A new diner opened a few months ago called Route 66 Diner. Smartly located on 66th street (9721 66th) in Pinellas Park, the diner takes its namesake from the classic American route that runs from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, a route that nears mythical status in the imagination of travelers and is a right-of-passage for motor enthusiasts. True to its namesake, Route 66 Diner yokes classic grub and classic cars.

Complete with black and white checkered floors, red walls decked with motorway and gas station memorabilia, and quintessential red swivel chairs lining the stainless steel counter, Route 66 checks the 50s diner aesthetic checklist, and not just for the interior. Each month, Route 66 hosts a cruise-in car show on the second Friday of the month, where motor enthusiasts can savor both a spectacle and the menu, while a live DJ performs.

Indulgent cinnamon rolls sell out every Saturday

As for the menu, customers have been raving about the house-made cinnamon rolls, which are only available on Saturday, and often sell out within the first hour. Additional crowd-pleasers are the breakfast nachos (the chips are made in-house), the Philly cheesesteaks, burgers made with wagyu beef, and much more. Of course, They serve hot fudge sundaes and milkshakes, too.

Route 66 boasts dedicated gluten-free prep and cooking stations

What uniquely stands out is Route 66’s dedicated gluten-free stations, where extensive gluten-free options are prepared in separate ovens and separate friers—there’s even a dedicated gluten-free waffle maker, all courtesy of co-owner Emily Falini, who is gluten-free herself. She dedicated space for customers like her to enjoy the diner.

Route 66 has received compliments for being a fun, family-friendly restaurant. True. The place is family-operated. Along with Emily, her daughter, Olivia Falini, and Emily’s husband, run the show, each bringing unique culinary skills to the menu.  “All of us have always loved cooking, and always wanted an old-school diner,” says Emily.

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