King's Chef Diner
Colorado Springs, CO Photo courtesy Tony Craig
A local landmark, the King's Chef Diner is noteworthy for the purple castle in which it resides. But perhaps even more importantly, the King's Chef is well known for putting out great food and large portions since 1956.
The restaurant operates out of a classic Valentine pre-fabricated diner, one of the many compact diners built by the Valentine Manufacturing Company of Wichita, Kansas. Despite its small size, the King's Chef has built a loyal following over the years and remains one of the more recognizable eateries in Colorado Springs.
This roadside legend is well worth a stop the next time you're in Colorado Springs. Whether you're there for breakfast, green chile, or simply to see the famous purple castle, it's one of those places that helps make road trips interesting.
UPDATE: The King's Chef Diner is still open and serving customers today. The purple castle remains one of the city's best-known roadside landmarks and continues to attract both locals and visitors looking for a classic diner experience. 06-06
Davie's Chuck Wagon Diner
Denver, CO Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Here's the marquee for Davie's Chuck Wagon Diner, located in Lakewood, Colorado near Denver. Built in 1957, Davie's is well known in the area for the smiling cowboy character riding atop the chuck wagon sign. The sign has become one of the better known roadside landmarks along West Colfax Avenue.
The diner itself is a classic stainless steel diner manufactured by Mountain View Diners of New Jersey. Together with its towering sign, Davie's has remained a recognizable stop for travelers and local residents for decades. 11-07
UPDATE: Here's another shot of the Davie's Chuck Wagon Diner sign as well as a look at the diner itself. Many thanks to Robin McCracken for the photo update.
Davie's Chuck Wagon Diner
Denver, CO Photo courtesy Robin McCracken
UPDATE: Davie's Chuck Wagon Diner remains open for business today and continues to serve customers from its longtime location on Colfax Avenue. The diner and sign have become local landmarks and the property has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 02-10
Chicken Hut Diner (Gone)
Torrington, WY Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Check out the rooftop sign for the Chicken Hut Diner in Torrington, Wyoming. The giant chicken stands tall above the roadside below and was hard to miss when driving through town.
The Chicken Hut was a longtime local business and operated for many years as a popular drive-in restaurant. At one time the building had been a Dairy Queen before becoming the Chicken Hut. Over the years it became a familiar sight to local residents and travelers passing through eastern Wyoming. 12-07
UPDATE: The Chicken Hut has closed and the building has since been demolished. The giant rooftop chicken is also gone. While the restaurant has faded into local history, photographs like this preserve one of Torrington's more recognizable roadside landmarks. 07-06
King's Chef Diner
Davie's Chuck Wagon Diner
Chicken Hut Diner (Gone)
