What are the top 10 restaurants of Route 66?

Metro Diner, Tulsa

A few months ago, we engaged in a reader poll that asked the seemingly simple, but surprisingly complicated question: “What are the top 10 icons of Route 66?”

Many readers enjoyed filling out the poll, as it brought back memories of Route 66 trips. A few agonized over their choices because it proved difficult to vote for just 10. The post — and the reveal of the final 20 — proved to be one of the most popular posts of Route 66 News. More than 28,000 votes were cast.

I’ll be on vacation for about 10 days, so posting on Route 66 News might be spotty. To keep you busy in the meantime, I’ve set up another poll — one that asks readers to choose the top 10 restaurants of Route 66.

This time, the poll is set up so you can vote once a week, so choose carefully. The poll will be open through April 24.

Here are the criteria that I set up for the list:

The restaurant must be open and operating. That includes the Metro Diner of Tulsa shown above, torn down years ago (which I used to not influence the poll). Sentimental choices need not apply.

It must be on Route 66 or have a history with it. The vast majority of restaurants listed are on Route 66, but I slightly expanded the list for a prominent one that began on Route 66 and continues to tout its roots, even after it moved to the interstate.

It doesn’t have to be five-star food. A few restaurants on the list may be considered among the best in America. However, high-quality food shouldn’t the only criteria. If you favor a Route 66 restaurant that offers a heaping helping of atmosphere, history, character and good service, by all means vote for it.

It must have a decent chance to win. As with the last poll, a few voters might be irritated their favorites were left off. If there is an obvious contender overlooked, you can suggest it in the poll. But keep in mind that none of the reader-suggested ones in the icons poll came close to being in the top 20.

Share this poll with your friends. You can vote until midnight Central time April 23. After that, I’ll close the poll and announce the winners within a few days.

(Image of the now-gone Metro Diner in Tulsa in 2006 by Tom Baddley via Flickr)

3 thoughts on “What are the top 10 restaurants of Route 66?

  1. This is a very interesting poll. I understand that the poll is for entertainment only and is unscientific, so I won’t criticize, especially since I didn’t vote. My only 2c is that I wouldn’t put restaurants like the Ariston, the Turquoise Room, or Rod’s Steakhouse in the same category as a fast-food diner or any eatery that concentrates so heavily on one specialty item like a chili or ice cream parlor.

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