I’ve driven past this place many times when traveling between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The idea of a ‘50s diner is dear to my heart. I blame that on my father, who can’t stop longing for the good ole days, and/or because he made me watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” hundreds of times, and I love the scene when George Bailey scoops ice cream for his future wife. So, on a recent trip back from LA, my husband decided to finally pull off the freeway and visit this kitschy little destination. It was a welcome stop on our desert travels. It’s hard to miss it with multiple billboards hawking the place as a historic place dot the highway. The place which also features a dinosaur park to wander through either before or after (yes, you read that part correctly) and looks like a giant jukebox with lime green, pink and blue accents. Initially built in 1954, Peggy Sue’s re-opened by their current owners in 1981. The first diner only had nine counter stools and three booths. When it re-opened to the public in the eighties, the current owners, one hailing from the movie industry, and the other from working years at Knots Berry farm, thought it would be the perfect place to exhibit their extensive collection of movie and TV memorabilia. They also decided to expand the building and create a real old-fashioned tourist stop like they remember when they traveled across the country as kids. The building also features a ‘50s style five and dime store with curios and memorabilia, soda fountain, ice cream parlor and the dinosaur sculptures I mentioned earlier in their custom garden walk with waterfalls, ponds, grass, and trees for guests to visit. I’m a sucker for a good tourist trap and was looking forward to checking the place out.
The interior of the space is a busy look back at classic Hollywood, famous tv-shows, and a good dose of retro feels. We decided to go old school and sit right at the counter. The menu is just what you’d expect: burgers, patty melts, malts, ice cream sodas, sandwiches and for dinner, meatloaf, fried chicken and roast beef. A collection of classic comfort food, including soups, chili, and smothered French fries. All of the menu items feature a throwback name like the Buddy Holly Burger, and we ordered a turkey melt with bacon and swiss (a.k.a The Groucho Marx) with French fries, a dinner salad and a couple of cokes. It was just what you’d expect from a place like this: a melty, greasy delight. Though on our next visit, I think I’d opt for the Audrey Hepburn, which is essentially the same sandwich with the addition of sliced tomatoes. Our service was quick and pleasant. If you visit, take a second and look at your waitress’s name tag. We noted more than three servers who had been working at Peggy’s for over 20 years. If you are road tripping it this summer, make this campy spot be a place you visit along the way. It’s a fun respite and gives you a nice dose of nostalgia. Oh, and word to the wise ladies, the guy at the urinal in the women’s bathroom is not real, but a laugh out loud surprise when you walk in. I will be back to put their ice cream offerings to the test because they looked deliciously nostalgic. So much to eat, and so little time. Food nerd problems, right? Now go and eat something.