A leisurely drive along Route 66 in Missouri is one of the best ways to spend a few hours, an entire day, or even a weekend. After all, the famous road travels from St. Louis to Joplin and boasts countless attractions along the way. Big Chief Roadhouse, a historic restaurant in Missouri, sits along Route 66, and it gives diners a glimpse into those roadside restaurants of days gone by. So pack your bags, because this is one restaurant that's worth the drive.

Called one of the few remaining full-service restaurants on Route 66, Big Chief Roadhouse in Wildwood has been a fixture, in some form or another, on the famous road since 1929.

When you step into this restaurant, you're also stepping into nearly 100 years of rich and fascinating history.

It began as a hotel and restaurant that drew both famous (Babe Ruth) and infamous guests (Al Capone) in its heyday. Through the years, the Route 66 destination served as a hotel and restaurant, a resale store, and a landscaping business before it returned to its roots as the Big Chief Roadhouse in the 1990s.

It's pretty cool to imagine yourself sitting in the same seats as one of these notorious guests.

Today, the restaurant, which holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, still draws weary travelers. This time, though, they’re in search of a hearty meal at this possibly the best historic Missouri restaurant.

And the Big Chief Roadhouse menu delivers.

Make sure you come hungry because Big Chief Roadhouse dishes up homemade (made from scratch) meals in generous portions. You might even feel like you’re back at grandma’s house as you dig into such classics as chicken pot pie.

The scratch cooking gives this restaurant a down-home feel that's as comforting as the cuisine itself.

How about starting off your meal, however, with a Missouri classic like toasted ravioli? Other popular appetizers include Ozark poutine and fried banana peppers.

If you’re the kind of person who has trouble with decisions, you’re in for a doozy when you take a peek at the menu that features everything from a variety of pizzas and burgers to sandwiches.

The good thing about all these options is that everyone in your party will find something to love, even the pickiest of eaters.

On at least one visit – because you’ll surely be back – try one of the entrees that will take your taste buds on a trip down Memory Lane. Country fried steak, toasted lasagna, and smoked pork chop are among your choices.

The kiddos have their own menu, too, with such favorites as chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and mac & cheese. This is culinary happiness for the whole family.

Check out a menu on the Historic Big Chief Roadhouse Restaurant website. Or, stop by its Facebook page for specials and menu items.

Have you been to Big Chief Roadhouse? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments below! We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique experiences.

While you’re in Wildwood, bring a pair of hiking shoes, so can check out this beautiful hiking trail in Missouri.