Hitting the road? Make sure you stop by some of these nostalgic Route 66 restaurants!
One of the original highways commissioned in 1926 by the federal government, Route 66 has become iconic and is often called the “Mother Road.” It has served as a gateway to the West throughout the early-to-mid-20th century.
Many generations of vagabonds, adventure-seekers, and people searching for a better life have traveled this route, and it remains a favorite of road-trippers today.
Even though the impending expiration of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Plan in 2019 has placed it in danger, a bill to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail is currently making its way through Congress, and the National Trust recently named it as one of 2018’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
But besides the sights, what makes it so unique? The food, of course! It’s one of the best parts of any successful road trip. And you certainly won’t be disappointed by the Route 66 restaurants along the highway.
The road is lined with quirky local mainstays and old-time diners, with grub outmatched only by their character.
But since it’s almost impossible to pick just a few to highlight, here are OUR 8 favorite can’t-miss Route 66 restaurants that capture the essence of the “Mother Road.”
Ariston Cafe: Litchfield, Illinois
If you’re looking for a restaurant with more history than pop culture, the Ariston Cafe in the southwestern part of the state is the perfect place for you. The Ariston owns the unofficial title of “longest-running restaurant on Route 66.”
This Route 66 restaurant has been serving up delicious meals from around the world at its current location since 1935. Its original location opened in 1924. It has also been on the National Register of Historic Places list since 2006.
Its interior reflects its historical significance, retaining original light fixtures, walnut booths, tables, and an acoustic tile ceiling.
Cozy Dog Drive-In: Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is already a city steeped in history, but what you might not have known is that it’s also home to some seriously delicious and unique food.
One of its most famous residents was Abraham Lincoln, who lived here many years before becoming President of our great nation. Nowadays, visitors can learn about his life and legacy by visiting various historic sites and museums.
But another Must See Place in Springfield is the Cozy Dog Drive-In restaurant. This Route 66 restaurant is renowned for serving the classic American food, the corn dog, on a stick. The corn dog was invented by Virginia and Ed Waldmire, who established Cozy Dog in 1949.
They served a hot dog coated in a thick layer of deep-fried cornmeal batter and served on a stick, which quickly became a hit with clients. What’s incredible is that even after all these years, this restaurant still uses the same recipe developed by Waldmire in 1946.
So when you visit the Cozy Dog, you can REALLY taste history. And besides the food, visitors can explore this Route 66 restaurant’s collection of maps and postcards designed by Bob Waldmire, a traveler and artist.
He traveled considerably along Route 66, which runs through Springfield, and drew inspiration for his art from the landscapes, people, and landmarks he met on his journeys. The entire family’s legacy lives on at the Cozy Dog Drive-In.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: St. Louis, Missouri
No trip along Route 66 through St. Louis can be complete without a quick stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, which opened its doors in 1929.
Four generations of Drewes family members have maintained and expanded this Route 66 restaurant, helping the frozen custard shop become a Route 66 staple and a St. Louis highlight.
The best part? In the winter, the frozen custard shop becomes a Christmas tree dispensary, with the Drewes bringing back Balsam firs from their Nova Scotia tree farm to market. According to Ted Jr., some yearly tree customers still don’t even know they sell custard!
POPS: Arcadia, Oklahoma
How would you like your pick of over 700 flavors of soda pop?!? Approximately 475,000 people are served annually among a 4-ton, 66-foot-tall neon soda bottle in the front.
There’s no place quite like POPS, which is why it’s one of Route 66’s most famous and continually photographed attractions. And besides offering a massive selection of sodas, POPS doubles as a classic diner and gas station.
A second location in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, opened its doors in 2016, giving Oklahoma visitors and residents another place to fulfill their soda fix.
Fun Fact: Root beer is the most popular drink at this Route 66 restaurant and these are 80 delicious varieties you can choose from!
Cars on the Route: Galena, Kansas
Previously known as “4 Women on the Route,” to honor the four Galena residents who restored the former filling station as a souvenir shop and diner, this Route 66 restaurant changed its name to emphasize its primary claim to fame: A rusty, broken-down Chevyboom truck.
The vehicle on the property is the foundation for the character Mater from the 2006 animated hit film Cars. Late Pixar animator Joe Ranft stumbled upon it while exploring the famous route for research purposes.
It sits among numerous other vehicles that were restored and made to resemble other characters from the film, making Cars on the Route a fantastic place to stop for some grub and a photo op.
Midpoint Cafe: Adrian, Texas
The previous Route 66 restaurant isn’t the only eatery on this famous highway with ties to the Pixar movie. Midpoint Cafe in Texas inspired Flo’s V-8 Cafe, a place for characters to grab a quick drink of gasoline.
Well, the real-life place won’t let you drink gasoline, but it DOES have some fantastic grub. The town of Adrian is the midpoint of the entire route, giving the cafe its name.
Be sure to stop in for a slice of one of their famous “Ugly Crust Pies,” which were coined by pastry chef Joann Harwell upon discovering that her versions of her grandmother’s homemade pie recipes, though equally delicious, never turned out quite as visually appealing.
66 Diner: Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you’re looking for a real blast from the past, make sure you stop by the 66 Diner when driving through New Mexico.
This Route 66 restaurant may have opened after the decommissioning of the famous highway, but its roots begin in a 1940s Phillips 66 gas station that has been beautifully transformed into a retro 1950s-style diner.
Once inside, you’ll be pulled back in time with the diner’s classic diner menu and vintage decor featuring all your favorite Americana comfort foods.
And outside of this Route 66 restaurant, don’t miss the impressive collection of vintage signs that are on display, which offer a small glance into the rich history of Route 66 and the many mom-and-pop shops that once lined its path.
… Psst, before planning your ultimate cross-country road trip, be sure to pick up a Route 66 travel guide for the best places to stop along the way!
Mel’s Drive-in: Santa Monica, California
Welcome to the famous Mel’s Drive-in in Santa Monica, the ideal final stop for your Route 66 road trip! Initially called the Penguin Coffee Shop and later turned into a dental clinic, the building was transformed into the retro-style Mel’s Drive-in back in 2016.
This Route 66 restaurant pays homage to the classic diner era, with burgers, fries, and milkshakes on the menu. But Mel’s Drive-in isn’t just renowned for its delicious food but also its appearance.
The structure’s Googie architecture, featuring eye-catching futuristic design and neon signs, is a nod to the mid-century modern era. With its lively and fun atmosphere, this drive-in is a “Must-See” on any Route 66 adventure!
Have you ever visited any of these Route 66 restaurants? Be sure to share your experiences with our readers in the comments section below!
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