‘Route 66: A Food Lover’s Paradise’ Best Foods To Try

Route 66, often called the “Mother Road,” stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, covering eight states and nearly 2,500 miles. While many venture along this legendary highway to witness Americana at its finest, few realize that it also serves as a delectable journey through America’s culinary landscape.

This article uncovers the hidden gems and iconic eateries that have contributed to Route 66’s reputation as a food lover’s paradise.

Lou Mitchell’s in Chicago

Your culinary expedition ideally starts in Chicago at Lou Mitchell’s, an institution since 1923. Famous for its hearty breakfasts that include donut holes as an appetizer and a box of Milk Duds for those venturing on Route 66, Lou Mitchell’s perfectly blends tradition and comfort food. It’s a microcosm of what Route 66 has to offer to food enthusiasts.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis

Before leaving Missouri, a pit stop at Ted Drewes for a frozen custard is essential. Located in St. Louis, Ted Drewes has been serving its velvety smooth custard since 1929. Their signature “concrete” shake, so thick that it’s served upside down, is a culinary marvel that you should not miss.

Springfield’s Cozy Dog Drive-In

Springfield, Illinois, is home to Cozy Dog Drive-In, the birthplace of the hot dog on a stick, popularly known as the “corn dog.” Established in 1949, this eatery continues to serve its original batter-dipped, deep-fried treat, providing visitors a bite of history along with delicious comfort food.

Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ in Tulsa

When you hit Oklahoma, head over to Joe’s BBQ in Tulsa for a carnivorous feast. Known for its award-winning ribs and pulled pork, the atmosphere is as authentic as the flavors.

With its roots in competition barbecue, the expertise that goes into smoking and grilling the meat is nearly unparalleled.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo

Amarillo, Texas, houses The Big Texan Steak Ranch, renowned for its 72-ounce steak challenge. If you finish the steak along with shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and a bread roll in under an hour, your meal is free. Even if you don’t take up the challenge, the myriad of meat options will leave you satiated.

Frontier Restaurant in Albuquerque

In New Mexico, visit the Frontier Restaurant in Albuquerque, which has been a Route 66 staple since 1971. Known for its green chili cheeseburgers and cinnamon rolls, the Frontier captures the essence of Southwestern flavors in its extensive menu. It offers a warm, welcoming environment that embodies the spirit of Route 66.

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In

In Seligman, Arizona, step into a time warp at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In. Founded in 1953, this drive-in serves up a hefty dose of nostalgia along with mouthwatering burgers and shakes. The quirky decorations and classic car service make it an experience as much as a meal.

Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in Los Angeles

End your epicurean journey in Los Angeles at Galco’s Soda Pop Stop. Although not a restaurant, this store offers over 700 varieties of soda, most of which represent historic American brands.

Choose from an array of unique flavors that are hard to find anywhere else, making this stop an effervescent trip down memory lane.

Lesser-Known Gems

Beyond these well-known spots, Route 66 is peppered with lesser-known eateries that offer local specialties like bison burgers in Oklahoma and fried rattlesnake in Arizona. These under-the-radar spots provide not just delectable food but also a rich, cultural narrative of the local communities.

Food Festivals along Route 66

Route 66 also hosts various food festivals that offer unique local flavors. The Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque are notable examples.

These festivals showcase a diverse food culture, ranging from Midwestern staples to Southwest delicacies, making the route a dynamic culinary corridor.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options Along Route 66

Despite its reputation for meaty American classics, Route 66 also offers plant-based options that will make vegan and vegetarian travelers rejoice. Cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Los Angeles have a plethora of vegan eateries that dish out everything from plant-based burgers to dairy-free shakes.

Even in smaller towns, you’ll find diners and cafes introducing vegan-friendly items on their menus, ensuring that the Mother Road is inclusive for all food lovers.

The Importance of Diners on Route 66

Diners are quintessential to American culture and are an integral part of the Route 66 experience. Often family-run and filled with local charm, these diners serve as communal hubs where travelers and locals alike can enjoy home-style cooking.

The menu often features American staples such as meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, and apple pie. These diners not only fill your belly but also provide a glimpse into the heart of local communities along the route.

Seasonal Specialities and Fresh Produce

Many eateries along Route 66 take pride in using fresh, local produce. Depending on the season, you might encounter menus highlighting regional fruits, vegetables, and even game.

For instance, apple pie made from local orchards in Illinois, or chile rellenos made from freshly harvested New Mexico green chilies, add a touch of local flavors to your journey.

Route 66 Food Trucks: A Modern Twist

The food truck culture has seeped into the Route 66 landscape, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles and Chicago. From gourmet tacos to fusion cuisine, these food trucks offer a modern, quick, and sometimes experimental approach to American food.

These mobile eateries provide a stark but exciting contrast to the traditional diners and drive-ins that have long-defined the gastronomic scene on Route 66.

The Influence of Immigrant Cuisine on Route 66

Route 66 isn’t just an exhibition of traditional American food; it’s also a tapestry of the country’s rich immigrant history.

From Italian pizzerias in St. Louis to Mexican taquerias in Arizona, the culinary offerings along the route tell a story of America as a melting pot of different cultures. The presence of diverse foods adds another layer of richness to the Route 66 experience.

A Toast to Route 66: Drinks and Beverages

It’s not just about the food; Route 66 offers an interesting array of beverages too. The rise of craft breweries and specialized cocktail bars along the road is hard to ignore.

Many places serve local brews, wines, and even Route 66-themed cocktails, providing ample opportunities for a toast to the ‘Main Street of America.’

Conclusion

Route 66 is more than a stretch of asphalt; it’s a gastronomic mosaic that reflects the diversity and creativity of American cuisine. From legendary establishments to hidden gems, the eateries along this iconic road offer more than just meals—they offer an edible history of America.

Whether you’re a food connoisseur or a casual snacker, Route 66 promises a culinary adventure that you won’t forget, truly making it a food lover’s paradise.