Cruising down this legendary highway isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the memories. If you’re ready to take your taste buds on a nostalgic ride, here are the coolest Route 66 diners and cafes worth making a pitstop for.
Illinois
Lou Mitchell’s – Chicago, IL
Lou Mitchell’s is a Windy City icon. Established in 1923, this family-owned diner is a breakfast lover’s paradise. Think jumbo omelets so fluffy they practically float and corned beef hash that’ll have you craving seconds. Pro tip: don’t miss the buttermilk biscuits smothered in country-style gravy. Between the old-fashioned diner aesthetic and homemade comfort food dishes, it’s no wonder why this gem feels like a relic of a bygone era.
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket – Willowbrook, IL
Just a short drive from Chicago, Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket is a local legend and a member of the Route 66 Hall of Fame. Since 1946, this classic spot has been serving up the famous chicken that the Chicago Sun Times would later name “The Best Fried Chicken in the Chicagoland Area.” Order the fried chicken basket and find out why famed restaurateur Guy Fieri raved about it during his visit. For the true Dell Rhea’s experience, add a side of crispy corn fritters.
Missouri
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – St. Louis, MO
It might not be a diner, but Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a must-stop for any traveler looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. It would be easy to miss the tiny white building if it weren’t for the notoriously long line that lives out front—don’t worry, it moves fast. Ted’s been serving up frozen custard for over 80 years, and his signature “concrete” is still the most popular menu item. Choose your flavor and add-ins, and enjoy a malt or shake so thick it’s served upside down.
Shelly’s Route 66 Café – Cuba, MO
Shelly’s might not be much to look at from the outside, but this retro diner makes up for it with a lively atmosphere, cozy interiors, delicious food, and affordable prices. Stop by for breakfast or lunch to indulge in fan favorites like the chicken fried steak and massive, fluffy biscuits. Most of the decor inside Shelly’s Route 66 Café has been donated by travelers passing through, so feel free to leave your mark by adding to the collection.
Kansas
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store (formerly Eisler Bros.) – Riverton, KS
Customers say that visiting Nelson’s Old Riverton Store is like stepping through a portal to yesteryear. The historic general store and diner has been operating since before Route 66 became the official cross-country highway. Shop for groceries, gifts, and Route 66 memorabilia while choosing which deli sandwich to devour. Choose between meats like beef pastrami and pickle loaf, then add your favorite fixings and pair it with a side of baked beans or potato salad.
Oklahoma
The Rock Café – Stroud, OK
Built from the very rocks that line the highway, The Rock Café has been serving up classic American diner staples for over 75 years. The chicken fried steak is a must, but if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the jägerschnitzel—a breaded pork cutlet topped with creamy bacon, onion, and mushroom sauce. Fun fact: The Rock Café inspired the character Sally Carrera in the movie Cars, so the diner is packed with Pixar memorabilia gifted by the Pixar and Disney crews.
Tally’s Good Food Café – Tulsa, OK
This Tulsa staple is known for its generous portions and a huge menu featuring 100+ dishes. Tally’s Good Food Café is all about comfort food, from their chicken fried steak to their famous Fat Boy cheeseburgers topped with mayonnaise, mustard, a fried egg, and crispy bacon. Try the Smart Bomb to see why Tally’s has earned national recognition for its all-day breakfast. It’s a hearty plate of hash browns with ham, bacon, sausage, veggies, and cheese, topped with two eggs and a side of toast.
Pops – Arcadia, OK
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy landmark on Route 66, this is the one. With a 66-foot LED-lit soda bottle towering outside the diner, you literally can’t miss Pops. Choose from over 700 soda varieties or treat yourself to the signature root beer bread pudding. Inside, you’ll find a full-service diner with burgers, salads, and fried appetizers. Craving a good kick? Order the 66 Fire Burger – it’s topped with spicy jack cheese, smoked bacon, buffalo sauce, and an onion ring.
Texas
MidPoint Café – Adrian, TX
Welcome to the halfway point of Route 66! The aptly named MidPoint Café is famous for its “ugly crust pies” – they might not look pretty, but they taste like buttery bliss. Start with the Route 66 burger and chase it with a slice of pie in flavors like apple, pecan, and Tennessee whiskey. For a mouthwatering blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana, go for the Elvis pie. Between the checkerboard tablecloths and vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, this eatery is a nostalgic dream come true.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch – Amarillo, TX
While it’s more of a saloon-style steakhouse than a diner, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is still a Route 66 icon worth including. This kitschy landmark boasts a restaurant, brewery, gift shop—and even cabins to stay overnight. Put your hunger to the test by taking on their world-famous 72 oz. steak challenge. If you can eat it in under an hour, it’s free! Not up for the challenge? You’ll also find ribs, burgers, seafood, and normal-sized steaks on the menu.
New Mexico
66 Diner – Albuquerque, NM
You didn’t travel back to the 1950s, but 66 Diner will make you think you did. From the vintage jukebox and soda fountain to the mid-century memorabilia and traditional diner fare, this whimsical spot serves up a big dose of nostalgia. Pair a queso-smothered burger with a milkshake for a seriously indulgent meal. Stopping in for breakfast? Order the Pile Up – a pile of pan-fried potatoes, bacon, green chile, two eggs any way, cheddar cheese, and chile sauce.
Arizona
Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In – Seligman, AZ
Since 1953, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In has been serving up burgers, shakes, and Americana. The family-owned joint is filled with an eclectic mix of vintage and Route 66-themed memorabilia that attracts visitors from all over. People might come for the kitschy decor, but they stay for the phenomenal food. Choose from a variety of hot dogs, tacos, burritos, and burgers like the chorizo burger. Still hungry? Indulge in a hot fudge shake or a root beer freeze.
Roadkill Café – Seligman, AZ
Down the road from Delgadillo’s is a rustic diner serving classic dishes with hilarious names—so bring your sense of humor. Visiting for a hearty breakfast? Order the Roadside Revenge, Roadkill Café’s take on a traditional steak and eggs. Craving a Reuben sandwich for lunch? Order the ‘Bird That Smacked the Curb.’ And between the giant elk statue greeting you at the door and thousands of signed dollar bills lining the walls, this quirky Route 66 diner is as much an experience as it is a meal.
California
Emma Jean’s Hollandburger Café – Victorville, CA
You may recognize Emma Jean’s from popular TV shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but this landmark was famous among the locals long before Hollywood knew about it. The historic eatery is known for its comfort food, welcoming atmosphere, and classic diner experience. If your road trip has you craving something cozy, order a hand-spun shake or a Trucker Special Sandwich. It’s got roast beef, bacon, chiles, and Swiss cheese grilled to perfection and piled high on sourdough bread. Drooling yet?
Roy’s Motel and Café – Amboy, CA
Since it opened in 1938, Roy’s Motel and Café has brought travelers from around the world to the Mojave Desert to snap photos with its iconic neon sign. The Route 66 landmark is a popular filming location, from movies like Brad Pitt’s Kalifornia to music videos by world-renowned artists like Enrique Iglesias. While the “café” is more of a gas station these days, you can still grab some snacks and a homemade root beer for the road—it’s worth a stop for the rich history alone.
