If there’s one highway in America that stands out, it’s undoubtedly Route 66. This legendary road spans eight states and three time zones, weaving tales and memories into its fabric.
But if you ever get the chance to drive this iconic route, let me tell you, the food along the way is just as memorable as the journey itself!
Stop 1: The Clanton’s Cafe 
The Strangely Delicious American Fried Chicken
For a taste of authentic American cuisine, head south from Miami along Route 66, and you’ll find yourself in Vinita, Oklahoma’s oldest town. At night, when the neon lights of Clanton’s Cafe come to life, they beckon with the promise of true American flavors.
Since opening in 1927, this family-run establishment has kept its original recipes intact. One of their most beloved dishes is the historic spicy bean sauce, made with beef and beans, and seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce, creating a flavor that’s both unique and unforgettable.
Another signature dish is their fried chicken steak, prepared using the founder’s original method. After marinating, dipping in egg, dredging in flour, and frying to perfection, you get a crispy chicken steak that, when paired with rich white gravy and smooth mashed potatoes, bursts with flavors in your mouth.
As host Andrew puts it:
“This is what fried chicken steak should be according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.”
A restaurant that’s been in operation for nearly a century, still serving up the original taste, is a rarity. But the next dish, while rooted in tradition, might just leave you feeling a bit… “egg-ache”?
Stop 2: The Cowboy Cook-Off
The Bizarre Fried Bull “Goodies”
Continuing west from Clanton’s, you might stumble upon a culinary celebration like no other. Every June, thousands flock to Vinita for what is billed as the world’s largest bull testicle cooking contest.
The tradition of eating bull testicles has been around for centuries in America, a favorite among cowboys. After each season’s castration, hundreds of “goodies” are left over, leading to the creation of the “Fried Egg” festival.
With the competition season in full swing, 17 teams are gearing up to vie for the title. To win, contestants craft secret recipes, incorporating unique ingredients like cheese powder, crushed biscuits, or cornmeal, giving the “goodies” an extraordinary flavor and texture.
After seasoning and deep-frying, these crispy, delicious bull “goodies” are ready. Curious about how a cheese biscuit-flavored bull testicle tastes? Host Andrew, never one to shy away, says:
“Fresh bull goodies, they’re really tasty!”
Stop 3: POPS Soda Ranch
The Weirdly “Disgusting” Drinks
Traveling between Vinita and Oklahoma City, you’ll pass by POPS Soda Ranch, marked by a giant soda bottle sculpture, a famous landmark along Route 66.
This place is a “heaven” for those who love to explore unusual drinks, offering over 700 different sodas to choose from. Beyond popular flavors like strawberry soda or cream soda, there are some truly bizarre options:
- Dirt soda
- Grass soda
- Even Ranch Dressing soda…
Why not be bold and try the Ranch Dressing soda? One look at the face, and you might guess…
Andrew: “This is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever tasted.”
Curious about what other “hidden menus” we’ve discovered along Route 66? For generations of Americans, Route 66 is also known as the “Mother Road,” carrying with it a unique cultural significance.
