Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, Historic Route 66 restaurant in Willowbrook, US
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket is a Route 66 restaurant in Willowbrook built from brick with large windows and a vintage neon sign that draws attention from the road. The interior preserves the original design elements and serves fried chicken alongside classic American comfort food.
The restaurant began in 1938 as a lunch counter at a gas station, where owner Irv Kolarik adopted a fried chicken recipe from two local farm women. Over the decades it grew into a notable Route 66 destination and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
The restaurant represents American roadside dining culture from the mid-20th century and has become a symbol of Route 66 heritage. Visitors experience the original character through the authentic decor and traditional food preparation that define the place today.
The restaurant sits along Joliet Road in Willowbrook and opens daily from late morning through early evening. It provides a convenient stop for travelers passing through on Route 66 who want to enjoy a meal in a casual, welcoming setting.
In the winter months during the restaurant's early years, the owner flooded the roof to create an ice skating rink for guests seeking winter entertainment. This creative touch reveals the entrepreneurial spirit of the era and remains a fascinating piece of the place's story.
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