“Getting your chicks on since 1946”
The Chicken Basket, as it is today, opened in the summer of 1946 on Historic Illinois Route 66. Because of the amount of traffic and distance from Chicago, the Chicken Basket was the perfect stopping place going to or coming from Chicago. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket has been in countless Route 66 documentaries and travel books on Route 66 and has visitors from around the world on a regular basis! Our goal has long been to serve our customers the freshest, most outstanding food. We also promise to provide you with the best service in the world. We would like to thank you for 60 plus years of loyalty, and we would like to ask for another 60 years of that same loyalty. Featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!
This brings back memories of delicious fried chicken. I grew up in Darien before it was Incorporated and Dell Rhea's was a favorite of our family's. So glad to hear you're still in business!
Dell Rhea's is THE BEST! Worth the drive from Chicago — awesome chicken, biscuits, wings… super old-timey. One of my absolute favorite places near Chicago.
Absolutely, hands-down some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted.
The buffalo wings were incredible. They were lightly breaded, deep-fried and had a nice spicy sauce that they were tossed in. But, they didn't feel too heavy. The french fries were delicious as well, and the bread they provide with the meal was warm.
The staff was incredibly friendly, and I met the owner and told him I work for Roadtrippers and he sent me home with an entire fried chicken dinner, which was AWESOME! They have a full bar on-site and overall the atmosphere was super charming and retro.
I honestly can't wait to go back. I highly, highly recommend stopping here for some delicious grub.
Great Chicken and Lunch Buffet
This place has great chicken and biscuits. Good for kids too, cause there's lots of stuff to look at. The restaurant is decorated with...you guessed it, loads of chickens. Paintings of chickens, little chicken figurines, and the staff are all super nice.
Such a great place! The food is awesome - the decor really fun - and the staff is friendly.
Great Chicken Dinner, nice family atmosphere, this is a place to stop for sure!
GREAT food!! Neighbourhood looks a little worrying but we were coming at night for the first time. Lovely little place and omg the fried chicken!!!!
A really nice place. Didnt eat here, just drank some rout 66 beer and coffee. Full resturant, really nice people. The best place for some rout 66 pictures, they have everything of the kind, including rout 66 tshirts.
Absolutely delicious. We recommend the route 66 black cherry soda, the buffet, as Well as their wonderful cookies. We thank Patrick and his team for this great moment. It was Perfect To begin our route 66's Honeymoon. Elodie & Jean-Christophe
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Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket
Hours
- Fri, Sat: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Sun - Thu: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Reservations
- does not take
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Dinner
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Lunch
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Bar
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Outdoor Seating
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Waitstaff
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Takeout
Parking, Dining
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