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Perhaps no road trip in the world is more popular or route is more iconic than Route 66. Route 66 has a rich heritage stemming from the early days of the automobile and long-distance highway travel (which the United States led the world in). The world even celebrated Route 66 with a Google doodle! There are plenty of 'best stops' along the route that motorists should plan on stopping by along the way.
One of the great pastimes of long-distance road trips is diners. The United States is full of many nondescript diners often largely unknown and largely forgotten and unbranded. But many are excellent hidden gems that make long-distance road trips so exciting and worthwhile. One of the most historic and iconic diners along Route 66 is arguably Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In.
Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In Route 66 Historic & Iconic Eatery
Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In is a historic eatery and a roadside attraction on the historic Route 66. It is located in Seligman, Arizona, and is just the place to pop in for a bite to eat and take a rest.
Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In was first built in 1953 by a local resident called Juan Delgadillo. He worked with a very limited budget and so built his diner mostly of scrap lumber that he managed to obtain from the nearby Santa Fe Railway yard.
Juan Delgadillo thought outside the box and so sliced off the roof of an old 1936 Chevrolet hardtop, painted it, put horns on it, and even attached a Christmas tree to the car's rear. It is one of those things, motorists would never think of seeing along Route 66.
It is an example of a diner that has managed to outlive Route 66. Route 66 was one of America's first modern highways and was established in 1926. It ran from Chicago to Santa Monica in Los Angeles spanning a length of 2,448 miles.
It was officially removed from the United States Highway System in 1985 and segments of the old road have since been renamed "Historic Route 66."
Shenanigans & Humor Of Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In
At the rear of the property is a collection of old cars and in the parking lot are a number of hand-painted signs warning motorists they are parking at their own risk.
Come during dining hours and be greeted with a neon sign reading "sorry, we're open." Once inside the pranks continue with slightly used napkins and straws and colored yarn from ketchup and mustard squeeze bottles.
The shenanigans are part of the experience here! Arrive with a positive attitude and sense of humor.
Eventually, Route 66 withered and died as new Interstates and alternative routes were built. When the nearby Interstate 40 opened, traffic through the town almost disappeared.
But fortunately, Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In has managed to continue to this day. Today it is one of the most notable attractions in the Seligman Commercial Historic District.
Juan Delgadillo died in 2004 and since then, it has been run by his daughter (Cecilia) and his son (John). They continue the humor of their father.
Dining At Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In
Juan Delgadillo's showmanship extended to embellishing his menu. Motorists to this day can enjoy "cheeseburger with cheese" and "dead chicken", it's not immediately apparent if dehydrated water is available there or not. Diners may be asked if they would like cheese with their cheeseburgers.
- Address: 22235 Old Highway 66, Seligman, AZ
- Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Snow Cap's burgers (including cheeseburgers with cheese), malts, and fish tacos are popular for motorists discovering Route 66.
It is a great place to enjoy some of America's small-town hospitality. Sometimes Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In may be closed during holidays or on particular days; refer to their Facebook page for up-to-date information.
Remember: it is a small family-run diner, so don't expect the formality of a franchise business.
- For another piece of travel humor, read up on what is acclaimed as the best April-fool's joke and consider visiting the tropical islands of San Seffiffe.