Del's Restaurant

A definite road-trip-experience restaurant. While the food was good, the service and the charm is what made it so great. We were there for lunch so the prices were great along with it being a ton of food! We got chips and salsa along with a sopapilla as part of our lunch deals, so we left very full! We arrived on December 1st and the whole place was decked out for Christmas! It was a very fun, family-friendly esthetic. The big winner here was Jorge our waiter. Jorge was incredibly attentive, friendly, and personable. We enjoyed our experience primarily due to him and this place gets 5 stars just for him! In short, I wouldn't say this is a foodie's dream stop - it was pretty good, but wasn't anything amazing. However, it was plenty filling at a great price, and the staff and interior made it a great stop on our road trip.

Apparently the place to eat. Thursday night was good but Saturday was so busy our take out '20 minute' order took 35. Orders were correct and food was good. My husband loved the chicken tenders, fries were ok. The taco salad was ok. The philly and sweet potato fries were delicious. Diner food at best

Loved this place. Food was very good and large sized portions that came out fast. Server was very friendly. I ordered the salad bar with many options to choose from and my husband got the spaghetti. Both were very good. I would definitely recommend Del's.

This place is great! The huge steer above the sign outside tells you everything you need to know. I had the ribeye, it was excellent for the price! Expertly cooked, with an old school parsley butter presentation, it’s worth it if you like steak. The New Mexican dishes were also great! I got a side of chile rellenos, Christmas style & ate them later; it was the best decision of the meal. The salsa was also perfect & my partner got the enchiladas, the chiles in both were exactly what I was looking for in terms of heat & flavor. I was stuffed, but I wish I’d taken the sopapilla to go for breakfast, as my better half did. The staff were all adorable! Pretty sure it was the first day of school & the younger folks were excitedly talking about who was in whose class. Everyone was wearing Rattlers shirts. It was all very wholesome. Our waitress was great, she was attentive & extremely nice. A few minor issues, parking was a nightmare. It seemed like there were more cars than people in the restaurant, which was weird. It was also really warm inside. I get it, NM in summer, but it was slightly uncomfortable. I think the heat also took its toll on the salad bar, it looked a little worse for wear. I love a good buffet/salad bar, but it was the end of the night & the contents of the hotel pans were pretty beat up. Also, there were a few flies in the dining area. Not the end of the world, but it was noticeable. Lastly, the physical menus could probably use an update. They were confusing & the layout made it hard to find things. None of that matters though, what does is this place is a gem & you should visit it, period.

Food: I asked what I should order if I was only going to eat here once, and the chicken-fried steak was one of the recommendations. The steak itself was great! The gravy came out a bit cooler than would have been ideal. The mashed potatoes reminded me of instant potatoes. That might not be the case, but they were not good. The fried okra was great and thankfully was hot. Service: Everyone from the hostess to the server to the cashier were friendly and helpful. Thank you! Atmosphere: This place is cool! I love the sense of humor the owner has. Funny and interesting signs posted all around -- including the restroom! They have a gift shop on-site with interesting souvenirs that can be purchased. Overall: If I found myself in town again, I would revisit. I would just avoid the mashed potatoes.

Located right on historic Route 66, Del’s Restaurant has been a neon-lit sanctuary for travelers and locals alike since 1956. While many roadside diners lean into kitsch, Del’s has maintained its reputation for over 60 years by delivering consistent, high-quality "Mother Road" comfort food and some of the best hospitality in Eastern New Mexico. The Food: A Tale of Two Menus Del’s is unique because it masters two distinct culinary worlds: Classic American Steakhouse and Authentic New Mexican. The Salad Bar: It is a rarity to find a high-quality, chilled salad bar in a desert roadside diner, but Del’s is famous for it. It is consistently fresh, well-stocked, and includes their popular house-made dressings and specialty prepared salads. The "Mother Road" Chicken Fried Steak: Hand-breaded, tender, and smothered in a rich cream gravy, this is widely considered one of the best versions of the dish along the entire length of Route 66. Mexican Combination Plates: For those craving Southwest heat, their enchiladas and tamales are excellent. Be sure to ask for the Green Chile—it’s flavorful, authentic, and provides that quintessential New Mexico kick. The Bakery: As you walk in, you'll see a glass case filled with massive cinnamon rolls, pies, and cakes. Everything is baked on-site, and a slice of their fruit pie is the perfect way to cap off a long day of driving. The Atmosphere: Mid-Century Charm Iconic Signage: You can't miss the 20-foot tall "Del’s" sign featuring a cheerful chef. It is one of the most photographed neon signs on Route 66 and sets the tone for a nostalgic, welcoming experience. The Gift Shop: Unlike many tourist traps, Del’s gift shop is tastefully curated with local New Mexico goods, Route 66 memorabilia, and unique Southwest jewelry. Service: The staff here is famous for their "old-school" professionalism. Many of the servers have been with the restaurant for decades, offering a level of warmth and efficiency that makes a one-time visitor feel like a regular. Pricing & Value Affordability: Despite its fame, Del’s has remained very accessible. Most entrees fall between $12 and $22, making it a budget-friendly stop for families. The Verdict Go if: You want a clean, historic, and reliable meal that captures the true spirit of Route 66. It is the perfect bridge between a nostalgic diner and a quality steakhouse. Skip if: You are looking for "fast-food". there will be a wait. Pro Tip: If you're staying overnight in Tucumcari, Del's is located within walking distance of several classic motels.

Unfortunately Del's didnt live upto its excellent reputation as described on Google all 3 of us werent impressed with our main meals. I personally had the Brisket Taco's and the brisket was not authentic brisket almost out of a packet like the rice! Plates were delivered to the table red hot almost like they had been in a microwave. Dispite the other very good reviews it did not live upto expectations! We travelled from Chicago O Hare for microwave food 👎👎

On a road trip from Vegas to Ohio- found this little gem along the way. E A T H E R E. These little places in the small town are worth the stop. The food was amazing. Fresh home made tortilla chips out of the oven that melt in your mouth. There was some kind of side dish at the salad bar with a cream base, peas and bacon that was MAGIC! I said they should call it "Someone pea'd in my bacon" but it was their "pea salad". The offset of the cream base and salt of the bacon was sooo good! I had the brisket enchiladas with ½ red sauce and ½ green chilli, my other half got the salad bar and her mother got the taco salad. Everyone had a great experience, the food and environment was enviting and cozy and the staff treated us like family. I've saved this location as a fav for when we come through again.

Our waitress was amazing! We enjoyed dinner and beer on the patio and she brought a water bowl for our dog. Food was delicious. A great find

We diverted to Business Route 66 and among several derelict buildings parked here because this resto sounded interesting in Yelp reviews, and it boasted a menu of broad choices for lunch. Diane opted for a French Dip with a slice of Provolone, and French Fries, while I selected a Guacamole Salad and a Ground Beef Chalupa that was served on a plate with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans. The Guac was authentic, with tomatoes and onions, but somewhat bitter, and served with thin Tortilla Chips. The Fries tasted dead. Our server twice forgot to bring requested napkins. And a fly hovered near our table. The ambiance was that of a festive cantina. XXX-1/2 Stars overall!

My wife and I stopped here for dinner. The waitress was attentive at the start, but was hard to find later. She was nice enough to bring us a little sampler of their chile beers (see photo). I opted for the chile relleno because of the positive reviews. I was not quite so enamored - it is breaded and deep fried with a crispy crust, not at all like the typical eggy coating most people use. It was like eating a mozzarella stick. You may like it and conclude it's the best relleno you've had but I didn't. My wife had the salad bar, which she thought was just OK. Nice selection of prepared salads, but she thought they were a bit lacking in flavor. The interior of the place is interesting with lots of Route 66 artifacts, etc. Overall, not bad, but we didn't find it outstanding either.

Menu has a wide variety of choices from homemade to burgers and Mexican. Service is friendly and quick. Place was very busy with a small bar off in a smaller room. Good choices of beers. Plenty of parking. Consistent food and service.

Wow! This place is worth the detour off the highway. To start the salsa was spicy delicious I actually had to buy a couple jars from the gift shop it was so good. My chicken Sope was so good too! Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked sope dough, flavorful and spicy sauce. Even the rice on the side had chiles in it - YUM! We were able to sit outside with our dog and eat. Our waitress was on top of everything and took such great care of us even when the whole place was packed with other diners. Y'all gotta go check out this place!

Food was okay. Service was good but the restaurant was busy. The ambiance was vintage. Didn't seem to be a community, "Cheers" type of place. Maybe customers more from highway.

Good food, good service. We like mom and pop type places and this one fits. Nothing fancy but a good hearty meal with real service. Good stop in Tucumcari.

Excellent food... I had the Chili Rellenos with the green sauce! Lots of flavor and not too spicy!

Groovy spot Nice folks on Route 66!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! Nice stroll down Route 66 in a cool town

Fantastic food and excellent service from Tinicka! Loved the chicken fried steak and fried okra.

We parked our huge truck in their generous parking lot. Upon walking inside for lunch we were greeted immediately with a smile. Once seated our sweet waitperson arrived taking our drink order, which was iced tea. It was delicious, crisp and freshly brewed. We both ordered steak fingers. Oh my gosh -- they arrived piping hot after just being prepared perfectly. I've never had steak fingers but this dish was somehow fried, not greasy at all, and served with milk gravy on the side for dipping. I loved this heavenly concoction! We each had different sides. Coleslaw, pinto beans, onion rings, and French fries. Each accompanying side was perfect. That is why we decided to order brisket and chicken fajitas to heat for tomorrow's supper since we're driving 8-hours. I explained that. They packed them so reheating will be easy and the veggies won't be a mess. The ambiance of the restaurant/bar was eclectic. An player piano was near us. The lights were all different and there was something to see everywhere. It wasn't overdone just interesting and clean. They have a wee gift shop and I noticed a meeting/banquet room on the other side. The menu also offered a variety of adult refreshments. One of my favorite things was seeing the regular customers come in and being warmly greeted by the waitstaff by name. We highly recommend this place and will return when in the area! UPDATED: 8 August--we ate the chicken and brisket fajitas for supper. Everything was absolutely delicious. We're glad we ordered them for today!

Very kitschy Route 66 eatery with good food. It was a little pricey but the decor offered lots to look at.

Had a very pleasant dinner. The place was packed, which is always a good sign when traveling. It is a rustic location that appers much smaller from the outside than it is inside. The staff was very friendly and offered their opinions when asked about an entrée choice. My chicken fried steak was very good, and I could tell it is something they know how to make. My wife had the chicken parmigiana, which was very tasty and a very large portion. We finished off the dinner with lemon meringue pie!

This restaurant has a cute decoration during Christmas. The price was fair and the food was ok. We didnt except high quality food from this restaurant. The waiter who was helping us was lil bit nervous and 0 customer service. Salad bar was ok and it didnt have many choices. I loved okra only. My main course was a grilled checked nothing special. It had a plain taste. My husband had the phily steak and he didn't like it as always.

Delicious food, service and atmosphere. I had the veggie fajitas. It's not on the menu but they make them. Loaded with squash, peppers.

We spent the night in Tucumcari on our way back to Corrales and went to our favorite go-to restaurant for dinner. Del's has always been great, and tonight, I decided to write a Yelp review. The food was, as always, superb. The salad bar is top-notch, and the homemade guacamole was a nice addition. My wife had both, and I confess that I snuck a bit of the guac from her plate. Good stuff. Our server, Renee, was a kick and knew exactly how to please her customers. She got a nice reward. I asked for a recommendation on a main course and was very satisfied with the chopped steak with onions and mushrooms smothered in brown gravy with a side of mashed potatoes and fried okra. Excellent. We love the delightful atmosphere and enjoyed meeting a local couple celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary. Del's will remain our favorite lunch or dinner place when passing through town. Highly recommended. Wait, I forgot the desert. You MUST try the Chocolate Eruption. Probably the most decadent, sinful, and delicious dessert I have ever had. How could I have forgotten?

What a fun place. At first we thought it was a stuffy steakhouse... Nope. Here's a clue it has its own gift shop.... I had the stuffed sopapillas our waitress recommended the chicken with the green scauce. I cheated and had both green and red... go with the green. My wife is gluten free (not by choice) she had the fish tacos, they were some of the best she ever has had. Two bonus rounds. 1) THEY HAVE CANDY CIGARETTES!! 2) my wife wanted a sopapilla so the chef fried her a corn tortilla to put honey on!!!

We were driving from LV to OKC and found this restaurant online which had great reviews for New Mexico food and decided to give it a try. We ordered takeout to bring to our hotel because we were exhausted and had our little dog as well. We were beyond impressed with the food. We tried the Batter Fried Hatch Chili Strips which were life changing. Literally, the best new food item I've had in years! Hubby had the Chicken Nachos and I had the Double Chili Relleños Plate and were the best I've ever had by far. Do yourself a favor and try Del's restaurant because you will not be disappointed!

We went to this restaurant on our first stop on a road trip; walked there from the Blue Swallow Motel. The hostess & servers were very kind! Our food came out SO fast, and the portions were large and delicious. They have a very big menu so it was hard to choose, but the asterisks next to certain items indicate the locals/tourists' favorites! We even went to the gift shop that's in the restaurant after dinner and bought a couple souvenirs. Would recommend this restaurant in Tucumcari!

Outstanding local restaurant in little Tucumcari. We ordered off the gluten-free menu and were thrilled with the many choices. We ordered beef tacos, pinto beans, green beans, chips and salsa, coleslaw, even a baked potato. Everything was fresh and delicious. Service was good.

We had a great dinner along Route 66 to cap off our Colorado/New Mexico trip. The food was classic, with lots of burgers, sandwiches, a salad bar and some entrees. I loved my catfish with roasted vegetables and very-lemony rice pilaf. My cousin chose the salad bar with her chicken and her husband had the chicken-fried steak, which seemed very popular. He cleaned his plate! The servings were large, and we did our best. I even had a reasonably-priced glass of wine. Our server was cheerful and probably the most helpful and knowledgable of anyone we encountered on our trip. We enjoyed the retro-style decor and had to make a trip to the gift shop on our way out.

Eat here every time when traveling through Tucumcari Always good food and service Outstanding Philly cheese steak sandwich

The Meatloaf and sides were perfect for lunch. The Service is spot on and the place looks upscale with a at Home Vibe. I recommend highly, do Yourself a favor and visit here. Thanx Bunch, Guys.

The burger was 7/10. The meat was good, but the meat:cheese ratio was kinda off. Next time I'd get double cheese and extra green chili. The green chili was pretty mild, and I prefer a bit more of a kick. The service was pretty slow that day, but it was mid afternoon. I think I want to try the salad bar next time-as it looked quite epic. Overall, I think it's one of the better restaurants in Tucumcari I've been to.

Wow. Just passing through and decided to give it a shot. Ordered from their Mexican menu. Everything was very good. The chili relleno was the best I've ever had - by a wide margin! Travelers - can't go wrong!

The food, portions, and staff are amazing! I highly recommend stopping by. I had the brisket burger and it was massive!

Locals told us that Del's is the best restaurant in town that serves alcohol. So naturally, that is where we headed. We happened to find their small bar towards the back and bellied up. We were impressed with the beer options, including four New Mexico craft beers on tap (soon to be six), and a tempting menu that features classic southern and Mexican dishes. We opted for lighter fare (we thought) ordering a sandwich and a salad. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich was possibly the best I've ever had. The addition of hatch green chili's with the usual vegetables was a nice touch. You can opt out of any of the vegetables (as I did with mushrooms) and the beef was flavorful and tender. My partner enjoyed a sliced tender fried chicken breast on top of fresh greens with other vegetables and half a boiled egg. We were very happy.

Came for lunch while passing through the town. So happy we stopped here. The service was great, food came out hot and fast, portions were huge and it made me sad that there isn't a Del's near my home town.

Food was ok. Service ok. No veteran or military discount. Owner should offer. Lot of Americans died to make this country free.

Awesome! Amanda was great and best chile relleno I've ever had, and as a Texan I've eaten a few!!

This place is so cute and super tasty for a trip through Tucumcari. I've been here twice and it has been delicious both times! Pretty large place with a small bar, waitresses are attentive. We sat at the bar and ordered drinks and food. Down home feel with cute decor... this last time it was decked out in Christmas decorations, super cute! I love that they have a fresh salad bar with a few other salad options (macaroni salad, potato salad, fruit salad). The ranch and honey mustard is top notch and my bf and I loved the crunchy fresh chicken tenders. There may be a wait, so be sure to call ahead (unsure if they do reservations - we walked in) or come at a decent time. We were sat within 10 mins both times. Would def stop here again!!!

nephew & I...smothered chicken; very tasty & cooked perfectly...sides adequate quantity well prepared. plentiful plate! Chicken Fried Chicken: spot on white paste gravy...baked potato perfect...green beans seasoned very good...chicken executed batter and cooked perfectly...Amanda was excellent...margaritas not really "mexican"...maybe "new" mexican...idk...vut for the prices they ask, they should be three times the size...food prices in line/average...ambiance was old school chic...about what to expect for a decades old place...go here & eat well...!

We were seated an hour before closing & not only was our waitress on point, but the kitchen prepared our food fast! Kudos to our waitress on her excellent customer service with a smile! Huge variety of menu options, full bar and a good hometown feel.

Del's is my must-stop in Tucumcari - I literally plan road trips around being able to go here. The food was its usual divine self - chicken crispitos and my beloved green chile strips - but Rhonda, our server, was either having a bad day or isn't particularly fond of her job. She's served me previously and I just don't get too much of a happy vibe off her.

We travel a lot through NM and we decided to eat here. Probably the most rudest staff I have ever met! The food was great but everyone else were just so unwelcoming!! I got the feeling that this place is more of a local place and anyone else is shunned! Very awkward!

First impression was what a great waitress! She was so welcoming and responsive to our questions to make something work for our vegan needs. We ended up with a bean, veggie burrito without cheese. We added Christmas sauce (red and green) which was yummy. Burrito was so large that we shared which was perfect after a long day of being on the road.

I just ate here , its a no go. Beef taco was fried and greasy, hamburger was sparse , the worst ever refried beans were sour , the coffee warm not hot. The rice was not fresh but mushy . After driving 350 miles today. A big disappointment. $20.00 not worth feeding my dog . Sorry but the locals love eating there.

We had the grilled cheese & the patty melt. Both were very good. I also had delicious sweet potato fries that were good. Our waitress was pleasant & helpful. The restaurant was spacious & inviting. We enjoyed our time there.

Really good food. The catfish and the meatloaf was amazing and the sides. Fast and friendly service.

I had the exact same dinner twice while traveling back and forth. Once on Monday June 17th heading to Phoenix and once on Monday June 24th heading to Bentonville, Arkansas. I ordered a burger and onion rings. Both were excellent the first time and the second time it tasted just as good. I think it is a great way to really rate a place. We will always stop and eat there when we crisscross the country. The food was good- the onionn rings were crisp and not greasy. The hambuger was cooked to perfection and tasted great. I did not add any cheese because I did not want it to in any way affect the taste of the burger. The service was quick and efficient. It's a "down-home" restaurant --- no frills --- just good food and great service.

Ate here while staying at Blue Swallow. This restaurant was horrible. Came in with a group of six people. My medium rare burger finally came out when our group was paying their tickets and getting ready to leave. She literally walked out with the plate when everyone was standing up to leave. No apologies or updates on the burger. Horrible service. Unclean establishment.

Food service was good and I had the chicken fried steak it, was delicious. It is also dog friendly which is very nice.

Another mom and pop with good food. My husband had the liver and onions and he said it was very good. Apparently our server was also the bartender and cashier. She was a little slow at times.

Very good service and awesome place to visit in a cool town. The menu is huge though (seems to be a trend with touristy restaurants) As an indecisive person I think I may have choice the wrong choice (I got the Carne Asada Taco Plate) it was kinda bland but the rice and refried beans were on point. Very cool small town vibe with a gift shop in the restaurant. They have Beer and Cocktails but I'd definitely stick with the beer. Also was a bit expensive but was expected. I'd probably go with the burger or any other American food if I went back.

It was great! everyone working was incredibly nice. stopped in while traveling thru and staying at the KOA. Chicken fried Chicken was really good, with mash potatoes. Nachos were ok, mostly lettuce and tomatoes. not enough cheese. and my husband had the philly cheesesteak. it was good, but it was mostly onions and peppers, and almost no cheese. i like a lot of cheese on my phillys, so ask for extra if you do too! i would definitely eat here again on my way thru town

This cute and quirky restaurant is an absolute must stop when in Tucumcari! The taco salad was incredible--a beautifully crisp flour tortilla shell that was so flavorful... and the beans. How do you make pinto beans taste this good?! But the classic finish to any New Mexican meal is the sopapilla with honey. And Del's is the best I have ever had (and I lived in New Mexico for 9 years)! The fact that the staff, every single one, is so kind and genuine was just the icing on the cake. Do yourself a favor and grab dinner here!

Great diner. Dinner was great! We even had dessert. Only negative was the salad bar lettuce was rusty colored and wasn't replaced so we just avoided it.

This was my second visit here in about two years. Service was amazing! Food was piping hot and very tasty. I would recommend stopping here and trying something off their amazing menu! Look forward to stopping here again when I travel through!

One of the few places open in Tucumcari. We got the all you can eat salad bar and soup. It was OK. Service was good. Atmosphere was awesome with lots of local decor and gift shop.