The Illinois Mom & Pop Restaurant That Feels Like A Tradition You Can Still Taste
Some restaurants serve food, but Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket serves memories. This culinary castle located in Willowbrook, Illinois, has been frying up golden chicken and creating smiles since 1946, right along the legendary Route 66.
Walking through its doors feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, where recipes matter more than trends and every bite tells a story.
So what are you waiting for? Step inside and experience a bite of delicious culinary history!
Where It Sits (And Why Travelers Still Pull Over)
Perfectly positioned at 645 Joliet Road, Dell Rhea’s occupies prime real estate that road warriors dream about. The restaurant sits just off historic U.S. Route 66 and modern I-55, making it ridiculously easy to spot and reach.
Located about 15 miles from downtown Chicago, this spot represents classic road-trip territory at its finest. Wide parking spaces welcome travel-weary families and motorcycle groups alike.
The location’s genius lies in its accessibility without sacrificing that authentic roadhouse charm that makes every visit feel special.
The Tradition: A 1946 Roadhouse With a Recipe That Stuck
Summer 1946 marked the birth of something beautiful when Dell Rhea’s opened its doors next to a humble lunch counter. The founders built their reputation on a secret fried-chicken recipe that became the stuff of legend among Mother Road travelers.
Recognition came officially on May 5, 2006, when both the building and its iconic neon sign earned spots on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation celebrates not just architecture but cultural significance.
Nearly eight decades later, that original recipe continues working its magic, proving some things truly improve with age.
What to Order (So You Taste the Tradition)
Skip the menu browsing and head straight for the Famous Fried Chicken, a hand-breaded, deep-fried half bird that arrives golden and crackling. Fluffy biscuits and classic sides complete this masterpiece perfectly.
Old-school corn fritters deserve equal attention, offering sweet, crispy bites that complement the savory chicken beautifully. These golden nuggets represent comfort food at its most nostalgic.
Buffet days bring roasted chicken options plus a soup-and-salad bar that locals absolutely adore. Smart diners call ahead to confirm buffet schedules before making the trip.
The Vibe: Neon Sign, Route 66 Slogans, and Roadhouse Comfort
Step inside and prepare for a time-capsule experience that celebrates America’s highway heritage. Route 66 memorabilia covers the walls while the cheeky slogan “Get Your Chicks on Route 66” brings smiles to first-time visitors.
The freestanding neon sign outside serves as a beacon for hungry travelers, just as it has for generations. Inside, generous plates arrive courtesy of genuinely friendly servers who treat everyone like family.
Expect a steady hum of conversation from locals mixing with excited road-trippers sharing stories and creating new memories together.
How to Visit (Hours That Matter, Buffets That Draw Crowds)
Typical operating hours run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., though checking their website for current updates prevents disappointment. Smart planning pays off when coordinating visits around their popular buffet schedule.
Buffets anchor the weekly rhythm with lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 to 2:00, weekend brunch from 11:00 to 3:00, and dinner Friday through Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00. These spreads include dessert and salad bar options that regulars rave about.
Both dine-in and carry-out options accommodate different travel plans and dining preferences perfectly.
Why Locals Say It Hasn’t Changed (In the Best Way)
The menu remains gloriously focused on that legendary house-fried chicken with simple, perfectly executed sides. Rather than chasing food trends, Dell Rhea’s doubles down on its Route 66 identity and time-tested recipes.
This commitment to authenticity caught the attention of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, bringing national recognition without changing the restaurant’s soul. Fame hasn’t spoiled the mom-and-pop charm that makes regulars feel at home.
Consistency in quality and atmosphere creates the kind of reliability that builds multi-generational customer loyalty and keeps traditions alive.
Make It a Mini Road Trip
Dell Rhea’s serves as the perfect launching point for a short Illinois Route 66 adventure that doesn’t require vacation time. Its proximity to Chicago makes weekend drives or nostalgic out-and-back loops completely manageable.
The original highway alignment runs right past the restaurant, making it easy to follow authentic Route 66 segments. History buffs can combine great food with genuine Mother Road exploration in a single afternoon.
Pack a camera and prepare for scenic drives that showcase the Illinois countryside while honoring America’s most famous highway and its roadside treasures.
Essential Details at a Glance
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket calls 645 Joliet Road, Willowbrook, IL 60527 home, with phone number (630) 325-0780 for questions or carry-out orders. Their website, chickenbasket.com, provides current hours and buffet schedules.
National Register of Historic Places listing in 2006 recognizes this Route 66 roadhouse for its famous fried chicken and corn fritters. The designation celebrates both architectural and cultural significance beautifully.
Family-friendly atmosphere combines with easy parking just off I-55, making visits convenient for everyone from motorcycle groups to multi-generational families exploring America’s highway heritage.