Illinois (Part 1)
You will probably notice some of the next places listed here won’t exactly be in order in your drive from downtown Chicago. Once we get past this area, they will mostly have some sense of order to them, as you make your way south of Joliet. Don’t let that slow you down. One place you won’t find listed is The Launching Pad, in Wilmington, Illinois. Unfortunately, this place was permanently closed about a year ago, or so. It was home to one of several muffler men that dotted the landscape. With that in mind, let’s continue on our journey along the Mother Road. Keep in mind, some restaurants may only be open seasonally (closed during winter months). Prices and hours will vary.
Also, information listed is accurate at the time of publishing. I will update listings when needed.
Lou Mitchell’s
65 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL
312-939-3111
(American food, breakfast & more)
(Iconic diner open since 1923)
Wolf’s Head Inn
6937 Joliet Rd
Indian Head Park, IL
708-246-0400
(American Food)
Henry’s Drive-In
6031 Ogden Ave
Cicero, IL
708-656-9344
(Hot dogs & more)
Novi’s Beef
6746 Ogden Ave
Berwyn, IL
708-749-0895
(Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs,
and more)
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket
645 Joliet Rd
Willowbrook, IL
630-325-0780
(Iconic Route 66 restaurant)
Rich & Creamy
920 N Broadway St (Route 66)
Joliet, IL
815-740-2899
(Iconic ice cream stand)
Nelly’s
140 Bridge St
Wilmington, IL
815-476-9590
(American food)
Wilmington House Restaurant
210 Bridge St
Wilmington, IL
815-476-2426
Braidwood Motel
120 N Washington St
Braidwood, IL
815-458-2321
Polk-A-Dot Drive In
222 N Front St
Braidwood, IL
815-458-3377
(American Food)
Old Route 66 Family Restaurant
105 S Old Route 66
Dwight, IL
815-584-2920
(American Food)