If there’s anything that birthed America’s road trip culture, it would have to be Route 66. That long highway snaked its way across the West and introduced travelers to incredible landscapes, landmarks, and regional cuisine.
While most towns dotted along the old road have a classic diner serving burgers and shakes, New Mexico’s diners spice things up by serving green chile-laden favorites on menus. Here’s a look at a few diners located along Route 66 that you need to check out.
- Kix on 66, Tucumcari
Elmar R/TripAdvisor
Kenny/Google Located inside an old Denny’s restaurant, this diner not only looks like a classic roadside stop, but also serves up tasty dishes. Order a hearty huevos rancheros for breakfast or the patty melt with sweet potato fries for lunch. Address: 1102 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401 Phone: 575-461-1966
- Chili Hills Restaurant, Edgewood
carl tabor/Google
Ed Armstrong/Google This restaurant has a second location just a few miles away in Moriarty, but both feature a tasty diner menu that also has some New Mexican favorites. Not only will you find some tasty enchiladas and green chile burgers on the menu, you can also enjoy a meal for under $10 here. Address: 5 NM-344, Edgewood, NM 87015 Phone: 505-286-9202
- Loyola’s Family Restaurant, Albuquerque
Eric Hooper/Google
Dan and Maya Gallegos/Google Don’t let the modest exterior here fool you. This is one of our favorite places in ABQ for breakfast or a stuffed sopapilla served Christmas-style. Address: 4500 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-268-6478
- Hurricane’s Cafe, Albuquerque
Google Maps
V M/Google You can find plenty of classic diner fare here, including burgers and a hearty, potato-filled breakfast, but they are best known for their Disaster Burrito. This menu option isn’t for the faint of heart: it’s a beef and bean burrito topped with fries, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and plenty of chile. Don’t forget to request chile on the side so you can smother every inch. Address: 4330 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-255-4248
- Laguna Burger, Laguna
Kimberly Gooden/Google
Jim West/Google Laguna Burger is probably no longer considered an underrated spot, but this diner is the perfect pit stop for a green chile cheeseburger or Frito pie. Address: Interstate 40, Exit 114, Laguna, NM 87026 Phone: 505-552-7762
- Wow Diner, Milan
Wow Diner/Google
Cody Raybourn/Google Located inside a steel-sided, retro-style diner building, this little restaurant sits just outside Grants and is the perfect stop between Albuquerque and Gallup. You’ll find a hearty breakfast here to fuel your day. Address: 1300 Motel Dr, Milan, NM 87021 Phone: 505-336-5590
- Jerry’s Cafe, Gallup
Eddy Jones/Google
SeanCee/Google A Gallup staple, Jerry’s is perhaps best known for its large selection of New Mexican dishes smothered in chile. However, they do have plenty of American-style meals, including a mouthwatering chile cheese burger. Address: 406 W Coal Ave, Gallup, NM 87301 Phone: 505-722-6775
Looking forward to checking out some classic Route 66 attractions as well? Our top recommendations can be found in this article: Here Are The 8 Essential Things You Must Do On New Mexico’s Route 66. Did you want to tell us about your favorite underrated pit stop? You can do that on our nomination page.
Elmar R/TripAdvisor
Kenny/Google
Located inside an old Denny’s restaurant, this diner not only looks like a classic roadside stop, but also serves up tasty dishes. Order a hearty huevos rancheros for breakfast or the patty melt with sweet potato fries for lunch. Address: 1102 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401 Phone: 575-461-1966
carl tabor/Google
Ed Armstrong/Google
This restaurant has a second location just a few miles away in Moriarty, but both feature a tasty diner menu that also has some New Mexican favorites. Not only will you find some tasty enchiladas and green chile burgers on the menu, you can also enjoy a meal for under $10 here. Address: 5 NM-344, Edgewood, NM 87015 Phone: 505-286-9202
Eric Hooper/Google
Dan and Maya Gallegos/Google
Don’t let the modest exterior here fool you. This is one of our favorite places in ABQ for breakfast or a stuffed sopapilla served Christmas-style. Address: 4500 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-268-6478
Google Maps
V M/Google
You can find plenty of classic diner fare here, including burgers and a hearty, potato-filled breakfast, but they are best known for their Disaster Burrito. This menu option isn’t for the faint of heart: it’s a beef and bean burrito topped with fries, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and plenty of chile. Don’t forget to request chile on the side so you can smother every inch. Address: 4330 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: 505-255-4248
Kimberly Gooden/Google
Jim West/Google
Laguna Burger is probably no longer considered an underrated spot, but this diner is the perfect pit stop for a green chile cheeseburger or Frito pie. Address: Interstate 40, Exit 114, Laguna, NM 87026 Phone: 505-552-7762
Wow Diner/Google
Cody Raybourn/Google
Located inside a steel-sided, retro-style diner building, this little restaurant sits just outside Grants and is the perfect stop between Albuquerque and Gallup. You’ll find a hearty breakfast here to fuel your day. Address: 1300 Motel Dr, Milan, NM 87021 Phone: 505-336-5590
Eddy Jones/Google
SeanCee/Google
A Gallup staple, Jerry’s is perhaps best known for its large selection of New Mexican dishes smothered in chile. However, they do have plenty of American-style meals, including a mouthwatering chile cheese burger. Address: 406 W Coal Ave, Gallup, NM 87301 Phone: 505-722-6775
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Address: 1102 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401, USAAddress: 5 NM-344, Edgewood, NM 87015, USAAddress: 4500 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USAAddress: 4330 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, USAAddress: 2400 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USAAddress: I-40, Laguna, NM, USAAddress: 1300 Motel Dr, Milan, NM 87021, USAAddress: 2150 E, 2150 U.S. Rte 66, Gallup, NM 87301, USA
