It was a cold New Years’ Day, we had been driving for miles from San Bernadino, CA heading back to the great metropolis of Raeford, NC. Oh, and we only had about 2500 miles to go…We had a late start that day since we par-tayed the night before.
We were approaching another fine metropolis, Needles, CA and it was supper time. The kids, if given a choice of where to dine would have settled for Taco Bell, my youngest son, Luke, told me once he wanted to work there when he grew up and I said, “Uh, no you won’t!” I wouldn’t have it, maybe as a temporary job for a teenager; but, not as a career.
Anyway, my husband and I have an adventurous spirit when we try to find a place to dine. My dear husband let me choose–good move honey! I think there was two fast food joints and then lo, and behold the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. I told the kids let’s go there because we wouldn’t have another opportunity to dine in such a restaurant. It was a quaint little place with its own little store, not like Cracker Barrel, though. They sold books that were from local authors, I believe.
I had the chicken fried steak with green beans and mashed potatoes. I also had the homemade clam chowder, and it was pretty tasty, just the right spices and ingredients. It reminded me of a home cooked meal. The steak was cooked to perfection and the portions were not ungodly huge. The prices are reasonable, as well. The staff was really friendly and service was excellent. Sure, the decor was not metro, but it was cozy. Towards the end of our dining experience we bought a California Route 66 tin sign and we noticed some celebrities’ autographs signed on the wall that had dined there as well, like Phyllis Diller and Julia Roberts.
I did not find a website for this establishment, but I did find some other reviews: Reviews for Wagon Wheel. Most of them had nice things to say, except one: “Food was mediocre, staff was unimpressive, and the interior was second rate. Cannot recommend this place to anyone.” I was thinking, what this person was expecting, a fine dining establishment in the middle of nowhere?
I highly recommend this place, if you are traveling on U.S. Hwy. 40 (Route 66). And, if you are into country home cooking, then this place is for you! It’s a “diamond in the rough.” I was so glad we stopped to eat there because it was a unique place and I love unique things. I give it 5 stars.:)
Diamond in the Rough
Cynful Food Reviews 