Good Eats on Route 66: Road Trip Dining Guide

From diners and cafes to markets and fine dining, these make ideal stops for refueling while on a Route 66 road trip or as a side of Americana on an extended trip from larger cities nearby. Watch for classic neon signs and Route 66 memorabilia, and pull over if you’re even a little bit hungry. Each of these stops has a unique atmosphere and must-taste menu.

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket: Willowbrook, Illinois

No trip down historic Route 66 would be complete without a mouthwatering basket of hand-breaded fried chicken from the aptly named Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket just 30 minutes outside Chicago, Illinois. Grab some corn fritters or a golden-brown order of mac and cheese for the table and take a selfie in front of the vintage neon sign on your way out. 

Cozy Dog Drive-In: Springfield, Illinois

You know you’re in for some classic comfort food and Americana vibes when the sign above the restaurant simply says, “Food.” For more than 70 years, Springfield‘s Cozy Dog Drive-In has been providing hungry Route 66 travelers with hamburgers, onion rings and corn dogs made with their original batter recipe from the 1940s. According to legend, this spot’s founder Ed Waldmire Jr. invented the “original” corn dog.

Ariston Cafe: Litchfield, Illinois

The oldest continuously operating restaurant on the Mother Road, Ariston Cafe moved to Route 66 from its original Route 4 home in 1935. Enjoy a mashup of Southern, Italian and Greek dishes, from toasted ravioli and t-bone steaks to fried catfish and pork chops. 

Missouri Hick: Cuba, Missouri 

If smoked meats and cold beer in a rustic barbecue joint sounds like a good time to you, that’s exactly what you’ll find at Missouri Hick. Less than two hours southwest of St. Louis, Missouri, this rollicking roadside mainstay will feed your senses in all the right ways with St. Louis-style ribs, baked beans and slow-smoked beef brisket.

Crabby’s: Joplin, Missouri

Looking for a more elevated dining experience? Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Joplin offers an impressive wine list and chef-driven dishes: Think sesame-crusted ahi tuna, pan-seared duck breast and local-favorite crab cakes. Cozy lighting, local artwork and friendly service come together to create the perfect road trip date night.

Nelson’s Old Riverton Store: Riverton, Kansas

Stop about three hours outside Wichita, Kansas, at Nelson’s Old Riverton Store, a charming grocery, deli and gift shop that hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1925. Refuel for the next leg of your journey with a chopped ham sandwich before strolling through the historic market filled with candy, Route 66 guidebooks and kitschy souvenirs.

El Reno, Oklahoma

Sid’s Diner has everything you’d expect from a small-town roadside eatery. Grab a seat at the counter and take in the photo wall and checkerboard floors before ordering a milkshake and a famous fried onion burger. If you’re passing through in the morning, take advantage of a full breakfast menu with staples like pancakes, omelets and hash browns.

Rock Cafe on Route 66: Stroud, Oklahoma

The whole family will enjoy Rock Cafe’s friendly and playful atmosphere just an hour outside Oklahoma City. In the early 2000s, the diner was frequented by Pixar employees, who left behind signed posters and other memorabilia from the production of the movie “Cars” that you can still see on display today. Enjoy German fare like spätzle and jägerschnitzel alongside hamburgers grilled on the cafe’s original 75-year-old Wolf grill (fondly nicknamed “Betsy”).

Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop: Adrian, Texas 

Named for its Route 66 location halfway between Chicago and Los Angeles, Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, is a quintessential 1950s-style restaurant filled with retro tables, neon signs and vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia. Hit the gift shop for a souvenir after fueling up with a burger, grilled cheese or a slice of Elvis Pie. 

Vernon’s Speakeasy: Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Live jazz, dim lighting and classic cocktails served with ribeye steaks: If this sounds like your kind of good time, Vernon’s Speakeasy invites you for a visit. The reservation-only, 1920s-inspired restaurant is a fine dining gem along Albuquerque’s stretch of Route 66 through New Mexico.

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap: Seligman, Arizona

Stepping into Delgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman, Arizona, is like stepping back in time to the Mother Road’s heyday. Not much has changed since it opened in 1953. Outside, you’ll find colorful chairs and quirky murals of hot dogs and ice cream sundaes. Inside, the friendly staff will welcome you with a smile and a menu full of diner classics including burgers, hot dogs and malted milkshakes. 

Mr D’z Route 66 Diner: Kingman, Arizona 

Another homage to the Mother Road in the ‘50s, Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner sets the stage for what’s inside with its turquoise and hot pink facade. Grab a picnic table outside and order an open-face roast beef sandwich and a milkshake. If you’re eating inside, admire vintage wall decor and enjoy a chili dog or grilled turkey sandwich.

The Chocolate Bar: Ontario, California 

Just outside Los Angeles in Ontario, California, you’ll find the family-owned local favorite, The Chocolate Bar. Inside the vibrant, colorful space conveniently located in a shopping center, you’ll find sweet and savory crepes, iced horchatas, aguas frescas, avocado toast, desserts and so much more. 

Outpost Cafe: Oak Hills, California 

Good eats, high desert scenery and Old-West vibes abound at Outpost Cafe, two hours outside Los Angeles. Request a booth under the Pioneer Trails mural and peruse the menu filled with comfort food staples like meatloaf and chicken fried steak. It’s also open early for coffee and breakfast bites, including buttermilk pancakes and eggs Benedict.