Burger King

Restaurant · Kayenta ·

Burger King

Restaurant · Kayenta ·

Navajo Code Talkers museum inside fast-food chain

Information

US-160, Kayenta, AZ 86033 Get directions

$10–20

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

Burger King Navajo Code Talkers Display – Kayenta, Arizona - Gastro Obscura

"The world’s best exhibit on the Navajo Code Talkers is located in a Burger King in Kayenta, Arizona. In World War II, the U.S. military had a problem. Every code they developed was broken by Japanese cryptographers. Enter: the Navajo Code Talkers. Navajo is a unique tonal language, mutually unintelligible with even its closest linguistic relatives. The first Navajo Language Dictionary was not produced until 1943, making Navajo a particularly good language for speaking in code. (By one estimate at the time, fewer than 30 non-Navajos could speak the language.) The Marines recruited several young men (29 in the first class), pulling them out of reservation boarding school and working with them to build the eventual code. Navajo code talkers were recognized as skilled and accurate. Six Navajo code talkers worked around the clock during the Battle of Iwo Jima, sending and receiving more than 800 messages flawlessly. Major Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division signal officer, later said, “Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.” The Navajo Code was never broken, and technically remained a state secret until the Vietnam War-era. In 1986, the small reservation town of Kayenta, Arizona got its first fast-food restaurant. It was owned and operated by the son of a Navajo Code Talker, Richard Mike. Mike decided to put the war memorabilia he had collected from his father on display in his new restaurant. “We have here in Kayenta more Code Talker memorabilia than the Pentagon does,” Mike said in an interview with the Arizona Republic. Mike’s father’s name? King Mike. Of course. Know Before You Go Located on the north side of 160-US less than half a mile west of Interstate 163. Ample free parking in the Burger King lot directly between the Kayenta Hampton Inn and Taco Bell. The free Code Talkers display can be viewed inside the Kayenta Burger King any time during operating hours 6 am-10 pm." - s salmson2a2, LaMesaMatt, CoolCrab, t trurl, lex, L LaMesaMatt, l lakemeaddiver, brendonstinson, Vicki Arkoff, lakemeaddiver, Molly McBride Jacobson, JR Wetmore, m markleahy, chrismcmillon, salmson2a2

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/burger-king-navajo-code-talkers-display

Burger King

Explorer M.

Google

I was the first person to enter the restaurant this morning as I was charging my car in the lot and watched them unlock the door. I entered to all the trash cans full outside the building and in the lobby, along with trash on the floor in the men's restroom(which was all around gross, not just because of the trash). My food tasted great and was super hot, so as far as food is concerned it was a solid 5 🌟, but the overall cleanliness wasn't very good. The playplace is also closed with no reason given, just the trash cans blocking the entrance and a piece of paper saying its closed.

William S.

Google

A clean welcoming Burger King that is keeping history alive in the Southwest. Whenever I'm in kayenta I am sure to stop here. This is the gateway Burger King to spectacular monument valley.

Antwain Hunter S.

Google

Service here was TERRIBLE. My son and I stop during a road trip, entered the restaurant at 9:15am, stood at the counter for 15 minutes without even being greeted nor acknowledged. The workers kept tending to the drive thru while we stood there. Eventually my son suggested we order on the kiosk. I suppose drive thru isn't as terrible as the counter, unless you're a local as I just witnessed while sitting and waiting for my order. Wanted to update that our food was poorly prepared and overcooked as well.

Rich C.

Google

This is the best Burger King I have ever been to. Best Whoppers. Super fresh tomatoes, lettuce and onions, perfectly cooked patty, excellent fresh buns. The one near where we live was so bad it closed down! Why this one is so good compared to others is a mystery to me, but it's my third time there and it's always this way. Great friendly staff and interesting Navajo code-talkers exhibit too.

Dee H.

Google

The lady that took our order was nice. Very patient and friendly. I had a Whopper, Jr -- really good. Area where drinks are filled was well stocked. Sitting area is large and spacious. Love the Code Talker display -- such a great tribute to great men.

AJ L

Google

BLOWN AWAY! Was not expecting to happen upon this detailed tribute & micro museum honoring the Navajo Code Talkers from WWII. What a find. If you are in the area, passing through or a local, please stop in, grab breakfast or lunch and take in this wonderful exhibit that is loaded with many many artifacts. This location is well-staffed with friendly cheerful employees and the food was perfect. Hats off to the owners for honoring our country's Native Americans who provided an invaluable service at our country's time of need.

Cody W.

Google

Haven’t been to a BK in almost a decade but decided to stop here due to the code talker exhibit. Food was outstanding, whopper had great grill flavoring, chicken nuggets were juicy, fries hot & crisp. Friendly service as well as the aforementioned exhibit which was very interesting.

E M

Google

What makes this BK in AZ so special is the historical museum inside. If you have never driven through the Navajo Nation I encorage you to follow Hwy 160 to Kayenta. A relative of a former Code Talker (WWII) owns & is clearly proud of his ancestor. A highlight of my trip.

Quinn H.

Yelp

Best Burger King food I've ever had. Very hot and tastes good. Easy ordering without any of those silly kiosks. The Navajo museum was very interesting to read about as well.

Alina S.

Yelp

We went there to look at the Navajo Code Talker exhibit, not to dine in. The owner is the son of one of the Code Talkers. There isn't a lot on display at this exhibit but you don't need much to explain the history and authenticity of real Code Talkers. The history and stories are sobering given these WW2 vets didn't get real recognition until 2001 and were asked to used their language, the same language the US tried to take away when they were children. Let's never forget them.

Kristian N.

Yelp

So we stopped in because I was starving and wanted food like yesterday. The woman who took my order was lovely. The people in the back making my order were incompetent. They messed up on my order, giving me the completely wrong item. I went back in and was like please give me the correct item. They gave me the correct item the second time, but incorrectly made. I had to wait twice for my item and at that point just gave up. I got a refund and went to a nicer set down restaurant in Cortez Colorado. I would just drive up further to the McDonalds next time I'm in Kayenta. The crappy Code Talkers exhibit did not make up for not getting my meal made correctly.

D T.

Yelp

This is a great Burger King with the WW2 Navajo code talker museum. The food was fresh & good. And the memorabilia was cool to see. Don't miss it. The service was great and this place is clean -nice area.

Gael B.

Yelp

It's good the time is fast and the food tases delicious it's clean is good and it's ice cream is good try it

Art C.

Yelp

In Remembrance It was a pretty standard visit to a BK, order at the counter, wait for your food, pour your own drink, find your own table. That all went well. I ordered their Whopper with cheese and it was juicy and flavorful. I really do love the taste of their flame grilled Whoppers. The fries were also very good. One thing that made this BK stand out from others is the display honoring the Navajo Code Talkers from WW II. These were Navajo that by utilizing their native language could transmit and receive messages the enemy could not understand. This collection honors King Paul Mike, one of those heroes. There is more to see next door at the Navajo Shadehouse Museum.

Cindy K.

Yelp

Normally, if I am on a getaway the last place, I'm gonna go is a restaurant I can go to anywhere, however, this Burger King is special. Their biggest attraction in my opinion is the Navajo code talkers exhibit. This is not something I learned about in school. I've known about it because of the Internet and I wanted to see this because I think it's a really important thing that people should know, the code talkers are the only language that wasn't broken by an enemy and they were an Intercal part against defeating the Japanese in World War II. This Burger King was quite crowded because I think people came to see the exhibit which was very nicely done. This Burger King was pretty crowded, so where is it being such a big attraction and having a big play area for kids and plenty of interesting seating areas and little nooks and that's awesome exhibit you would think they would have things that worked inside it. There were four fountain drinks down and maybe they were out of that particular soda or they couldn't get the syrup for it, but he just stuck some people out of order signs over those four spigots. The women's bathroom had four stalls, two of which had out of order signs, and there were two sinks, one which had an out of order sign on it. I did not expect to go to a place that has advertised and billboards along the way for it to be out of order. Bk fries suck in general and the burger tasted flame broiled. You know what you're getting in terms of food. But it was just kind of disappointing to see how many things were out of order when I went there and just how busy it was it was clean and look nice. I just felt like things should be in working order and if things look like they have been out of order for a while, especially the sink in the women's room.

Sebastian S.

Yelp

Excellent Service, warm atmosphere...informative display inside and outside. Clean and comfortable

Allyson B.

Yelp

We stopped to get a quick lunch and did not realize there was a tour bus parked in the back. When we went in every table was full and the line to pick up meals had at least 20 people waiting. We expected to have to wait a long time and did not expect the quality to be just fair...but to our surprise the wait was only 12 minutes, the wait staff was very friendly and the food was hot and delicious! The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is the bathroom was in rough shape, with two stalls out of order.

Norm W.

Yelp

Grabbed a quick breakfast at Burger King. Crosant bacon, egg and cheese was good as was the coffee and service. This location had a nice memorial museum for the Navajo Code Talkers in WWII. Could easily spend 30 minutes looking at all the display items. It was very well done and many thanks to all of our Veterans!

James C.

Yelp

This is the only Burger King in the area so the food regularly varies from okay to great for what it is. Today we ordered online to save everyone the human interaction and used the drive through to pick up. We were missing a sandwich so we went back. The team working 5/31 around 8:30 AM told us we were wrong and the sandwich was in there. They felt it necessary to inform us of their routines when bagging orders and proceeded to give us the cold shoulder. It did not make it in bag when brought out to us and we just wanted our sandwich. They've made us out to feel like liars when we just wanted what we paid for. Come through if you want to feel like a thief when they fight you for your food. Two stars not one because one of the guys fixed our order when none of the other ladies would talk to us after.

April M.

Yelp

Best Burger King we have been to in awhile. Everything was made fresh. Hit the spot! Thank you!

Kelly B.

Yelp

This review is not for the food but for the Navajo Code Talkers exhibit inside the Burger King. It was very informative and interesting. It is a quick overview of the contribution of these individuals with different artifacts from WWII. The displays featured many personal artifacts that belonged to the code talkers, most of whom were from this area of Arizona. If you read everything it will take less than 1 hour.

Rebecca H.

Yelp

Great Burger King owned by a son of a Navajo code talker who served in WWII. Interesting display with photos, memorabilia and local stories from the period. Additionally, there is a Navajo cultural display with examples of traditional buildings. Well worth a stop!

Manish C.

Yelp

I don't ordinarily review fast food places, but this particular Burger King location doubles as a mini museum containing a World War 2 Navajo code talkers display. It's a neat stop off point to use restrooms, connect to WiFi, and/or grab a quick meal before heading into monument valley. The menu is your standard BK menu at normal, non-touristy prices.

Kurt P.

Yelp

Stopped here with a party of four on our way back to Tucson from Moab. It's standard Burger King fare, but the Code Talkers exhibit is worth the stop. I had the "Steakhouse" burger - essentially a double bacon cheeseburger with a few onion rings sprinkled on top. It's just a cheeseburger. The restrooms were reasonably clean, and there were some nice folks outside the place that wanted to sell us some jewelery (not...) I had stopped here about a decade ago, and I thought I remember the code talker exhibit to be more extensive. Did they maybe shrink it to make more room for the play area? I dunno, but it is still pretty interesting to look at the exhibit.

Audrey D.

Yelp

5 stars is for the following: the best Wifi in town; a really interesting exhibit on the Navajo code talkers (albeit a bit odd that it's in the BK); a table with plug ins underneath to charge your electronic devices (FYI: the McD in town has NO plug ins for customers). As far as the food goes, it's BK. My experience has been very positive: hot fries, friendly service.

Keo N.

Yelp

Since there is hardly any cell signal in this area you will be glad they have free WiFi here to check in on your loved ones, Facebook and any other cyber inklings your heart desires. It is a new building so it is clean and in decent shape if you know what I mean, especially for number 1 & 2. The food? You probably already know how it is. No comments necessary from me, since my mum told me not to say it. Blessings.

Eagle H.

Yelp

This is a awful place to eat food at, they got my order wrong twice, and it was cold.. Not only that but it took 20 mins to get my final order.. On top of that there are panhandlers, and wild dogs in front of the restaurant. Dirtiest place ever poop on all toilet seats. Horrible place to eat. Don't go here.

Nippy J.

Yelp

As I walking in I seen two stray wild dogs sitting in front of the restaurant, the restaurant was very dirty & the lady manager was very rude & holding sad face. I cleaned my own table, otherwise the FOOD was HOT & fresh.

Noor B.

Yelp

When we entered the building, we were overwhelmed by an old plastic-ish smell. When we ordered at the counter, the employee didn't even look us in the eye. Food was okay, not bad. I had fries with mozzarella sticks, the fries were not great but still okay, the mozzarella sticks were super cold. Drinks were okay but the seats were very dirty. Fries on the floor, pieces of salad sticked on the chairs and sauce on the table. Won't be coming back here but it's okay when you need something quick to eat

Todd R.

Yelp

Very slow service. I cannot believe how long I waited for breakfast. Restroom was okay, seems to be cleaned every so often. Food was decent just took forever to get.

Fiona R.

Yelp

It seems odd that a Burger King would have an exhibit on the Navajo Code Talkers ('Windtalkers') until you learn that the family that owns the BK franchise are also proudly the family of one of the Navajo Code Talkers that came from Kayenta. There is a very interesting display with some history, amusing stories (Mrs Mike & the flags is worth a read) and memorabilia. It's just a wall in the BK but you can come in and check it out without needing to buy anything. Also in the car park is a small museum of 'cultural centre'. It's free to visit and also interesting with more on the Code Talkers as well as the general history of Kayenta and the Navajo Nation. There are some souvenirs for sale but you are under no pressure to buy. The displays inside BK and the small museum can fill an hour or so and give you both a leg stretch and some background before you head to Monument Valley or Canyon de Chelly. When you drive from or to Monument Valley, you'll pass through Kayenta and will see the giant Burger King sign like a giant beacon, well before you get there.

Danielle R.

Yelp

During one of the more boring stretches of our road trip we started to get very hungry and had to use the bathroom. As we were driving we started seeing signs for this burger king and opted to get to it to eat and use the bathroom. When we got to the stretch of land this was on, there are many gas stations as well as other fast food places but we had our minds on Burger King already since they had such great advertising along the way and the mac and cheetos came out a couple of days before. All of the signs said Burger King had the cleanest bathrooms in the area. I doubt that is actually true but i am sure it gets a lot of people in there. Taking into account the amount of business they do, the bathrooms were clean but they did need some work. The garbages needs to be taken out the floor was wet and needed a mopping and the sinks needed to be wiped. The staff was friendly when we ordered and we got our food very quickly. Everything was how it was supposed to be and it was typical burger king food that you could get at any burger king but I suggest you don't because it is burger king and burger king is garbage. There is a large play place for if you have kids and there was a WWII memorial to occupy you while waiting for your food. There is no service in the area but there is wifi here so you can get on the wifi to connect back to the world. Overall, an okay option. There are a bunch of other fast food places in the area that you can also use their bathrooms so look around and go where you want not just the place that has the good advertising.

Corey G.

Yelp

Who would have expected a lesson in Native history, and museum quality exhibits in a Burger King? This is exactly what you get when you seek out a Whopper in the Navajo township of Kayenta (locally known as "K-Town"): Gateway to Monument Valley. I must be forthcoming and say that my friend took me here and his father is the owner of this business. My friend's grandfather is King Mike, he was a Marine in WWII and a member of the Navajo Code Project. He was a Code Talker. While fighting for this country in the Pacific Theater, King Mike sent many artifacts home. Many of these items are on display at this Burger King. This is the Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit. I went here several times during my recent visit to Kayenta. It was so cool to see the display, and items from WWII. The Navajo Code Talkers are an important and proud part of our Native history. Ok, from King Mike, to the "King of Burgers". I didn't have a Whopper while here, but I did have a breakfast here, and it was excellent fuel for my day. In addition to the Code Talker display, there is a drive-thru and an indoor playground. For more info on Code Talkers, and Navajo Culture, walk next door to the Navajo Cultural Center (http://www.yelp.com/biz/navajo-cultural-center-of-kayenta-kayenta).

JoAnn Y.

Yelp

Next to this BK is a little museum of great artifacts. It's definitely worth a visit. The BK itself has friendly staff and clean bathrooms. Our order was accurate and quickly prepared. There is a kids corner with an indoor playground

Sandy C.

Yelp

A favorite place to take my grandbabies because of the play area. The customer service needs improvement; very rare to receive the excellent customer service.

Marge A.

Yelp

Really people! You advertise that you have RV parking and then you don't open you inside counter so that we can step in WITH A MASK and order. Not too intelligent are you. You don't deserve business.

Elizabeth B.

Yelp

Came for the play place passing through town, left with hepatitis. This is the absolute most disgusting BK I've ever seen. The play area was covered in sand, hair, and other matter. The women's restroom was vile. I'm talking body fluid of all kinds in all stalls. Also no TP. Like, when was the last time an employee even looked at the bathroom? Apparently there were at least 10 mini liquor bottles laying around the men's urinal (per my husband). Also staff could not care less and were not friendly. The Whopper was good though.

Gavin S.

Yelp

Nice for a BK. Clean, spacious, big play area indoors, history exhibit. I'm knocking a star because I the sigh on the door that says no photos allowed inside. That's plain stupid in today's age if cell phones and parents why like snapshots of their kids. Docking another star because the staff has the scowling grumpy Indian thing going and are not friendly. Not how you serve customers folks. These are the basics and I should not have to bring them up b All and all a nicer BK. but I would be remiss not to bring up the areas that need improvement.

Sara S.

Yelp

Wow! That was an awful experience. After buying a full meal, I went in to use the restroom and the employee yelled at me to get out. geez I just had to pee. There wasn't a do not enter sign, and other customers were using the restroom. But the employee yelled at me. Very very rude. I simply just left. Still have to pee though.

Jerry G.

Yelp

After going to 4 corners monument this was a nice place to stop and use the clean restrooms. Also grabbing a little something to eat, like the Oreo shakes did not hurt the cause either. The employees were nice and friendly. It did take a while to get our shakes, but it was nice to walk around after sitting for so long.

Mark H.

Yelp

I'm not a BK fan, I associate it with airport food. However, this BK is worth stopping for. The Navajo Code Talker display, plus a display on weaving, are excellent. The Navajo music makes for a very nice atmosphere. Facility is very clean, service is friendly and efficient.

Valerie L.

Yelp

My second Yelp review of a Burger King....wow, how low has my life sunk. The only reason I am reviewing this is due to its' awesome display dedicated to the Navajo windtalkers (remember the Nicholas Cage movie years ago?). There is a nice display on the brave Navajo servicemen who served their country during WWII, plus a few hogans in the back yard alongside the big plastic kiddie Habitrail. What a juxaposition of cultures! However, in the end, it is still a Burger King (with clean bathrooms).

R G.

Yelp

Dirty slow and the food is old and cold. Do not stop here the staff is also very unfriendly and they have a lot of people hanging around out front panhandling.

Robert W.

Yelp

Service is sssssllllloooowww!!!! Normal BK food has served hot and seemingly fresh. Staff friendly and nice..... Awesome Code Talkers displays!!! Restroom wasn't very clean and not stocked. They really need to do something about the panhandling it's getting really really BAD. This isn't my first time here and it looks like the same people....

Kennison L.

Yelp

I am always a drive-thru customer, recent the drive-thru has posed awful experiences with the order takers not hearing our order and getting everything wrong.

Jeff F.

Yelp

Food is as expected, and staff do a good job. The place is a trip for the traveler to eat in because it's a big mix of National Park travelers, including all the Euros, and many of the local Navajo. Worlds collide. Has a nice display about the code talkers as well.

Valentin B.

Yelp

Like any BK, except there is a nicely put-together display about the Navajo code-talkers during WWII. Service and food is alright. WiFi works OK.

Sam F.

Yelp

I always stop at this Burger King on the way to CA. The restrooms are always nice and the people are friendly. They are working on some renovations right now so it's probably going to get even better! Food is normal for Burger King and I like grabbing one of the paper crowns that are for kids haha They also have a cool display for the Navajo Code Talkers who helped the Allies during WWII =D

和子

Yelp

The food part is just like any other Burger King, so nothing special. The service was excellent and friendly. But what sets this BK apart is the Navajo Code Talkers exhibit. The display discusses the history of the famous Code Talkers, along with artifacts and memorabilia. A lovely tribute to the very important and lesser known contribution to the nation's war effort.

Stephanie S.

Yelp

The best Burger King ever! The Navajo Code Talker exhibit is fantastic, and the cultural education exhibit is First Class. The depth of knowledge on the interpretive signs by the hogans and sweat lodge makes this stop 100% worth it. Oh and the burgers are good too.

Arlene G.

Yelp

im not a fan of fast food but the options were few so this was my dads choice. the food was what we expected but the service was great! good stop before the fore corners!

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

Burger King Navajo Code Talkers Display – Kayenta, Arizona - Gastro Obscura

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/burger-king-navajo-code-talkers-display

Burger King

Explorer M.

Google

William S.

Google

A clean welcoming Burger King that is keeping history alive in the Southwest. Whenever I'm in kayenta I am sure to stop here. This is the gateway Burger King to spectacular monument valley.

Antwain Hunter S.

Google

Rich C.

Google

Dee H.

Google

AJ L

Google

Cody W.

Google

E M

Google

Quinn H.

Yelp

Best Burger King food I've ever had. Very hot and tastes good. Easy ordering without any of those silly kiosks. The Navajo museum was very interesting to read about as well.

Alina S.

Yelp

Kristian N.

Yelp

D T.

Yelp

Gael B.

Yelp

It's good the time is fast and the food tases delicious it's clean is good and it's ice cream is good try it

Art C.

Yelp

Cindy K.

Yelp

Sebastian S.

Yelp

Excellent Service, warm atmosphere...informative display inside and outside. Clean and comfortable

Allyson B.

Yelp

Norm W.

Yelp

James C.

Yelp

April M.

Yelp

Best Burger King we have been to in awhile. Everything was made fresh. Hit the spot! Thank you!

Kelly B.

Yelp

Rebecca H.

Yelp

Manish C.

Yelp

Kurt P.

Yelp

Audrey D.

Yelp

Keo N.

Yelp

Eagle H.

Yelp

Nippy J.

Yelp

Noor B.

Yelp

Todd R.

Yelp

Very slow service. I cannot believe how long I waited for breakfast. Restroom was okay, seems to be cleaned every so often. Food was decent just took forever to get.

Fiona R.

Yelp

Danielle R.

Yelp

Corey G.

Yelp

JoAnn Y.

Yelp

Sandy C.

Yelp

A favorite place to take my grandbabies because of the play area. The customer service needs improvement; very rare to receive the excellent customer service.

Marge A.

Yelp

Really people! You advertise that you have RV parking and then you don't open you inside counter so that we can step in WITH A MASK and order. Not too intelligent are you. You don't deserve business.

Elizabeth B.

Yelp

Gavin S.

Yelp

Sara S.

Yelp

Jerry G.

Yelp

Mark H.

Yelp

Valerie L.

Yelp

R G.

Yelp

Dirty slow and the food is old and cold. Do not stop here the staff is also very unfriendly and they have a lot of people hanging around out front panhandling.

Robert W.

Yelp

Kennison L.

Yelp

I am always a drive-thru customer, recent the drive-thru has posed awful experiences with the order takers not hearing our order and getting everything wrong.

Jeff F.

Yelp

Valentin B.

Yelp

Like any BK, except there is a nicely put-together display about the Navajo code-talkers during WWII. Service and food is alright. WiFi works OK.

Sam F.

Yelp

和子

Yelp

Stephanie S.

Yelp

Arlene G.

Yelp

im not a fan of fast food but the options were few so this was my dads choice. the food was what we expected but the service was great! good stop before the fore corners!

Burger King

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Burger King Navajo Code Talkers Display – Kayenta, Arizona - Gastro Obscura

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Burger King Navajo Code Talkers Display – Kayenta, Arizona - Gastro Obscura