Night Reflection: The colorful exterior of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner reflects in the street following a rain. The diner in Kingman, Ariz. is a favorite for locals and visitors who travel through the area on Historic Route 66. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Soda Bar: The soda bar area inside Mr. D’z sits in the area where gas pumps stood for almost 50 years when the building was a gas station. The property was purchased by Scott and Roy Dunton and remodeled into a retro style diner, which opened in 1992. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
By GARY WARREN
Photographer
Formerly of Los Alamos
Our travels have taken us to many interesting places. We enjoy the back roads and small towns along the way. We enjoy learning about local culture and food and learning about the area in which we travel.
There is a common thread the we enjoy that is neither local food nor culture. We love to find and try local diners as we journey about the country. We especially love to spot diners which feature 50s and 60s decor and vibe.
We enjoyed several of the retro 50s diners as we traveled Route 66. These diners are special to us because they feature the 50s decor as well as Route 66 decor and atmosphere.
One such diner that we enjoyed is Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, Ariz. Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner was born when brothers Scott and Roy Dunton purchased the property which was formerly a 1930s gas station and cafe. The building was totally renovated and remodeled to house the diner which opened in 1992.
The black and white checkered tile flooring and the teal and bubble gum pink booths and chairs add to the character of this popular diner. 1950s stars such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe are featured in the diner’s decor. A jute box plays many of the hits of the 50s and 60s while many photos of the 50s music, cars and memorabilia cover the walls in the diner.
The colorful exterior of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner features the same bubble gum pink and teal color scheme seen on the interior of the diner. An early 1950s blue Chevrolet pickup sits in the parking lot while outdoor picnic tables sit under the roof where gas pumps sat for almost 50 years. On the opposite side of the diner is a 1950s era police car.
The diner’s menu is shaped like a record album and filled with traditional diner dishes. Root beer floats, shakes and deserts such as banana splits are specialties at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner. The retro atmosphere and good food make this a fun and enjoyable stop.
In addition to the 1950s decor is an abundance of Route 66 decor and memorabilia. The diner sits next to the roadway which was part of Route 66 as it ran through Kingman, Ariz. Kingman has embraced the Historic Route 66 and has several building as businesses that feature the Route 66 era.
If traveling west on I-40, a detour through Kingman, Ariz. reveals the many Historic Route 66 buildings and features which have been preserved by the city. Any trip through Kingman should be topped off with a meal or desert at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner.
Editor’s note: Longtime Los Alamos photographer Gary Warren and his wife Marilyn are traveling around the country, and he shares his photographs, which appear in the “Posts from the Road” series published in the Sunday edition of the Los Alamos Daily Post.
Interior: The interior of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner is packed with 1950s photos and memorabilia. Seen are diners and the jute box and several retro photos of 1950s cars and entertainers. The checkered floor and the bubble gum pink and teal furniture add to the 50s vibe of the diner. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Diners: Diners enjoy visiting while eating at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, Ariz. The diner features traditional diner food and shakes, root beer floats and other deserts. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Logo and Signage: Signage at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner and the colorful exterior of the building make it easy for visitors to spot the popular diner on Historic Route 66 in Kingman, Ariz. The diner is a favorite along the historic route. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Exterior: A Chevrolet pickup sits in the front of Mr. D’z Diner in Kingman, Ariz. A 50s era police car sits on the opposite side of the diner. The diner is one of many businesses housed in Route 66 era buildings along the highway which runs through Kingman. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com