From 1926 to 1985, travelers could drive Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, making stops without wondering when the next exit would appear. Restaurants flourished as cars pulled right off the road to grab a meal. When the scenic highway was decommissioned in favor of interstates, this access changed. Some businesses have stood the test of time, though, and these St. Louis restaurants along Route 66 are keeping history alive.
Spencer’s Grill Credit: photo courtesy of Spencer’s GrillCrown Candy Kitchen
This St. Louis staple has been run by the same family since 1913. When asked about the decision to take over the family business, Andy Karandzieff, who runs it with his wife Sherri, didn’t hesitate: “It was our turn.” Karandzieff describes it as “Route 66 adjacent,” not directly on the highway but close enough to be associated. “They’re looking for the place that’s been there a long time,” Karandzieff said of customers. Each year, they fry 22 tons of bacon for their BLTs alone. Customers can also peruse the chocolate offerings, including themed figurines that Karandzieff hand-pours himself.
1401 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, 314.621.9650, crowncandykitchen.net Credit: photo by Riley HansenCarl’s Drive-In
Carl’s Drive-In has been serving burgers since 1959, and manager Kelly McFerrin has worked there for 27 years. “Generations of families come here,” she said, adding that she also frequently sees Route 66 tourists stopping in to look at the memorabilia lining the walls. Customers sit on barstools with a view of the cooks grilling their food, as well as the iconic IBC root beer jug. According to McFerrin, Carl was friends with the original owner of IBC, and his recipe is the one Carl’s uses now. McFerrin guards the recipe with secrecy and pride.
9033 Manchester Road, Brentwood, 314.961.9652, carlsdrivein.com Credit: photo courtesy of Carl’s Drive-InTed Drewes Frozen Custard
When Travis Dillon went full-time at Ted Drewes, he was working at a CPA firm. “I was helping out because it was a family business,” Dillon said. He and his wife Christy, Ted Drewes Jr.’s daughter, co-own the landmark. Dillon said that when he’s handing customers frozen custard, he can’t help but be happy. According to Dillon, Ted Drewes is a major Route 66 attraction. “We’ll probably get one bus a week,” he predicts of the tourist traffic coming this summer. The Route 66 location (now Chippewa Street) opened in 1941. Dillon credits their success to their quality, quick service and delicious flavors, which the crew puts a lot of heart into.
6726 Chippewa St., St. Louis, 314.481.2652, teddrewes.com Credit: photo by Riley HansenDonut Drive-In
This spot has been offering hand-made donuts since 1953. Manager Cheri Jerden has been there for 25 years, and her husband was the head-baker before his passing. Jerden credits the success of historic businesses like this one to word-of-mouth and the nostalgia of Route 66. Employee Andrew Dent believes their tradition is part of why they’re successful, noting that some places try to take risks with their menu items. “A place like this, they figured out what works and stick to it,” Dent said, like row-cutting and finishing their donuts by hand.
6525 Chippewa St., St. Louis, 314.645.7714, donutdrivein.com Credit: photo by Riley HansenSpencer’s Grill
When Spencer’s Grill closed last summer, longtime patron (and Honeybee’s Biscuits + Good Eats co-owner) Meredith Shadwick took action. She and her husband Mike reopened Spencer’s, which has been serving Kirkwood since 1947, in November 2024. Shadwick grew up coming to Spencer’s Grill with her grandfather. “It’s really important to continue an establishment where people feel comfortable coming here,” she said. “People will introduce themselves to each other. It gives you a chance to not be in your own world.” Shadwick added that they try to keep prices affordable so people from all walks of life can come to this place of community.
223 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, 314.287.6275, spencersgrill.com Credit: photo by Riley Hansen
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