Roadside Diners Midwest

Slide into a booth for the Midwest’s classic roadside diners, where counter stools and familiar signs welcomed travelers at mealtime. An early breakfast or a late slice of pie made a good excuse to break up the drive.

Coffee Shops Midwest

Pull over for the Midwest’s old coffee shops and neighborhood breakfast stops. Broad windows, welcoming entrances, and a fresh cup offered plenty of reasons to linger before getting back on the road.

Drive-in Eateries Midwest

Head back to evenings of curbside meals, carhops, and catching up with friends in the parking lot. The Midwest’s drive-in eateries made the family car part of a night out, with colorful signs to announce the stop.

Burger Joints Midwest

Follow the signs to the Midwest’s classic hamburger stands and neighborhood burger favorites. A burger, fries, and a shake could turn a quick lunch stop into a regular part of the route.

Fast Food Joints Midwest

Stop for a quick bite at the Midwest’s old sandwich shops and other roadside takeout places. Small buildings and memorable signs helped hungry motorists find something to eat without a long wait.

Big Boy East

Look for the checkered overalls and raised hamburger at Big Boy locations across the Midwest and East. Familiar statues and distinctive marquees recall family meals and a favorite stop along the highway.

Avenue of the Dogs Midwest

Take a trip down the Avenue of the Dogs for the Midwest’s hot dog stands, from Chicago favorites to small-town counters. Playful rooftop figures and colorful signs offered something to admire while waiting for lunch.

Roadside Cafes Midwest

Take a seat at the Midwest’s neighborhood cafes and small-town gathering places. A familiar storefront, a meal at the counter, and a little conversation made these stops part of everyday life along the road.

Sitdown Restaurants Midwest

Make time for the Midwest’s classic sitdown restaurants, where distinctive buildings and old dining rooms invite a longer stop. There’s often plenty to look over before the menu reaches the table.

Mexican Food Cafes Midwest

Explore the Midwest’s Mexican food cafes, with colorful lettering and distinctive storefronts inviting a stop for dinner. The signs out front can be as memorable as the dining rooms inside.

Foods of the Orient Midwest

Take a look at the Midwest’s Chinese restaurants and other Asian eateries, from decorative entrances to colorful roadside marquees. These neighborhood favorites offer another reason to keep an eye above the storefronts.

Pizza Pubs Midwest

Pull up for a slice at the Midwest’s old pizzerias and neighborhood pizza pubs. Familiar signs and inviting storefronts recall evenings of sharing a pie and staying for another round.

Snacks and Stuff Midwest

Leave a little room for the Midwest’s frozen custard stands, donut shops, and candy stores. Giant ice cream cones and cheerful signs made an extra stop awfully tempting on the way home.

Roadside Taverns Midwest

Explore the Midwest’s neighborhood taverns, old bars, and familiar corner gathering places. From pink elephants to glowing cocktail glasses, these signs had plenty of personality before anyone stepped inside.

Neon Eateries Midwest

Come back after dark for the Midwest’s glowing restaurant signs and colorful cafe lettering. A familiar daytime food stop can offer a whole different view once the neon comes on.