The Ariston Cafe

Any time’s a good time for pie…. so even though we weren't really hungry, and in the name of Roadside Wonderland research, (yes, we did it for YOU), we stopped at The Ariston Cafe - and if you’re passing by, you should too!

We sat at the very vintage counter and had very modern baklava pie - recommended!

The beautiful neon clad Ariston cafe is the oldest along Route 66. It began its life in 1924 in Carlinville Illinois but followed the mother road and moved to Litchfield in 1929. A few years later it moved to the other side of the road and has been in its current location since 1935…. and the late art deco, early 1940’s vibe is still going strong. Make sure you explore the whole building. The dining room is actually two rooms, and there is a function room down a short hall as well. You should see it all and look out for all the framed historic images dotted around the walls. Is that a giant stuffed marlin on the wall?? Is that clock trimmed in neon? Would I steal that “Always Cool” air conditioning sign if I could? (oh, I said the quiet part out loud) We did leave with a lovely postcard though and we didn't have to steal it - it was a lovely parting gift.

The historic Ariston cafe is still owned and operated by the founder's grandchildren. It has become a local institution as well as a must stop highlight for Route 66 explorers. It was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1992 and is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

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Midwest USA No. 34 -last visited October 2023