American restaurants

Route 66 Cafe

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

858 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States $20–30
4.4
971 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

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.

03 Notes from regulars

971 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.4
Based on 971 verified notes
5 587
4 246
3 93
2 28
1 29
All Waffles Mojitos Outdoor Seating Omelette Buffalo Wings People Watching Eggs Benedict Huevos Rancheros Happy Hour Chicken Tortilla Soup
B Green.
2 month ago
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!!!
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Matt B.
3 month ago
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.
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Adam Struzik.
4 month ago
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)
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vitaG.
4 month ago
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.
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PaulS.
4 month ago
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!
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Viliana Peleva.
4 month ago
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.
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David Scott.
5 month ago
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.
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Kari Owens.
5 month ago
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.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Finding the door

858 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Great wine list
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid street parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside
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