- Attraction: Old Route 66 Family Restaurant
- Location: 105 S Old Route 66, Dwight, IL 60420
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://route66restaurant.com/
Say you’re cruising down the legendary Route 66 when suddenly your GPS announces you’ve arrived somewhere that feels like stepping into a time capsule filled with the aroma of fresh-baked biscuits and sizzling broasted chicken.
Old Route 66 Family Restaurant has been serving travelers and locals alike since 2001, transforming what could have been just another roadside stop into a destination that captures the essence of America’s Mother Road.
This family-owned establishment proudly carries recipes passed down through three generations, creating an authentic dining experience that makes strangers feel like family and keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Ranked #1 of 11 restaurants in Dwight on TripAdvisor with a 4.4 rating, this isn’t just another truck stop—it’s a lovingly crafted tribute to Route 66 culture where the family business spans four generations and was voted the number one restaurant in Illinois Country Magazine in 2017.
Located conveniently right off I-55 Exit 217, you’ll find this gem impossible to miss with its eye-catching exterior murals that practically beg you to pull over and explore.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights That Keep People Coming Back
The Famous Broasted Chicken: This isn’t your typical fried chicken. You’ll discover that broasted chicken creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the meat impossibly juicy inside.
Multiple visitors rave about how delicious the broasted chicken tastes, and broasted chicken is something that not every restaurant has, making this a truly special treat. You can order it by the piece or take advantage of their famous chicken bucket deals that feed the whole family.
Homemade Meatloaf That Beats Mom’s: Their homemade meatloaf features recipes that have been passed down through three generations, and you’ll taste the difference that comes from decades of perfecting the blend of seasonings and cooking techniques.
Served with rich gravy and your choice of sides, this comfort food classic consistently gets mentioned in glowing reviews as a must-try item.
Those Legendary Biscuits & Gravy: People make the trip from rural Kankakee just for their biscuits & gravy, calling them the best they’ve ever had in a restaurant. You’ll find fluffy, from-scratch biscuits smothered in creamy, perfectly seasoned sausage gravy that sets the gold standard for this breakfast staple.
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Discover MoreCorn Nuggets That Wow: Visitors consistently mention the corn nuggets as awesome, describing them as an unexpected delight. These crispy, golden bites of sweet corn goodness make for the perfect appetizer or side dish that you won’t find at most restaurants.
Generous Portions That Satisfy: You’ll need to bring your appetite because portions are BIG and better than homemade. Whether you order the huge taco salad or any of their hearty dinner entrees, you’ll leave feeling completely satisfied and probably with a takeout container for later.
Three-Generation Family Recipes: The menu includes broasted chicken, meatloaf, seasoned hand-cut meats, burgers, tenderloins, and much more, all featuring recipes passed down through three generations. You’ll taste the authenticity in every bite, from their perfectly seasoned steaks to their comforting chicken and rice soup that guests describe as the best they’ve ever had.
Atmosphere & Décor That Captures Route 66 Magic
Route 66 Memorabilia Everywhere: The restaurant combines just the right blend of historic Route 66 memorabilia and merchandise, creating an immersive experience that transports you back to the golden age of American road trips. The decor features retro styling with Route 66 murals covering the walls, making every meal feel like part of a nostalgic journey.
Eye-Catching Exterior: The whole side of the building is painted with murals, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop that draws travelers in from the highway. You’ll immediately know you’ve found something special when you see this colorful tribute to America’s most famous highway.
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Keep Exploring →Welcoming Family Atmosphere: The restaurant creates a homey atmosphere where you feel right at home, and visitors come as strangers and leave as friends. The spacious dining room accommodates everyone from solo travelers to large tour groups, making it perfect for any size gathering.
Clean and Accessible: The diner is large, very clean with helpful and welcoming staff, and offers accessible parking and wheelchair accessibility. You’ll find well-maintained facilities that reflect the pride this family takes in their establishment.
Other Considerations For Your Visit
Exceptional Value: You’ll discover that the pricing reflects excellent value for the quality and portion sizes you receive. Dinner entrees like homemade meatloaf, broasted chicken, and breaded pork tenderloin range around $10.99-$12.99, which represents fantastic value considering the generous portions and three-generation recipes you’re getting.
All-Day Dining Options: Open seven days a week from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on weekends), you can satisfy your cravings whether you want a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch, or comforting dinner. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus kids’ menu, dine-in, carryout, curbside pick-up, and catering.
Perfect Road Trip Stop: Conveniently located right off I-55 Exit 217, next door to NAPA, this makes for an ideal break during long drives. You’ll find ample parking and easy highway access that doesn’t require navigating through town to find.
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Discover MoreFamily-Friendly Environment: This truly functions as a family restaurant, welcoming guests of all ages with high chairs available and a kids’ menu. You’ll appreciate how comfortable families feel here, making it perfect for multi-generational road trips.
No Reservations Needed: You can simply walk in and expect prompt seating in most cases. Service is fast and friendly, so even during busy periods, you won’t wait long to enjoy your meal.
Old Route 66 Family Restaurant
📍 105 S Old Route 66, Dwight, IL 60420
