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Willowbrook, Illinois: Del Rhea's Chicken Basket

Serving chicken to hungry Route 66 travelers since 1946. Out front: vintage neon sign and historical marker.

Address:
645 Joliet Rd, Willowbrook, IL
Directions:
I-55 exit 274. Drive north on Hwy 83. Make first right at stoplight onto Midway Drive, then immediately turn right onto Frontage Rd. Drive until it ends at the stop sign. You'll see the Chicken Basket across the street, on the left.
Hours:
Su-Th 11-9, F-Sa 11-10 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
630-325-0780
Admission:
Free to look.
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Visitor Tips and News About Del Rhea's Chicken Basket

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Neon sign at night.

Del Rhea's Chicken Basket

The Dell Rhea Chicken Basket menu has a bit of everything on it.

[Daryl Palmer, 11/10/2021]

Sign.

Del Rhea's Chicken Basket

The chicken was kind of bland, but servers are nice.

[Caitlin Cordova, 04/22/2019]

The business started as "The Chicken Basket" in 1946, and became Del Rhea's Chicken Basket in 1963, according to the helpful sign reminding visitors that they are on Route 66. The menu slogan advises "Get Your Chicks on Route 66."

Chicken Basket.

Del Rhea's Chicken Basket

The Chicken Basket is a famous Route 66 attraction that has withstood many changes but continues to provide the same great food, hospitality, and ambiance as it did when it opened. A must-stop on a trek along the mother road. The owner personally sat us and introduced himself. The staff were friendly and the chicken was terrific!

[Sara Howe, 07/09/2016]

The restaurant opened in 1946, nearly went out of business when Route 66 was cut off by the interstate in 1963, but survived. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

Route 66 Landmark! Although their famous ice skaters on the roof are long gone, the Chicken Basket is still in business. The place is filled with nautical Route 66 stuff, chickens, and historical markers telling the building's significance.

[Ben Perdue, 04/25/2016]

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