The best budget eats along Route 66

What is it? Every good weekend, every big day, and every good road trip starts with one thing: a hearty breakfast. Located mere steps from the original Route 66 eastern terminus in Chicago, the family-run Lou Mitchell’s Diner has been a Mother Road institution slinging homemade breakfast and lunch dishes since 1923, with a hefty side of hospitality. Like every quintessential diner, pancakes, omelets, and “the finest coffee” grace the menu, but their giant, fluffy omelets, ordered “hobo style” with hash browns mixed in the skillet, steal the show.

Why we love it: Generous portions for a price point that gives a solid bang for your buck. Oh, and their complimentary donut holes, which replaced their long-standing tradition of doling out Milk Duds (originally manufactured in Chicago) to women and children (sorry, guys). Since it doesn’t get more budget than complimentary, we’re definitely not mad about it.

Time Out tip: Rye bread aficionados should try their homemade toast. During peak meal times, expect a bit of a wait, but it typically goes quickly, so long as your entire party is present in line.

Address: 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 6am–2pm; Sat, Sun 7am–2pm

What is it? If your cruising craving involves corndogs, add the late 1940s-era Cozy Dog Drive In to your list of snack stops. The low-key family-operated and owned drive-in is host to a slew of Route 66 memorabilia, as well as the birthplace of the “original” battered-then-fried hot dog on a stick, named the ‘Cozy Dog.’ Quick and affordable comfort food is the name of the game here, and if you’re not a fan of hot dogs, don’t worry—they have everything from burgers to chicken tendies, and they even do breakfast.

Why we love it: Go for the old school vibe, stay for the homemade chili, hand-spun milkshakes, and delicious fries. Outside of the family baskets, nothing on their menu is more than $9. While enjoying your grub, you’ll get a healthy dose of Mother Road history just by stepping inside as well.

Time Out tip: You’ll snag a 3-percent discount if you pay with cash.

Address: 2935 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am–8pm

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What is it? Part gas station, part general store, part pizza shop: Casey’s General Store is a Route 66 trifecta, providing almost anything your road trip needs. A Midwest chain and staple, they’re famous for hot and fresh pizza that hits the spot, perfect for eating on the go. Hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and sides are available as well, but their breakfast pizza has a cult following. 

Why we love it: Join Casey’s savory breakfast pizza cult—because both breakfast and pizza are appropriate at any time of day, it’s a match made in heaven (or Missouri, in this case). 

Time Out tip: You can usually find a coupon online, so why get one pizza when you can get two?

Address: 1106 Historic 66 E, Waynesville, MO 65583

Opening hours: Daily 5am–10pm

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What is it? At a touch over 13 miles long, Kansas might have the shortest stretch of Route 66, but it doesn’t lack in budget eats. Nelson's Old Riverton Store is a blast from the past; an old-fashioned grocery store and deli, and an institution in the Sunflower State since 1925. This 101-year-old gem is touted to have the best deli sandwiches around. There aren’t many places where you can get a great lunch for less than $10, but this is one of them.

Why we love it: It’s bursting with nostalgic charm, has all the essentials and Route 66 souvenirs you might need, and the homemade pie will have you planning a second road trip through the area. Grab a root beer to wash your freshly crafted sandwich down at one of their outdoor tables, and some candy for the road, because treat-yo-self. 

Time Out tip: The sandwiches are custom-made, so go crazy and create your own meat combo; one of everything, please? 

Address: 7109 KS-66, Riverton, KS 66770

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8:30am–8pm; Sun noon–6pm

What is it? Located on the eastern outskirts of Tulsa, the Mother Road Market is a crowd-pleaser. This food hall-style eatery is home to an array of local culinary vendors and artisan gift shop booths, making it a one-stop shop and a favorite of both the community and visiting tourists. Got an extra $5? Grab a club and play their new 9-hole Route 66-themed mini-golf course, aptly named ‘Putt 66.’

Why we love it: So many cuisines, so little time. With everything from tacos and Afrikan dishes to sushi and burgers, you can eat your way around the world in this Tulsa hot spot. Top it all off with something sweet from small-batch Big Dipper Creamery, like their irresistible honeycomb lavender. Don’t skip a stop at Doctor Kustom (they also have a brick-and-mortar restaurant next door to the market) for authentic Brazilian food. It’s worth planning the Tulsa leg of your trip around their famed Picanha sandwich, which is only available on Thursdays. Get it while it’s hot!

Time Out tip: If you have a little extra time or plan to stay overnight in the Tulsa area, plan to catch sunset and some of the market’s scheduled live music performances on their comfy back patio.

Address: 1124 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am–9pm 

What is it? The Golden Light Cafe and Cantina is said to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant on the Mother Road, and a must-stop for their burgers, fries, and live music. Their griddle has been grilling burgers since 1949. The hole-in-the-wall atmosphere of the cafe adds to its charm, drawing many of the same repeat customers from the very beginning. Their Cantina was added in 1996 and has become the top music venue in the area, with a robust event schedule.

Why we love it: There’s only one burger on the menu that’s over $10. You’ll leave full thanks to their big portions, and with money still in your pocket, thanks to the prices. Their chili is a whole thing, so it’s worth trying in some form, whether on top of their ‘Flagstaff Pie’ (frito pie) or atop your burger patty. 

Time Out tip: Their small order of fries is big enough to feed two. 

Address: 2906 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10 pm

What is it? At the exact middle of Route 66, the MidPoint Cafe and gift shop is sandwiched between 1139 miles of the Mother Road on each end. Situated in the small town of Adrian, about 50 miles west of Amarillo, this budget-friendly joint is known for its retro vibes, near-perfect burgers, and insanely delicious pies, lovingly referred to as “ugly crust pies.”

Why we love it: Their blueberry banana pie is life-changing, but first, order like a local and get their loaded hash browns with green chilis for breakfast or their Route 66 Burger for lunch.

Time Out tip: It’s only open March 1st through October 1st, so plan accordingly. If you’re extra hungry, consider participating in their MidPoint Burger Challenge: you must devour a 1lb burger, chips, potato salad, and cobbler in 30 minutes or less.

Address: 305 Historic Rte 66, Adrian, TX 79001

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 8am–4pm

What is it? Albuquerque’s retro 66 Diner’s moniker is a nod to its location smack dab on the Mother Road. It’s been serving affordable comfort food since 1987, but in its previous life, the property was a gas and service station. Dine back in time (specifically the '50s) with servers in period attire, neon signs, a legitimate soda fountain, and a functioning jukebox. You’ll find everything from breakfast burritos and burgers to frito pie, chicken-fried steak, and award-winning milkshakes on the menu. 

Why we love it: For a New Mexico-style breakfast, try the ‘Pile Up,’ their trademark mound of fried potatoes, bacon or sausage, green chile, cheddar cheese, two eggs your way, and finally blanketed in red or green chile sauce. Their milkshake menu is extensive; don’t leave without one. The Pink Cadillac is beloved; strawberry ice cream and Oreos hit the spot every time.

Time Out tip: They sell pie by the slice; grab one for the road and enjoy a little pick-me-up later on.

Address: ​​1405 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm

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What is it? A little over an hour west of Flagstaff, Highway Hotdog in Seligman has a menu of dazzling dogs, all dressed up in a variety of ways. This roadside stop is the perfect place to sample the Arizona-famous Sonoran hot dog: a bacon-wrapped delight, topped with mustard, pinto beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, shredded cheese, and mexi crema, tucked into a bolillo bun. One thing’s a promise: they’ll serve your hot dog “your way or the highway.”

Why we love it: You can get everything from a classic hot dog to their special Route 66 dog (topped with house-made chili meat sauce, cheese, and diced onions, nestled on a toasted bun), or one of their extra-long, super creative specialty dogs

Time Out tip: Save your Road Rage for the Highway Hotdog and order it off the specialty menu: a footlong hot dog is adorned with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, crispy onions, coleslaw, and topped with some of their irresistible house ranch dressing. 

Address: 22395 W Old Hwy 66, Seligman, AZ 86337

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10am–5pm

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What is it? Andy’s Coffee Shop is a no-frills breakfast and lunch counter on the stretch of Route 66 through Pasadena. The budget-friendly spot has been dishing out classic diner meals for more than 80 years. Despite serving as the background setting for various movie scenes, it remains a humble and reliable staple in the community, with a mix of American and Mexican menu items.

Why we love it: Breakfast is served all day, with all the regular items as well as specialty Mexican fare, such as Huevos a la Mexicana and the Chilaquiles Breakfast Plate. Afterward, indulge in a classic root beer float, their “brown cow,” for a sip of nostalgia.

Time Out tip: Get there before 9 am on the weekend, if possible, and you’ll avoid waiting. 

Address: 1234 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 7am–2pm;  Mon 8am–2pm

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What is it? If you have room for one more juicy burger at the end of the road, head to Pier Burger on the Santa Monica Pier after snapping a photo with the iconic ‘End of the Trail’ sign. This vintage-looking, counter-style stand serves breakfast in addition to its namesake, with burgers, dogs, and fries, as well as frozen custard made with real Wisconsin Dairy. 

Why we love it: Burgers taste better by the ocean. Grab one to watch the sunset over the Pacific. If you’re over burgers or hot dogs, they also have a crispy chicken or fish sandwich option. 

Time Out tip: Don’t forget the frozen custard; if you like it super thick, order one of their signature ‘Concretes’ like the Banana Berry or Route 66. 

Address: 330 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Opening hours: Daily 8am–10pm