Scott Shinn - Founder & CEO

Blacktop Candy’s
American Classic

Auto Tours

322 Village Loop Dr

Apex, NC 27502

866.437.4077 Toll Free

919.439.8733 x301

866.370.2189 Fax

8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST

Route 66 Obliterated, But Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket Lives On

Interstate 55 now by-passes the stretch of historic Route 66 where Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket has been an icon since 1946. But off of exit 274 - and a few twists and turns later - sits the “Best Fried Chicken in the Chicagoland Area” says I, and numerous local and national publications. I grew up eating Grandma’s southern fried chicken every Sunday afternoon after church and never imagined a culinary challenger, particularly north of the Mason-Dixon line. Then one day on a Route 66 drive out of Chicago I stopped in Dell Rhea’s for lunch. Not only was the fried chicken crispy, juicy and teeming with flavor, but the biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy were also a very uncommon rival to grandma’s - and that’s saying a lot.

Twist of Fate in 1938

Not long after two women shared their fried chicken recipe with Irv Kolarik in 1938 he began serving fried chicken to Route 66 passers by. The chicken was an instant success and Irv had to build a new restaurant next door to keep up with demand. The current location was completed in 1946, but the re-routing of Route 66 and the Interstate Highway System caused Dell Rhea’s to be by-passed in the 1960’s. But its proximity to Chicago, a loyal Route 66 following and Patrick Rhea’s commitment to serve nothing but fresh, delicious food fostered continued success despite their being set off the main highway. Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket has received numerous awards, is a member of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, and has been featured on several television programs, most recently Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Call Ahead

Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket serves a lunch buffet with their world famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits and other seasonal entrees from 11:00 a.m to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. They’re closed on Mondays. If you want to pick up a picnic lunch, call ahead because all fried chicken is cooked to order and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. Their number is 630-325-0780. You can also check out their website for location, history and their menu.