Illinois is more than just the starting point of Route 66, it’s a treasure trove of iconic eats that tell the story of the Land of Lincoln through every bite. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the rolling farmland of downstate Illinois, the Mother Road serves up a smorgasbord of flavors that will leave your taste buds cheering. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, sweet and savory snacks, or dishes steeped in local lore, this guide will take you on a culinary road trip through Illinois’s most iconic foods.
Each stop along Route 66 offers a chance to savor something special, from the legendary Horseshoe of Springfield to the golden crunch of Dell Rhea’s fried chicken. You’ll discover how these dishes came to be, why they’re beloved, and where to find them along the historic highway. The journey is as much about the stories behind the meals as the meals themselves—a perfect pairing for road trippers hungry for more than just the sights.
Looking for even more foodie inspiration? Before you hit the road, check out our guides to the Best Foods to Eat in Chicago and Best Foods to Eat in Springfield for an in-depth look at the culinary delights in these two iconic Route 66 cities. From deep dish pizza to Springfield’s famous chilli, these guides will ensure you never go hungry.
So, gas up, grab your appetite, and let’s dig into the top 10 must-try Illinois eats on Route 66.
10 Iconic Illinois Eats You Have to Try on Route 66
1. Horseshoe
If there’s one dish that screams Illinois comfort food, it’s the Horseshoe. Born in Springfield in the 1920s, this hearty meal is as unique as the city itself. The Horseshoe starts with a thick slice of toasted bread, topped with your choice of meat (often a juicy hamburger or ham), piled high with a mountain of golden fries, and smothered in a creamy cheese sauce that ties it all together. Invented at the Leland Hotel, the dish was inspired by a blacksmith’s anvil, with the fries representing the nails. Today, the Horseshoe is a must-try for visitors and locals alike. If you’re cruising Route 66, make a pit stop at one of these beloved local spots where you can dig into this Illinois original:
- D’Arcy’s Pint in Springfield
- The Dublin Pub in Springfield
- Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery in Springfield
- Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield
- Charlie Parker’s Diner in Springfield
2. Cozy Dog
The Cozy Dog is a legendary Route 66 must-eat in Illinois! This deep-fried delight is credited as the birthplace of the corn dog on a stick. Created by Ed Waldmire Jr. in 1946, the Cozy Dog was inspired by a similar dish he encountered while serving in the Air Force, but Ed perfected his recipe to make it easier to enjoy on the go. His creation quickly became a hit, and today, you can savor an original Cozy Dog at the Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, located right on Route 66. This retro eatery is packed with charm, history, and memorabilia, making it the perfect stop for road trippers hungry for nostalgia and delicious food. Don’t forget to pair your Cozy Dog with fries and a milkshake for the full experience!
3. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
The pork tenderloin sandwich is big on flavor—and even bigger in size! This hearty sandwich features a thin, breaded, and fried pork tenderloin that’s often pounded out to comically large proportions, spilling far beyond the edges of the bun. It’s a favorite in the Midwest, but Illinois has perfected it into a roadside staple. The origins of this iconic dish date back to German immigrants who brought their love of schnitzel to the region. Cruising Route 66? Stop at one of these restaurants where this crispy, golden delight is served up with all the fixings:
- The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield
- Nelly’s Restaurant in Wilmington
- Old Log Cabin Restaurant in Pontiac
- Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield
4. Beer Nuts
Beer Nuts are a salty-sweet Illinois snack that’s been delighting taste buds since the 1950s. Born in Bloomington, Illinois, these iconic glazed peanuts earned their name for being the perfect pairing with a cold beer, though they’re just as good on their own! The secret is in the light, crunchy coating that delivers just the right balance of sugar and salt. As you travel Route 66, stop at the Beer Nuts factory store in Bloomington to stock up on a bag (or two) for the road.
5. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Deep dish pizza is a thick, cheesy masterpiece that was born in Chicago in the 1940s and has been winning hearts (and filling stomachs) ever since. With a buttery crust that’s more pie than pizza, layers of gooey cheese, hearty toppings, and a rich tomato sauce on top, deep dish is a true Midwest original. Swing by one of the many pizza joints in Chicago for an authentic deep dish experience before embarking on your journey or stop somewhere outside the city along your journey:
- Lou Malnati’s in Chicago
- Giordano’s in Chicago
- Gino’s East in Chicago
- Pizzeria Uno in Chicago
- Nancy’s Pizza in Springfield
- Rosati’s Pizza in Bloomington/Normal
Chicago Pizza Tour
Before taking off on your Route 66 adventure, explore one of Chicago’s most famous commodities: pizza. A Chicago Pizza Tour will take you around the neighborhoods to taste some of the best pies the city has to offer.
6. Pumpkin Pie
Illinois isn’t just the Land of Lincoln—it’s also the Pumpkin Capital of the World! With over 90% of the country’s canned pumpkin coming from the state, it’s no surprise that pumpkin pie is a beloved Illinois dessert. This creamy, spiced treat has been a staple on tables for generations, and it tastes even better when enjoyed along Route 66. Many diners on the Mother Road in Illinois offer a slice of this iconic pie seasonally.
7. Springfield Chilli
Springfield Chilli (yes, with two “L”s) is an Illinois original that brings a unique twist to a classic comfort food. This hearty, meaty dish has been a staple in the state’s capital city since the early 1900s, thanks to locals who perfected their recipes with bold spices and rich flavors. What sets Springfield Chilli apart? It’s all about the balance of meat, beans, and a tomato-based broth with just the right kick of heat. While traveling Route 66, be sure to stop by Tone of these chilli shops where the iconic dish has been served for decades:
- The Chili Parlor in Springfield
- Taylor’s Chilli in Carlinville
- Dew Chilli Parlor in Springfield
8. Sweet Corn
Sweet corn and Illinois go together like Route 66 and road trip adventures! As one of the state’s top crops, Illinois sweet corn is known for its juicy, buttery, and naturally sweet flavor. It’s a summer favorite that’s been celebrated at festivals, fairs, and family gatherings for decades. While cruising Route 66, make a seasonal stop at places like the Springfield Farmers Market or get a heaping side of sweet corn with a diner meal like meatloaf or pork chops. Want to taste sweet corn in a new way? Order up one of these fun corn dishes on Route 66:
- Corn salsa at Cigars & Stripes BBQ Lounge in Berwyn
- Corn nuggets at DeCamp Station in Staunton
- Corn fritters, corn pudding, or sweet corn at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook
9. Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog is a “dragged through the garden” masterpiece that starts with a juicy all-beef frank nestled in a poppy seed bun, then piled high with mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. And remember the golden rule: no ketchup allowed! The Chicago dog became a hit during the Great Depression as an affordable, flavor-packed meal, and it’s been a staple ever since. While Route 66 begins in Chicago, you can savor this classic all along the Illinois stretch of the Mother Road, including at these spots:
- Henry’s Drive-In in Cicero Illinois
- Nelly’s Restaurant in Wilmington
Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour
Get a taste of the best foods of Chicago and a little taste of history too with a walking tour of downtown Chicago. Try deep dish pizza, a famous Chicago dog, and the brownie that started it all.
10. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken might not be unique to Illinois, but the Mother Road has some spots that turn this comfort food into an art form. Golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, Illinois fried chicken has been winning over travelers and locals alike for decades. It’s all about that crunch-to-juicy ratio, perfected in roadside kitchens where tradition reigns supreme. One standout spot along Route 66 is Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, a legendary stop dating back to the 1940s. Their fried chicken is marinated, breaded, and cooked to crispy perfection, making it a must-try for any road trip foodie. But if you’re looking for options, White Fence Farm in Romeoville and The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield make mean birds as well.
As your journey along Illinois’s stretch of Route 66 winds down, let these iconic eats be a reminder of the flavors, stories, and history that make the Mother Road so special. From indulgent comfort foods to sweet local treats, each bite is a part of the adventure. Ready to explore more? Pack your appetite and keep cruising—Route 66 is filled with even more culinary delights just waiting to be discovered.
Hungry for more of the best foods on Route 66? Check out the 66 Must-Eat Dishes on Route 66.
