Photos of Polk-a-Dot Drive In in Braidwood, Illinois
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to Polk-a-Dot Drive In in Braidwood, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.
What is Polk-A-Dot Drive In?
One of the most famous diners on Illinois Route 66, Polk-A-Dot Drive In has been serving travelers since 1956. Known for its colorful 1950s atmosphere, classic American comfort food, and collection of life-sized celebrity statues, the diner has become a must-stop attraction for Route 66 enthusiasts from around the world.
Where is Polk-A-Dot Drive In located?
The diner is located at 222 N. Front Street in Braidwood, Illinois, directly on Historic Route 66. It sits about 50 miles southwest of Chicago and is one of the first classic roadside diners many travelers encounter when heading west on the Mother Road.
What is on the Polk-A-Dot Drive In menu?
Polk-A-Dot serves the kind of classic drive-in fare that made Route 66 famous. The menu features hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, breaded pork tenderloins, fries, onion rings, chili-cheese fries, and other diner favorites.
The Chili Cheese Fries are one of our picks of 66 Must-Eat Dishes on Route 66 and 15 Best Route 66 Foods to Eat in Illinois.
Polk-A-Dot Drive In Menu
Sample menu, subject to change.
Sandwiches
- Hamburger
- Cheeseburger
- Bacon Cheeseburger
- Double Cheeseburger
- Chili Cheeseburger
- Bacon Double Cheeseburger
- BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato)
- Whopper
- Pizza Puff
- Grilled Cheese
- Italian Beef
- French Dip
- Hoagie
- Pork Tenderloin
- Fish Sandwich
- Chicken Sandwich
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Hot Dogs & Snacks
- Hot Dog
- Cheese Dog
- Chili Dog
- Chili Cheese Dog
- Polish Sausage
- Corn Dog
- Mini Corn Dogs (5)
- Mini Corn Dogs (9)
- Chicken Chunks (6)
- Chicken Chunks (9)
- Mini Tacos (8)
Salads
- House Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad
Sides
- French Fries
- Cheese Fries
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- Nachos & Cheese
- Mac & Cheese Bites
- Onion Rings
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Fried Mushrooms
- Mozzarella Sticks
Dinners
- Fish Dinner (served with coleslaw, dinner roll, and choice of fries or mashed potatoes & gravy)
- Shrimp Dinner (served with coleslaw, dinner roll, and choice of fries or mashed potatoes & gravy)
- Chicken Dinner (served with coleslaw, dinner roll, and choice of fries or mashed potatoes & gravy)
Chicken Only
- 8-Piece Chicken (2 breasts, 2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs)
- 12-Piece Chicken (3 breasts, 3 wings, 3 legs, 3 thighs)
Chicken Snacks
- 2-Piece White Snack (breast and wing with fries or mashed potatoes & gravy)
- 2-Piece Dark Snack (leg and thigh with fries or mashed potatoes & gravy)
Kids Meals
- Hamburger Kids Meal
- Cheeseburger Kids Meal
- Hot Dog Kids Meal
- Mini Taco Kids Meal (5 pieces)
- Chicken Chunks Kids Meal (3 pieces)
- Mini Corn Dogs Kids Meal (3 pieces)
Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Cone
- Yogurt Cone
- Twist Cone
- Kids Cone
- Milk Shake
- Malt
- Mini Shake
Sundaes & Frozen Treats
- Sundae
- Candy Cup
- Turtle Sundae
- Float
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Banana Split
Arctic Swirls
- Heath
- M&M
- Grasshopper
- Peanut Butter Cup
- Banana Split
- Hawaiian
- German Chocolate
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Chocolate Covered Cherries
Drinks
- Pepsi
- Cherry Pepsi
- Mist
- Mountain Dew
- Root Beer
- Dr Pepper
- Green River
- Diet Pepsi
- Diet Dr Pepper
- Lemonade
- Tea
- Slushes
- Bottled Water
- Apple Juice
- Coffee
Is there a drive through?
Yes. Dine in or go through the drive through and get your food on the go.
Where to Stay Near Polk-a-Dot Drive In
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these nearby Route 66 hotels.
Braidwood Motel
Braidwood Motel is a budget-friendly Route 66 motel that is conveniently located close to several of the best Illinois roadside attractions and diners, like the Polk-a-Dot Drive-In and Braidwood Zoo.
Super 8 by Wyndham Dwight
If you’re stretching your Route 66 itinerary and are looking to spend the night between Chicago and Springfield, the Super 8 by Wyndham Dwight is a solid choice. Conveniently located off I-55 and close to Historic Route 66, this newly renovated property and pet-friendly hotel offers free WiFi and free breakfast just a short drive from this roadside attraction.
Attractions Near Polk-a-Dot Drive In on Route 66
Braidwood Zoo in Braidwood, Illinois
Gemini Giant Muffler Man in Wilmington, Illinois
3D Route 66 Shield Sculpture in Gardner, Illinois
Such a fun stop! I took so many photos with all of the fun statues then went through the drive through and got some chili cheese fries to go. They were so good!