Route 66 isn't just about the road: it's about the places where travelers stopped to eat, sleep, and refuel. From vintage diners serving recipes unchanged since the 1940s to neon-lit motels that welcomed road-weary families, these establishments tell the story of American travel. This guide takes you state by state through the Mother Road's most iconic diners and motels, many still operating with their original charm intact. 

An RV road trip from El Monte RV gives you the freedom to experience these classic stops at your own pace. Park your motorhome at nearby campgrounds, then explore legendary diners for breakfast or photograph vintage neon signs at sunset. RV travel along Route 66 combines the convenience of having your accommodations travel with you while still enjoying the highway's authentic roadside culture. 

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant (Chicago)

Route 66 begins at Lou Mitchell's Restaurant on West Jackson Boulevard. Since 1923, this Chicago institution has fueled travelers with buttermilk pancakes, skillets loaded with hash browns, and coffee strong enough to wake the dead. Servers dispense Milk Duds and donut holes to waiting customers, a tradition that makes breakfast feel like an event rather than just a meal. 

The smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air as servers greet regulars by name. This isn't just breakfast: it's a ritual that marks the beginning of something special. The vintage booths, checkerboard floors, and unchanged menu create an atmosphere that transports visitors back to Route 66's golden age. 

Polk-a-Dot Drive In (Braidwood)

The Polk-a-Dot Drive-In has been serving classic hot dogs, root beer floats, and nostalgia since 1956. The building's distinctive polka-dot design makes it unmistakable from the road. This roadside stand represents authentic drive-in culture, where food is served on trays that hook to car windows. 

Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield)

Springfield's Cozy Dog Drive-In claims fame for inventing America's corn dog in 1946. Ed Waldmire developed the recipe, and his family still runs the restaurant today, serving hot dogs dipped in cornmeal batter and fried golden brown. 

The walls display Route 66 memorabilia collected over decades. Vintage booths provide the perfect spot to enjoy this American classic while surrounded by highway history. The Cozy Dog remains a pilgrimage site for Route 66 enthusiasts and food historians alike. 

RV Parking: Easy parking available for motorhomes and RVs of all sizes. Stay overnight at Springfield KOA Holiday, which offers full hookups just minutes from downtown Route 66 attractions. 

Ariston Cafe (Litchfield)

The Ariston Cafe, operating since 1924, claims the title of Illinois' oldest continuously operating Route 66 restaurant. The cafe has occupied three different locations as the highway's routing changed, moving each time to stay on Route 66: a testament to the owners' commitment to highway culture. 

The neon sign alone justifies the visit, and the homestyle cooking delivers authentic roadside dining. Greek-influenced dishes reflect the owners' heritage, while traditional American fare satisfies travelers seeking familiar comfort food. 

Campgrounds

Missouri's Route 66 corridor offers excellent RV camping options near classic diners and vintage motels. The state maintains more drivable miles of original Route 66 pavement than most others, making it ideal for motorhome travel. 

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis)

St. Louis demands a stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, operating since 1929. The menu's star is the "concrete": frozen custard so thick that servers turn it upside down to prove it won't fall out of the cup. The line often stretches out the door, but it moves quickly, and the creamy, rich custard is worth every minute of waiting. 

This institution defines St. Louis’ food culture. Seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year, but classics like the Dutchman (vanilla custard with Spanish peanuts and hot fudge) remain customer favorites year-round. 

RV Access: Street parking available for Class B and C motorhomes. Larger Class A RVs should consider parking at St. Louis West KOA and using a smaller vehicle for the visit. 

Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba)

Cuba proclaims itself "Route 66 Mural City," and the Wagon Wheel Motel stands as the crown jewel with its magnificent vintage neon sign. The motel still operates, maintaining period authenticity while providing modern comfort. The exterior is worth capturing on camera as the sun sets and the neon glows to life. 

RV Travelers: While staying at the vintage motel isn't RV-friendly, nearby Meramec Valley Campground offers full hookups for motorhomes. Park your RV and drive back to photograph the iconic neon at sunset. 

Missouri Hick BBQ (Cuba)

For authentic Missouri-style barbecue, Missouri Hick BBQ serves pulled pork, ribs, and burnt ends that define regional barbecue culture. The casual atmosphere and generous portions make this a perfect lunch stop while exploring Cuba's murals. 

Devil's Elbow: Elbow Inn BBQ & Blues 

Devil's Elbow sits along the Big Piney River where Route 66 follows a dramatic curve. The Elbow Inn operates in a restored 1929 building, serving BBQ and burgers, with live blues music often filling the air on weekends. The location alone (perched above the river with the old highway curving around) makes this stop memorable. 

Boots Court Motel (Carthage)

Carthage's Boots Court Motel, built in 1939, has been meticulously restored to period authenticity. The Art Moderne architecture and vintage neon represent peak roadside motel design from Route 66's golden age. While maintaining historic character, modern amenities ensure comfortable stays. 

Cars on the Route (Galena)

Though Kansas represents just four miles of Route 66, those miles matter. The Cars on the Route visitor center in Galena pays homage to Pixar's "Cars" movie, which drew inspiration from Route 66 towns like this one. The restored 1950s International Tow Truck served as inspiration for the character Mater. The building features vintage memorabilia and friendly locals eager to share Route 66 stories. 

Oklahoma maintains more original Route 66 pavement than any other state, making it perfect for RV travel. Wide roads and multiple RV-friendly campgrounds make this section particularly enjoyable for motorhome travelers. 

Rock Cafe (Stroud)

Stroud hosts the Rock Cafe, built from creek bed stones in 1939. This authentic diner survived a devastating 2008 fire thanks to tremendous community support, which helped rebuild it. Today, the Rock Cafe serves burgers, chicken-fried steak, and homemade pies in an atmosphere that captures authentic Route 66 diner culture. 

The stone construction gives the building a distinctive character, and the history of community resilience adds emotional depth to every meal served here. 

POPS (Arcadia)

Arcadia delivers contemporary roadside spectacle at POPS. The 66-foot LED soda bottle sculpture changes colors throughout the day and is visible from miles away. Inside, the restaurant and store stock more than 700 varieties of soda from around the world, from classic American brands to exotic imports. 

POPS represents 21st-century roadside Americana: a modern homage to the roadside attractions that made Route 66 famous. The diner serves burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food, along with a massive soda selection. 

RV-Friendly: Large parking lot accommodates RVs and motorhomes of all sizes. This is an easy stop for lunch during your Route 66 RV journey. 

Clanton's Cafe (Vinita)

Clanton's Cafe, operating since 1927, claims to be Oklahoma's oldest continuously operating family restaurant. The cafe serves traditional American diner fare with generous portions and friendly service that makes travelers feel like regulars. 

Sid's Diner (El Reno)

El Reno celebrates the invention of the fried onion burger, and Sid's Diner serves excellent examples of this Oklahoma specialty. During the Great Depression, restaurants stretched meat by adding onions. Now these burgers define regional cuisine with their caramelized onion-beef combination. 

The Texas Panhandle offers wide-open spaces perfect for RV travel. Long stretches of highway with excellent visibility make motorhome driving comfortable and scenic. 

U-Drop Inn Cafe (Shamrock)

The U-Drop Inn in Shamrock represents one of Route 66's most photographed buildings. The Art Deco structure, built in 1936, features distinctive tower architecture that served as a beacon for travelers crossing the Texas Panhandle. Restored to its original glory, the building now operates as a visitor center and occasional event space. 

While the cafe no longer serves food daily, the architecture alone justifies the stop. The building's graceful lines and tower create one of Route 66's most iconic silhouettes. 

Midpoint Cafe (Adrian)

Adrian marks Route 66's exact geographic midpoint. The Midpoint Cafe celebrates this distinction with signs marking "1,139 miles to Chicago" and "1,139 miles to Los Angeles." 

Order the famous "Ugly Crust" pie, homemade with intentionally rustic edges that prioritize flavor over appearance. The cafe serves hearty breakfasts, burgers, and sandwiches in an unpretentious atmosphere that embodies everything Route 66 represents. 

Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo)

Downtown Amarillo's historic Route 66 district features the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the free 72-ounce steak (free only if you can finish it, plus sides, in one hour). Even those not attempting the challenge can enjoy quality steaks in an atmosphere dripping with Texas personality. The restaurant embraces cowboy culture with Western decor and generous portions that define Texas hospitality. 

New Mexico's high desert landscapes provide stunning scenery for RV travelers. The state offers excellent camping facilities near classic Route 66 diners and motels. 

Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari)

Tucumcari earned its nickname as "Neon Capital of Route 66," and the Blue Swallow Motel stands as the crown jewel. The distinctive neon swallow glowing blue against desert nights creates one of Route 66's most photographed signs. 

The motel maintains vintage architecture with modern comfort. Original 1950s details blend with updated amenities, allowing guests to sleep in authentic Route 66 accommodations without sacrificing convenience. The owners embrace the motel's heritage, sharing stories with guests about Tucumcari's heyday when dozens of motels competed for travelers' attention. 

RV Travelers: While the Blue Swallow caters to traditional motel guests, RV travelers can stay at Tucumcari KOA Journey with full hookups. Drive to the motel for evening photography when the neon glows brightest. 

Del's Restaurant (Tucumcari)

For dinner in Tucumcari, Del's Restaurant serves authentic New Mexican cuisine with red and green chile seasoning nearly everything. The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this a local favorite that welcomes Route 66 travelers. 

Route 66 Auto Museum (Santa Rosa)

Santa Rosa's Route 66 Auto Museum displays vintage vehicles and road memorabilia. While primarily a museum, the gift shop and small cafe provide refreshments while exploring exhibits featuring everything from classic cars to antique motorcycles. 

El Pinto (Albuquerque)

In Albuquerque, El Pinto serves outstanding New Mexican cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting. The restaurant specializes in traditional dishes where the official state question ("Red or green?", referring to chile preference) determines your meal's flavor profile. The correct answer is "Christmas" (both red and green chile). 

Arizona's Route 66 takes RV travelers from desert heat to cool mountain forests. The elevation changes require attention to your motorhome's engine performance, but the scenic diversity makes this section unforgettable. 

Wigwam Motel (Holbrook)

Holbrook brings iconic Route 66 kitsch to the Wigwam Motel. Fifteen concrete teepees built in 1950 welcome guests to sleep in vintage accommodations. Each wigwam features rustic furniture and Native American-inspired designs, creating an authentic period experience. 

Even those not staying overnight should stop for photos: the wigwams, especially when lit up at sunset, represent quintessential Route 66 architecture designed to attract motorists through novelty and spectacle. 

RV Camping: Park your motorhome at OK RV Park with full hookups, then walk to the Wigwam Motel for photos and exploration of this Route 66 landmark. 

La Posada Hotel (Winslow)

The La Posada Hotel, designed by Mary Colter for the Fred Harvey Company in 1930, represents one of the Southwest's finest railway hotels. The restored property preserves Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with beautiful gardens, an art gallery, and the excellent Turquoise Room restaurant. 

The Turquoise Room serves regional cuisine with contemporary flair, featuring dishes inspired by Native American, Mexican, and ranching traditions. Dining here provides an upscale counterpoint to roadside diners while maintaining a connection to Route 66's heritage of hospitality. 

Joe & Aggie's Cafe (Holbrook)

For breakfast or lunch in Holbrook, Joe & Aggie's Cafe serves classic diner fare in an authentic atmosphere. The no-frills approach and generous portions appeal to travelers seeking hearty meals without pretension. 

Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In (Seligman)

Seligman represents the spiritual heart of Route 66 preservation. Angel Delgadillo founded the Historic Route 66 Association in 1978, and his family's Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In continues serving burgers with pranks, fake mustard bottles that squirt water, and endless Route 66 attitude. 

The yellow building with quirky decorations embodies the highway's playful spirit. Service comes with jokes, and the casual atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome. This isn't just lunch: it's entertainment and education about what made Route 66 special. 

Oatman Hotel (Oatman)

Oatman clings to the Black Mountains, where wild burros roam Main Street. The Oatman Hotel serves burgers and beer in a building that hosted Clark Gable and Carole Lombard on their honeymoon. The Old West atmosphere, complete with dollar bills covering walls and ceilings (a tradition started decades ago), creates a memorable dining experience. 

On weekends, staged gunfights outside add to the entertainment. The burros wandering through town expect treats from tourists, making Oatman unlike any other Route 66 stop. 

Important RV Note: The road to Oatman features steep grades and hairpin turns. RVs over 30 feet should bypass Oatman via Interstate 40. Class B and smaller Class C motorhomes can navigate the route with careful driving. 

Santa Monica Pier Restaurants

The Santa Monica Pier represents Route 66's official endpoint, extending into the Pacific Ocean. Multiple restaurants line the pier, offering everything from casual fare to upscale dining with ocean views. 

The "End of the Trail" Route 66 sign marks 2,448 miles traveled. Watching the sun set over the Pacific, with the pier's neon lights flickering to life, provides the perfect conclusion to an epic American road trip. 

Best RV Classes for Route 66

Class C Motorhomes provide the optimal balance for Route 66 travel. They're comfortable for extended journeys yet maneuverable enough for small-town streets and vintage diner parking lots. Full kitchens and bathrooms ensure self-sufficiency between stops at classic restaurants. 

Class B Campervans work excellently for couples prioritizing fuel efficiency and easy parking at roadside diners. Their compact size makes navigating tight historic downtown areas stress-free. 

Class A Motorhomes deliver maximum comfort with resort-style amenities, perfect for those who want luxury between diner visits. However, consider size restrictions in towns like Oatman and around some vintage motels with limited parking. 

Explore RV options at El Monte RV Rentals.

Mileage and Generator Use

Monthly RV rentals from El Monte include up to 1,500 miles, with additional mileage available through Travel Extras. The complete Route 66 journey from Chicago to Santa Monica spans 2,448 miles. 

All El Monte RV rentals include unlimited generator use, essential for comfortable overnight camping between diner stops. This allows you to run air conditioning in desert sections and power your RV's amenities at any campground. 

Long-Term RV Rental Benefits

For the complete Route 66 diner and motel experience, consider Long-Term Rental Deals. Extended rentals provide: 

• Better daily rates for two to three-week journeys
• Time to explore every state's diners without rushing
• Flexibility to revisit favorite restaurants
• Opportunity to photograph vintage neon at different times of day

RV-Friendly Campground Tips

Book KOA campgrounds 2-3 months ahead during the summer months, especially near popular Route 66 cities. These campgrounds offer: 

• Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
• Pull-through sites for easy RV parking
• Convenient locations near classic diners
• Dump stations and propane refills

Insurance and Support

All El Monte RV rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance, providing peace of mind during your Route 66 journey. Optional insurance coverage is available through Travel Extras. 

A security deposit is required for all rentals and refunded after your RV is inspected upon return. Basic insurance is not included with long-term rentals but can be added during booking. 

Route 66's classic diners and motels represent more than places to eat and sleep: they're living museums preserving American roadside culture. From Lou Mitchell's opening-day breakfast in Chicago to sunset dinner on Santa Monica Pier, these establishments tell stories of travel, entrepreneurship, and communities that flourished along America's Main Street. 

Many remain family-operated, passing traditions through generations. The neon signs, vintage architecture, and unchanged recipes create tangible connections to Route 66's golden age when families loaded station wagons and headed west seeking adventure. 

Traveling Route 66 in an RV from El Monte RV combines the best of both worlds. Park your motorhome at comfortable campgrounds with full hookups, then explore legendary diners and photograph vintage motels at your own pace. The freedom to stop whenever hunger strikes or a neon sign catches your eye makes RV travel perfect for experiencing authentic Route 66 culture. 

Your motorhome becomes your mobile base camp, allowing you to wake early for sunrise photos at vintage motels, enjoy leisurely breakfasts at classic diners, and park overnight near tomorrow's adventures. Check current promotions at Rental Deals and start planning your Route 66 RV journey through American roadside history. 

The Mother Road awaits, the diners are still serving breakfast, and your RV adventure starts here.