Illinois Tourism put together this delectable video of the Soda Fountain Trail, including Doc's Soda Fountain near Route 66 in Girard, Ill.: https://youtu.be/FDJ1K_5Dw3w More about the Soda Fountain Trail can be found here.
Category: Restaurants
Cleanup day for The Mill is Wednesday afternoon
The Route 66 Heritage Foundation is planning a cleanup day for The Mill restaurant site at 738 S. Washington (Route 66) in Lincoln, Ill., from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Geoff Ladd, chairman of the foundation, says tours also will be available of the long-closed but much-improved restaurant, which nearly faced the wrecking ball several … Continue reading Cleanup day for The Mill is Wednesday afternoon
Nick’s Crossroads Cafe in Albuquerque closes
Nick's Crossroads Cafe, located on two alignments of Route 66 in downtown Albuquerque, closed Friday because its owner wanted to devote more time taking care of his ailing mother, reported KOB-TV. For thirty years the busy little café has specialized in the three basic food groups for hungry downtown workers: Greek, American, Mexican. Owner Nick … Continue reading Nick’s Crossroads Cafe in Albuquerque closes
Restaurant opens inside Campbell Hotel
The historic Campbell Hotel, formerly the Casa Loma Hotel along 11th Street (aka Route 66) in Tulsa, this week opened Maxxwell's restaurant on the west end of its block-long building. Just a few short months ago. that wing of the hotel was little more than a hollowed out shell where a few antique cars were … Continue reading Restaurant opens inside Campbell Hotel
“Genuine Route 66 Life” video series launched
This has been in the works for a while. But on Monday, Denver-based photographer KC Keefer launched his "Genuine Route 66 Life" channel on YouTube. The channel is subtitled "American Stories from the Route," and this is what the series is about: "Genuine Route 66 Life" is a celebration of people from around the world … Continue reading “Genuine Route 66 Life” video series launched
Last day for Irv’s Burgers is Oct. 30
The last day of operation for Irv's Burgers at its historic Route 66 site in West Hollywood, Calif., will be Oct. 30, according to a person close to the situation. Dave White wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday night: They are officially closing their doors on October 30. That's the last day. The lawyers … Continue reading Last day for Irv’s Burgers is Oct. 30
Will Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket supplant the Launching Pad?
Here's an interesting rumor that started the morning. A part of the report by WJOL radio in Will County, Ill.: The possibility calls for a new Dell Rhea's Chicken to go where the cuurrnt Launching Pad restaurant is located. The only sidetrack for some Route 66 lovers is the possibilty that the big green Gemini … Continue reading Will Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket supplant the Launching Pad?
A western Missouri side trip
Those who are traveling Route 66 in western Missouri between Springfield and Carthage may want to consider a side trip, according to longtime roadie Tonya Pike. Pike emailed me about the Hangar Kafe, which opened in May in rural Miller, Mo., near the Route 66 hamlets of Avilla and Spencer. I'll let her explain: It … Continue reading A western Missouri side trip
Whirl-A-Whip reopens with new owners
The historic Whirl-A-Whip restaurant near an old alignment of Route 66 in Girard, Ill., reopened under new ownership after a two-year hiatus, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Brent and Anita Barnes recently reopened the walk-up stand. It first opened in 1957. It's the special ice-cream maker that gives the restaurant its name: It still uses … Continue reading Whirl-A-Whip reopens with new owners
A visit to Louie’s Drive-In
Here's a video by the Springfield News-Leader about Louie's Drive-In (formerly Vaughn's Drive-In), which has served West Division Street in Springfield, Mo., since 1966: And this is the restaurant's specialty: One of the drive-in’s specialties is the Hillbilly Sandwich, a deep-fried beef tenderloin topped with the secret sauce. “That sandwich was floating around different places,” … Continue reading A visit to Louie’s Drive-In