Mr D'z Route 66 Diner

Mr D'z Route 66 Diner sits on Andy Devine Avenue in Kingman, a bright, neon-trimmed throwback with a retro look and memorabilia from the golden age of the road. It is the town's best-known place for a classic American meal, and many Route 66 travelers plan their Kingman stop around it. The menu offers burgers, sandwiches, fries, milkshakes and the signature root beer on tap in frosty mugs. It is lively, friendly and photogenic, making it a favorite for families and nostalgia seekers.

The diner's appeal is as much about the atmosphere as the food. The walls are crowded with posters and pop-culture memorabilia, and oldies set the mood. The look is deliberately over the top, and that is exactly why it works. The exterior is bright and colorful, and the neon trim is at its best after dark, which makes the place a favorite for night photography.

The menu keeps things simple. Expect burgers, hot dogs, grilled sandwiches, salads and combination plates, with breakfast available at certain hours. The root beer is a signature, served in oversized glass mugs, and the floats are a nostalgic treat for adults and kids alike. Portions are generous, so sharing is wise if you also want dessert. Exact menu items and prices change, so check the current offerings before you go and consider vegetarian choices, which tend to be limited in diners of this type.

Practical tips help. The diner can be busy at lunch and on weekends, especially during peak Route 66 travel periods, so arriving early or late avoids waits. The parking lot is easy for cars and RVs, though check for large vehicle space. Service tends to be friendly and unhurried, so budget an hour. Bring cash or a card as payment methods vary, and look at whether the diner takes reservations for larger groups. Children are welcome, and the playful decor tends to keep them occupied.

Kingman has other places to eat, but Mr D'z is the one that matches the mythology of Route 66. Combine a meal here with the Route 66 Museum, a walk past the downtown murals and a look at the Locomotive Park. After lunch, drive the stretch of Route 66 toward Hackberry for the afternoon.

Dinner here is a good way to cap a day exploring Oatman, because the neon glows against the evening sky, and a root beer float is the perfect reward for a long day of desert driving. Arrive hungry, since portions are filling, and save room for a shake.

If you are visiting with a group, consider ordering a mix of items to share, such as a basket of fries, a couple of burgers and one float for the table. Locals and long-haul travelers alike use the diner as a meeting point, so conversation with neighbors at the next booth is common.

Ask your server about specials, and check whether the restaurant sells souvenirs, since diners of this style often carry T-shirts, mugs and root beer to take home. It is a stop that rewards unhurried eating and a bit of people watching, especially on weekends when Route 66 travelers fill the room.