Route 66, rightly called the Mother Road, is a massive highway that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. Tourists and enthusiasts from across the United States visit its many attractions to experience a bygone era when the highway served as a central nervous system for the American economy.
Route 66 is so long that it can never be completely experienced. The highway covers several US states, including Illinois, California, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and more. However, it’s recommended that every travel enthusiast at least get a taste of this iconic route.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the best restaurants on Route 66 so that you can take your pick.
Cozy Dog Drive-In: Springfield, Illinois
The most iconic part of this diner is that the sign above it simply says “Food”. The diner lives up to its name and serves American highway classics such as hamburgers, onion rings, and corn dogs. In fact, it’s rumoured that the diner’s founder, Ed Waldmire Jr., invented the “original” corn dog.
Whether that’s true or not, this diner has lots of stories to tell, and you can feel like you’ve gone back in time as soon as you step through its doors.
Jamil’s Steakhouse: Oklahoma
If you’re looking to taste US history truly, then you can’t go far wrong with Jamil’s Steakhouse. Way back in the early 1900s, numerous Lebanese migrants moved to Oklahoma to work in the oil fields. As a response, several Lebanese supper spots opened up around the area to cater to this demographic.
Jamil’s Steakhouse happens to be the last standing remnant of this bygone era. They offer a blend of US and Lebanese cuisine that has been perfected over generations. You can try some of the beef kabobs slathered in za’atar-spiced barbecue sauce, which is a Lebanese delicacy with an American twist.
Indian Pueblo Kitchen: New Mexico
While you can taste classic American cuisine at many joints along this route, there is only one Indian Pueblo Kitchen, which serves original native Indian fare. The Indian Pueblo Kitchen has been built to celebrate the culinary heritage of the Pueblo people.
Many of the dishes on the menu are exact replicas of “pre-contact” Indian food. This is one of the few places where you can eat authentic Indian dishes such as fried sweet-potato strings, prickly pear soup, and slow-stewed berries.
Missouri Hick: Cuba, Missouri
If you are looking for an ambience that reminds you of the Old Wild West, then this could be the place to check out. This Missouri restaurant specialises in several kinds of smoked and barbecued meats, which you can pair with lots of side dishes.
This joint is perfect if you want to kick back with a cold beer and a side of brisket while chatting with your friends about times gone by. It’s located less than a couple of hours south of St. Louis and has been around for a couple of decades.
Arizona Sake: Arizona
What’s iconic about this brewery isn’t just its location on Route 66 but also the fact that it manages to brew world-class sake in the middle of the Arizona desert. Arizona Sake is one of the best breweries around which specializing in sake.
If you’re looking to quench your thirst while the brewery is closed, there are several bars and stores in the area which also stock this speciality drink. The brewery offers tours and tastings as well, so that you can leave with some food for thought as well.
Experience Route 66 with Utah Luxury Tours
It’s one thing to travel while figuring out everything on your own, and quite another to have someone look after you every step of the way. Utah Luxury Tours offers customised travel packages that will help you make the most of your trip through Route 66.
Our travel packages don’t just include logistics and back-end support. Our tour guide will help you pick the best places to visit, the best way to get there, and will take on all the hassle of travel, while you can focus on enjoying your trip with your family and friends.
Utah Luxury Tours has been serving tourists for more than a decade. We have considerable experience in the needs of our guests and how to make the experience as unforgettable as possible.
Wrapping Up
There is no single way to enjoy the Mother Road. The best part about a trip through this highway is the fact that it offers something for everyone. While there are numerous eating joints dotted around the highway, you can also have fun exploring historical buildings and natural wonders.
Each part of the route has its own set of attractions, so it’s best to talk to an expert like Utah Luxury Tours about how to plan your trip.
