Route 66 Malt Shop
Albuquerque, NM Photo courtesy Eric Szeman
Here's the neon sign that graces the Route 66 Malt Shop & Grill, known for some of the best diner/burger fare on the Route! Voted best Green Chile Cheeseburger and the Homemade Root Beer has been voted in the top 5 in America the last 5 years! Located near Historic Old Town in Albuquerque, NM, Diane has run her retro diner for almost 10 years, and is mentioned in virtually every travel guide printed. Many thanks to Eric and Diane, owners of the Route 66 Malt Shop for photo and info. 02-07
Oasis Restaurant
Raton, NM Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Check out this neon sign at the Oasis Restaurant in Raton, NM. The neon palm tree adds to the "oasis" theme for this motel name, as well as the neon colors of the sign. 11-07
Thunderbird Lounge
Tucumcari, NM Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Thunderbird Lounge and Restaurant features a neon thunderbird on its marquee. This sign lights up the way along old Tucumcari Boulevard, which is the Route 66 stretch in town. Not sure for how many years the Thunderbird Restaurant has been around or whether it still stands intact today. 10-08
Paramount Cafe (Demolished)
Gallup, NM Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Paramount Cafe was an old Route 66, with a couple of distinct roadside signs to match the mid-century character of the business. The cafe opened in 1950 on Route 66.
Unfortunately, like many other old roadside treasures, the Paramount Cafe closed down in recent years and was eventually demolished. No evidence of the signs are left today, and the cafe area sits empty. 12-08
(Right) A couple of shots of the Paramount Cafe marquee at night
Avalon Restaurant (Demolished)
Gallup, NM Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here's the old familiar neon sign for the Avalon Restaurant located in the Uptown Plaza area next to the El Rancho Hotel. Or at least was. The Avalon Restaurant is no longer here and the sign has been removed. 12-08
