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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Perfectly positioned at the halfway point between Los Angeles and Chicago, the Midpoint Café in Adrian is a must-stop landmark along Route 66. This cozy café doubles as a souvenir and antique shop, but the real draw is the food. Dig into chili, burgers, or the twisted grilled cheese, all crowd favorites. Whatever you order, save room for cherry or peach cobbler. The flaky crust alone is worth the trip.

Since 1960, The Big Texan Steak Ranch has been dishing out Texas-sized bravado along Route 66. Hungry for fame? Tackle the legendary 72-ounce steak challenge. Finish it in an hour, and your meal is free, bragging rights included. After cheering on the brave, roam Amarillo’s largest gift shop and grab some steak seasoning for your own kitchen adventures. Then toast your visit at the brewery and settle in for the night at the motel or RV Ranch.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Since 1939, Formosa Cafe has served classic Chinese dishes with a side of Hollywood history. This West Hollywood icon welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra, James Dean, and Elvis Presley, and today it still glows with old-school glamour. Slide into a red booth, scan the walls lined with celebrity photos, and order sweet and sticky orange chicken, short rib sesame noodles, or Chinese BBQ pork. Save room for fried sesame balls or taro ice cream, then toast the night with a Green Tea Martini.

A West Hollywood favorite since 1920 and once the end of Route 66, Barney’s Beanery still carries pieces of its past, including license plates from diners who couldn’t pay for their bowl of beans (Barney’s famous chili) and signatures from legends like Janis Joplin. Today, it’s all about games, pool tables, and delicious eats. The menu covers burgers, pizza, and more, with 40+ beers on draft and a full bar.