Serving up amazing Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner! Don’t forget to check out our amazing gift shop as well! Indoor and outdoor seating. Bar top to eat your food while you enjoy some amazing New Mexico beer and wine or make it an Old Fashioned. Salad bar too!!! See you soon! (In our slow season we will close between 8pm and 9pm daily as business declines in the evening)
American & Mexican comfort food in a funky Route 66 diner known for the cow atop its neon sign.
Hours
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1202 U.S. Rte 66, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Phone: (575) 461-1740
Website: https://www.toasttab.com/dels-restaurant-1202-east-historic-route-66
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Del’s Restaurant | Tucumcari NM – Facebook
Del’s Restaurant – Tucumcari, New Mexico
Route 66 Restaurants | Del’s Legacy Lives On in Tucumcari
Reviews
We were there for lunch so the prices were great along with it being a ton of food! We got chips and salsa along with a sopapilla as part of our lunch deals, so we left very full! We arrived on December 1st and the whole place was decked out for Christmas! It was a very fun, family-friendly esthetic.
The big winner here was Jorge our waiter. Jorge was incredibly attentive, friendly, and personable. We enjoyed our experience primarily due to him and this place gets 5 stars just for him!
In short, I wouldn’t say this is a foodie’s dream stop – it was pretty good, but wasn’t anything amazing. However, it was plenty filling at a great price, and the staff and interior made it a great stop on our road trip.
Jorge was my waiter. I had their Patty milk. Their French fries with the most amazing ranch. I’m sweet iced tea with lemon and splenda and the best lemon pie i’ve had in years. My second night I had a build your own platter. So I had salsa and chips. Beans and rice, I had a taco, chile relleno,
chimichanga, and a burrito with green sauce.So much food and so delicious. Today for breakfast I had huevos Ranchero breakfast platter with green sauce it was absolutely divine
The Food: A Tale of Two Menus
Del’s is unique because it masters two distinct culinary worlds: Classic American Steakhouse and Authentic New Mexican.
The Salad Bar: It is a rarity to find a high-quality, chilled salad bar in a desert roadside diner, but Del’s is famous for it. It is consistently fresh, well-stocked, and includes their popular house-made dressings and specialty prepared salads.
The “Mother Road” Chicken Fried Steak: Hand-breaded, tender, and smothered in a rich cream gravy, this is widely considered one of the best versions of the dish along the entire length of Route 66.
Mexican Combination Plates: For those craving Southwest heat, their enchiladas and tamales are excellent. Be sure to ask for the Green Chile—it’s flavorful, authentic, and provides that quintessential New Mexico kick.
The Bakery: As you walk in, you’ll see a glass case filled with massive cinnamon rolls, pies, and cakes. Everything is baked on-site, and a slice of their fruit pie is the perfect way to cap off a long day of driving.
The Atmosphere: Mid-Century Charm
Iconic Signage: You can’t miss the 20-foot tall “Del’s” sign featuring a cheerful chef. It is one of the most photographed neon signs on Route 66 and sets the tone for a nostalgic, welcoming experience.
The Gift Shop: Unlike many tourist traps, Del’s gift shop is tastefully curated with local New Mexico goods, Route 66 memorabilia, and unique Southwest jewelry.
Service: The staff here is famous for their “old-school” professionalism. Many of the servers have been with the restaurant for decades, offering a level of warmth and efficiency that makes a one-time visitor feel like a regular.
Pricing & Value
Affordability: Despite its fame, Del’s has remained very accessible. Most entrees fall between $12 and $22, making it a budget-friendly stop for families.
The Verdict
Go if: You want a clean, historic, and reliable meal that captures the true spirit of Route 66. It is the perfect bridge between a nostalgic diner and a quality steakhouse.
Skip if: You are looking for “fast-food”. there will be a wait.
Pro Tip: If you’re staying overnight in Tucumcari, Del’s is located within walking distance of several classic motels.