Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In is a quirky and fun restaurant in Arizona that you should definitely check out if you’re looking for something different. It’s understandable why LoveFood named this decades-old burger shop the strangest roadside diner in the state.
The Snow Cap Drive-In’s History in Delgadillo
The vibrantly colored Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In was built in 1953 by the enterprising barber Juan Delgadillo, who used leftover lumber from the nearby Santa Fe Railroad to embellish the building with a variety of signs and artifacts. Juan interacted with clients, even playing practical jokes like squirting them with mustard bottles filled with string, demonstrating his lighthearted nature and sense of humor.
The restaurant’s famous 1936 Chevrolet hardtop remains outside, decked out with horns, car insignia, and a fake Christmas tree. Even after his death in 2004, Juan’s family still owns and operates the restaurant, carrying on the legacy of humor and friendliness.
The Snow Cap Drive-In Delgadillo’s Menu and Ambience
Classic American diner fare, such as burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, and sodas, is available at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In. The menu includes creative inventions by Juan Delgadillo, like the “cheeseburger with cheese” and the “Snow Cap,” which is a vanilla ice cream cone covered in chocolate and topped with almonds. The portions are substantial, the prices are fair, and the service is efficient and kind.
With bright, wacky decor and sayings like “Sorry, we’re open” and “Don’t laugh, it could be your car,” the ambiance is definitely unique. Photographs, registration plates, and souvenirs from patrons and celebrities who have stopped by throughout the years are displayed on the walls. Gift shops are a favorite destination for both tourists and locals looking for a pleasant and memorable experience because they sell mementos including T-shirts, hats, mugs, and magnets.
Where is Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In and what are its hours?
Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In is located in Seligman, Arizona at 301 AZ-66. It is a part of the historic Route 66, which links Chicago and Los Angeles. Seligman is home to the Route 66 Gift Shop, Historic Seligman Sundries, and the Return to the 50s Museum. It is regarded as the origin of the Route 66 restoration movement.
Every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the drive-in is open, with Tuesdays being the only day off. It also closes from December to February during the winter. Remember that there is no phone number or website for the restaurant, and payments can only be made with cash or checks.
In summary
Snow Cap Drive-In in Delgadillo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination unto itself. A location that offers the chance to reminisce about the past, laugh together, and make enduring memories. It also has delicious food, welcoming service, and a distinctive environment.
Not only is Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In the oddest restaurant in Arizona, but it’s also one of the greatest; a visit there is an amazing experience.
