Delgadillo's Snow Cap in Seligman, AZ

Route 66

It was 10 am. when Don I drove through Seligman looking for gas.

It was a little early for a burger, but the sign above Delgadillo's did delight me! 

Along the Route

​We drove down historic Rt 66 and I had a grand time snapping pics from my window.

Clearly the town of Seligman was playing up the old Mother Road! Lots of tourists on a June morning in 2023.

​Malts, Creamy Root Beer, Shakes

After getting some gas, we headed back the way we came. I urged Don to just pull over so I could snap a better photo.

I admired the fine looking eatery from afar. I even admired the motorcycles in front. I studied the words above the awning and got a tiny bit hungry.

A Little Closer

I so adore a picture perfect drive-in, or diner. I just couldn't stay seated in the car. 

I promised Don I'd be just a minute. I crossed the street, where I could get a new angle. I spotted the EAT sign, with a giant ice cream cone.

I traveled down the sidewalk, past the motorcycles.

Before heading around the side to peek at the white Chevrolet, I hollered to Don that I would be a while.

1936 Chevrolet

I read later, that this 1936 Chevrolet was purchased by the Delgadillos, as a humorous lure to tourists. 

The top of the car was sliced off and curious decor was added, including a Christmas tree in back.
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Built by Delgadillo Boys

This building with all its carnival colors, has been around a long time! It's older than me. It's older than Don... but just barely.  

It was built by Juan Delgadillo, (along with his father and brother) using scrap lumber they had gathered while working for the railroad.

1953
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Juan and his wife Mary, established Snow Cap Drive-In in 1953. How I do love those food images! And silly words like, "Slightly Used Napkins and Straws"

Juan retired from the railroad and worked every day at Snow Cap, until he died on a June day in 2004, after working a full day. He was 88. 

Morning Meal

I suddenly didn't care that it was 10:15 am. I had to have a Snow Cap dining adventure. I could have tacos or burritos or... dead chicken! As printed above the door and window!

But was it open so early? There was a neon sign near the yellow door. It said, "Sorry, We're Open". More of Juan's humor, I guessed. 

Opposite Side

I decided to go to the door on the opposite side of the building. I reached for the doorknob beneath the PULL sign. Locked. Oh well. I turned to leave and noticed a woman nearby, holding a broom.

She stopped her sweeping and assured me they were open. I headed back to the yellow door and noticed the hinges on same side with the PULL sign. This time I reached for the doorknob on the right and it opened. I looked back and the woman with the broom was laughing.

​Endless Surprises

I stepped inside and found myself in sort of a mysterious tunnel. The window glass facing the street, was covered in cartoonish art and silly statements.

The ceiling was dripping with dollar bills and fabric patches and business cards, from far away places.

Only for a moment did I have the interior to myself. Suddenly a man came in and I let him go first as I tried to decide. I chuckled to watch the woman behind the counter squeeze a bottle of mustard... a yellow string shot out at the man. Silly!

A mother and daughter on a 3-week roadtrip came in behind me. We chatted a while about the fun of Route 66. I said I was really enjoying it, since I was 66 years old. The perfect age to travel Route 66. The mother was so giddy about that news, she had me pose at the counter for a photo.

What a hoot to order lunch at such an iconic little place, before 10:30 am.

Juan's Garden

I was told I could pick up my order at an outside window, when I was called. I hoped it would take a while. I wanted to explore the rear of the property, known as Juan's Garden.

I had time to check out the back of the property, with interesting things like a triple wide outhouse. I think there were actual toilets in there.

More surprises! Like a pink potty in a telephone booth!

There were lots of old cars. I guess Juan had a thing for Chevys. 

There were lots of signs. Phillips 66 and a fine yellow bellhop... or carhop?

I could see a few more cars and motorcycles pulling up. A lot of bikers in black leather, with German accents. Europeans do love Route 66! And good timing for me. A tour bus was arriving!

Juan!

I found some old photographs on display. There was an image of Juan!

He was standing at the very window, where I ordered. Holding a mustard bottle, with a string! He must have been such a character. I believe today, his kids run the business.

Lunch in the Car!

I was gone long enough that Don couldn't be too bothered. He had time to work up an appetite for early lunch!

Our cute little meals came wrapped nicely in yellow paper.

Cooked to Order

My Girl Cheese was less than 5 bucks! I pretty much loved it because of the name.

Don's cheeseburger for $8.75 was tastier than my photo. After my photo snap, I reassembled Don's burger and we got back to the driving schedule. We devoured our little lunch as we headed off towards Tonopah, Nevada.

Sweet Stop

So glad we got to enjoy of piece of Route 66 in this part of Arizona.

Sure wish we'd come 2 decades ago. It would have been fun to have experienced Juan's humor first hand!
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