Route 66 is a road trip of epic proportions. With 2,448 miles from its start in Chicago to its end at sunny Santa Monica Pier in California, traveling the entire Mother Road takes a few days – and more than a few meals. Luckily, this fabled highway has many delicious restaurants just a pit stop away. From local legends to historic haunts, there’s something for every palate!
Lou Mitchell’s Bakery and Restaurant (Chicago): If you’re kicking off your Route 66 road trip in Chicago, start your morning at Lou Mitchell’s. This delicious breakfast spot has been a staple of the town since 1923, serving (as noted on their sign) “the world’s finest coffee” and complimentary donut holes and Milk Duds.
Joe Rogers’ “The Den” Chili Parlor (Springfield): Hosting patrons from all over the world, this unique restaurant cooks the meat and beans of its chili separately, so every dish is customizable! Also try their chili burgers, chili dogs and tamales for a spicy start to your journey.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis): With numerous flavors and toppings to mix and match, you’ll want to keep coming back to this world-famous custard stand. Fun fact: the owner, Ted Jr., brings back balsam fir trees from Nova Scotia every year and sells them at the holidays.
Donut Drive-In (St. Louis): Still seeking sweet treats in Missouri? Stop by Donut Drive-In for the best hand-cut donuts around. Visitors travel from far and near to sample their chocolate icing above all else.
Waylan’s Ku Ku Burger (Miami): With a chipper bird in a chef’s hat and a soft serve cone sketched in neon, the restaurant’s sign will take you back in time all by itself. Since 1965, this stop has been feeding hungry motorists their classic quarter pound Ku Ku burger on a toasted bun, washed down with shakes and malts.
POPS (Arcadia): It’s hard to miss POPS, with its 66-foot tall soda pop bottle outside its doors. With over 500 varieties of pop from around the world, you’re sure to find a flavor to quench your thirst before you head back out on the road again.
Midpoint Café and Gift Shop (Adrian): Though the name gives it away, this tasty stop is the exact midpoint of the Mother Road – 1139 miles to Chicago, 1139 miles to Los Angeles. During Route 66’s heyday, the café operated 24 hours a day. Now, it’s best known for its delicious “ugly crust pies.”
Big Vern’s Steakhouse (Shamrock): In town to check out the classic architecture of the famous U-Drop Inn? Don’t leave Shamrock before you’ve had a meal at Big Vern’s. Best known for its ribeye and filet mignon, be sure to also sample the homemade beer bread for a taste you won’t find anywhere else.
Santa Fe Bite (Santa Fe): Formerly known as the Bobcat Bite, this restaurant is the perfect place to sample some Tex-Mex meals. Its most famous dish is the Green Chile Cheeseburger, but there’s plenty on the menu for diners of all appetites, including a veggie burger!
Western View Diner & Steakhouse (Albuquerque): From all-day breakfast to triple-decker sandwiches, it’s no wonder this stop has been a local favorite since it opened in 1937. For a one-of-a-kind treat, try the green chile chicken soup or homemade bread and cakes.
Flagstaff Brewing Company (Flagstaff): This brewery in the northern part of the state features one of the largest selections of single malts in the country. Designated drivers, don’t worry – the Flagstaff Coffee Company (owned by the same group) is right next door for some tasty, down-to-earth java.
Twister’s Soda Fountain (Williams): If you’re looking for classic Route 66 diner fare with a 1950s vibe, you can’t go wrong at Twister’s! This fun spot has burgers named after midcentury classics like Betty Boop and Elvis. It’s also well-known for its steaks and ice cream.
Big Dean’s Oceanfront Café (Santa Monica): This restaurant has a star-studded past, having served such well-known diners as Cary Grant, Natalie Wood, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Evel Knievel. With its commitment to a mouthwatering menu, it’s no surprise Big Dean’s is Zagat-rated and voted one of L.A.’s 101 Best Bars.
Ocean Ave Seafood (Santa Monica): This place knows how to serve delectable seafood with an incredible view. A wall of windows overlooks the Pacific Ocean for an atmosphere that’s one-of-a-kind. Check out their raw bar for the largest selection of oysters of any L.A. restaurant.
After a day of sightseeing and driving across the country, the best thing after a filling meal is a comfy bed. Thankfully, Best Western Hotels & Resorts are located all along the Mother Road. Start planning your Route 66 road trip by visiting bestwesternroute66.com and book today! Hit the road and we’ll see you soon.