Restaurant Review: The Route 66 Diner

Recently Chris had a conversation with a camper about a place with great hamburgers and hot dogs. The description was something like "take Central Ave past Old Town until you get to the sketchy part of town. Off to the side of the road you'll see this place that looks like a dump and has a dirt parking lot."

Whether we found the place he was talking about or not, we enjoyed the Route 66 Diner. It fit the description and it was lunch time so we decided to give it a try.

It was like walking into a time machine or being on a TV show. The cook waved to use from the kitchen window and encouraged us to sit wherever we'd like. Two or three waitresses did the same.

We sat in a booth with burgundy tufted vinyl seats, though we were tempted to sit at the long counter.

First, the iced tea was awesome, particularly because we were both pretty tired. Nice and strong, lots of ice and rapid refills. 

Chris had chili rellenos (fans of our restaurant reviews will note this is a dish he has often). His review: "Good to excellent. Well worth the drive."

I had the patty melt and it was great. A hand formed burger patty with cheese and green chilis (wasn't expecting those, but the weren't over powering and added a nice kick) on grilled wheat bread and served with hand cut fries fresh from the fryer (again...why don't my pants fit?). Excellent and the perfect diner fare.

By the time we left the place was nearly full with locals, so you know that's always a good sign too.

Oh...and the sopapillas were good too.

I doubt if we'll go back since we're only here for another week, but I'm glad we made the trip.