A retro-looking diner called WOW has just opened on old Route 66 west of Grants, N.M., in the town of Milan, according to the Cibola County Beacon.
Like traditional diners of the past, ‘WOW’ has booths, tables and a counter for customers. Chrome walls and an embossed copper ceiling keep the establishment bright and lively. The only thing missing from the motif is a jukebox. Rivard joked that she would like to put the old boxes at each table. She added that they have no music at this time, but may in the future.
Although it looks like a diner inside and out, ‘WOW’ offers a more extensive menu than the traditional “greasy spoon.” In addition to hot dogs, burgers sandwiches, sundaes, floats, and shakes, customers can also get Asian-style foods, salads, pork carnitas with onions, pasta dishes and spinach salad with Gorgonzola cheese, pine nuts and shrimp. Traditional American breakfast is served till 11 a.m. daily. On Sundays, breakfast is served until 2 p.m. and includes Eggs Benedict in addition to the daily fare. Nothing on the menu costs more than $10, with most items under $5.
Went there today after seeing this item… very retro-looking inside and out. Narrow aisles reminded me of a train. Need a strong arm to open the heavy metal front door. Good service, mostly out-of-state (even international) clientele at lunchtime on a weekday. Very up-to-date menu, including an excellent introduction to the New Mexico flat enchilada (though fried egg toppings aren’t noted, they’re available. NOTE: Not right on Route 66, it’s at exit 79 off I-40, across from the Petro truck stop. Good food, very nice simulated history. I wrote down a link to this page and gave it to the staff.
I’d also recommend “The Grants Cafe”, an actual, authentic Route 66 landmark, WITH a (mostly country) jukebox. It’s on the north side of 66 about half way through Grants, across from the railroad depot. Also good food, but local clientele. They have a picture by the register of the cafe, with the same neon sign, from the ’50’s. The cars in the parking lot on the day I was there looked like the same cars in the picture. Folks must keep their vehicles a long time in Grants.