Eat at Joe’s, Sleep at the Monte Vista
Wictionary defines the term Joe’s diner as a “placeholder name for a fictional or hypothetical everyman’s restaurant, particularly a single small, local business contrasted against large businesses or franchises.” However,
Joe’s diner really exists – in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Joe’s Place
This little coffee shop, located at 102 East Route 66, is apparently the origin of the term “Eat at Joe’s” used so often in film (remember the flashing neon signs in so many old cartoons?).
The food is pretty good, too. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and a side salad (and a coffee, of course).
If you love classic diners, Joe’s Place has to be a stop on your next road trip through Flagstaff.
Check out the amazing diner decor! Apparently, the place hops in the evening – it’s hard to picture, but Joe’s has live music and drink specials. It’s popular with the college students, too (who knew?).
Hotel Monte Vista
The connection between Joe’s Place and Hollywood makes sense, considering the historical (and reportedly haunted) Hotel Monte Vista is just about one block north on San Francisco street. Famous hotel guests like Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard would have at least seen Joe’s Place (and may have even eaten there).
Have a cocktail at the lounge and even sing some karaoke, if you’re in the mood. Honor the hotel by singing a song by some of their famous guests, like: Bon Jovi, Air Supply, or Freddie Mercury (all popular with karaoke performers!).
Famous Guests
Flagstaff is a regular stop if you are traveling along the historic Route 66 (or at least tracing it’s path, because in some cases it is no longer there anymore). Make a night of it, and stay over in the historic hotel. Ask for room 312 if you are a fan of Jane Russell.
Here she is appearing in Paleface with Bob Hope (he stayed in Room 204).
Or ask for room 310 if you want to stay in the same room as Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Krueger (actor Robert Englund).
Ghost Stories
That might actually be scarier than some of the real ghost stories about the hotel, but if you are looking for the real thing stay down the hall in room 306 where two women were killed and thrown out the window. Male guests have reported that they wake up to the feeling that a hand is being held over their mouth.
Photos of Joe’s Place and Monte Vista Cocktail lounge copyright 2010 T.Bennett.
Actually, Joe’s Place is no longer there. It’s been closed for quite a while. Absolute Bikes took over the location. The Monte Vista however, is still standing and there are several restaurants and diners within walking distance.
Oh I’m sorry to hear that! I think I was there in 2006. If you can’t go to Joe’s then I would suggest the Grand Canyon Cafe – I hope it’s still there! (I think it was just down the road a bit and also looked interesting but we ate at Joe’s instead.)
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