Four of the 16 “Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America” are found on Route 66

Recently, Eat This, Not That! compiled a list of the “16 Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America.”

In what shouldn’t be a surprise, four of them are on old Route 66.

Without further ado, here are the website’s four diners with extensive ties to the Mother Road:

• Lou Mitchell’s, Chicago
• Clanton’s Cafe, Vinita, Oklahoma
• Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, Kingman, Arizona
• Mel’s Drive-In, various locations that include the western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California

Here’s what Eat This, Not That! said about Lou Mitchell’s:

In Chicago and don’t know where to eat? Two words: Lou Mitchell’s. The beloved diner, which got its start over a century ago, has been serving up excellent egg dishes, toasty sandwiches, and refreshing salads (the Hollywood salad bowl with Julienne turkey sounds pretty good) to politicians, celebrities, and more throughout the years. Ingredients like eggs and meat are sourced locally, and items like orange juice and homemade bread are made fresh.

Its take on Clanton’s:

Featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” the renowned Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, has fed the community for nearly 100 years. Known as the oldest family-owned restaurant along Oklahoma’s Route 66, the Clantons have a long history of being involved in the Oklahoma food scene — in 1927, farmer Grant Clanton started his dining spot, called The Busy Bee Cafe, where he would come outside and bang a pot with a spoon to let everyone in the town know lunch was ready to be served. In 1930, the first Clanton’s Cafe was opened, and, well, the rest is history. Although they have no shortage of delicious dishes on their menu, some of their standouts include stuffed baked potatoes, chicken fried sandwiches, cobbler pies, and Belgian waffles.

On to Mr. D’z:

Route 66 truly has no shortage of iconic diners. If you’re in the Kingman, Ariz. area and looking for a bite to eat, head over to Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, a talked-about spot where even people like Oprah have enjoyed a meal. It was originally a gas station in the 1940s but now is a diner that attracts people from far and wide. Named one of the best restaurants to eat in Arizona by AZ Family Magazine, the renowned restaurant makes its root beer and pizza, has tons of Route 66 memorabilia, and serves up some of the best cheeseburgers, french fries, and sandwiches around. Its pink and blue exterior and eye-catching sign are also pretty cool.

And, finally, Mel’s:

Mel’s Drive-In is known as an American classic, and for a good reason. Started in 1947, Mel’s Drive-In began as a carhop in San Francisco and, at one point, was estimated to be making up to 20,000 burgers a day during the 1950s. Although the original Mel’s was sold and then subsequently demolished in the 1970s, in the mid-80s, the famous spot made a comeback and now has locations in Santa Monica, Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, and more. Its menu is filled with comfort food classics — such as chili fries, chicken tenders, and its famous Melburger — and vegetarian options, such as quinoa kale salad and a black bean burger. There’s a smoothie and juice bar, too.

The rest of the iconic-diner list, if you’re wanting to travel even more:

• Bob’s Big Boy, Los Angeles
• Ellen’s Stardust Diner, New York City
• The Original Pantry Cafe, Los Angeles
• The Varsity, Atlanta
• Brent’s Drugs, Jackson, Mississippi
• Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner, Yermo, California
• 59 Diner, Leavenworth, Washington
• 11th Street Diner, Miami, Florida
• Clinton Station Diner, Clinton, New Jersey
• Bob and Edith’s Diner, various locations in Virginia
• Frank’s Diner, Kenosha, Wisconsin
• The Original Haven Brothers Diner, Providence, Rhode Island

(Hat tip to KNIX; image of Lou Mitchell’s in Chicago by seanbirm via Flickr)