There’s something magical about hitting the open road with your kids, a couple of packed bags, and no set timeline—just the promise of adventure ahead. This summer, we decided to take on Route 66, the iconic American highway that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. It’s more than just a road; it’s a journey through history, culture, and a whole lot of quirky roadside stops. But for us, the real charm of Route 66 lay in its classic diners—those cozy, nostalgic spots where we could refuel and soak up the retro vibe.
I’ll admit, it wasn’t just about the food. Sure, the milkshakes and burgers were fantastic, but these diners became the backdrop for some of my favorite moments with my kids. We’d slide into vinyl booths, look over menus packed with time-honored dishes, and talk about everything from the day’s sights to life’s little mysteries. So, here’s a look back at our favorite diner stops along Route 66. Each one brought its own unique flavor (literally and figuratively) to our trip.
Lou Mitchell’s – Chicago, Illinois
They call Lou Mitchell’s the “first stop on Route 66,” and for good reason—it’s where our trip officially began. This bustling diner has been serving hearty breakfasts since 1923 and still feels like a piece of living history. The kids were thrilled when we were handed free donut holes as we walked in (a Lou Mitchell’s tradition), and I wasn’t going to argue with starting my day with a piece of fried dough.
I went for their famous fluffy omelet, while my son tackled their enormous stack of pancakes. My daughter, ever the adventurous eater, opted for corned beef hash. It’s the kind of place where the coffee keeps flowing, the portions are generous, and you leave feeling ready to tackle the road ahead. Lou Mitchell’s became our official kick-off point, and it set the tone for the adventure to come.
The Palms Grill Café – Atlanta, Illinois
Our next diner stop was in Atlanta, Illinois—a small town with a big personality. The Palms Grill Café looks like something straight out of the 1930s, complete with turquoise booths and a countertop lined with vintage stools. It was like stepping back in time.
The fried chicken here stole the show. It was crispy, golden, and downright irresistible. My kids polished off baskets of fries while we talked about the giant Paul Bunyan statue we’d seen earlier in town. The café is also part museum, with Route 66 memorabilia scattered throughout. It was a perfect mix of great food and history, and we left with full stomachs and a better appreciation for the road we were traveling.
The Ariston Café – Litchfield, Illinois
If you’re driving Route 66, skipping the Ariston Café would be a mistake. Established in 1924, it’s one of the oldest restaurants on the Mother Road. Walking inside, the warm atmosphere immediately made us feel like family.
The kids were adventurous enough to try their famous fried catfish, while I played it safe with a classic cheeseburger and a side of their homemade coleslaw. My daughter couldn’t resist ordering a slice of their lemon meringue pie for dessert, and I have to admit, it was the perfect way to end the meal. The Ariston Café isn’t just a diner; it felt like a time capsule, preserving the spirit of Route 66.
MidPoint Café – Adrian, Texas
By the time we reached the MidPoint Café, we were officially halfway along Route 66. Located in Adrian, Texas, this diner embraces its status as the literal midpoint of the route. It’s small, cheerful, and home to the legendary “MidPoint Ugly Pie.”
The pie was, hands down, one of the best desserts we had on the entire trip. It doesn’t look perfect—hence the name—but it tastes like heaven on a plate. We also dug into some hearty sandwiches and bowls of chili while marveling at how far we’d come. It was a great place for us to pause, stretch our legs, and take a few photos at the official midpoint sign just outside the café.
66 Diner – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s 66 Diner is as retro as it gets, with neon lights, a jukebox, and checkered floors. My kids loved the atmosphere—it felt like stepping onto the set of a 1950s movie.
Here, we fully committed to the diner experience. Burgers, onion rings, milkshakes in tall glasses—you name it, we ordered it. The kids spent half the meal flipping through the jukebox, picking out old rock-and-roll hits while we ate. I could see their faces light up every time a new song started playing, and it reminded me that road trips are more than just the destinations—they’re about creating memories.
Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In – Seligman, Arizona
If there’s one diner that embodies the quirky charm of Route 66, it’s Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, Arizona. This place is less about the food (though the burgers and malts were great) and more about the experience. The owner, Juan Delgadillo, built the place himself in 1953, and it’s been a roadside institution ever since.
The kids couldn’t stop laughing at the playful pranks and jokes from the staff. It’s the kind of place where they might hand you a straw that’s three feet long or serve you a burger with a face drawn on the bun. It’s hard to describe how much fun we had here, but it stands out as one of the most memorable stops of the trip.
Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café – Victorville, California
As we neared the end of our Route 66 journey, we stopped at Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café in Victorville. This little diner has been feeding hungry travelers since the 1940s, and its charm is undeniable.
I ordered their famous “Brian Burger,” loaded with cheese, bacon, and green chilies, while the kids went for their homemade biscuits and gravy. The food was simple but packed with flavor, and the friendly service made us feel like regulars, even though it was our first visit. It was the perfect place to reflect on how far we’d come and how much we’d experienced along the way.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, these diners weren’t just pit stops—they were highlights of the trip. Each one told its own story, blending history, food, and community into an experience that felt uniquely Route 66. They gave us a chance to slow down, connect with each other, and appreciate the small joys of the journey.
If you’re thinking about hitting Route 66 with your family, I can’t recommend it enough. The road itself is incredible, but the diners? They’re the heart and soul of the experience. So pack your bags, grab a map, and don’t forget to leave room for pie. You won’t regret it.
