When you're cruisin' down Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, and hunger strikes, take the time to check out one of the oldest American restaurants on the legendary highway. The Ariston Cafe opened its doors in 1924 and is one of the oldest continually-operational Route 66 restaurants still going today.
Here, we offer a range of food including American, Southern, Italian, and Greek fare along with a fully-stocked bar in a clean, comfortable environment you're sure to enjoy. Our goal is to always provide top notch food and service. The Ariston Cafe was founded by Pete Adam, a Greek immigrant, in Carlinville, Illinois in 1924.
Here, we offer a range of food including American, Southern, Italian, and Greek fare along with a fully-stocked bar in a clean, comfortable environment you're sure to enjoy. Our goal is to always provide top notch food and service. The Ariston Cafe was founded by Pete Adam, a Greek immigrant, in Carlinville, Illinois in 1924.
Services
The Ariston Cafe is a near-century-old piece of history that technically predates Route 66 as it was built on the road's predecessor, Route 4. We were established in 1924 and moved to Route 66 in 1935, less than 10 years after the highway opened. We're proud to call Litchfield, Illinois, our home, and to share in the rich history of one of the most famous stretches of asphalt in the country.
Reviews (29)
Some Furry
Jan 03, 2022
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Anonymous Review
Jan 01, 2022
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FYI: this was a few months ago, realized I forgot to post it lol
***gave two stars over one solely because our waitress was super sweet and polite
My mom and I were on a break after a long photoshoot (we live over 2 hours away) and decided to give this place a try since it had a 4.5 star rating. We were greeted by what looked to be a manager/owner who was polite and sat us before our waitress came to welcome us shortly after. The polite staff are the only reason I’m giving this place 2 stars, because it would’ve been 1 if I was solely grading the food. I ordered the Sierra chicken sandwich
***gave two stars over one solely because our waitress was super sweet and polite
My mom and I were on a break after a long photoshoot (we live over 2 hours away) and decided to give this place a try since it had a 4.5 star rating. We were greeted by what looked to be a manager/owner who was polite and sat us before our waitress came to welcome us shortly after. The polite staff are the only reason I’m giving this place 2 stars, because it would’ve been 1 if I was solely grading the food. I ordered the Sierra chicken sandwich
The Phoenix
Dec 25, 2021
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Roni Mohan
Dec 13, 2021
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Nessa Farr
Nov 30, 2021
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Chris W.
Nov 27, 2021
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Lisa G.
Nov 11, 2021
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David W.
Oct 10, 2021
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This is a delightful old fashion diner on historic Route 66. We ate here the first time when someone gave my wife a gift certificate The greeter was very welcoming, the staff kind and efficient, the food delicious, the coffee particularly good. What could make it better? Nothing. It was simply wonderful! Enjoy the decor and think about all the travelers that have stopped here before you. It's the finest dining along Route 66 you will find between Springfield and St Louis.
Curious ThePanda
Sep 20, 2021
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PLEASE BEFORE YOU EAT HERE: Just look at the pictures of the food here everything looks so mushy and unappetizing. I can tell you no matter what these potatoes who are reviewing say about it, It tastes as good as it looks.
Atmosphere is confusing most definitely is NOT a cafe. It is more of a family ran fancy restaurant with dreary lighting to where you can barely get a good look at your food. I ordered a regular burger medium and I got a reheated bland and greasy burger with a black bun. My partner got a sad unrolled poor excuse for manicotti served along side two walmart brand bread frisbees
Atmosphere is confusing most definitely is NOT a cafe. It is more of a family ran fancy restaurant with dreary lighting to where you can barely get a good look at your food. I ordered a regular burger medium and I got a reheated bland and greasy burger with a black bun. My partner got a sad unrolled poor excuse for manicotti served along side two walmart brand bread frisbees
J. B. Farrell
Aug 23, 2021
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Old school restaurant on route 66... I had the all you can eat fried chicken, it was decent, although I think I would try other dishes. The roast beef on the kids menu was a highlight for my 7 year old.
My wife had the chicken livers while maybe a little under seasoned, they were fresh and not overcooked. She was satisfied.
Older kids split the steak sandwich, well prepared perfectly cooked highly recommend.
It also has an old school salad and soup bar, I really enjoyed the crab salad they had.
Definitely a place I would return too.
My wife had the chicken livers while maybe a little under seasoned, they were fresh and not overcooked. She was satisfied.
Older kids split the steak sandwich, well prepared perfectly cooked highly recommend.
It also has an old school salad and soup bar, I really enjoyed the crab salad they had.
Definitely a place I would return too.
Matthew Rodgers
Aug 11, 2021
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Steven Trankler
Aug 11, 2021
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Steven M.
Jul 04, 2021
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Great place to stop and visit. We were originally visiting Carlinville and had a great time taking in it's rich history. Then it was a short drive to Litchfield to go and have lunch at this cafe.
The waitstaff is extremely nice and well dressed with their black slacks, white button down shirts and black ties.
My wife and I both ordered the pork tenderloin sandwhich. I had fries, my wife had the homemade chips. Everything was well prepared, everything was good.
After we ate the waitress brought around the dessert tray. We opted for the baklava cheesecake. OMGoodness! This thing was amazing
The waitstaff is extremely nice and well dressed with their black slacks, white button down shirts and black ties.
My wife and I both ordered the pork tenderloin sandwhich. I had fries, my wife had the homemade chips. Everything was well prepared, everything was good.
After we ate the waitress brought around the dessert tray. We opted for the baklava cheesecake. OMGoodness! This thing was amazing
Rick Noll
Jun 16, 2021
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This is the Blue Hair Cafe. The average age was about 65 or oldery. This is the quintessential Route 66 type diner.
It has an average salad bar. The menu has number of traditional items but there are some interesting menu choices. My wife had one deep fried Portobello Slices with a side Salad. I ordered fried Chicken wings and a cup of Chili. She came back to inform me they were out of Chicken wings. I then ordered the Fish Sandwich but they were out of that also. I decided on a bowl of Chili. It was OK.
It has an average salad bar. The menu has number of traditional items but there are some interesting menu choices. My wife had one deep fried Portobello Slices with a side Salad. I ordered fried Chicken wings and a cup of Chili. She came back to inform me they were out of Chicken wings. I then ordered the Fish Sandwich but they were out of that also. I decided on a bowl of Chili. It was OK.
Cliff L.
Jun 14, 2021
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I mean, this place is what it is. Love the history of this place, and I have a soft spot in my heart for classic American family restaurant food like this. Reminded me of Bill Knapp's, which I miss.
I had the Greek salad with chicken. Pretty bad, which I why my score is lower. Could be other food was better. The salad was over dressed, and had little Greek influence. Like 3 Kalamata olives, a little feta and then sprinkle some dry oregano over it. My son had the kid's spaghetti. It was pretty standard.
We had the desserts, which seem to be a specialty of the house. Honestly, I&apos
I had the Greek salad with chicken. Pretty bad, which I why my score is lower. Could be other food was better. The salad was over dressed, and had little Greek influence. Like 3 Kalamata olives, a little feta and then sprinkle some dry oregano over it. My son had the kid's spaghetti. It was pretty standard.
We had the desserts, which seem to be a specialty of the house. Honestly, I&apos
Deborah C.
May 16, 2021
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Samala S.
Apr 28, 2021
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Andy F.
Jan 23, 2021
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Tabbetha F.
Dec 05, 2020
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Oh, I just love this little place! My favorite place to eat when passing through Litchfield. Great salad bar and friendly staff. It has a nice homeish feeling with delicious food. Fried chicken, steak, salad, soup, catfish, fried mushrooms, chicken nuggets, french fries, so much yummy. Also, it's child friendly. By that, I do not mean it is wild; I mean that I feel like the primary clientele/staff has or had children, and they are accommodating and accepting. :)
Laurie S.
Nov 13, 2020
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Very impressed with this historic cafe in quaint Litchfield, IL, especially during Covid. They take all the precautions necessary to keep a safe dining environment.
Waitress was fabulous, really enjoyed her! The food was delicious and the amazing desserts definitely pass the sweet tooth check! Wish I would've taken photos.
Next time I go visit Litchfield, IL I will definitely go back to eat there!
Waitress was fabulous, really enjoyed her! The food was delicious and the amazing desserts definitely pass the sweet tooth check! Wish I would've taken photos.
Next time I go visit Litchfield, IL I will definitely go back to eat there!
John T.
Nov 09, 2020
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During our previous trip down Route 66, we were in Lichtfield on a Monday, so we couldn't eat at Ariston Cafe. This trip, we were able to enjoy it. A VERY COOL PLACE. It is immaculately clean, and practiced all social distancing, masking and other COVID 19 measures. The restaraunt looks meticulously maintained: the fixtures, woodwork, booths, and tables all look like original 1930's Route 66 pieces, but maintained VERY WELL. Each boot also has an old-time light fixture. The food is VERY GOOD, better than the typical Greek restaraunt fare. When I mentioned to the waitress that we&apos
Heath J.
Sep 04, 2020
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Simply incredible! We stopped in off the Interstate and didn't even realize it was off Route 66 and found this land mark location. The food was incredible. I highly recommend the prime rib sandwich! The service was excellent. Our server was Ashely, she was very friendly and prompt. Also extremely reasonable pricing. This goes into our list of regular stops when in the area.
Carmen H.
Feb 15, 2020
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Just right off of I 55 on the classic route 66 is this place! It is a must to stop by! Old time dinner/supper club feel with soup and salad bar and a fantastic menu! Anything from fancy shrimp and steak to casual Rubens or cheeseburger! My husband got the famous pork tenderloin it was delicious my daughter got the Reuben with homemade potato chips! I got the prime rib sandwich with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy! But most of all save room for dessert!!!! Ridiculous choices! We finally decided on the Italian cream cake! Made with cream cheese frosting on top and between two huge thick pieces
Cindy L.
Sep 06, 2019
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Wonderful stop on your Route 66 trip or anytime. Friendly staff and owner was very generous with his time. My service dog was welcomed with no reservations. Artichokes appetizer light and delicious -a must! Sirloin was wildly tender. This was perfectly cooked and the best I have ever had. (That cut is usually chewing - but not here!).
Mick B.
Aug 24, 2019
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We had a fantastic first experience at the Ariston.
Although we both had a light lunch- everything on the soup and salad bar was very inviting and fresh.
Our sever, Jackie, was "just right" and I marveled that she must be a mind reader to so accurately anticipate our requests. Jackie was also a good sport and very helpful with our questions. It was super refreshing to be served by someone this professional!
Note: while we were having lunch, a few people peeked in the windows and then disappeared; to those people I say "your loss". I almost ran after a couple that arrived
Although we both had a light lunch- everything on the soup and salad bar was very inviting and fresh.
Our sever, Jackie, was "just right" and I marveled that she must be a mind reader to so accurately anticipate our requests. Jackie was also a good sport and very helpful with our questions. It was super refreshing to be served by someone this professional!
Note: while we were having lunch, a few people peeked in the windows and then disappeared; to those people I say "your loss". I almost ran after a couple that arrived
Jason V.
Aug 15, 2019
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Who's down for a piece of American history? Or pie? The Ariston Cafe is one of those places that one may feel like they have to stop there while cruising the interstate and/or the Mother Road. But you'll be glad that you did.
I'll start with the restaurant experience part: I've read so much about the Ariston Cafe that I felt like I knew a lot about this place, thinking it was a diner-type restaurant, but it's actually the other way around! It looks so fancy on the inside, even though the workers deny that kind of thing (laughs). All the tables/booths all set up nicely
I'll start with the restaurant experience part: I've read so much about the Ariston Cafe that I felt like I knew a lot about this place, thinking it was a diner-type restaurant, but it's actually the other way around! It looks so fancy on the inside, even though the workers deny that kind of thing (laughs). All the tables/booths all set up nicely
Michael B.
Nov 28, 2018
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A great little piece of americana on the old US Route 66. It's almost kind of like going back in time. You walk in and there's a lot of Route 66 memorabilia on the walls, and the glow of the neon sign out front reminds you of a different time.
Food was pretty good. It's your standard American fare. I had something called a horseshoe sandwich. Deep fried bacon served over toast and smothered with cheese. It was pretty good. I probably should've had a cardiologist standing by lol. Service was pretty good too.
Food was pretty good. It's your standard American fare. I had something called a horseshoe sandwich. Deep fried bacon served over toast and smothered with cheese. It was pretty good. I probably should've had a cardiologist standing by lol. Service was pretty good too.
Chris C.
May 22, 2018
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If you're doing a Route 66 trip you absolutely need to stop in at Ariston Cafe. Ariston is kitty-corner from Litchfield's Route 66 Museum and across the street from Jubelt's Bakery - another Route 66 stalwart - so you can go whole hog on nostalgia while parked in one place. It can be difficult to time your drive to hit places during meal times but don't you worry as you can have yummy desserts at Ariston as a late morning or afternoon snack. You shouldn't be counting calories on a road trip anyway.
We were greeted and seated right away (then again the place was nearly
We were greeted and seated right away (then again the place was nearly
Andy N.
Jun 29, 2017
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Come on down from Route 66!
If you are beginning your journey from Chicago, Ariston Cafe is an okay spot to drop by for lunch. It's highlighted in many blogs and we just happened to roll in on Father's Day, so we were given the option for their premium Dad's Buffet Lunch for $21. Hey, we'll take it, given that it's time to be the All-American dad!
While I wasn't expecting a lavish buffet spread, I did expect a bit more than just canned goods plopped onto a heating tray along with some cuts of meat. The good stuff was the selection fo meats including ribeye and ham
If you are beginning your journey from Chicago, Ariston Cafe is an okay spot to drop by for lunch. It's highlighted in many blogs and we just happened to roll in on Father's Day, so we were given the option for their premium Dad's Buffet Lunch for $21. Hey, we'll take it, given that it's time to be the All-American dad!
While I wasn't expecting a lavish buffet spread, I did expect a bit more than just canned goods plopped onto a heating tray along with some cuts of meat. The good stuff was the selection fo meats including ribeye and ham
