Why Locals Love Route 66 Cafe
Route 66 Cafe, nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City at 858 9th Ave, offers a nostalgic yet lively American dining experience that captures the spirit of the iconic Route 66. This classic American restaurant invites you to enjoy hearty, flavor-packed dishes in a welcoming atmosphere that blends retro charm with urban energy.
The menu at Route 66 Cafe boasts a delicious array of American favorites, perfect for those craving generous portions filled with fresh, bold flavors. Start your meal with the fiery Buffalo Wings, available in Spicy Buffalo or BBQ styles, delivering a perfect balance of heat and smokiness that awakens the palate. For something satisfying yet sophisticated, the Grilled Steak Quesadilla is a standout—flour tortillas are filled with tender steak, sautéed mushrooms and onions, melted Swiss cheese, jalapeños, and creamy avocado, served alongside tangy salsa and sour cream that enhance every bite. If you prefer poultry, the Grilled Chicken Quesadilla offers a lighter option, filled with Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, and fresh cilantro for a subtle herbaceous kick.
Sandwich lovers will find comfort in the expertly crafted clubs. The Turkey Club layers traditional turkey, crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato with creamy mayo on a crusty ciabatta bread, while the Grilled Chicken Club ups the ante with avocado and chipotle mayo, adding a smoky heat that perfectly complements the juicy grilled chicken and crispy bacon.
Don’t miss the delightful ice cream selections that provide a sweet, indulgent finish to your meal. The Banana Split Ice Cream is a classic crowd-pleaser, while the Strawberry Dream, combining vanilla and strawberry scoops topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, is a refreshing treat. For caramel lovers, the Caramel Royal Ice Cream with walnuts and raisins drizzled in caramel syrup offers a rich, textured finale.
One of the most charming facets of Route 66 Cafe is its welcoming and casual vibe, complete with decor inspired by the legendary American highway, evoking a sense of adventure and nostalgia. Patrons consistently praise the friendly service and lively atmosphere, whether dining solo or with large groups. As customer B Green joyfully shares, the “best pancakes ever” paired with a refreshing raspberry martini make for an unforgettable brunch experience, perfectly complemented by fresh eggs and people-watching on the patio. Adam Struzik echoes the sentiment, highlighting generous portions and a good vibe that make it hard to leave any food unfinished.
For those planning a group gathering, Route 66 Cafe’s accommodating staff will make your visit smooth and enjoyable. VitaG’s experience booking a large table for 14 demonstrates the team’s helpfulness and professionalism, ensuring a seamless celebration with family or friends.
Whether you’re dropping by for a casual lunch featuring a superb pastrami sandwich and fresh salad, as PaulS enjoyed, or indulging in classic diner fare with a twist, Route 66 Cafe offers a uniquely comforting and flavorful slice of Americana right in New York City.
Come for the hearty plates, stay for the warm service and vibrant setting—Route 66 Cafe is truly a must-visit for anyone looking to savor traditional American flavors with a side of genuine hospitality.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid multi-storey car park
- Paid street parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Apr 8, 2026
When I say I had the best pancakes ever, I really mean it!!! The food was exceptional for a local spot. I set outside, ate, people & dog watched, annnnndddd drank the best raspberry martini! This is definitely a must try!! Ohhh and the eggs were so fresh and tasty!!!
- Mar 11, 2026
No idea why this place is named after the famous American road, but they’ve got the decor to match the name. The food is decent, on Sundays they’ve got a brunch menu where you get coffee, an alcoholic drink, and an entree for a fairly reasonable price.
- Feb 6, 2026
Yummy! The portion size is so big that I couldn't finish my pancakes even though my stomach was empty prior ordering a breakfast here. I recommend this place, it has a good vibe and friendly servers. Just look at my pancakes I ordered (I still think about the part I had to left because I was full)
- Feb 2, 2026
Route 66 took great care of my large group. I booked a table for 14 in OpenTable. I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to book through the app. (Some places require a large group email them and go through a formal process). I called the restaurant to confirm, and they were kind and helpful. Our table was ready on time and all the staff were friendly. We met up to reconnect with family members we rarely get to see, so we were possibly a bit rambunctious, but the staff was just as sweet. They even helped execute a last minute birthday dessert for my cousin. My burger and calamari were great and everyone else enjoyed their food. The cost was accurate for the area, so no complaints there. I would highly recommend this spot to others and return again.
- Jan 21, 2026
This NYC diner was amazing. My pastrami sandwich and salad were both superb. So good. Great place for lunch. I would absolutely return here. Recommended!
- Jan 19, 2026
Totally and absolutely amazing pancakes with eggs and bacon! Super big portion and they weren’t dry at all. Order with maple syrup for the ultimate experience. There is also a happy hour for cocktails and burgers from 3:30-7pm everyday. I highly recommend the place, especially if you score an outside table.
- Jan 5, 2026
Great starter location for the night (happy hour 4p- 7p). Music volume is nice & low (easy on the ears). FYI: Just let them know how you like your bacon cooked.
- Dec 18, 2025
Food was delicious and hearty. I had the Farmhouse Skillet. All of us in the party could not finish our meals because there was so much food. Bring your appetite! Diner was intimate (small) with high tops and low tables. It was a great space for meeting friends.
