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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Must SeeMiz Zip’s in Flagstaff, Arizona
Miz Zip’s in Flagstaff, Arizona is a popular Route 66 diner that has been feeding hungry travelers since 1952. The restaurant has a solid menu of hamburgers, hot and cold sandwiches, and entrees like chicken fried steak and enchiladas. They also serve breakfast favorites such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, and huevos rancheros.
Loyola’s Family Restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Need a stop for breakfast or lunch on Route 66? Loyola's Family Restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico has been a favorite for locals, road trippers, and location scouts for over thirty years. Loyola Baca opened Loyola's Family Restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1990, and quickly earned a faithful following for her delicious food and gracious hospitality.
Must SeeDelgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman, Arizona
Where on Route 66 can you get a cheeseburger with cheese, some “dead chicken,” and a mustard surprise, all served with a smile (or, at least a potato smile)? You can get all that and more at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman, Arizona, a Route 66 institution that has been slinging burgers, milkshakes, and a unique sense of humor since 1953.
Chicken Shack in Arcadia, Oklahoma
Chicken Shack in Arcadia, Oklahoma, is a Route 66 stop known for broasted chicken, hearty sides, and a spacious dining area with outdoor seating and live music.
Pier Burger in Santa Monica, California
Pier Burger, perched right on the Santa Monica Pier, proudly dishes out what they call the “Last Burger on Land.” Just steps from the famous Route 66 End of the Trail sign, it’s the perfect place to celebrate finishing the Mother Road with a beachside bite.
HunnyBunny Biscuit Co. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Right along Route 66 in Oklahoma City, you’ll find a spot that knows its way around a biscuit: HunnyBunny Biscuit Co. This modern diner-style eatery serves up scratch-made biscuits baked fresh daily and stacked high with all kinds of sweet and savory options. Swing by for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
Del’s Restaurant in Tucumcari, New Mexico
If staying in “Tucumcari Tonite” on your Route 66 road trip, you’re going to need to eat. Del’s Restaurant in Tucumcari, New Mexico has something for everyone, offering a a satisfying lunch or dinner with a nostalgic twist. Just look for the iconic neon sign topped with a cow! Del Akin built Del’s Restaurant in 1956.
Soda Jerks Ice Cream Shop in Santa Monica, California
For a sweet stop at the end of the Mother Road, head to Soda Jerks Ice Cream Shop on the Santa Monica Pier. This retro-style parlor serves up classic frozen treats in one of the Pier’s most historic settings. You’ll find Soda Jerks tucked inside the 1916 Carousel Building, one of the oldest structures in Santa Monica.
Must SeeDairy King in Commerce, Oklahoma
You can’t travel Route 66 without stopping at this vintage service station turned restaurant: Dairy King in Commerce, Oklahoma. Come for the vintage decor and stay for some ice cream and a famous Route 66 cookie. Built into an old cottage-style gas station, the Dairy King location started its life as a Marathon station in 1927.
Ike’s Chili in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ike's Chili in Tulsa, Oklahoma has been serving the same classic chili recipe since 1908. The recipe has passed through four generations unchanged, once counted Will Rogers among its fans, and is best experienced as the famous Three-Way: chili over spaghetti with beans.
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.
