Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In
- Route 66 site
- In Seligman, Arizona
- On Route 66
- NRHP #contributing
Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In, a walk-up burger and ice cream stand right on Route 66 in Seligman, AZ, is famous for the jokes its staff play on customers. Juan Delgadillo built it in 1953 on a shoestring, mostly from scrap lumber, and filled it with gags, from a roofless decorated Chevy out front to a menu offering a cheeseburger with cheese. His family still runs it, and the pranks never stopped.
What is Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In?
The Snow Cap is a small drive-in with a sense of humor built into almost every surface. Out front sits a 1936 Chevrolet with its roof sliced off, covered in paint, horns and car emblems, with an artificial Christmas tree riding in the back.
The jokes keep going once you reach the counter. The door has two knobs, but only the left one works. A neon window sign apologizes for the place being open. Hand-painted signs in the lot tell drivers they park at their own risk. Staff play tricks with straws and condiment bottles. Behind the building, Juan's Garden is crowded with old cars and assorted kitsch.
History of Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In
Juan Delgadillo (1916–2004) was a Seligman local, and he built the drive-in in 1953 with very little money. Much of the building is scrap lumber from the Santa Fe Railway yard close by.
He had a showman's instincts. The decorated Chevy was there to draw attention from the road, and the menu carried his wit too, with items such as "dead chicken" that are still on it. When Interstate 40 drew traffic away from town in 1978, the Snow Cap held on. Since Juan's death in 2004, his daughter Cecilia and son John have run it. His brother Angel is the barber who led the campaign to save Route 66 in Arizona. The drive-in stands within the Seligman Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register in 2005.
Visiting Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In: tips
The drive-in sits directly on the old road, so there is no detour at all. Parking and restrooms are on site, and it works well for families. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to order, eat and wander out back through Juan's Garden. The painted Chevy is the obvious photo. Check current hours before you go, especially outside the summer season.
The Seligman Commercial Historic District is right around it, about a tenth of a mile away, so leave time to walk the main street after you eat.
Practical info
- Address
- 301 Historic Route 66, AZ
- Phone
- +1 928-422-3291
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 10–6 · Sun 10–5
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
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Questions about Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In
Is Delgadillo's Snow Cap still open?
Yes. The drive-in still serves burgers, shakes and ice cream on Route 66 in Seligman, run by Juan Delgadillo's children since his death in 2004. Hours change with the season, so check its current schedule before a winter visit.
Who built the Snow Cap in Seligman?
Juan Delgadillo, a Seligman resident, built it in 1953, with much of the lumber salvaged from the Santa Fe Railway yard close by. He was the brother of Angel Delgadillo, the Seligman barber known as the guardian angel of Route 66.
What is the car parked out front?
A 1936 Chevrolet with its roof cut off, decorated with paint, horns, emblems and an artificial Christmas tree. Juan Delgadillo set it up to catch the eye of passing drivers, and it still sits out front.
Own or run Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In? Send us a photo or a correction.