Route 66 icon! If memory serves me it's been in operation since 1924. Inside the decor is authentic to the 1950's, but this is obviously well cared for, which was very apparent when I saw the counter swivel stool-chairs: they look brand new! I was on a road trip up from Florida to Wisconsin with a friend. We were going through Springfield, Illinois, so we could visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & Library. So that's how I ended up in this neck of the woods. Needed a spot for dinner and this popped up as an option and sure glad it did. My friend & I both opted for the Fried Chicken dinner and this place makes the best fried chicken I've had in decades! OMGOSH! The meat was fully cooked, but still so incredibly juicy. The crispy skin and coating was unreal, it was so good - it was truly "finger-lick in' good". While I'm borrowing that old slogan, The Ariston Cafe's fried chicken is like the fried chicken ideal of perfection. They have a classic salad bar and that hit the spot, especially on a road trip where you're not often getting enough veggies. I'm writing this review some weeks later after getting back home. If the place had been average, I wouldn't bother, but when a reminder to do a review popped up, I had to do this as the waitresses and cooks deserve it, as do the owners & all the staff. Waitresses were all nice as could be and helpful. It's like walking back in time when you go inside, and it reminded me of great restaurants in the area I grew up in. If I make it back up that way again, I'll plan my travels to include another stop in at The Artisan. read more

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My husband and I were looking for a place to eat supper and were heading toward a Taco Bell when my husband saw the Ariston Cafe. He noticed that the restaurant's parking lot was packed and said, "This must be a good place to eat." We then noticed the signs on the outside that said, "A better place to eat." While walking into the restaurant our appetites were stimulated by the wonderful smell of steaks cooking. We went inside and were pleasantly greeted and given a choice to sit at a table or a booth. We chose the booth and were seated right next to the salad bar. We opted for the Icelandic cod fish special which came with one side and unlimited trips to the salad bar. The salad bar had a lovely selection of vegetables and toppings. Several choices reminded us of dishes that one would bring to a family reunion. One was a sweet corn salad with a tasty dressing that tasted like hummus. It was delicious and I went back for seconds, another was a sweet carrot salad-equally delicious, another consisted of Brussel sprouts (I thought it would be pickled, but it was not), again, I had seconds. The cod fish came with unlimited servings, but the three large pieces were more than we could eat. We wanted to save room for dessert. The choices were many and we had first eyed them coming into the restaurant. They included: German chocolate cake, coconut and chocolate creamy pie, baklava, cheese cake topped with strawberries or blueberries, lemon meringue, and bread pudding with bourbon sauce. I had the coconut cream pie and my husband had the chocolate cream pie. Both were wonderful. We couldn't finish them because we were absolutely stuffed. So, we took them home to finish with our morning coffee. I wished that I could wrap this restaurant up and take it with me back to Evansville, IN to share with my group of retired friends when we go out for lunch. They would love it. The price for our dinner was extremely good considering the amount of food we had, and our waitress was very friendly and good at her job. We'll be back again next year for certain. This is truly a better place to eat. read more

The Ariston Cafe - Very happy customers! - American Near Me - Litchfield, Illinois

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

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

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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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

Wanted to love this place. My best friend and I were on our way back to Wisconsin and stopped for lunch. We got a table right away. Lizzie was our server, took quite a few minutes for her to greet us at our table. We got waters, diet coke and a root beer. Lizzie took our order, we both got burgers and we didn't see her again until she brought our food out. While waiting for our food, we noticed all other tables were given complimentary bread and butter, we never got that. Every other server greeted their tables with letting them know what the specials were, we were never informed. Would have loved to add on the salad bar but wasn't offered that either. Anyway, we got our food. My patty melt bread was rock solid, could have made croutons out of the bread. We never saw our server again until we had been finished eating for 15+ minutes when she finally brought our check. No soda refill and never once checked in to see how our food was. Declined dessert, paid, and left. Will not return. Very disappointing. read more

Lizzie was awesome server Food was solid place was clean just a good vibe Rest of the girls were great even Jackie read more

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

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

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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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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Stopped in on a Sunday morning and had the brunch buffet. Safe to say it was some of the best food I've had along Route 66. It tasted like a piece of home, coming straight out of grandmas oven. Absolutely delicious! You must stop here and grab a bite to eat. read more

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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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

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

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

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

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 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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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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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

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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