Earl's Family Restaurant in Gallup, NM

Route 66 Breakfast... A Year Ago
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On a cold February morning, we had breakfast at a 72-year-old restaurant. 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. 

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...

The Smith Family has owned Earl's since 1972. The original owner must have been a decent guy, since they kept his name all these years. The Smiths 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.

1967

Earl's opened as a hamburger place, about 20 years before this postcard was sold. Back in 1927 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.

I'm guessing this image is from around 1967. That was when Sharon Smith started as a waitress at Earl's. She eventually worked her way up and bought the restaurant, on a handshake. She and her two sons still run the restaurant, today.
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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. 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. 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." 

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. A large window gave a peek at the fast order cooks. 

​Near the Counter

​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. 

Obviously Don and I have not been seeking out the best dining adventures. If we 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.

Shopping
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Before we stepped out, I paused to look at a few earring displays. I was more than happy to buy 2 pairs for $5. each. 

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. ​

Hopefully the sun came through at some point!

 

Good-Bye Earl's

Our quick breakfast stop on Rt 66, was memorable. 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!

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