Road trips are synonymous with fast food drive throughs. When you’re spending hours a day in your car it’s only natural to want something quick, easy, and convenient that doesn’t involve finding a place to park. Burgers, fries, tacos, and chicken nuggets are all popular options for eating in the car. But, when it comes to a road trip on The Mother Road, there are plenty of other options for Route 66 dining that you won’t find anywhere else.
Yes, there are plenty of fast food drive throughs on Route 66. And some of them are unique to their location (like Waylan’s Ku-Ku Burger in Oklahoma). But there are also vintage diners, steakhouses, food trucks, eat-in restaurants, coffeehouses, and local bars that serve a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Looking for the best Route 66 dining options to add to your road trip itinerary? Use the filters below to search our dining directory by location, type, or keyword to fill your travel plan and your stomach. Whether you’re visiting just one of the eight states on The Mother Road (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California) or driving the entire journey from Chicago to Los Angeles (or vice versa), there are plenty of places to stop for a good meal. And don’t forget to top it off with a classic milkshake, even if you take it to go!
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Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ in Lebanon, Missouri
Dowd's Catfish and BBQ in Lebanon, Missouri is a casual Bayou-themed restaurant on Route 66. Dowd's is best known for their delicious southern fried catfish, available in both standard and spicy varieties. But the full menu also offers barbecue dishes, burgers, steaks, seafood, salads, and chicken along with sides such as fries, cheesy corn, fried okra, coleslaw, and barbecue beans.
Must SeeSuperTAM on 66 Ice Cream Parlor and Superman Museum in Carterville, Missouri
If you’re taking a Route 66 road trip and looking for a sweet treat with a side of superhero, SuperTAM on 66 Ice Cream Parlor And Superman Museum in Carterville, Missouri is the place for you. SuperTam on 66 is a small ice cream parlor and Superman museum featuring Route 66 signs and photos.
New House Chinese Food in Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri is not only the Birthplace of Route 66 but also the home of Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken, a local dish created in the 1960s by David Leong. Travelers can still try it along Route 66, including at spots like New House Chinese Food.
The European in Springfield, Missouri
The European is a cafe on Park Central Square in Springfield, Missouri, serving breakfast, lunch, pastries, and espresso drinks in a historic setting. It focuses on scratch-made dishes alongside a full coffee menu with both classic and specialty drinks.
Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes in Springfield, Missouri
Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes is a casual restaurant in Springfield, Missouri, known for its gourmet burgers, loaded fries, and milkshakes. Opened in 2015, it features a rock-and-roll-themed interior and a menu built around Wagyu beef burgers with creative toppings, along with shareable fry options and a variety of dipping sauces.
Mother’s Brewing Company in Springfield, Missouri
Mother’s Brewing Company is the largest craft brewery in Springfield, Missouri, located just off Route 66 in a former bakery building. Open since 2011, it offers a rotating selection of house-made beers, cider, and cocktails in a taproom with indoor seating and an outdoor lawn.
The Golden Girl Rum Club in Springfield, Missouri
The Golden Girl Rum Club is a tropical-themed bar on Park Central Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, known for its retro-inspired atmosphere and extensive rum selection. The menu includes scratch-made cocktails, including both tropical drinks and classics, along with a small food menu featuring tacos, rice bowls, and specialty pizzas.
Trailer Perk Coffee in Springfield, Missouri
Trailer Perk Coffee is a retro-styled drive-through spot on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, known for its bold colors, neon sign, and a flamingo mascot greeting you at the lane. The menu features creative, house-made drinks like the Route 66 Kicker and toasted marshmallow mochas, alongside classic coffee options.
Civil Kitchen in Springfield, Missouri
Civil Kitchen offers a fresh take on comfort food along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, blending Southern and Midwestern flavors with creative twists on familiar favorites. Scratch-made dishes like chicken and waffles, seafood beignets, and inventive tacos keep things interesting, while a strong lineup of drinks rounds out the experience.
Undercliff Grill & Bar in Joplin, Missouri
Tucked into the rocky landscape in Joplin, Missouri, Undercliff Grill & Bar isn’t located directly on Route 66, but it’s just a short detour from the Mother Road, and well worth the stop. Built right into the side of a cliff, this one-of-a-kind restaurant features a natural rock wall as its backdrop.
Lost Along the Mother Road
Not every stop along Route 66 has stood the test of time. Over the decades, some Route 66 attractions have faded from the map, leaving behind ghost towns, relics, and memories of what once was. These sites may be gone, but they are not forgotten, living on through photos, memories, and the travelers who still seek their traces.
