Route 66 Malt Shop Serves Up Classic Fare

The Route 66 Malt Shop provides a fun place to grab a quick bite to eat. The classic Route 66 decor sets the tone for fun and the food is good, the shakes even better.

The Route 66 Malt Shop in Albuquerque's Nob Hill opened in the summer of 2010. The small sandwich shop had originally been located in the downtown area near Old Town on Central Avenue, but relocated to a new building and new location, where it has gained new customers and pulled back old ones.

The new location is a positive change, with the classic Route 66 decor expanded and enough space to accommodate a good number of tables and booths. The old location was tiny and cramped. The black and white checkerboard floor tiles and Wurlitzer remind visitors of the diners of yesteryear. Wall pictures and posters scream with sixties movies, sixties singers, and there is even a Route 66 map along one wall.

The menu is just what you'd expect from a sandwich shop, with a decent selection of sandwiches and burgers. This is one of my son's favorite places to eat. It serves classic hamburgers ($4.25), hot dogs ($3.75), sandwiches such as pastrami on rye ($6.75), and southwestern specialties such as Frito Pie ($4.50). His favorite, the classic grilled cheese ($3.75) is basic but good.

There are specialty sandwiches, from the crab cake sandwich ($7.50) to the garden burger for those looking for a vegetarian option ($5.95).

A sandwich shop isn't a sandwich shop without the sides, and the Route 66 Malt Shop has fries ($2.25), sweet potato fries ($3.00) and onion rings ($3.00). Each side can be super sized to a basket ($5.00 for regular fries; $6.00 for sweet potato or the rings). The fries have a parmesan cheese tinge, and my son approves.

The Route 66 Malt Shop is a kid friendly place, and one of the largest draws is the soda fountain. The shakes, I'm told, are "very good." They make their own root beer.

There is also potato salad ($.95), garden salad ($2.25), or soup of the day ($2.25/cup, $3.95/bowl). Desserts are a given, with daily pies and cakes.

The Route 66 Malt Shop has basic diner sandwiches and they're pretty good. The prices are top notch and the atmosphere will keep you coming back for more.

See images of the Albuquerque Nob Hill Route 66 Days and Nights.