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    Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

    3.7 (863 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket Takeout or Delivery

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    DELL RHEA'S CHICKEN BASKET ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

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    Front Neon Sign
    Terri B.

    We were driving Route 66 from Chicago, and timed it to have dinner at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket. The restaurant is very old school inside which gives you memories of old time diner's along the route. There is a cool Route 66 sign out front for photo ops too. We were immediately greeted and taken to a table. Being as we were there more for an early bird dinner, the place wasn't too crowded yet, but there were other diners. Our server was bubbly and friendly. She came to take our drink order and bring fresh hot biscuit rolls. We explored the menu and of course it would be chicken of some sort. Mr. Bee chose the special which was 2 dark meat pieces of chicken and I chose the chicken tender basket. With orders placed, we enjoyed our beer and wine and the casual atmosphere. After about 30 minutes we began to wonder what happened to our order. We waited a few more minutes and our server did come by to tell us it was coming soon. Several more minutes went by and our plates were delivered to the table. Mr. Bee was a little disappointed to see his chicken legs were not fried, but had more of a spice mix on the outside. While they were very good, it wasn't fried and he realized he should have read the special more thoroughly. My chicken tenders were just that, tender and perfectly fried, crunchy on the outside while still juicy on the inside. There were probably 8 or 9 chicken tenders in the basket, way more than I could eat. The Mac and Cheese was cheesy and creamy, just like grandma's. We enjoyed our dinner, and would go back if we found ourselves on Route 66 again. There is plenty of parking out front, the restaurant is tucked away a bit in an industrial area. Just know that while the chicken will be worth it, I think it is cooked to order, so the food does take some time to come out. But the staff was friendly and attentive. The chicken theme in the restaurant makes you feel if you are eating in someone's home.

    $19.99 Prime Rib Dinner Special
    Gourmet-Guy A.

    Renowned for their famous chicken dishes, they occasionally offer a prime rib dinner special for under $20. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

    Lunch buffet $9.99 M-F 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
    Tim H.

    The thrill is gone. Last three visits since the new owner and I no longer enjoy the food. Most recently the prime rib was a joke. I guess for $20 you should not expect much. Asked for medium rare and they brought out a well done piece. Asked for something more medium rare. Brought out a medium well slice and she said it is best they can do. I got there right when it was available at 4pm. Mysteriously the table next to me was served 3 medium slices just after mine. Obviously they're using select meat, the cheapest cut available, as it was over chewy. Being over cooked doesn't help with the chew also. Not much flavor either. Got hassled twice for sitting in their parking lot waiting for 4pm. They said it is a private lot and I need to leave, as they're expecting a busy night. I told them a second time I was coming in. Definitely should've just left the second time the owner harassed me. When I went in at 4pm there were 23 open parking spots near me. I used to enjoy my visits with the previous owner Pat. I actually was on the segment that was filmed there by Chicago's Best TV in 2012 and could be heard saying "they have the best fried chicken in the world." Not any longer.

    Theresa B.

    We are big DDD followers so on out second trip to Joliet I thought let me try to find a restaurant in the area. I came across Dell Rhea. We arrived on Sunday at 11:30 AM, the restaurant opened at 11 and was already about 1/4 full. We opted to do the buffet even though I hardly eat anything, lol.(I maybe ate half a plate of food) the buffet was completely stocked with fresh delicious food. The chicken, obviously with the restaurant is known for, was absolutely delicious. It was extremely juicy, and the breading was a very different texture. I also tried a corn fritter, Belgian waffle, hashbrowns, garlic bread and chicken dumpling soup. Each item was actually very good, hot and fresh. The chicken dumpling had the biggest and most amount of chicken ever, lol. Service was also very good.

    Ira M.

    It's a very nostalgic place to go. The service was wonderful. The food was just ok tonight. #iraeats #iraeats1

    Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket is a great stop on old Route 66!
    Mike J.

    Driving from Chicago to Los Angeles we were enticed by Dell Rhea 's Chicken Basket on old Route 66. Originally serving delectable fried chicken out of a Route 66 gas station to hungry travelers on the Mother Road in the late 1930's, Dell Rhea's now serves in a welcoming dining room with a roaring fire in the fireplace. We were warmly greeted with a welcoming smile. We decided to share a fried Chicken Sandwich with fries and coleslaw to eat on the road. The brioche bun was fluffy and an excellent compliment to the floured deep fried chicken nestled on a bed of lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Yum!!! The fried chicken was juicy and flavorful. The French fries were crispy on the outside and well cooked on the inside. Yay! We loved our first visit to Dell Rhea's with its historic connection to Route 66. We vowed that next time we will schedule enough time in our travels to linger in the dining room and order the famous fried chicken basket for dinner. We can't wait!

    Lunch Buffet $17.00
    Alesha W.

    What a fun experience and stop on the Route 66 line! The food was fantastic and well seasoned, with a very nice selection for the price ($17) and the staff were super friendly and welcoming. I loved the decor with all of the memorabilia in the hallways.

    Ida B.

    Stopped by for an early Sunday dinner. First time here. Plenty of parking. Separate bar area inside the restaurant. Friendly wait staff who properly explained the menu. Had the chicken dinner. Texture of the fried chicken was not to my liking. The batter used made the chicken hard. I think they used cornmeal. The chicken was also dry but seasoned well. Like the mashed potatoes, fried chicken livers, and corn fritter. Salad bar had a variety of vegetables, fruits, and pasta but many pieces of the lettuce were wilted and discolored, making it unappetizing. They really should discard those. My Old Fashioned was made well .

    Nina P.

    This review is only for the lunch buffet. Maybe I'm not the target demographic for this place as a 26 year old woman. I saw this place had great reviews, has been visited by guy fieri, and seemed like a place where you get really good fried chicken so I stopped by. When I sat down they recommended the lunch buffet and said that if I ordered, it could take 30 minutes (even though the restaurant was maybe 1/4 full). So I tried most of the lunch buffet and it was pretty disappointing. I first got the ribs, something labeled as corn fritter but it was just like a corn dog bite, and a piece of fried chicken. All of the meats I got were lukewarm to cold. I will say, I saw someone else cut into their fried chicken and it had steam coming out so I'm not sure why my chicken was cold. The fried chicken was incredibly disappointing - not very moist at all, not crispy, just bleh. Popeyes chicken is 10x more delicious. I later tried the bourbon chicken which was just also not great but at least warm, and the rest of what I tried (marinara pasta, corn bread, biscuit) were all just fine. I would have expected the biscuit to be really good here too but alas. I noticed that the demographic was like 60+ and I could definitely see how this demographic would enjoy the way this food tasted, it had kind of an old fashioned bland taste. Me personally I live in Chicago and have had many outstanding dining experiences so maybe I have a different standard. Overall it was very disappointing food considering guy fieri featured them on his show, I can only assume the food made to order is what he is talking about. The interior was nice and the service was decent.

    Chickens ! This place has tons of knick knacks like this.
    Emily L.

    An old place with friendly people and good food. Look for the cute chicken related ornaments about, a Route 66 historical marker outside, and an open fireplace in the fall and winter. The prices are a little on the high side, so look for specials. I like to get the Chicken Dinner for $20, which includes their famous fried chicken, steamed string beans, and home made mashed potatoes, along with their soup and salad bar. I add one of their old fashioned soda bottles for $2.50 and take one to go for $2.50, so my total out the door plus tip is about $30. But they have a lunch buffet for $15, a bar, and slot machines for those looking for a more affordable good time. This place is always packed with families. (Reposted from 2022) (Removed Request to Join Yelp Elite, as I Mainly Review on Google Maps in 2025)

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    27 days ago

    Granted I only had the lunch buffet to go, but the food was marginal and definitely a little pricey.

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    3 months ago

    Wow. Not good. I was forewarned but wanted fried chicken. Tasted more like fried smelt. Not good.

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    Page 1 of 22

    Ask the Community - Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

    I heard that there is a new owner. When did this happen and who is it?

    4 years ago, and her name is Annie.

    What is the brunch for Easter?

    I am guessing chicken. LOL!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    HOW THIS PLACE ISN'T ON A BEST BURGERS LIST SOMEWHERE IS INSANE…read more Get the sharska burger, with beef soup as a side. Get some bread and dunk it in there. Get a double shot of espresso before you leave, else there is no way you'll be productive the rest of the day after that big, hearty meal. But I regret nothing. The staff are friendly. Ask them what they think is best, and they will not lead you astray. Just real, down to earth people who you can just tell love love love food.

    12/14/24 update: It's been a long time since we came here. We came after 7 pm on a Saturday…read more Parking is easier to find for those that said parking is a pain. They actually redid the menu from last time. I've never tried the Broosters chicken because the Macedonian food is that good. This time we ordered Macedonian fresh pork/beef sausage dinner (I chose rice & broccoli and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes for the sides) and Babba speciality pizza. The pizza I already reviewed last time but it's one of my favorite pizzas of all time. You just have to try it. The Macedonian fresh pork/beef sausage was very tender and savory. You can see/taste the spring onions and sun dried peppers in each bite. The mashed potatoes were creamy and had just the right amount of salt. The rice and broccoli was delicious, I love the way they cooked it. The bread that came with the meal was warm and soft. This place is still 5 stars in my book. Just a FYI, look at your receipt if you dine in. They do charge automatic gratuity.

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