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Ludlow Cafe

Ludlow, California

CaliforniaDining

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The Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California, makes for a perfect road trip pit stop for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. This casual diner dishes up hearty helpings of breakfast favorites and classic comfort food right on Route 66.

On the menu, you’ll find all the staples of small-town diner cooking: fluffy homemade biscuits and gravy, a green chili cheese omelet, a stacked Club Sandwich, crispy Chicken Fried Steak, a Hot Turkey Sandwich smothered in gravy, French toast, juicy Bacon Cheeseburgers, and their famous Ludlow French Dip. With breakfast served all day, there’s no wrong time to dig in.

The cafe itself sits in a rustic A-frame building beside the Ludlow Motel and across from the Chevron station. Outside, you’ll spot a quirky mix of wagons once used in local mining, benches painted with American flags, and historical plaques that nod to the town’s past. Step inside and you’ll find a cozy dining room filled with old photos, memorabilia, and even a few lucky horseshoes hanging on the walls.

This isn’t the first cafe to bear the Ludlow name. The original Ludlow Café once stood down the road on the north side of Route 66, serving travelers until the 1960s. Left abandoned through the 1970s, the building lingered in ruin for decades before multiple fires reduced it to rubble by 2015. Today’s Ludlow Café carries on the tradition, keeping hungry travelers fed as they make their way across the desert.

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Blue and White A-Frame Building - Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner

Ludlow Cafe

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Address:

68315 National Trails Hwy, Ludlow, CA 92338

Hours:

6:00am - 5:00pm (Daily)

Cost:

$$

Phone Number:

(760) 733-4501

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Photos of Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California

Side salad with ranch dressing and famous french dip sandwich with fries at Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Ludlow Cafe Menu - Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Inside Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Inside Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Blue and White A-Frame Building - Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Red, white, and blue American flag and Route 66 Shield bench - Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Route 66 mural - Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Blue and White A-Frame Building - Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner
Blue and White A-Frame Building - Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California Route 66 Diner

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to Ludlow Cafe in Ludlow, California, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is Ludlow Cafe located?

You’ll find Ludlow Cafe right along Historic Route 66 in Ludlow, California. It’s housed in a rustic A-frame building next to the Ludlow Motel and across from the Chevron station, hard to miss when you’re passing through town.

When is this Route 66 diner open?

Hours can vary, especially on holidays, but Ludlow Café is typically open from 6:00am to 5:00pm. They serve breakfast, lunch, and early dinner daily. If you’re traveling late or in the off-season, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check before stopping.

Do they take credit cards?

Yes, but like many small Route 66 stops, it’s always smart to carry some cash as a backup.

Is there parking?

There’s plenty of parking at Ludlow Cafe. There’s space for cars, RVs, and trailers, making it easy for road trippers to pull in.

What is on the Ludlow Cafe menu?

The Ludlow Cafe menu is full of classic diner comfort food with generous portions. Breakfast is served all day.

The breakfast menu features a variety of egg dishes, omelettes, cereals, waffles, Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes, and pancake sandwiches.

The lunch and dinner menu features burgers, chicken burgers, patty melt, reuben, hot dog, club sandwich, BBQ beef sandwich, hot beef sandwich, hot turkey sandwich, homemade chili, homemade soup, fried chicken, popcorn shrimp, liver & onions, fish, pork chops, chicken fried steak, ground round steak, bone-in ribeye steak, ham steak, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and a famous French dip sandwich.

The dessert menu features shakes, malts, pie, floats, sundaes, ice cream, and sherbet.

Is this a popular Route 66 diner?

Yes! Ludlow Cafe is popular with both locals and Route 66 travelers. Their famous French Dip sandwich is one of our picks for the 66 Must-Eat Dishes on Route 66 and 20 Best Route 66 Foods to Eat in California.

Where to Stay Near Ludlow Cafe

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

Ludlow Motel

Ludlow Motel is a budget-friendly stop between Needles and Barstow, with no other motels for the next 50 miles. It’s located next to Ludlow Café, and check-in is at the Chevron station across the street.

California Inn

California Inn is a contemporary hotel in Barstow that offers fine service with a variety of amenities. Find an outdoor swimming pool and on-site fitness center, and be sure to stop for a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast before you hit the road.

Route 66 Motel

The Route 66 Motel in Barstow is a retro 1922 motel best recognized for its classic neon sign. The budget motel features simple rooms with free WiFi, satellite TV, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Select rooms even have round beds! Outside look for Instagram worthy photo ops with murals and antique cars.

Attractions Near Ludlow Cafe on Route 66

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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!

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