!
Tuesday & Wednesday 11-2
Thursday-Friday & Saturday 11-8

04/23/2026

Come see what Block 1400 has to offer

04/18/2026

Even more fun on the Block! 💕

Another fun afternoon - thank you for celebrating with us!

A little bit Garden Gate.
A little bit Boardgamery.
All part of Block 1400.

Now booking Par-Teas at The Crumb Factory. 🧁
📞 618-501-1011

04/17/2026

Even more fun from the block!🎲🎲