6 Retro Illinois Restaurants Still Serving Like It’s The ’70s
Remember when dining out meant wood-paneled walls, vinyl booths, and servers who knew your order before you sat down?
Illinois is home to some incredible time capsules where the food, decor, and vibe haven’t changed much since bell-bottoms were all the rage.
Last summer, I took a nostalgic road trip across the Prairie State to find eateries that refuse to bow to modern trends.
These six spots aren’t just serving food—they’re dishing up delicious nostalgia with every bite.
1. Superdawg Drive-In: Chicago’s Winking Hot Dog Icons
Pulling into Superdawg’s parking lot feels like my DeLorean just hit 88 mph. Those massive hot dog mascots (Maurie and Flaurie) on the roof have been winking at customers since 1948, and I swear the crackling intercom system hasn’t been updated since.
The carhops still deliver your meal on trays that hook right onto your car window. Their signature Superdawg comes nestled in a quirky blue box with fresh-cut fries, a pickle spear, and that magical neon-green relish that glows brighter than my childhood nightlight.
Last visit, I chatted with a family who’s been coming here for four generations—grandpa ordered the same thing he did on his first date in 1972. The prices have changed, but that snap when you bite into their perfectly steamed bun? Timeless.
2. Gene & Jude’s: River Grove’s No-Frills Hot Dog Stand
“No ketchup. No seats. No nonsense.” That’s what the guy behind me muttered as we shuffled forward in the perpetual line at Gene & Jude’s. This cash-only temple of simplicity has been slinging the same menu since 1946: hot dogs, fries, tamales, and sodas.
What makes it special? Their Depression-style dogs come wrapped in paper with hand-cut fries literally piled ON TOP of the hot dog. You eat standing up at the counter like everyone did back when Elvis was king.
My favorite moment was watching a businessman in an expensive suit abandon all pretense of dignity as he hunched over his dog, yellow mustard dripping onto the wrapper. The staff still wears those paper hats, and the steamy windows in winter create the same foggy atmosphere that’s comforted hungry Chicagoans for decades.
3. Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket: Route 66’s Fried Chicken Haven
The neon chicken sign has been beckoning hungry travelers on Route 66 since the 1940s, and boy am I glad I pulled over! Walking into Dell Rhea’s feels like stumbling onto a movie set – the checkered tablecloths, wood-paneled walls, and vintage Route 66 memorabilia transport you faster than any time machine.
The recipe for their famous fried chicken hasn’t changed since bell-bottoms were in style (the first time). Each piece arrives with that perfect golden crust that crackles between your teeth before giving way to juicy meat that makes you close your eyes and sigh.
While waiting for my food, I chatted with Diane, a server who’s been working there for 32 years. “The secret’s in the 24-hour marinade,” she whispered, “and we still use the same cast iron skillets from 1946.” Some things are perfect just as they are.
4. Cozy Dog Drive-In: Springfield’s Corn Dog Pioneers
Forget fancy culinary inventions – the Waldmire family created something truly revolutionary in 1946: the Cozy Dog, which might just be America’s first corn dog on a stick. Stepping into their Springfield location is like walking through a portal to simpler times.
Route 66 memorabilia covers nearly every inch of wall space, while the vintage red countertops have witnessed decades of happy diners. The menu board still has those plastic changeable letters, and yes, they still serve their dogs the exact same way – hand-dipped and fried to golden perfection right before your eyes.
My favorite touch? The cartoon hot dog couple on their signs, holding hands like they’ve been in love since the Eisenhower administration. I watched three generations of a family ordering together, the youngest ones experiencing their first Cozy Dog with the same wide-eyed wonder kids had back in the ’70s.
5. Ariston Café: Litchfield’s Route 66 Time Capsule
The moment I pushed open the heavy wooden door of the Ariston Café, the scent of home-style cooking wrapped around me like a warm hug. Founded in 1924 and at its current Litchfield location since 1935, it’s one of the oldest restaurants on the Mother Road.
Original art deco light fixtures cast a warm glow over dark wood booths where families have celebrated special occasions for nearly a century. The menu is delightfully stuck in time – hand-breaded onion rings, liver and onions, and Greek specialties that would make Zeus himself smile.
What struck me most was watching owner Nick Adam (whose family has run the place since day one) greeting customers by name, asking about their grandkids. My waitress, Betty, recommended the hand-cut pork tenderloin – “same recipe since 1952” – and winked as she slipped me an extra dinner roll. Some traditions deserve to live forever.
6. White Palace Grill: Chicago’s 24-Hour Greasy Spoon Legend
“Three eggs over easy, hash browns extra crispy, white toast!” The short-order cook barely looked up as he called out my order at 3 AM. White Palace Grill has been operating 24/7 since 1939, and judging by the seasoning on their flat-top grill, they haven’t shut it off once.
The chrome-edged counter and swiveling stools have supported the bottoms of everyone from third-shift factory workers to late-night revelers for generations. My coffee cup never dropped below half-full thanks to Marge, who’s been slinging refills since the Carter administration and remembers when the jukebox still played actual 45s.
The menu hasn’t changed in decades – massive omelets, burgers with grilled onions, and chicken-fried steak that hangs off the plate. When I asked for hot sauce, three different bottles appeared instantly. “The green one’s got the most kick,” a trucker two stools down advised. He’d know – he’s been stopping here since 1974.