Must See

66 Diner

Albuquerque, New Mexico

New MexicoDining

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Craving that classic diner experience while road tripping Route 66? This Albuquerque restaurant has it all: vintage design, neon lights, memorabilia, photos ops, an exemplary menu, and some of the best milkshakes on The Mother Road. Pull over for lunch or dinner and step into the 1950s at 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

66 Diner is located on Route 66 Albuquerque, New Mexico. The restaurant is housed in a converted old-school gas station that features authentic art-deco style architecture lined with neon lights.

Inside you’ll feel like you stepped right into the 1950s, with vinyl turquoise booths, jukeboxes, boomerang formica countertops, and memorabilia and murals at every turn. While you’re dining be sure to look up and to see one of the world’s largest collections of PEZ dispensers that is proudly displayed throughout the space.

The menu features all the diner classics you would expect at a classic Route 66 diner: chicken fried steak, meatloaf, liver and onions, hamburgers, and hot and cold sandwiches. They also serve a few New Mexican favorites, like Huevos Rancheros, breakfast burritos, and their signature Pile Up (a pile of pan fried potatoes, chopped bacon, chopped green chile, two eggs any style, and cheddar cheese topped with red or green chile sauce).

Don’t leave without ordering one of 66 Diner’s famous milkshakes. Voted “Albuquerque’s Best Milkshakes” by readers of Albuquerque The Magazine, these thick and abundant shakes are properly made at their authentic soda fountain. There are plenty of standard flavors to choose from, like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry, but you’ll probably want to try one of their Deluxe Shakes. These have fun flavor combinations like Dreamsicle, Mud Pie, Chocolate Covered Banana, and Turtle. They also have two specialties: The Elvis (Peanut Butter and Banana) and the 66 Diner Pink Cadillac milkshake. That one has strawberry ice cream mixed with crushed Oreos.

Before or after your meal be sure to stop for photos outside with the wall of signs in the 66 Diner parking lot. The collage features an assortment of vintage advertising signs for businesses like Phillips 66, Coca-Cola, Quaker Oats, GM, and Pennzoil and road signs like Bump, One Way, and Dead End.

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66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico

66 Diner

5 based on 1 reviews

Address:

1405 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Hours:

11am-9pm (Sunday-Thursday), 11am-10pm (Friday-Saturday)

Cost:

$$

Phone Number:

(505) 247-1421

Official Website Get Directions
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Photos of 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico

66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico
66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Fried chicken salad at 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Pink Cadillac Milkshake at 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Route 66 Map at 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico
66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Wall of road signs at 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico
66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is the Route 66 Diner in Albuquerque?

66 Diner is located at 1405 Central Ave N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87106. It sits on old Route 66 (Central Avenue) in Albuquerque, making it easy to include in a Route 66 itinerary through the city.

What is on the 66 diner menu?

The menu for 66 Diner includes diner classics, comfort food, and New Mexican favorites. Don’t skip dessert! The Pink Cadillac Milkshake is one of our picks of 66 Must-Eat Dishes on Route 66 and 20 Best Route 66 Foods to Eat in New Mexico.

66 Diner Menu

Starters

  • 66 Fries: Fries smothered with house-made queso and chopped green chile
  • Fiesta Fries: Fries smothered with house-made Texas chili and cheese
  • Cheddar Fries: Fries smothered with melted cheddar
  • Wets: Fries with brown or cream gravy
  • Onion Rings: Beer battered
  • Fried Zucchini: Zucchini sticks served with ranch and marinara
  • Fried Okra Basket: Served with ranch
  • Chips & Queso: Fresh cut tortilla chips with house-made queso — “best in the city!”

Burgers

Burgers are served on a potato bun with choice of fries, chips, potato salad, or cole slaw. Subs available for onion rings, specialty fries, mac n’ cheese, or dinner salad. Gluten-free bun or Beyond Meat available.

  • Hamburger: Classic diner burger with fresh ingredients
  • 66 Burger: Chuck and brisket patty with cheese, bacon, and New Mexico green chile
  • Green Chile Cheeseburger: Famous burger with chopped New Mexico green chile
  • Diamond Back Burger: Bacon, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeños
  • BBQ Bacon & Cheddar: Bacon cheeseburger
  • Mushroom & Swiss: Burger with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss
  • Bleu & Green Burger: Bleu cheese, green chile, and grilled onions

Smothered Burgers

Open-face burgers with no top bun, piled with toppings.

  • Southwest Burger: Smothered in queso and New Mexico green chile
  • Stew Burger: Topped with green chile stew and cheddar
  • Fiesta Burger: Smothered in house-made Texas chili and cheddar

Sandwiches

Served with fries, chips, potato salad, or cole slaw. Subs available for specialty sides. Gluten-free bun or Beyond Meat available.

  • Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Hand-breaded chicken breast with mayo, lettuce, and tomato
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast with mayo, lettuce, and tomato
  • BLT: Applewood bacon on toasted or plain bread (add cheese or green chile optional)
  • Hot Meatloaf Sandwich: House-made meatloaf with mayo, lettuce, and tomato
  • Sloppy Joe: Tangy house-made sloppy joe on a potato bun
  • Classic Reuben: Corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and 1000 Island on rye
  • Grilled Cheese: Texas toast (add green chile optional)
  • Grilled Ham & Cheese: Texas toast with ham and cheese (add green chile optional)
  • Patty Melt: Chuck & brisket burger patty with Swiss on grilled rye
  • Meatless Tuesday: Swiss, American, green chile, tomato, and grilled onion
  • Albuquerque Turkey: Grilled turkey, Swiss, and green chile on Texas toast

Salads

Choice of dressings: Ranch, 1000 Island, Italian, Honey Mustard, Bleu Cheese, Oil & Vinegar, Raspberry Vinaigrette.

  • Cobb Salad: Classic loaded salad
  • Crispy Chicken Salad: Greens topped with crispy chicken
  • Grilled Chicken Salad: Greens topped with grilled chicken
  • Luncheon Salad: Light salad option

Soups

  • Soup of the Day: Rotating flavors
  • Chicken Wild Rice Soup: Topped with bacon
  • House-Made Texas Chili: Topped with cheddar
  • Cup & Half Sandwich: Pair soup with BLT, grilled cheese, or meatloaf sandwich

New Mexico Favorites

  • Pile Up: Pan-fried potatoes with bacon or sausage, green chile, two eggs, cheddar, and chile sauce
  • Breakfast Burrito: Bacon or sausage, smothered in red or green chile, topped with lettuce and tomato
  • 2 Egg Breakfast: Two eggs with bacon or sausage, pan fries, and toast
  • Fender Bender: Half-size Pile Up
  • Frito Pie: Texas chili over Fritos with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cornbread
  • Huevos Rancheros: Two eggs, beans, pan fries, corn tortillas, red or green chile, topped with lettuce and tomato
  • Green Chile Chicken Bacon Mac & Cheese: Creamy mac with green chile, bacon, and crispy chicken

Deluxe Plates

Served with two sides and homemade cornbread. Sides include fries, okra, veggies, beans, potato salad, cole slaw, mashed potatoes with gravy. Subs available for specialty sides.

  • 66 Chicken Fried Steak: Hand breaded classic
  • Steak Ranchero: Chicken fried steak with cheddar and red or green chile
  • 66 Diner Meat Loaf Deluxe: Meatloaf with mushrooms, onions, and brown gravy
  • Fried Catfish: Breaded in house cornmeal batter
  • Fish n’ Chips: Cod filets with fries and a side
  • Chicken Fried Chicken: Hand-breaded chicken breast
  • Chicken Ranchero: Chicken fried chicken with cheddar and chile sauce
  • Grilled Liver & Onions: Classic diner dish
  • Chicken Tender Dinner: Four chicken strips with dipping sauce

Milkshakes & Drinks

All shakes, malts, floats, and sodas are hand-made with ice cream and whole milk.

  • Rich Thick Shakes: Classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip
  • Deluxe Shakes & Malts: Specialty flavors such as Tom’s Pink Cadillac, The Elvis, Dreamsicle, Very Berry, Grasshopper, Caramel Apple, Mocha, Black Forest, Rootbeer, Mud Pie, Cappuccino, Turtle, Banana Cream Pie, Strawberry Lemonade, Chocolate Covered Banana, Chocolate Covered Strawberry
  • Floats: Root beer and other soda floats
  • Rich Thick Malts: Classic diner malts
  • Ice Cream Sodas / Egg Creams: Retro soda fountain treats

From the Oven

  • Pie Slices: Daily flavors available
  • Whole Pies & Cobblers: Fruit, creme, and cobbler options
  • Carrot Cake: With cream cheese frosting
  • Double Chocolate Cake: Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
  • Rice Krispy Treat, Brownie, Cookie, Gold Bar: Sweet baked snacks

Sundaes & Scoops

  • Classic Sundae: With choice of toppings
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae: Cookie topped with ice cream
  • Hot Fudge Cake Sundae: Double chocolate cake slice with hot fudge, ice cream, whipped cream
  • Grasshopper Sundae: Mint-flavored sundae
  • Brownie Sundae: Brownie topped with ice cream and sauce
  • Junior Sundae: Small sundae topped with peanuts
  • Piper’s Teeny Weeny Sundae: Mini hot fudge sundae topped with peanuts
  • Caramel Apple Pie Sundae: Slice of apple pie with caramel, ice cream, whipped cream
  • Banana Split: Huge classic split with toppings and two spoons
  • Scoop Ice Cream: Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or mint chip with optional toppings
Does 66 Diner have a gluten free menu?

Yes. This Albuquerque diner does have a dedicated gluten-free menu.

Is 66 Diner family friendly?

Yes. It’s a great stop for families, kids, and anyone seeking a nostalgic atmosphere. There’s seating in booths, at the counter, and at tables, and the decor lends itself to family photo-ops. Friendly service and comfort food make it a great stop for travelers of all ages.

Should you expect a wait time?

Because 66 Diner is popular among both locals and tourists (especially those doing Route 66 drives), expect crowding during traditional meal times (lunch and dinner), especially on weekends. Arriving slightly before or after peak hours may help avoid waits.

What should you keep an eye out for?

Look up! 66 Diner is home to one of the world’s largest collections of PEZ dispensers. They are proudly displayed in rows across the ceiling.

Is this a popular Route 66 attraction?

Yes! This classic diner is full of retro flair, making it a fun stop on your Route 66 road trip. Because of the fun sign wall out front, 66 Diner is one of our picks for 66 Most Instagrammable Spots on Route 66.

Where to Stay Near 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these Albuquerque hotels near Route 66.

El Vado Motel

El Vado Motel opened in 1937 and was one of the first Route 66 hotels in New Mexico. The hotel has been fully renovated and features historic character and charm combined with modern comforts and amenities. After dinner at 66 Diner, relax by the pool or grab a beer at the on-site tap room.

The Monterey Motel

The Monterey Motel has been attracting Route 66 travelers since 1946. The motel emits a vintage vibe while offering a modern touch . A stay here promises you’ll “go straight from the road to relaxation.”

Enhance your visit to Albuquerque with a tour! Whether you love walking tours, museums, or family-friendly adventures (like a hot air balloon ride), there are plenty of options for everyone.

Attractions Near 66 Diner on Route 66

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Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of 66 Diner in Albuquerque, New Mexico

  1. I LOVE this diner! Not only does it have a quirky design and decor, but the food was so good! I got a fried chicken salad (I needed some vegetables after all) and OF COURSE had to get one of their famous milkshakes. I got the 66 Diner Pink Cadillac milkshake with strawberry ice cream and crushed Oreos. Can’t wait to go back to try more. Be sure to look up to admire the impressive PEZ dispenser collection!

    Reply

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