PROPER PAIRINGS
Proper Meats + Provisions owner Paul Moir tell us that his restaurant’s Route 66 location was somewhat of an accident. In 2016, SLO Restaurant Concepts purchased and renovated the Grand Canyon Café, which dated back to 1942. After the café closed, Proper moved into the space after being located on San Francisco Street since 2014. Proper sells humanely and sustainably raised meats in addition to a wide variety of sandwiches ranging from the Warm Pastrami to the Ahi Tuna Salad Sandwich. “I love being on Route 66,” says Paul. “We have opted to keep many of the original pieces from the old café – like the iconic neon sign and storefront – and salvaged and incorporated as many of the design elements from the old cafe in the new space.” 110 E. Route 66, 928-774-9001, propermeats.com
VENERATED VENUE
Built in 1931, The Museum Club has stood the test of time and is considered to be a historical Route 66 landmark. At one time, The Museum Club was touted as the largest log cabin in the Grand Canyon State. Today, the Museum Club is a lively music venue that hosts national and regional acts. Inside, you’ll find a large wooden dance floor and two full service bars. 3404 E. Route 66, 928-440-5214, museumclub.net
CORNER SHOPS
Mikes Pike may very well be the single most historic corner in town. Home to the signature flatiron building on the corner of Mikes Pike and Phoenix Avenue. At one time, this street was Flagstaff’s original Main Street and then later part of Route 66. Today, the former laundromat is home to three businesses. Pizzicletta’s (pizzicletta.com) original location is a low-lit and sleek space where the staff slings its signature wood-fired pies like the Margherita topped with tomato, house mozzarella, basil and olive oil. Locally owned Mother Road Brewing Co. (motherroadbeer.com) serves a variety of craft beers at its original brewery and taproom. The company name is an homage to Flagstaff’s history as a Route 66 town. If the weather’s good, consider sitting outside on the patio beside the taproom. One of Mother Road’s signature brews is the Tower Station IPA. You might detect hints of tangerine, pineapple, grapefruit peel and pine in this refreshing beverage. In keeping with this brewery’s historical roots, this beer is named after a service station and restaurant that once called Route 66 home. For all things bicycles, consider visiting Flag Bike Revolution (flagbikerev.com). Here, you can rent a bike, get yours fixed or buy a new one along with some gear.
TOP DOG
We just had to mention Dog Haus in this piece. Formerly the red and mustard colored Wienerschnitzel, this drive-thru has been located on historic Route 66 for decades. And its influence on another Route 66 destination – Winslow – is undeniable. The Eagles’ “Take It Easy” was inspired by this place. According to Dog Haus’ official website and Jessica Dunham, author of “Moon Route 66 Road Trip,” songwriter Jackson Browne was in the back of a van after his car broke down in Flagstaff. He was inspired to write some of the lyrics to the song – “It’s a girl, my lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowin’ down to take a look at me,” – after seeing a woman in a truck leaving this very spot. Pretty neat, huh? According to Jessica, he used Winslow (read more about Winslow on page 31) in the song because it sounded better. The hot dogs and breakfast burritos are about as noteworthy as the A-frame building that’s been a part of Flagstaff for years. 1302 E. Route 66, 928-774-3211, route-66-dog-haus.business.site
THIS MONTH IN FLAGSTAFF
April 10-11: Country artist Chauncey Jones; Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort; twinarrows.com
April 11: Semi-Annual Flagstaff Urban Trail Cleanup; Flagstaff Mall; keepnaturewild.com
April 17-19: Flagstaff Home & Garden Show; NAU Union Fieldhouse; asihomeshows.com
