Earl’s Family Restaurant – Gallup, New Mexico
Two years after the end of the “second war to end all wars,” a hamburger joint in Gallup first opened its doors. What started out as a small burger place with scant seating (four stools and a couple of booths) has grown over the years to accommodate legions of loyal guests, some of whom have been frequenting Earl’s Family Restaurant practically since its inception. Today, the seating capacity at Earl’s approximates 300. That’s just barely enough to accommodate crowds during peak hours Earl’s is open seven days a week fror breakfast, lunch and dinner. At nearly eighty years of serving Gallup residents and travelers along historic Route 66, Earl’s shows no signs of surcease. As you amble through the canopied walkway to the restaurant’s entrance, you’ll pass by several tables lining the walkway. Stationed at those tables are several intrepid Native Americans hawking their wares, braving rain, snow and gloom of night to do so. This is among the many charming aspects of dining at Earl’s. You’ll enjoy occasional visits to your table by local artisans from the Native American community. They’re never intrusive nor will they ever push you to purchase their wares (like some of annoying door-to-door vacuum…