The Cozy Dog Drive-In is something of a Route 66 icon and home of the one and only “Cozy Dog.” For the uninititated the Cozy Dog - something of a speciality at this particular restaurant - is a delicious hot dog on a stick often found nation-wide at many county and state fairs.

The restaurant celebrates it's long connection to the Mother Road by displaying a selection of Route 66 memorabilia while featuring a gift shop with Route 66 merchandise.

The Cozy Dog and Route 66 have a shared history extending across three generations. Renowned Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire (1945 - 2009) was the son of Cozy Dog owners Ed and Virginia Waldmire. Bob traveled along the route extensively, getting inspiration for his many postcards and maps before he sadly passed away in 2009. Bob was a much-loved and respected icon of Route 66 himself - you can read Ken Turmel's tribute to Bob Waldmire here.

The Cozy Dog is still very much a family-run business with Ed's grandson Josh Waldmire at the helm as owner and operator since 2013. Josh grew up in the Cozy Dog and worked there throughout High School. Josh returned to the business in 2007 to give his mother Sue a helping hand before she retired in 2012.

Serving the public for over 70 years, the Cozy Dog still uses the same batter recipe that Ed Waldmire developed back in 1946! The Cozy Dog is a must stop as you pass through Springfield, Illinois.