Cozy Dog Drive-In on South Six Street is a popular attraction along Old Route 66 in Springfield, IL and the birthplace of the “cozy dog,” a hot dog on a stick that’s dipped in batter and deep-fried like a French fry. The “Cozy Dog” was launched by Ed Waldmire Jr. and his wife at the Lake Springfield Beach House on June 16th, 1946. Three years later, Cozy Dog Drive-In was born and has been run by the Waldmire family ever since.  It is still family owned and operated by Josh Waldmire on a daily basis.

There’s no doubt that the cozy dogs are delicious, but don’t forget about the other menu items. When I stopped in with my business partner Tyler McKay today I ordered the Tuesday special (two cozy dogs and a side of fries for $5.85) and fell in love with their home made french fries, which were better than the fries at any big-name restaurant I’ve been to. While I opted for the restaurant’s namesake, Tyler ordered (and devoured) the cheeseburgers, so you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. In the winter days, I usually love a bowl of hot chili.

In addition to providing affordable and delicious eats for tourists and bikers from around the world, Cozy Dog also features a gift shop filled with Route 66 and Springfield, IL memorabilia. Bob Waldmire, Route 66 artist and son of the Cozy Dog creators, traveled all along Route 66 to get design ideas for the postcards and maps sold in the Cozy Dog Drive-In gift shop. Customers are required to wear a face covering due to COVID-19 but that hasn’t seemed to slow down business, since they were still pretty busy.

If you live anywhere near Springfield, IL or find yourself passing through on Route 66, you can’t miss the American icon that is Cozy Dog Drive-In! Enjoy great atmosphere, and an historic and cultural gem of local flavor.

Cozy Dog Drive In
2935 So. Sixth Street, Springfield Illinois

Please log on its website at https://www.cozydogdrivein.com/ for more information.

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