The Complete Story
The Ariston Cafe holds an extraordinary distinction - it is the longest continuously operating restaurant along the entire 2,400-mile stretch of Route 66. Pete Adam, a Greek immigrant, founded the original cafe in Carlinville, Illinois in 1924, two years before Route 66 was even designated. The name 'Ariston' comes from the Greek word 'aristos' meaning 'the best.'
In 1929, Adam relocated to Litchfield to be closer to the growing Route 66 traffic. He partnered with Tom Cokinos, and in 1935 they moved to the current location at 413 North Old Route 66. The building was constructed by Henry A. Vasel at a cost of just $3,625.36 and opened its doors on July 5, 1935. By 1936, the State of Illinois reported that Route 66 was the heaviest traveled long-distance highway in the state, and the Ariston was perfectly positioned.
The Adam family was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1992, and the cafe was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The building and its iconic signs have been restored with assistance from the NPS Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. In July 2018, Litchfield restaurateurs Will and Michele Law and Marty and Kara Steffens purchased the cafe, committed to preserving this institution. The building retains its original 1935 charm with classic signage, vintage booths, and a timeless dining room.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ Founded in 1924 - two years BEFORE Route 66 was officially designated
→ The name 'Ariston' comes from the Greek word for 'the best'
→ The current building cost only $3,625.36 to construct in 1935
→ Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006
→ Pete Adam was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1992
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Ariston Cafe
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: undefined, Litchfield, IL 62056
What's There Now: Still operating as a restaurant with original 1935 decor and vintage booths. National Register of Historic Places site.
GPS Coordinates: 39.1775033, -89.6670367
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
Continue Your Route 66 Journey
These nearby Route 66 stops are just down the road:
Vic Suhling's Gas For Less
The iconic neon 'Gas for Less' sign still glows 50+ years after the station closed, now marking the ...
Belvidere Cafe, Motel, and Gas Station
An immigrant family's roadside empire with Art Deco interiors where locals said 'the Belvidere was t...
Sky View Drive-In
The last original drive-in theater still operating on Route 66 in Illinois, showing movies under the...