Where to Eat on Route 66: Illinois (Food Guide)

Looking for where to eat on Route 66? Start in Chicago, Illinois, the road's official starting point, and the first stop on a journey celebrating its 100th anniversary. This episode is all about the best eats found in Illinois: pancakes and donut holes at the classic Chicago diner Lou Mitchell's, a chicken basket (and unforgettable mac and cheese) at Dell Rhea's in Willowbrook, the legendary Cozy Dog on its home turf in Springfield, and a horseshoe sandwich fit for royalty at The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield. Along the way, food critic Jason "J" Lee moves away from fine dining and turns toward diners, drive-thrus, and roadside stands, uncovering the food spots locals actually love! Proof that some of the best food in America isn't on a white tablecloth, it's on the side of the highway. Welcome, to 66 plates. Along the Route in Illinois: 1. Lou Mitchell's - 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, ILPancakes, waffle with bacon, apple skillet, donut holes. 2. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket - 645 Joliet Rd, Willowbrook, ILCorn fritters, chicken basket, mac and cheese. 3. Cozy Dog Drive In - 2935 S 6th St, Springfield, ILClassic Cozy Dog, Chili Dog with white cheese sauce and onions. 4. The Ariston Cafe - 413 Old Rte 66 N, Litchfield, ILHorseshoe sandwich, fried pork, prime rib, whipped cheesecake. About 66 Plates: Eight states. Eight days. 2,448 miles of open road. To celebrate Route 66's 100th birthday, food critic Jason "J" Lee is trading fine dining for diner food, drive-thrus, and roadside stands, eating his way through 66 plates from Chicago to LA on this food travel show like no other. Along the Mother Road, he uncovers hidden food spots, meets the characters who keep America's Main Street running, and finds out that some of the best food in America isn't on a white tablecloth, it's on the side of the highway.