Hungry in Tucumcari? Look for the giant sombrero. La Cita Restaurant in Tucumcari, New Mexico serves tasty New Mexican favorites tucked away behind a sombrero-shaped entrance on Route 66.
The La Cita Restaurant opened in 1940 on Route 66. Tucumcari was a popular stop for travelers on The Mother Road and became known for its slogan “Tucumcari Tonite” and all the popular Tucumcari motels that came with it. And those travelers were definitely hungry. La Cita offered the expected kitschy charm with their novelty architecture and spinning neon sign along with a good hot dinner to fill up every Route 66 traveler who walked through their sombrero-shaped doors.
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The restaurant moved to its current location in 1961, and constructed the 30-foot-tall, 15-foot-wide stucco sombrero topped entrance along the way. The building and giant sombrero have been painted many colors throughout the years, including pink, yellow, and turquoise. Currently it is painted in a fiery red, black, and yellow.
Stop outside to see this fun novelty building turned roadside attraction and the bright, rotating neon sign. Go inside for a tasty meal full of local favorites like enchiladas, tamale, and chile relleno, served with red or green salsa (or do “Christmas” style and get both!) and a fluffy sopapilla on the side.
Love this New Mexico Route 66 roadside attraction? Check out these other things to see in Tucumcari: the Route 66 monument, the Route 66 museum, Tee Pee Curios, and Del’s Restaurant.
Want to spend the night in the perfect motel in Tucumcari, NM? Book a stay at Motel Safari or Blue Swallow Motel.
Giant Sombrero at La Cita Restaurant
Address: 820 S 1st St, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Cost: Free to See, Food Prices Vary
Hours: Giant Sombrero always visible, restaurant hours vary
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