Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

Currently, Steve's favorite TV show is "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" on the Food Network. The host of the show, Guy, goes all around the country to restaurants that the locals love. Well, over spring break, we decided to try 2 of them on our short trip to Springfield, IL.

The Chicken Basket is obviously known for its chicken...and it was good. It is at the beginning of Route 66 and tucked behind some hotels and gas stations. They were serving a lunch buffet, which made my boys so excited that Steve and I were nearly embarrassed. The kids also got to order Route 66 soda pop in an old fashioned bottle. Carter said that he felt so grown-up drinking pop from a bottle. Emma kept repeating, "This is so cool." Dell Rhea's would definitely be labeled as a "dive" in my book. Steve and I were a little nervous as we were following our directions to the next DD&D featured establishment the following day.

Charlie Parker's was a traditional diner. It is in an old airplane hangar with the walls covered in old music memorabilia. There were multiple cars in the parking lot, which was a good sign. Again, the kids loved the food. Steve ordered a "shoe" (or rather the small version) & it was pretty good, even though I'd define it as a prescription for a heart attack--your choice of meat smothered in cheese sauce with hash browns over the top. We did see one of the pancakes delivered to a table that had been featured on the episode. You can't miss it as it is a big as the plate--probably 12-15 inches in diameter! The best part was that our bill was $32! Less than McDonalds from dinner the night before! Steve and I had fun and look forward to trying more of these featured restaurants. Although, I do have to say it is always an adventure when you eat out with my kids.