Dining: Tucumcari

Cowboy Classic

Whether you’re cruising Route 66 in a classic Chevy or a hybrid Honda, Del’s Restaurant is your destination for hearty fare in the ranch-country town of Tucumcari, 175 miles east of Albuquerque along I-40. Though the restaurant serves its share of tasty New Mexican dishes, there’s no chile to be found in its self-proclaimed top seller, the chicken-fried steak.

“It’s all made from scratch,” says Yvette Peacock, who has co-owned Del’s with her sister, Yvonne Braziel, since 1995 (Del’s dates back to 1956). “It’s a local cowboy favorite. And with hungry cowboys, if it’s not made right—like at home—it’s just not good enough.”

Although chicken-fried steak is the original greasy-spoon dish, Del’s version is surprisingly light: a thick cut of meat coated in a lightly peppered batter and fried till crisp. It’s served with a choice of side dish—real mashed potatoes made with heavy cream, fries, or roasted vegetables—and smothered with creamy white gravy.

Del’s home-style cooking has kept customers coming back—Peacock says her patrons have planned vacations around trips to the family-friendly restaurant.

In the past year, the sisters have opened two new restaurants with fresh offerings: Kix on 66, which serves espresso drinks and specializes in breakfast; and Rockin’ Ys’ Roadhouse, which serves beer and wine. But in this Route 66 town, like the vintage cars that cruise the Mother Road, the classic chicken-fried steak at Del’s will never go out of style.

1202 E. Route 66 Blvd.; (575) 461-1740; www.delsrestaurant.com—Ashley M. Biggers