A trip down memory line on 66...outside Dallas, TX

There is nothing like driving down the Mother Road and seeing the US shield with the double six. However, the Mother Road has a counterpart in the Lone Star State. While Texas' portion of 66 goes from Texola and the Oklahoma state line to Glenrio in the Panhandle, the Dallas area has their own version of America's highway, Texas 66.

Prior to 1939, the route ran from the Rio Grande to Wichita Falls along what is now US 281. Today, however, the road runs from Garland to Greenville paralleling Interstate 30.

After waking up and eating breakfast at the Super 8 Motel in Fort Worth, it was time to do some driving. I headed east to old alignments of the historic Bankhead Highway. As I reached Rockwall and drove past a few lights, I turned onto state highway 66 (of course, I wanted to get my kicks!) and found the Route 66 Classic Diner.  (Route 66 Classic Diner )

At first I thought, it was a 66 imposture and to just run past it. However, two factors drew me in, hunger and curiosity. So, I got out of my truck and went inside. After opening the door, a wave of nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks.

At which point, I knew I found another gem along 66.

 

So, I decided to sit down and order a plain and dry hamburger with French fries and Dr. Pepper. As I ordered, I admired the colorful menu.

While they took the motif from the Mother Road, the owner for over six years, Cynthia Panell, has done a wonderful job of providing customers with delicious chicken fried steaks and other home cooked meals with a tasteful dose of nostalgia.

From the waiting staff to the colorful pictures, the 66 Classic Diner follows their mantra of "Courtesy, Consistency and Great Food!

If you are in the Dallas area, take a drive down Texas highway 66 to the Route 66 Classic Diner.