Route 66 is home to many whimsical and historical places, and The Ariston Cafe is one of the best restaurants on the route. Originally established in 1924 by Greek immigrant Pete Adam when Route 66 was Route 4, this old restaurant surrounded by cornfields in the tiny town of Litchfield is truly an icon in Illinois. Make sure to stop by on your next road trip for a classic, old-fashioned dining experience that you’ll still be talking about when you get back home.

For about a century, The Ariston Cafe has been serving American, Southern, Greek, and Italian food to hungry travelers on Route 66.
Anitha Kapu/Google
Pete Adam started this restaurant in 1924 when Route 66 replaced Route 4. In 1936, the restaurant moved to its current location. In 2006, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Management/Ariston Cafe
This restaurant’s classic appearance is a welcome sight to those who frequent it whenever they pass through this area. It holds a special place in the hearts of locals. The front of the restaurant is casual and fun.
Wilma S/TripAdvisor

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There’s a more elegant dining area in the back of the restaurant where diners enjoy excellent steaks, ribeye, seafood, Italian classics, and Southern comfort foods. The restaurant's specialty is the Ariston Pork Tenderloin.
Sardu/TripAdvisor
There are plentiful appetizers to choose from. Why not start with a combination platter of fried cheese sticks, ravioli, and onion rings with a homemade meat sauce?
Lynn M/TripAdvisor
The classic burger is a favorite here, with crinkle-cut fries. Many sandwiches are available, like the French dip, the Ariston turkey club, the reuben, the patty melt, the hot fish sandwich, and several others.
VAREILLES Family/Google
Save some room for the wide array of delicious desserts. Lemon meringue pie, chocolate cake, cherry-topped cheesecake, carrot cake, and many more classic desserts are a sweet ending to a lovely meal in a historic setting.
MrSky51/TripAdvisor

Since 2018, the restaurant has been run by current owners Will and Michelle Law and Marty and Kara Steffens. The Ariston Cafe is open every day except Monday. Occasional weekly specials add even more variety to the menu. While you’re road-tripping along Route 66, be sure to visit some of these bizarre attractions in Illinois.  If you have a favorite spot along this route, let us know in the comments.

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413 Old Rte 66 N, Litchfield, IL 62056, USA