Catfish heaven!!! This restaurant on Route 66 is the best spot for local food and clearly popular given the totally full parking lot. Friendly midwestern waitress big salad bar definite destination!! read more

Entering The Ariston Cafe is a trip back to an earlier time. The entire decor is vintage and it is well maintained. It's a simple cafe with delicious food and it's served as if it is a white linen restaurant. Yep, all tables have white linen tablecloths and napkins. All the wait staff are wearing black slacks, white shirts with black ties and looking mighty fine. I happened to be visiting on a Sunday during Brunch hours. I'm typically not a buffet kinda guy, but I was today. I thought by doing the buffet, I'd be able to experience many of their different menu items all in my initial visit. After saying I wanted the buffet, my server brought me a clear chilled plate for the salad and soup bar, which was included with the buffet. She also gave me a warm dinner plate for the buffet line. As I dined, she checked with me and when needed she gave me a clean plate for my next trip through the line. The variety of foods were impressive. They had a section with all the typical breakfast foods; scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits & gravy and potatoes. It all looked good, but I focused on lunch items. My first trip through the line was, a HUGE fried chicken breast, green beans and mashed potatoes with white gravy. It was some of the best chicken I have had in a while. The seasoning was great, it was super crispy and crunchy and the meat was juicy. Their green beans were made from scratch with bacon and onions. The salt and pepper seasoning was just enough flavor. Then real mashed potatoes and a true country white gravy. I was satisfied with that plate alone, but went back to try more. Second trip I had Mostaccioli that tasted as if an Italian grandma had made it. It was super cheesy and the right amount of Italian seasoning. Then I had a couple Catfish Nuggets, General Tso's Nuggets, Mac-n-Cheese and Roast Beef. I was getting so full, I didn't even get anything from the soup and salad bar. I was seated close, so I did take a peak and it had a good variety of offerings. I'll be sure to try it on my next visit. My server was stellar. She was very attentive and friendly. I liked that the entire staff were dressed as if they were in a 50's diner or perhaps an upscale restaurant being the black & white. It's the Centennial Celebration of Route 66 this year. That should give you reason to go eat at the oldest restaurant on Route 66, which is The Ariston. read more

The Ariston Cafe - Menu Back Cover - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

Very sad what's happened to this place after the original owner sold one word "greed" they raised price for chicken dinner from 4.99 in 1980s to 18.99 plus tax plus tip plus credit card fee plus drink for 3.59 equals 30 dollars! Never again! read more

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Whoever came up with the idea of a horseshoe is some kind of evil genius. That was lunch and I did not need dinner that night. The toast was a little too toasty but otherwise the fries were hot and crispy, the cheese sauce was deliciously gooey, and the buffalo sauce actually had a kick to it. The buffalo sauce really helped to cut through the richness of the dish. The server will bring out a large tray of delicious looking desserts after your meal. I was too full to even consider it. Service is warm and friendly. The ambiance is old school which makes sense for a 100 year old restaurant. Please, please consider updating the restrooms, though. Best meal choice I've found on Route 66 in Illinois. read more

The Ariston Cafe - Buffalo Chicken Hotseshoe - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

Here on business, so glad i overcame my reluctance to try this place. It was truly the BEST steak I have had. Simple, wasn't even trying - just delicious. And the homemade pie!!! Wow. Hope to be back one day. Great experience read more

The Ariston Cafe - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

Don't leave without checking out the dessert tray! I thought the desserts were just for display, but when I picked one, the waitress handed it to me ready to eat. The presentation is beautiful, and everything tasted amazing. read more

Old time local restaurant with great food. Staff is attentive and prompt and they know the menu. The salad bar is not huge but it is fresh and tasty. Soups are hot but I don't always get a bowl because it's just too much food. When you're ready for dessert (save room!), your server will bring the offerings on a large tray. I've never had a bad one!! read more

Stopped on a Wednesday evening for a quick dinner. Enjoyed the soup and salad bar with my meal. Husband and I shared a pork tenderloin sandwich with coleslaw, and the hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes. Delicious. Would come back if in the area. read more

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Can't beat the prime ribs here. It's a special on Friday and Saturday nights, come with salad bar and a side. read more

The Ariston Cafe - 14 oz prime rib - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

We've been to The Ariston twice in the last few weeks & we love it! It's an old historical cafe on Route 66, with a cool Route 66 sign nearby. We love the old school salad and soup bar (included with most meals, $4.99 to add to most sandwiches or $10 on its own). The prime rib special is AMAZING. They have a great selection of dessert & will bring a tray with lots of options to your table which my teenagers got such a kick out of. Everything on the salad bar was fresh & we all really enjoyed everything we ordered. Service was great both times! We thought the basket of "readers" to borrow was really cute, and enjoyed looking at all the antiques around the cafe. The bathroom signage was really cute too! If you like old cafes and a great bar, check it out! read more

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Love this old school cafe. Good food, good service, good cocktails, good dessert. Nothing great but solid Supper Club experience!

Nice ambience. We loved the quiet space in the back for an early birthday dinner celebration with family. We chose this place based on Litchfield being the halfway point for both parties. Server was nice but I was taken aback (and admit a little embarrassed) when I asked for a sample of two red wines I was torn between and she scoffed that there was No Way that was possible. Even mentioned something about the ounces..OK move on I made a good choice with the house cab. I am sure it was my mistake to order Tilapia from a place that is probably not known for seafood. Don't do it, even the seared blackened was void of flavor and paper thin. My sister ordered the bourbon salmon I didn't taste it but it looked better. I did enjoy the salad bar and we all shared a piece of the layered chocolate/whip cream dessert it was divine. My husband got the last pork loin being served (surprising since we met for a 5pm dinner) and he said it was "OK". Nevertheless we will be back as it's a convenient place to meet, rich with history and memorabilia and we will try something else next time. read more

The Ariston Cafe - entrance - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

This restaurant is 100 years old this year. Still looks great inside for a business being this old. Good was good my wife ordered the stuff shrimp with crabmeat and Cheese the deep fried. Breading was very heavy and took away from the shrimp meal. My wife could not eat it and the waitress and manager took it off the bill with our asking. I had the liver and onions and it was very good, had the American Fries, salad was very good. Potato soup was nothing to write home about. Cyndi our waitress was spot on and very professional. Great attitude and a joy to talk to read more

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I had the Rueben. Was the chewiest corned beef I've ever had. I would not go back. Service was very pleasant though.

What a great family diner on old Route 66. Nice diner menu and the meals are served with soup and salad bar. Sandwiches come with a side. The kids were very impressed when the dessert tray came out. So many varieties to choose from and so yummy. The staff was very knowledgeable about the menu and helpful. read more

Wonderful service and food!! We'll will be back!! Love the history and the people are sweet and fun! read more

What a charming place on Rt 66. Food was good but the meatballs were small and a tiny bit dry. The staff was very attentive. Thanks Kyle! The vintage look was outstanding. And cloth napkins at a diner? Wow! read more

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We were staying in a lake house at Lake Ka-Ho for the weekend, and since Friday was the 4th of July, we went here because they were the only place open, and a friend had recommended it to me. The ambiance is nice, it's got that old world feel to it, and it's quite large inside, so we were seated right away at a booth. Our server was great, I wish I had her name, very funny and attentive. I had a glass of the house pinot noir, which had a perfect amount of chill to it, and the filet special. My husband had the fried chicken, and both entrees came with their little all you can eat salad bar and soup. The food was absolutely delicious, every single thing we ordered was great. Then she brought out the dessert tray. They make all their desserts in house, and have quite the selection. We got the cherry cheesecake and the lemon meringue cake. To die for!! Saturday night, we tried going to a different restaurant but they were closed, so we went back to the Ariston. Seated right away, at a table this time, with a different server. Had the same glass of wine but this time I tried the manicotti and my husband had the prime rib special. His was a little tough but mine was good. We took our dessert to go, and tried two new ones- the coconut cream for him and the chocolate cream for me. I can't describe how good they both were. When you eat here, bring your appetite and save room for dessert! Our experience the first night was better than the second night, because we had a booth, and our server was so great. You can't compare a filet to manicotti, but the food was just better Friday night. read more

So, we arrived at this place about 20 minutes before they opened only to find there were already other cars waiting in the parking lot for them to open. The space has an old diner feel. The staff wears traditional black and white. Our server Michelle was exactly what you would expect at a cafe that's been open since the 1920's. Definitely knows how to take care of guests and made us feel welcome. The menu offers something for everyone. They offer a small soup and salad bar for an extra $5 with your meal. Since it was lunch time we went with sandwiches for our meals. The gyro, the French dip, and a steak sandwich. They were all delicious and well made. There are multiple side options to choose from and the portions are generous. I wish we had saved room for dessert. The case is a true thing of beauty. I will probably make the drive again just for dessert and coffee. read more

The Ariston Cafe - Dessert - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

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Fast and friendly service, no shortage of help it seemed. Loved the pork tenderloin sandwich (sure do miss those in Texas), the roast beef open sandwich w mashed potatoes, gravy and yummy cole slaw also very good. Topped our lunch off with sharing a piece of cafe-made very good blueberry whipper cream cheese cake that had a crushed nut crust. Enjoyed the nostalgic feel of this restaurant that's been around a long time. We would stop again if ever this way in the future! read more

I'm not sure who's giving this place anything less than 5 stars. There's a reason it's been open for over 100 years. The food is top notch and so is the service and ambiance. read more

Great Route 66 old school restaurant- loved the soup and salad bar. Best mashed potatoes with gravy ever! Everyone very nice!

step back into time for this place been around for 100years on Route 66. The Menu has a wide selection they also offer an soup and salad bar which are few and far between. Once your meal is finished they walk around with amazing desserts. The stars go down with service we replaced a simple order an appetizer and drinks.. drinks came out we ordered our Sandwiches then we waited and waited table that came in after us they go their food I asked why did they have their food before us I was given an EXCUSE then our Sandwiches came out asked about the appetizer again was looked at like we were Crazy given another excuse then told Oh they are getting ready to drop them read more

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Over 100 years and truly OLD School. My catfish was spectacular and gave you two whole catfish, Tammy had the open faced Beef which was equally good. This place is off the beaten path on the Old Route 66 path. Coming back here soon and often if possible. Our server Tori was the bomb! Five stars! read more

Perfect atmosphere and delicious food with a Route 66 vibe. The menu had all of the classics you could possibly want, and the servers were on point. read more

The Ariston Cafe - the interior of the restaurant - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

Food was delicious! Service was great! We happened to see their advertisement on the side of the interstate. read more

The Ariston Cafe - the menu for the restaurant - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

We have always looked forward to eating at the Ariston when we come into town to visit family. It's always kind of been a "have to" and was always enjoyed when Nick & Demi owned it. Went in on the Tuesday before Christmas and the front room was packed, but only three servers and kind of a sideways look when we were sat at a back table. Our server finally made her way over and collected our drink orders and we asked about an appetizer plate, to which she informed us that they were out of ravioli. I asked if we could just get more of one or the other items that were offered. She told us probably not but would ask. When she returned with out drinks, she said that the owner/manager had told her "you know better, we don't substitute even if we are out of it", and that just kind of dictated the rest of our dinning experience. The salad and soup bar were subpar on items, they were running out of stuff to put on it. Our server was awesome, she couldn't help that the kitchen took almost an hour to get our food out to us; the all you can eat dried up pork chops that were on special, a burger, and the catfish-which we were told was taking so long to fry- she did finally offer a cup of soup to my two kids because our wait was so long. I understand that it was the week of Christmas but maybe think of the people coming from out of town and have more people working, don't run out of so many items, or if you do be willing to substitute something for your patrons. That would never have happened when the original owners were there, their service and quality of food would make you want to return every night of the week and it makes me sad that the best place in town has lost its luster. I can remember when you would see the same servers visit after visit and I didn't see one that was there before the sale, and that tells me a lot of what I need to know about ownership. read more

Great place to stop and visit. We were originally visiting Carlinville and had a great time taking in it's rich history. Then it was a short drive to Litchfield to go and have lunch at this cafe. The waitstaff is extremely nice and well dressed with their black slacks, white button down shirts and black ties. My wife and I both ordered the pork tenderloin sandwhich. I had fries, my wife had the homemade chips. Everything was well prepared, everything was good. After we ate the waitress brought around the dessert tray. We opted for the baklava cheesecake. OMGoodness! This thing was amazing. You can feel a history as you dine there. If you look around and get past all the upgrades done over the years (ceiling fans weren't a thing back when it was built I'm quite sure..) you really can see how things have been for the past, almost, 100 years. An amazing experience and we will definitely be back. read more

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My grandmother, who has now passed LOVED coming here. I recently found out that the boss, Will, said very hateful things to her because she liked to talk (she was just lonely) and because she "didn't tip enough for his liking." she was a broke lonely old lady. After saying this stuff to her (I just found out about it right after she passed) she never came back because she felt so unwanted. As I was told by one of the servers there, most there would openly try and avoid her, and overall treated her differently. I do not recommend this place as you should think about if that was your grandma. May she rest in peace. read more

Wonderful food, freshly made. Great service as well. Don't miss this place! Check the menu and the special foods.

Cold food. Sent back but they only took the cold sides back so left with entree only to eat. No apologies

I was on a Route 66 road trip with my dad when we arrived at the Ariston Cafe. We were tired of fast food hamburgers and found this cafe to offer exactly what we needed: a large variety of quality foods, an endless salad/soup bar, and delicious desert. Our waitress Cyndi provided the best service I've ever experienced at a restaurant: glasses always full, new plates for the salad bar always provided, and a few well timed jokes. This place is also popular with the locals, so settle into a booth, relax, and enjoy the experience. read more

The Ariston Cafe - Exterior at night. - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

Came in late but we were still warmly welcomed and taken care of. Food was outstanding. The only thing better was the attentive service of JoJo. This young woman was so genuinely sweet and accommodating. Always a smile on her face despite hustling around. Thank you for the great food and service. read more

Great food and outstanding service. Portions quite generous, had to take home leftovers. Will be back!

We love eating at The Ariston Cafe anytime we travel from Chicago suburbs to St Louis. Our waitress Eriel was very personable and very helpful. I had the Salad Bar. My husband ordered the pork tenderloin with cole slaw. We stopped there for lunch. The food is always so delicious. Thank you, Eriel for your friendly service!! read more

My sisters and I had a wonderful visit a few days ago. Our server was wonderful. She was very attentive and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the salad bar and the tortellini soup. The servers looked so nice in their white shirts and ties and most of them were very festive in their red, white and blue. Overall, it was a good experience, however; the only complaint we had was another server bickering across our table. The servers were mostly professional and kept with their historic ambiance, just would advise the young girl with glasses that we could hear her yelling at the others. The customers don't need to hear your argument. We will be back next time for the desserts that we did not save room for. read more

We had a fantastic first experience at the Ariston. Although we both had a light lunch- everything on the soup and salad bar was very inviting and fresh. Our sever, Jackie, was "just right" and I marveled that she must be a mind reader to so accurately anticipate our requests. Jackie was also a good sport and very helpful with our questions. It was super refreshing to be served by someone this professional! Note: while we were having lunch, a few people peeked in the windows and then disappeared; to those people I say "your loss". I almost ran after a couple that arrived by motorcycle to drag them inside- but the dessert tray arrived and we were both distracted. Bottom line is that this is a "MUST" visit if you are passing through! EZ off and EZ back on to 55. You'll thank me I am sure! read more

We stopped here on our Route 66 trip. We wanted to experience the old style and it did not disappoint! It was so nice to see tablecloths and servers nicely dressed. The service was great and so was the food! read more

If I picked one restaurant in Montgomery county to eat it would be here. Everything I've ever ordered is excellent. Waitresses are great at recommending dishes and are fast. The inside reminds me of a supper club like interior. read more

It's sort of strange. The quality of the food is actually pretty good. Both the Prime Rib sandwich and the Fried Chicken was a good product.....tender prime rib. What we found odd was that we couldn't taste any seasoning on either item....none. Very bland food to us, too bland for us. No taste and no flavor. I'm sorry to say, but we just couldn't find it. Thought the salad bar was somewhat lacking myself. No cottage cheese. Very little prep work with the salad itself. It was cut up, but left in quite large pieces, too large for us so you have work with that yourself on the plate. Some of the salad looked a bit close to being on the edge for comfort. Some of it was starting to turn color. Again, dig through it yourself and make something work. It used to better than this. Not a real fan of crinkle fries. What I normally find is some pieces aren't that good (hard) or edible. Such was the case. I would suspect just from frozen, in my opinion. About have of the fries or more we left on our plate. I was hoping more for the old style dinner type fries. About a 1/4 of an inch square or a little larger. Those are the best fries to me. Eating here before I thought bread and butter was always offered with each table. Wasn't offered to us, but it was offered at the booth next us, different waitress. We won't be stopping back here again. Date of visit 04/26/2024 read more