Who else plans your vacations around food? We’re definitely those people, especially on road trips. We love to check out local and unique eats that we can’t get back home. There’s a reason one of our favorite TV shows is Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! Since we’re based in Illinois, that’s where most of our road trips begin. The Midwest isn’t known for scenic drives, so it’s nice to have a restaurant to look forward to! In this post, we share our 3 favorite road trip restaurants for when you’re driving through this region. We’re getting hungry just writing about these places!
LAMBERT'S CAFE, MISSOURI
If you’re looking for a fun and memorable dining experience, Lambert’s Cafe is a must-do. You’ll know you’re getting close too, thanks to the plethora of billboards. There are actually 2 locations in Missouri. The original restaurant in Sikeston is a convenient location off I-55 in the southeast corner of the state. The other location is in Ozark, which is off I-44 near the town of Springfield. There is also a third location way down in Foley, Alabama near the Gulf of Mexico. Our experiences are mostly based on the Sikeston restaurant.
So why is Lambert’s one of our favorites? Well, it’s called the “Home of the Throwed Rolls” for a reason… they throw rolls at you! This is an interactive meal like no other. The first thing you will notice when you walk in is the rustic and nostalgic decor. Once you are seated, keep an eye out for the rolls! Throughout your meal, a server will bring out a tub of freshly baked rolls. Once you hear the call for “hot rolls”, put your hand up to get one thrown towards you. No worries if you miss the catch. They’ll just toss you another! And you won’t be disappointed with these rolls, as they are HUGE and delicious.
The rolls are in addition to all the side dishes that servers walk around with, which they call “pass-arounds”. These include macaroni and tomatoes, fried potatoes and onions, black-eyed peas, and our favorite: fried okra. When a server walks around with a big bucket with a pass-around you’d like, they’ll spoon a generous helping onto your plate or napkin. And don’t forget about the sorghum molasses and the most delicious apple butter you can get spread on your rolls!
Sounds like a lot of food, right? Well here’s the kicker: these are just the free sides! The actual menu includes a variety of southern-style comfort food like ribs, chicken-fried steak, chicken and dumplings and more. There is also a kids menu available. While there are a few salad options, we’ll be honest. You won’t be coming here for healthy eating options. Another thing to note is due to the free pass-arounds and rolls, everyone must order a meal, as there are no sharing plates. There is an option to pay and eat just the pass-arounds, but for a few dollars more, you can get an entree and way more bang for your buck. We had plenty of leftovers for the next day, and the servers make sure you have plenty of rolls and pass-arounds in your to-go boxes.
On the way out, swing by the gift shop. You can buy one of the huge mugs that your drinks come in, a t-shirt or even a jar of the amazing apple butter. So if you’re driving through Missouri on I-55 or I-44, stop at a Lambert’s. It’s a great time for the whole family and you’ll definitely leave with full stomachs!
450 NORTH BREWING COMPANY, INDIANA
If you’re a craft beer fan like we are and driving through Indiana on I-65, you need to check out 450 North Brewing Company in Columbus. Located about 45 minutes south of Indianapolis, this brewery is a little off the beaten path. But it’s definitely worth a stop! Once you get off the interstate, you will drive through some farmland until you arrive at the brewery.
Craft beer enthusiasts may already be familiar with 450 North for their famous Nuggets IPA series and Slushy sour beers. These were some of the best beers we’ve ever had! In fact, 450 North is known for long lines and fast sellouts when they release new cans. Not a craft beer fan? Don’t worry. The space is also shared with Simmons Winery if that’s more your preference. With 30 taps of beer, cider and wine (plus soda options), finding a beverage you enjoy won’t be a problem here.
Not a drinker or have kids? Well, here’s the other major reason you should stop here: delicious brick oven pizza. They have a big menu of topping varieties, so everyone can find a pizza that suits their tastes. While we recommend getting a pizza here, the menu also includes a host of appetizers, sandwiches and more. A kids menu is available as well. There is a gift shop for those interested, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to snag some cans to go! And don’t forget to remember to take your leftovers with you. We’re still sad about accidentally leaving our box on our table…
SWENSONS, OHIO
So far, we’ve mentioned southern-style food and pizza. But what if you’re craving some burgers? Well if you’re driving through Ohio, you need to stop at a Swensons. This regional chain has most of its locations in the greater Cleveland and greater Akron area, with a few near Columbus as well (not to be confused with Columbus, IN above). With multiple locations near large metropolitan areas, it shouldn’t be too difficult to add a stop from most interstates.
What’s special about Swensons? Well first, it’s a drive-in, so you’ll be eating in your car. Pull into a parking space, flip on your lights, and a carhop will run over to you. And when we say they’ll run over to you, they’ll literally run. Part of the fun here is to watch them run back and forth from the building to your car. In fact, one time we saw one worker sprint to the dumpster carrying 2 huge bags of garbage. Now that’s commitment!
But of course, the big stars of Swensons are the burgers. While you can get your standard fast food fare here, you didn’t come here to get a typical burger. Be sure to order their signature item: the Galley Boy. It is a double cheeseburger with not one, but TWO special sauces. Our best guess is that they are some kind of barbecue sauce and tartar sauce. Yes, it sounds like a weird combination, but don’t knock it until you try it! The Galley Boy also comes with its iconic green olive attached to the top of the bun with a toothpick. You’ll also find other items like chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled cheese, salads, soup and fried seafood. And don’t forget about the sides! The fries are good, but we also loved their onion rings and potato teezers, which are fried balls of potato, cheese and jalapeño.
Swensons also has an impressive selection of milkshake flavors, which you are encouraged to mix and create your own flavor combinations. And for a refreshing drink to wash down your burger with, try one of their specialty drinks. These flavored sodas (perhaps flavored ginger ale? Again, don’t knock it ’til you try it!) come in 3 varieties: the California (grape), Florida (orange) and Ohio (cherry). They’re a bit on the sweet side, but for a road trip treat, they hit the spot.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ROAD TRIP RESTAURANTS?
You can be sure if we are near any of these 3 restaurants on a road trip, we’ll be making a stop. What are some of your favorite road trip restaurants? Let us know which ones we should add to our list on future road trips in the comments below. Thanks for reading and be sure to check out other posts under our Trips and Tips section!