One of the bests parts of any road trip is, of course, the yummy food you eat along the way. But we're not talking about just a couple bags of chips, oh no. When you're travelling the historic Route 66, you get to experience some of the best food in America. Along this route, there is a mouthwatering display of mom and pop diners serving up platters of food that look like they could have come straight from the movies.
There are tonnes of amazing places to eat, so we're here to highlight some of the best mom and pop restaurants that are sure to satisfy your appetite, and then some.
Whirl A Whip, Girard, IL
Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like, an iconic Route 66 diner that features some of the best ice cream in the area. A cone topped with swirly ice cream of just about every flavour you can imagine – chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, lemon chip, the list is deliciously endless.
The restaurant serves classic burgers and diner fare in the establishment with an unmistakable old timey Route 66 vibe. Food is always served with a smile making this a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike.
66 Diner, Albuquerque, NM
The second you roll up to the 66 Diner you're immediately transported back into the 50s. The establishment is set on preserving the good old days. That means, that burger and shake you order is going to be delivered to you by a server in a classic uniform.
The 66 Diner also has a unique menu item that you have to try, it's called the Pile Up. This consists of a pile of pan fried potatoes, chopped bacon, chopped green chile, two eggs any style, cheddar cheese and red or green chile sauce to top it all off. Now that's an American breakfast!
Cattleman's Steakhouse, Oklahoma City, OK
This is one of the most famous diners on the list – it's been featured on the Food Network's Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives as well as Man Vs. Food. It's also received Oklahoma Gazette's "BEST STEAK" Award – with so many accolades, you know this diner is legit.
Cattleman's has an interesting history as well – apparently, in 1945, Gene Wade was involved with a game of craps and rolled the winning die, scoring the restaurant. A journey on the historic Route 66 wouldn't be complete without stopping to taste one of these savoury steaks, so make sure you save some room!
Comet II Drive-In Restaurant, Santa Rosa, NM
The only place to get real, authentic Mexican food outside of Mexico itself is in New Mexico, and even more specifically in Santa Rosa's Comet II Drive-In Restaurant. Mexican cuisine has become a staple in the diets of many Americans, but especially so of those in the Midwest.
Comet's menu and flavours have patrons coming from near and far for a taste. We're talking salad bowl-sized chips with homemade, spicy salsa followed by gooey chile verde with potatoes or classic pork enchiladas.
This family-run diner still has its authentic interior design as well! It certainly earns a place on the list of one of the best mom and pop – or should we say madre and padre – restaurants on Route 66.
Are you finding yourself drooling a bit now? We don't blame you. Come join us on one of our tours and we'll take you to some of the best mom and pop restaurants on Route 66 so you can taste for yourself!
