The famous motorway known as Route 66 runs from Chicago to Santa Monica and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, oddball roadside attractions, and thriving food sector. You won’t want to skip any of these 5 restaurants if you’re planning a road trip along this iconic route because they provide a variety of tastes, aesthetics, and settings. These restaurants, which range from traditional American diners to hip fusion joints, will fill you up and leave you with wonderful memories.
1) Lou Mitchell’s (Chicago, IL)
Start your Route 66 journey with a traditional breakfast at the family-run diner Lou Mitchell’s, which has been serving filling meals since 1923. Try their fluffy pancakes with homemade syrup, or order their renowned “Bronzeville Skillet” with eggs, sausage, onions, and potatoes. Every meal comes with a free donut hole, and the welcoming staff will make you feel at home.
2) Pops 66 (Arcadia, OK)
The large soda bottle sculpture and neon lights on this vibrant soda shop and restaurant make it difficult to overlook. More than 700 different soda flavours, including unusual ones like bacon, cucumber, and pumpkin pie, are available at Pops 66. In addition to serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads, this restaurant also offers a selfie opportunity with the famous soda bottle.
3) Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In (Seligman, AZ)
The Delgadillo family has been in charge of this iconic Route 66 drive-in since 1953. Funny signs, practical jokes, and a menu of burgers, hot dogs, and shakes will welcome you. Get ready for some funny antics from the crew and be sure to order the “Cheeseburger with Cheese” with a side of their secret sauce.
4) The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo, TX)
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a huge steak and a wild west ambiance. If you can complete the 72-ounce steak at this restaurant in under an hour, you’ll get a free one, but you may still savour their succulent meats, seafood, and Tex-Mex fare. Vintage photographs, antlers, and cowboy hats are displayed on the walls, and you might even see a live performance of country music.
5) Joe & Aggie’s Café (Holbrook, AZ)
Authentic Mexican cuisine may be found on Route 66 at the family-run Joe & Aggie’s Cafe, which has been open since 1943. They specialise in Sonoran-style food, which includes savoury meats, flour tortillas, and green chilli sauce. Enjoy their enchiladas, carne asada, or green chilli burrito, and don’t forget to try their homemade salsa and guacamole.
