En route to Las Vegas lies a 1950s style Diner in the middle of the blazing hot Mojave desert. Sound random? Well, it certainly is. Could the whole thing be a mirage in the desert? Possibly, but that mirage certainly makes a good eggs Benedict.
This place already has some roadside notoriety, as you might recognize it from the 30+ signs along Route 15 leading you in its direction. I swear this is one of those “Peggy Sue's in 10 miles," ”Peggy Sues in 8 miles," ”Peggy Sues in 3 miles” kinda places, which sounds like something straight out of a Simpsons Episode.
You’re greeted by Betty Boop, which seems somewhat more comforting than chatting it up with your average lunch hostess, and the inside features some pretty over the top décor from the greaser era, including this perverted James Dean who's attempting to sneak into the ladies bathroom.
Pretty unique, but what really makes this spot amazing is the full dedication to the 50s aesthetic. You've got jukeboxes, malt machines, and classic posters adorning the walls; there are life sized figurines and retro waitresses scurrying about, all while Buddy Holly classics blast through the loudspeaker.
As one can see, they're definitely dedicated to the cause here, but I must reiterate that this is all in the BARREN 120 DEGREE DESERT HEAT OF DEATH VALLEY! Some wacky investor actually said: “Forget building that aqueduct to counteract the California drought, the public needs a 50s style diner right here, RIGHT HERE IN THE DESERT!” God bless people’s priorities in life sometimes.
As for food, all the classics are here: Malts, Sandwiches, french fries, burgers, fish fry, breakfast all day, etc. The menu is extensive, portions big and all is quite tasty.
Added Bonus: The ‘Diner-saur’ (yes, the food AND the puns are delicious) park out back, which consists of goofy looking dinosaur statues in various poses of discomfort.
For some crazy (but wonderful) reason, all of this seems very fitting and cathartic in the hot desert heat. Maybe I got too much sun that day?
Jurassic Park this ain't.
HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?
Originally built in 1954, the diner was your typical 1950s style eatery, catering to motorists making their way through the desert. It was small— 3 booths and 9 counter stools— but managed to stick around for a while, despite being in one of the hottest places in the Country.
Zip forward to 1987 , were Peggy Sue and her husband Champ purchased, renovated and reopened the diner. Champ had worked for Knotts Berry Farm, while Peggy worked in the movies, so their combined collections of movie and TV memorabilia turned this average 1950s style diner into an extraordinary desert oasis of nostalgic awesomeness.
