Tulsa-Chicagoland via I-44 and I-55

I'm leaving Saturday for a road trip from Tulsa to Chicago's far northwest suburbs via I-44 and I-55. I'm hoping to stop at non-chain, local restaurants for meals. I'm looking for recommendations in Missouri and Illinois. They need to be cheap, NO CHAINS and no more than a 5-10 minute drive from I-44 or  I-55.
Thanks for any recommendations!
 

Just off I-44 in St. Louis, I would recommend Adriana's on The Hill.
http://www.adrianasonthehill.com/
 

Got this tip from a well traveled roadfooder who knows his pie-Buffetbuster
A slice of Pie in Rolla, MO
 

I think the Cozy Dog Drive In and Dr. of BBQ in Springfield, IL would "meat" your requirements!
 
Brad

I-55 doesn't take u to the NW Suburbs of Chicago.  But if your close to Evanston, Drop by my place, Wiener and Still Champion

Had some pretty good catfish here:
Dowd's Catfish and BBQ
1760 West Elm Street,
Lebanon, MO (417) 532-1777
Got this place from a local. I went to the Catfish place last time I was in Lebanon
Cornerstone Subs and Pizzas
Cornerstone Subs & Pizza
399 South Jefferson Avenue,
Lebanon, MO (417) 588-3616
 
Do you need ideas for Springfield Mo?

I have always wanted to try Joe Rogers chili in Springfield, IL and Cozy Dog.

It appears I need to add the Dr of BBQ to my growing Springfield IL list. It is hard for me to pass up St Louis.

Five and Diner in St. Robert, Missouri. The chicken fried steak is really good.

Slice of Pie in Rolla is a must.   Ted Drewes in St Louis, frozen custard.  Carl's Drive in, St Louis for hamburgers and rootbeer.  Consider Crown Candy Kitchen, BLT and a malt, also OConnell's Pub for hamburgers.    Amighetti's for sandwiches on the Hill.
 
And Cozy Dog in Springfield, Ill, - corndogs,  and Darcy's Pint for a horseshoe sandwich.
 
 

Speaking of horseshoes, if the OP can't wait until Springfield the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield would be a good stop.
 
Brad