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Springfield, Illinois: Cozy Dog Drive In: Birthplace of the Corn Dog

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
2935 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL
Directions:
South end of the city. I-72 exits 92A or 97B onto I-55 north. Drive north around 1.5 miles. I-55 turns into a surface road; the Cozy will be on the left, between Apple Orchard Rd and Linton Ave.
Hours:
M-Sa 8-8 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
217-525-1992
Save to My Sights
Cozy Dog Drive In: Birthplace of the Corn Dog

Where the first corn-coated hot dog on a stick was served -- before the idea was copied and renamed the corn dog. Don't ever ask for a corn dog at the Cozy. Historical marker out front.

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Visitor Tips and News About Cozy Dog Drive In: Birthplace of the Corn Dog

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Cozy Dogs sign.

Cozy Dog Drive In - Birthplace of Hot Dog on a Stick

Great collection of Route 66 nostalgia, and the best corn dog I've ever had.

[ChrissyF, 06/14/2014]

Pile of corn dogs.

Cozy Dog Drive In - Birthplace of Hot Dog on a Stick

Always a great stop for a quick bite on Route 66.

[J Nichols, 11/25/2012]

Cozy Drive In.

Cozy Dog Drive In - Birthplace of Hot Dog on a Stick

Route 66 legend, Bob Waldmire, had his last art show on Nov. 22, 2009 at the Cozy Dog. He has since passed away, but his iconic artwork can still be purchased there.

[Jen Danzinger, 02/02/2010]
Cozy Dog Drive In - Route 66 Hot Dog on-a-stick History

Cozy Dog is the real, original, almighty home of the hot-dog-on-a-stick. The Cozy Dog (not the corndog) was invented by Buzz Waldmire. He was unfortunately ripped off, and his invention was renamed the "corndog" and was mass marketed all over the states.

If you go in there today and ask for a "corndog" you're likely to just be stared at or told "we don't sell corndogs here." This awesome eatery is still owned by the Waldmire family, but due to some bad court decisions, it might not be that way forever (it's a touchy subject). Two of my really good friends work there now, so I am there at least a couple of days a week.

Cozy Dog Drive In is located on the historic Route 66. The walls of the store tell the history of Cozy Dog and includes pictures of the rebuilding when they were forced to move down the street. There is artwork by one of the sons of the late Buzz Waldmire, Bob Waldmire. Bob has made postcard/poster maps of the entire Route 66 and some of the main locations. There is also some Buzz memorabilia, such as family photos and his book collection. Bob is planning on writing a book about his father.

[Jenn, 06/16/2002]

Nearby Offbeat Places

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In the region:
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