If you’re planning on staying in “Tucumcari Tonite” on your Route 66 road trip, you’re going to need to eat. And I know just the place to have a satisfying lunch or dinner with a nostalgic twist. Del’s Restaurant in Tucumcari, New Mexico has something for everyone. Just look for the iconic neon sign topped with a cow!
Del Akin built Del’s Restaurant in 1956 and operated it until around 1978, when he sold it to his secretary, Jessica Braziel. She took charge until 1995 when her daughters, Yvonne Braziel and Yvette Peacock, took over. 26 years later, in July 2021, the sisters retired and passed the torch to Chase Waters, a Tucumcari native who officially became the fourth owner of Del’s Restaurant.
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Over 65 years after opening its doors, Del’s is a Route 66 institution. The landmark restaurant serves New Mexican classics, diner staples, steaks, and original recipes for lunch or dinner.
Popular items include steak fingers, battered green chile strips, chicken fried steak, chargrilled burgers, stuffed sopapillas, fajitas, and jalapeno raspberry chicken. I went with the crispy fried catfish dinner with fries and coleslaw. You can also add on Del’s famous salad bar with a variety of options to build the salad of your dreams.
Del’s is a great family restaurant in Tucumcari or the perfect place to grab a drink before spending the night in one of the best motels in Tucumcari. But even if you’re just passing through town or already ate, be sure to stop by for photos of the iconic red and white neon sign topped with a cow (technically, a Hereford bull).
Love this New Mexico Route 66 landmark? Check out these other things to see in Tucumcari: the Route 66 monument, the Route 66 museum, Tee Pee Curios, and the Giant Sombrero at La Cita Restaurant.
Want to spend the night in the perfect motel in Tucumcari, NM? Book a stay at Motel Safari or Blue Swallow Motel.
Del’s Restaurant & Route 66 Neon Cow Sign
Address: 1202 U.S. Rt. 66, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Cost: Free to see the sign, food costs vary
Hours: 11am-9pm, Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday (the neon sign is always visible, though only lit at night)
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