This historic cafe is Route 66’s oldest continuously operating restaurant

LITCHFIELD, Ill. (InvestigateTV) - Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 celebrated 100 years in 2026. One of the original highways, its diagonal course from Chicago to Los Angeles linked hundreds of rural communities.

After the second World War, tourists flocked to destinations across the route. With the modernization of other U.S. highways, its popularity would slowly dwindle.

But the spirit of nostalgia helped pave the way for the preservation of Route 66 and the quirky roadside attractions along the way.

The roadway is also host to restaurants and cafes with a century of history, including this one just north of St. Louis.

The Ariston Cafe on old Route 66 holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating restaurant on the historic highway, serving customers since 1924.

The restaurant was started by Greek immigrant Pete Adams as a candy store in Carlinville. When Route 66 was built through Litchfield, the business moved to where the action was, said Will Law, one of the current owners.

Adams’ son Nick took over and ran the restaurant for 50 or 60 years. Law and his business partners later bought the establishment and changed nothing.

The cafe attracts visitors from around the world, particularly European travelers from March through October who are touring Route 66, Law said.

But it’s the local customers who carry the restaurant’s history. Pat Schwab, 84, has been coming to the Ariston since before 1950. She’s part of a group called the Maxines who meet at the restaurant once a month.