Imagine a place where the biscuits are fluffier than a cloud’s daydream and the gravy is so good, you’d consider drinking it straight.
Welcome to Route 60 Diner in Lake Wales, Florida.
Nestled along Highway 60 East, Route 60 Diner is the kind of place that time forgot, but flavor remembered to visit regularly.
This unassuming roadside eatery might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let its humble appearance fool you.
It’s a treasure trove of comfort food that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance and your cardiologist raise an eyebrow.
As you pull up to the diner, you’ll notice it’s not exactly winning any beauty pageants.
The beige exterior with its weathered charm and the simple “RESTAURANT” sign above the entrance tell you one thing: this place is all about the food, not the frills.
And let me tell you, that’s exactly how we like our diners – unpretentious and focused on what really matters.
The moment you step inside, you’re transported back to a simpler time.
A time when calories didn’t exist, and “organic” was just a fancy word for “dirt.”
The interior is a delightful mishmash of classic diner elements – think vinyl booths, Formica tables, and a counter with swivel stools that have probably heard more gossip than a small-town hairdresser.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the biscuits and gravy.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, came-from-a-mix biscuits.
Oh no, these are the kind of biscuits that would make your grandma weep with joy and possibly consider adopting the cook.
They’re so light and fluffy, you half expect them to float right off your plate.
And the gravy? It’s a velvety river of savory goodness that could make even the most ardent health nut consider a life of delicious sin.
But Route 60 Diner isn’t a one-trick pony.
Their menu is a veritable greatest hits album of comfort food classics.
Take the BLT, for instance. It’s not rocket science, but somehow they’ve managed to elevate this simple sandwich to an art form.
The bacon is crispy enough to snap like a bad attitude, the lettuce is fresher than a teenager’s comeback, and the tomatoes taste like they were picked at the peak of summer, even in the dead of winter.
How do they do it? My money’s on time travel or some sort of vegetable voodoo.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or just really, really hungry), you might want to tackle the “Big Mama Burger.”
This behemoth is less of a meal and more of a dare.
It’s the kind of burger that makes you question your life choices, but in the best possible way.
Topped with all the fixings and served with a side of crispy fries, it’s a heart-stopping masterpiece that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first bite.
For those looking to maintain at least a semblance of healthiness, Route 60 Diner does offer salads.
But let’s be real – you don’t come to a place like this for the rabbit food.
However, if you must, their Chef Salad is a respectable option that won’t leave you feeling like you’ve completely betrayed the spirit of diner dining.
One of the charming quirks of Route 60 Diner is their “cash only” policy.
In an age where you can pay for your coffee with your watch, it’s refreshingly old-school.
It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we’re too busy making incredible food to mess around with your newfangled payment methods.”
So make sure you hit up the ATM before you visit, unless you want to end up washing dishes (which, given the quality of the food, might not be the worst fate).
The staff at Route 60 Diner are a special breed.
They’re the kind of folks who remember your name, your order, and probably your life story after just a couple of visits.
They’ve got that perfect blend of Southern hospitality and no-nonsense efficiency that keeps the place running smoother than their gravy.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself engaged in friendly banter with your server or overhearing the latest local gossip from the next booth over.
It’s all part of the Route 60 Diner experience.
Now, let’s talk about their hot dogs for a moment.
In a world of gourmet sausages and artisanal franks, Route 60 Diner is keeping it real with good old-fashioned hot dogs.
Their Chili Dog is a messy masterpiece that’ll have you reconsidering the need for utensils altogether.
And the Slaw Dog? It’s a tangy, crunchy delight that proves coleslaw isn’t just a sad side dish at summer barbecues.
For those with a sweet tooth, Route 60 Diner doesn’t disappoint.
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While they might not have an extensive dessert menu, what they do offer is pure, unadulterated comfort.
Their pies, when available, are the stuff of legend.
Rumor has it that their apple pie once made a grown man cry tears of joy.
I can’t confirm this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it were true.
One of the things that makes Route 60 Diner so special is its role in the community.
It’s more than just a place to grab a bite – it’s a local institution.
On any given morning, you’ll find a mix of regulars, truckers passing through, and lucky tourists who’ve stumbled upon this gem.
The conversations flow as freely as the coffee, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.
Speaking of coffee, let’s not overlook this crucial element of any good diner experience.
Route 60 Diner serves up a cup of joe that’ll put hair on your chest (metaphorically speaking, of course).
It’s the kind of coffee that doesn’t just wake you up – it gives you a pep talk and sends you out the door ready to conquer the world.
Or at least ready to tackle that Big Mama Burger.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“But what about the ambiance? The decor? The Instagram-worthiness?”
Let me stop you right there.
Route 60 Diner isn’t about creating the perfect backdrop for your social media posts.
It’s about good food, good people, and good times.
The decor is best described as “authentically lived-in.”
The walls are adorned with a mishmash of local memorabilia, faded photos, and the occasional quirky sign that’ll make you chuckle.
It’s not curated, it’s accumulated – a visual history of the diner and the community it serves.
One of the charming features of Route 60 Diner is their daily specials board.
It’s like a culinary lottery – you never know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s going to be good.
From hearty meatloaf that’ll remind you of home to fresh catch specials that make the most of Florida’s coastal bounty, the specials are always worth considering.
Just be prepared for some good-natured ribbing if you ask for a detailed description of the “Catch of the Day.”
The correct answer is always, “It’s fish, and it’s good.”
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the lack of elephants in the room.
Route 60 Diner isn’t fancy.
It’s not trying to be the next big foodie destination.
It’s not going to win any awards for innovative cuisine or cutting-edge design.
And that’s precisely why it’s so wonderful.
In a world of food trends and Instagram-able dishes, Route 60 Diner is a refreshing reminder of what really matters: good food, made with care, served with a smile.
It’s the kind of place where the food doesn’t just fill your stomach – it feeds your soul.
Sure, you could go to some trendy bistro and pay $20 for a deconstructed avocado toast.
But why would you, when you could be diving into a plate of biscuits and gravy that’ll make you believe in a higher power?
Route 60 Diner is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American cuisine.
It’s a place where the portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the flavors are big and bold.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your plans for the rest of the day and just sit there, savoring every bite and soaking in the atmosphere.
So, the next time you find yourself cruising down Highway 60 in Lake Wales, do yourself a favor and make a pit stop at Route 60 Diner.
Come hungry, bring cash, and prepare to experience a slice of Americana that’s becoming increasingly rare in our fast-food nation.
Just don’t blame me when you find yourself planning road trips around central Florida just to get another taste of those biscuits and gravy.
For more information and to stay updated on their daily specials, check out Route 60 Diner’s Facebook page and website.
And if you’re ready to embark on this culinary adventure, use this map to find your way to comfort food paradise.
Where: 7448 State Rd 60, Lake Wales, FL 33898
Remember, in a world of fast food and fancy eateries, sometimes the best meals are found in the most unassuming places.
Route 60 Diner is proof that good food, friendly service, and a hefty dose of nostalgia are always in style.