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Diverse Dining List

Earl's Family Restaurant in Gallup, NM

2/16/2019

6 Comments

 

​Route 66 Breakfast... A Year Ago
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On a cold February morning, we had breakfast at a 72-year-old restaurant.
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Well, actually it was 71-years-old... when we ate at Earl's, a year ago. 

Warming Up & Waking Up

​Don and I stopped at Earl's, while on a road trip last February. It was 14 degrees that morning, when we pulled into the parking lot off Historic Route 66. 
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We were given a booth in the back corner and a carafe of hot coffee for our table. In moments we were warm and awake and ready to read up on a little history. I love a paper placemat with local history.

Family Owned Since 1947

​We read up on the "Land of Enchantment" and studied the menu. The Fried Egg & Bologna Sandwich was tempting...
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The Richards Family has owned Earl's for many years. I'm not sure if the original owner was named Earl, but if so he must have been a decent guy. They kept his name after all. The Richards must also be pretty decent, since they have worked closely with the Native American community. Local artisans are invited to sell their Native American jewelry and art at the restaurant.

Mid Sixties

Earl's opened as a hamburger place, probably a couple decades before this postcard was sold. Origianlly there were only 4 stools and 2 booths. The restaurant was larger, by the time Earl's was selling pancakes and Mexican food, along with burgers.
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In the 1940's Sharon Richards started as a waitress at Earl's and eventually worked her way up. She bought the restaurant on a handshake. Her son Ralph still run the restaurant, today.

Back in the Corner
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​I was glad for our corner booth in the back, where I could take in the whole place.
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Over the years the space has grown and today there is seating for 382 customers. Most of them were locals, on the morning when we dined.

A Happy Diner
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Don was pretty pleased with his Spinach and Monterey Jack Omelet.
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I didn't go for the bologna, but I did have Earl's Famous Biscuits & Gravy, with my scrambled eggs.

​Vendors
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Part of the Earl's Experience is being open to the vendors who wander through the restaurant. We never felt any kind of intrusion. We always took a quick look and offered a compliment, with our "No thank you." 
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It was interesting to see the artisans, graciously and quietly strolling through the large space.The majority of diners were Native American locals, who seemed to know one another. None seemed to be buying, but they were all pleasant to those selling.

​Long Counter
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​On the way to checking out, I walked by the dining counter.
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A large window opening gave a peek into the kitchen and the short order cooks.
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​Near the Counter

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We paid our check at the counter, near the exit. I read a sign announcing the next breakfast meeting for the  the Kiwanis Club. ​Then I noticed a few more similar signs. ​
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Don and I didn't do our homework, or this could have been an even more exciting dining adventure. If we had played this right, we would have arrived hours earlier, for the weekly Toastmaster Breakfast at 6:30 am. The sign said, "Visitors Welcome!" Now that would have been interesting.
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Shopping
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​Before we stepped out, I paused to look at a few earring displays.
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I was more than happy to buy 2 pairs for $5. each. Pretty earrings and such a bargain!

Selling in the Cold
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​There were just a few vendors set up outside on that frigid morning. I hoped they had a good system for rotating with the inside vendors. 
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Hopefully the sun came through at some point!
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Good-Bye Earl's
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Our quick breakfast stop on Rt 66, was memorable.
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The place may have changed a bit since travelers first stopped for burgers 70+ years ago, but our visit was still a step back in time!
6 Comments
Justin Jacobs
11/29/2022 12:13:04 am

I visited this restaurant while on my Route 66 adventure.
Awesome place! I went for breakfast, had the sourdough sandwich. Food was great, and so was the service.
Wish that I knew that Toastmasters had their meetings there, I’m a member of the organization.

Reply
Beth
11/29/2022 07:43:21 am

Justin, I'm so glad you had a good experience at Earl's. We found it so welcoming and also delicious! That's very cool that you are a member of Toastmasters. Maybe next time you can plan a visit around a meeting!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Beth

Reply
Jessie Jensen
7/20/2023 08:30:19 pm

Hello. I am a family member of the owners of earls restaurant in Gallup NM. As I’m enjoying all the good stuff about my family restaurant but one thing stuck out me. The owners name? Can I ask where you got the smiths own this restaurant as it is NOT true! Sharon richards bought Earls in 1947 and her son Ralph richards my father still runs it til this day. Amazing man by the way. He gets called earl a lot.hoping to hear back from as this information about the owner is not accurate. Kindly Jessie Jensen

Reply
Beth
7/21/2023 02:37:38 pm

Hi Jessie!
Thank you so much for correcting my huge mistake about the family name. I honestly don't know how I could have put Smith down, when the name Richards is clearly on the menu. I wonder if I read an incorrect article when researching. I'm just so glad that you spoke up and that you shared about your family. Was there a man named Earl who originally owned the restaurant? How wonderful that your family has run the wonderful restaurant for so long. I so hope I can return to the area and enjoy another meal.
I think I made the corrections in my write up, If you see anything else please don't hesitate to let me know.
Take care and thanks again!
Beth

Reply
Paul Nelson
11/28/2023 08:11:20 pm

Hi Beth. I was searching the web for some Earl's coffee mugs and I found myself reading through your story. I can answer, with certainty, that the original owner was indeed named Earl. Earl Nelson was my grandfather. He had a series of burger places as a younger man, and passing through Gallup one time, decided it would be a great place to live. Then set up shop and raised his family for a time. I have long heard the stories from my father about growing up in Gallup and eating whenever and whatever he wanted at Earl's.

Reply
Beth
11/29/2023 10:58:49 am

Hi Paul!
I can’t thank you enough for sharing about your grandfather! What a special person he must have been! How fun to have grown up hearing stories from your dad. I can just imagine the stories shared over the years.
I hope to get back to Gallup and visit Earl’s again! I have a whole
New appreciation!
Thanks again,
Beth

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  • Homepage
  • Little Bear's Adventures
  • Diverse Dining List
  • 90 Notable Nights
  • Happy List
  • Quilt Adventure Blog
  • Not So Happy List
  • The Texas Twenty List
  • Mom's Picnic List
  • 18+ Dance Adventures
  • 55 Strangers
  • The Barbie Bucket List
  • 60 Celebrations
  • 57 Celebrations of the Fifties!