Foodie Favorite: Nelly's on Route 66

In a town known for its small-town charm and Route 66 history, Nelly’s on Route 66 has carved out its place as a go-to stop for great food and friendly service. Opened in 2007, Nelly’s began as a walk-up stand with a simple mission: serve fresh, flavorful food fast—with no shortcuts. Over the years, it has become a staple in Wilmington, attracting locals and travelers alike looking for a satisfying bite just off the Mother Road.

Located just off Bridge Street, Nelly’s is hard to miss with its bright signage, seasonal outdoor seating, and always-busy walk-up window. It’s the kind of spot where regulars know exactly what they’re ordering before they pull up, and first-timers walk away wondering why they didn’t stop sooner.

We caught up with the Nelly’s team to learn more about what makes this place so special—and why their food keeps people coming back.

What Makes Nelly’s Different?

Nelly’s isn’t your average burger shack. Everything on the menu is made with fresh ingredients, and nothing is frozen. “Freshness is our priority,” they told us—and it shows. Their burgers are made with fresh ground beef, the fries are hand-cut, and even the onion rings are made from scratch. They also cook everything to order, so your meal is always hot and fresh when you get it.

Their pulled pork and pulled chicken are both house-made, and that extra care is part of what keeps customers coming back. Nelly’s has built a strong reputation in Wilmington because they don’t cut corners.

What’s the Go-To Order?

You can’t go wrong with a burger or hot dog, but according to the team, the pulled pork sandwich is the most popular item on the menu. It’s smoky, tender, and served on a soft bun that soaks up every bit of flavor.

But don’t sleep on the rest of the menu.

The Sleeper Hit: Pulled Pork Nachos

If there’s one item more people should try, it’s the pulled pork nachos. They’re loaded and packed with flavor. Some regulars even ask for pulled pork fries—not an official menu item, but something they’re happy to make if you ask. Those little off-menu secrets are part of what makes places like Nelly’s so special.

A Route 66 Landmark Next Door

Nelly’s sits in a prime spot along historic Route 66, just steps away from one of the road’s most recognizable figures—the Gemini Giant. Towering over visitors with his space helmet and rocket, the fiberglass giant has become a favorite roadside attraction for travelers exploring the Mother Road.

Its location right across from Nelly’s makes this stretch of Wilmington a must-stop destination for photos, lunch, and a bit of Route 66 nostalgia. After snapping a picture with the Gemini Giant, visitors can stop into The Landing Pad, a nearby gift shop full of Route 66 souvenirs and retro finds, before heading to Nelly’s for a pulled pork sandwich and fresh-cut fries.

The pairing of an iconic statue and a locally loved food stop captures what makes Route 66 so special—history, character, and good food worth pulling over for.

Nelly’s in Three Words?

We asked how they’d describe the restaurant, and the answer was simple: Fresh, tasty, and unique.

That says it all.

If you’re driving down Route 66 or just looking for a good place to eat in Wilmington, Nelly’s should definitely be on your list. It’s local, it’s casual, and it’s consistently good. Bring a friend, order the pulled pork nachos, and see what the hype is about.

Nelly’s on Route 66
140 Bridge St, Wilmington, IL
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