Litchfield, IL
Litchfield is an old coal mining town.
The three miles of Route 66 through Litchfield pass by The Ariston Cafe, which is in the Route 66 Hall of Fame, has been operating since 1931. The Ariston was founded in 1924 in Carlinville, IL, but later was moved to Litchfield. This is one of the most popular, and one of the most authentic restaurants on Route 66. They have a broad menu that incluses steaks, burgers, seafood, Italian food and many other choices. They don't have a bar, but they do serve beer, wine and cocktails. It's worth a special trip to Litchfield just to go to the Ariston.
Litchfield also has the Route 66 Cafe. It was closed last time I was through there, but it was during the Pandemic. Hopefully it will reopen.
There are a bunch of other Route 66 relics in Litchfield, including the Sky View Drive In Theater, which has been operating since 1951.
Alternate Westbound Route
- From the End 1930-40 66 sign, go left for about four miles.
- Go left at the 1930 - 1940 Route 66 sign (near a junk yard).
- Follow Route 66 toward Mt. Olive.
- At the next Stop sign go straight across Main St in Mt Olive.
Alternate Eastbound Route
- From Route 66 (Frontage Rd) in Litchfield, go three miles then go left and cross over I-55 (( there is no sigh, but the street will be N. 16th Ave).
- Go right on Old Route 66 (West Frontage Rd) toward Farmersville
- Go straight at the Stop sign just past Lisa's Antique Mall and continue on the Frontage Rd. Go straight at the Stop sign at Hwy 148 and continue on the Frontage Rd past Waggoner to Art' s Motel in Farmersville.
- Go straight at the Stop sign just past Art's Motel and Restaurant and continue on the Frontage Rd to Divernon.
