Memories from the Homestead: A Route 66 treasure in Seligman, Arizona - Westside Lilo's Cafe

     On our recent Sons of the Pioneers’ road trip to California last week, Luanna and I made our way across I-40 which runs parallel to the famous Route 66 across several states. We spent night number two in Seligman, Arizona, a neighborhood we had explored a while back, knowing that on a future trip it would be a great overnight stop. 

Westside Lilo's Cafe, Seligman, AZ

     Seligman, like many communities, is proud of its Route 66 heritage. Looking for a breakfast stop on the morning of April 10, we discovered Westside Lilo's Cafe across the street from our motel alongside Route 66. I'm here to tell you, we found the real deal!

     Once seated and looking over their amazing menu and that everything was homemade, our server told us about the place and mentioned the legacy of Lilo, their founder who had just passed away in early January of this year. Lilo's daughter Brenda was busy in the kitchen where she was putting the finishing touches on a sheet of sugar cookies. The reason? Today April 10, would have been Lilo's 84th birthday. 

     While getting familiar with the menu, we noticed right away that there was a German influence with some of their offerings. We learned that Lilo had German roots. Lilo Russell was born in Wiesbaden-Bierstadt, Germany.

     Born on April 10, 1941, Lieselotte (Lilo), her parents Josef and Paula Hohmann owned a carpentry business. Attending school through age fifteen, Lilo attended a commercial trade school, graduating in 1957. She worked for the Wiesbadener News and later worked at a local insurance company. In 1960 on a blind date arranged by a friend, she met Patrick Russell, an American serviceman stationed in Germany. He became the love of her life and Lilo and Patrick married on April 20, 1961.

     Moving to Seligman, Arizona, where Patrick's parents were based, they started their family, raising three children: Nancy, Patrick Jr. and Brenda. With a passion for the legacy of Route 66, a love of serving patrons and homestyle cooking, Nancy and Brenda helped her open Westside Lilo's Cafe in 1996 when they purchased a local diner that was for sale. The three worked side by side until Lilo's passing this year.

     Over the years Patrick gathered an impressive collection of local memorabilia along with Hollywood Western movie items, which are displayed throughout the cafe. Sure enough, the Sons of the Pioneers were featured along with Roy, Gene Autry, Rex Allen and Bob Wills.

     Lilo's legacy really impressed us. While visiting with her daughter Brenda we learned that her great grandmother was a German chef. Lilo learned all the tricks and when they opened their cafe, Lilo was always there at 5 a.m. getting everything ready for the day. She prepared all the pies, cakes, dinner rolls, and usually spent up to 12 hours a day in the kitchen, making sure everything was perfect. It was a great opportunity; soon everyone took a liking to her German specials, sauerbraten, goulash and schnitzel. 

    It's clear that Brenda is carrying on the tradition, and she truly enjoys it. Next year is their 30th anniversary, and to top it off it's the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The menu is rather impressive. Luanna was thrilled with the German fries, pancakes and eggs. They definitely don't short you on anything. I had the biscuit and gravy plate and it was amazing. Brenda, it was wonderful to meet you and visit for a spell. Keep up the wonderful work!

    While in Seligman don't miss this historic Route 66 eatery. Westside Lilo's Cafe is located at 22855 AZ-66 on the south side of the road. Visit their website at westsideliloscafe.com