Want a taste of Americana on your Centennial Route 66 road trip? These fan-favorite restaurants have been must-stop destinations for decades of foodies traveling along The Mother Road. Pay a visit to these iconic Midwest eateries sample some of the dishes that have earned them spots on countless road trip itineraries.
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket
645 Joliet Road (I-55 & Route 83), Willowbrook
Fans of fried chicken have been loyally returning to Willowbrook’s classic Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket since its doors were first opened to Route 66 travelers in the early 1940s. This celebrity of American roadside dining, part of the Route 66 Hall of Fame, has been serving up chicken, cocktails and farmhouse recipes in a traditional supper club atmosphere for more than 60 years. Originally founded as a service station and restaurant combination, the Chicken Basket’s popularity grew right alongside the Mother Road.
Today, you still can savor the original taste of the renowned fried and roasted chicken, made just like it was during the heyday of Route 66. On the menu, you’ll find other home-style classics such as corn fritters, baby back ribs, homemade mashed potatoes and an all-you-can-eat salad bar. Don’t miss the authentic throwback restaurant, decorated with a charming country-inspired interior, conveniently located only 25 minutes from the heart of downtown Chicago.
White Fence Farm
1376 Joliet Road, Romeoville
Just look for the water tower with the giant “WWF,” and you’ll know you’re at White Fence Farm in Romeoville, one of the early famous dining establishments along Route 66. Celebrating more than 65 years in business, this actual farm has been serving up, as they say, “The World’s Greatest Chicken” to several generations of hungry travelers. Drawing fried chicken fans from around the nation is the restaurant’s renowned twice-cooked process, which involves baking and frying chicken to produce a distinctly thin yet crispy crust. In keeping with the authentic farm theme, every meal includes a selection of sides that have become as famous as the chicken: coleslaw, cottage cheese, bean salad, pickled beets and mashed, baked or French-fried potatoes.
Built by multimillionaire coal executive Stuyvesant Peabody in the 1920s, so he could entertain his Chicago friends in a country setting, the building has grown to 11 dining rooms and can seat more than 1,200 hungry chicken eaters at a time. Kids of all ages will be entertained by White Fence Farm’s on-site petting zoo, as well as the restaurant’s Car and Antique Museum. Be sure to commemorate your fried chicken road trip by snapping a picture with the larger-than-life chicken mascot near the main doors.
Follow White Fence Farm on Facebook to see their recent WGN Spotlight Chicago segment.
Merichka’s
604 Theodore St., Crest Hill
Crest Hill’s own Merichka’s has been serving their iconic po’boy sandwich to Route 66 travelers since 1933. The family-owned and operated eatery takes great pride in using Choice USDA and quality hand-cut meats. The interior of the quintessential supper club boasts classic wood paneling, red-checkered tablecloths and a generously sized bar, where you can order a libation or two before your meal.
Menu items include great steaks and chops, as well as an extensive seafood selection. The fan-favorite Garlic Butterine can be added to just about everything on the menu, enhancing the flavor of almost any classic dish. Stop in and try some unexpected and exciting fried chicken at this icon of Old Route 66.
