Road food I55 Chicago to St. Louis

Traveling from Chicago to St. Louis. Any suggestions?

Just in case you are not from this area, any Steak 'n Shake you see would be delicious. The burgers are obvious, but consider Chili Mac or Chili Three Ways. I can live without their matchstick-thin french fries. Skip the soda and have a shake for desert! Hopefully I haven't committed a faux pas by suggesting a chain, but these places have the same consistent quality I remember from my childhood in Galesburg IL.

Mgemmell
No foo-pah here. Lots of folks love Steak and Shake. we have several in the Louisville area. I would vote for the Frisco Melt as my favorite sandwich...and yes the Shakes are right up at the top of the list.
AL

There is a restaurant in the middle of a block on the main street right in downtown Springfield (know its down a few blocks from the current state capitol and believe its pretty much just across from the old capitol building) which has absolutely great (and some rather unusual) soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts for lunch. I like it best in winter as I'm particularly fond of their soups. It's a walk up, place your order place, and then waitress brings food to your table. It's always crowded with state government employees at noontime but worth the crowd which moves fast. Unfortunatley I can't think of name of place, but am sure anyone there could tell you. Highly recommend it.

Whoops, sent the email to the wrong party..sorry MGEMELL
Let me recommend the Dixie Truck Stop At exit 145 on I-55...Actually it is just west of the freeway at the intersection of US 136 and Old Hiway 66.
Probably one of the best Blue Plate-Truck Stop food places left in the country.

I was very disappointed when I stopped at the Dixie Trucker's home last Tuesday. My chicken fried steak was so soggy and greasy I couldn't even finish it. The buffet was not at all appealing. I travel I-55 frequently and used to stop at the Dixie every chance I got. It's always been too smokey, but I put up with it for the food, but this is the second time I've been let down and don't plan to go again. I was also surprized that the travel store was almost bare of stock. I think they may be having financial problems.

Thanks Jim for the update on the Dixie Truck Stop. I used to visit it on each of the annual trips back here from SoCal. I had hoped to do it again next week on our run thru IL and MO. But I think I will pass this time. Darn shame, it was a dandy.

I eat well in Chicago and hold out for one of the many good Roadfood meals in St. Louis. Illinois can be a flat, dull wasteland.

I agree with Jim Ross. I stopped at the Dixie summer before last on my way to Chicago and was very disappointed. The chicken was dry, the mashed potatoes tasted like they were instant (Dixie used to serve real mashed potatoes that were wonderful), and the gravy tasted like it was from a mix. The restaurant was not clean, and the service was terrible.

Yes, Al, it's a cryin' shame . . . I remember when they had moist, flavorful fried chicken, real mashed potatoes with homemade cream gravy. I hope someone buys the place & returns it to its old glory.