Amboy & Roy's Cafe Travel Guide - Route 66 | California Travel Tips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill tours Amboy and Roy's Cafe in this episode of "California Travel Tips." One of the most iconic stops along the Mojave's Route 66, Roy’s Cafe, Gas and Motel was built in 1938 by Amboy mayor Buster Burris. He dubbed it "the crustiest, dustiest gas stop on all of Route 66." Originally a successful auto parts house, the building was turned into a cafe in 1945, serving up homemade chili, Route 66 burgers (double meat and double cheese) and old-fashioned lemonade. Though in the middle of nowhere, Roy's gained a loyal following (including Harrison Ford and Clint Black), and its mid-century Googie sign has become a Mojave Desert icon. In 2005, the entire town (and everything in it) was purchased by Albert Okura, a preservationist who also owns the first McDonald's in San Bernardino. Okura hopes to restore the cafe to its former glory.

To get there, exit Kelbaker Road and take a right on historic Route 66 California. The cafe is no longer in operation, but you can buy snacks and Route 66 Route Beer. The gas station sells gas at about $5 per gallon.