If you are looking for the "REAL DEAL" along ROUTE 66 then the ARISTON CAFE in Litchfield Illinois is for you. It has been placed on the National Register Of Historic Places and inducted into the ROUTE 66 Illinois Hall Of Fame. For more than seventy years, THREE generations of the ADAM FAMILY have been serving delicious meals in a classy setting complete with table cloths, fresh cut flowers and a mouth watering dessert tray.
In 1924 Greek immigrant Pete Adam built his first restaurant in Carlinville, Illinois along ROUTE 4 which was an early alignment of the MOTHER ROAD. With the rerouting of ROUTE 66 Pete knew he needed to go where the highway went so in 1929 he leased some property in Litchfield and built a new restaurant. The original Litchfield restaurant was located across the street from the present location. With the success of his first Litchfield restaurant Pete built a new building on the present site in 1935. The design of the Ariston Cafe does not reflect any particular architectural style. Instead, it was built in a utilitarian style, common for small commercial buildings of it's time. Nevertheless, the building does contain elements of the popular Art Deco style of the time period in it's interior booths. The Ariston's most distinguishing exterior features are the curved parapet wall on the front facade and it's varied brick work. Originally, the Ariston, like many ROUTE 66 businesses, also sold fuel.
The Ariston's motto has always been "Remember Where Good Food is Served" and their customers have done just that as it is still going strong today! The Ariston is believed to be the oldest operating restaurant on ROUTE66. Although the majority of the Ariston's diners are now locals, second generation owners Nick and Demi Adam still get motorists who are following the OLD ROAD. "We see a good number of Americans," Demi says. "But we see thousands and thousands of Europeans. They're taking four to six weeks to drive ROUTE 66. Some are on their honeymoon, and many do it more than once."
After finding this Micro we hope you check out the interior of this iconic MOTHER ROAD gem. The owners would like to hear from you. They love meeting their guests, especially those who are traveling the MOTHER ROAD. Chances are they will even invite you behind the counter to have your picture taken under their WORLD FAMOUS SIGN.
EXTRA CREDIT
When you log the cache, post a picture of yourself or group under the famous sign (or elsewhere at this establishment).
Congratulations to lobocs for being FTF.
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