Tucked along the legendary stretch of Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, Mr D’z Route 66 Diner & Gift Shop is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. With its turquoise and pink decor, vintage memorabilia, and classic American menu, this diner has earned a reputation as one of the best stops on the Mother Road.
But nothing gets people talking quite like their banana split — a towering, old-fashioned dessert that customers rave about long after they’ve hit the road again. Whether you’re a Route 66 road tripper or a local looking for a sweet treat, this diner delivers a truly unforgettable experience.
The Legendary Banana Split
Some desserts are good. This one is the kind you close your eyes to savor.
The banana split at Mr D’z Route 66 Diner is a towering masterpiece of scooped ice cream, ripe bananas, rich chocolate sauce, fluffy whipped cream, and a bright cherry on top.
Customers who’ve tried it say they couldn’t stop thinking about it days later. One reviewer noted they loved the ice cream selections so much they came back the very next day.
That kind of loyalty says everything about the quality packed into this one dessert.
Ordering it feels like a mini celebration, whether you’re road-tripping solo or sharing the moment with family. It’s generously sized, beautifully presented, and made with real, fresh ingredients.
Fair warning: once you try it, every other banana split will seem like a pale imitation.
The Retro 1950s Atmosphere
Walking into Mr D’z feels like stepping through a time portal. The pink and turquoise color scheme pops the moment you push open the door, setting the tone for everything that follows.
Vintage posters of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe line the walls, and classic car memorabilia fills every corner.
Reviewers consistently describe it as “colorful,” “fun,” and “nostalgic” — words that perfectly capture the vibe. One couple traveling from Germany and Belgium called it “truly amazing” and said it was one of the best surprises of their entire road trip.
Swivel stools at the counter, a jukebox atmosphere, and cheerful staff complete the picture. Even on a busy afternoon, the energy inside stays warm and welcoming.
It’s the kind of place where you linger over your meal just to soak up the surroundings a little longer.
Milkshakes Made With Real Ingredients
There’s a reason the milkshakes at Mr D’z get their own fan club. Made with real ingredients — not powdered mixes or artificial flavors — these shakes are thick, creamy, and packed with honest-to-goodness flavor.
The pumpkin pie shake, for instance, actually contains canned pumpkin, making it taste like the best parts of a holiday dessert blended into a glass.
Even better, if your shake doesn’t fit entirely in the glass, the staff brings out what’s left in the mixer so you don’t miss a single drop. That little detail speaks volumes about the hospitality here.
Reviewers call the shakes “top notch” and “amazing,” and it’s hard to argue after just one sip.
Classic flavors and seasonal specials keep the menu exciting. Whether you prefer chocolate, vanilla, or something more adventurous, there’s a shake here with your name on it.
Root Beer Floats That Hit the Spot
Root beer floats are as American as apple pie, and Mr D’z does them proud. Ice-cold root beer meets a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating that satisfying fizz-meets-sweet combination that never gets old.
Multiple reviewers specifically called out the root beer floats as a highlight of their visit.
One reviewer who visited with their family said the floats were “outstanding” alongside the banana split and milkshakes — high praise when you’re already surrounded by great food. The floats are refreshing on a hot Arizona afternoon, making them a natural choice for road-trippers needing a cool-down break.
Priced fairly for a tourist-friendly destination, the root beer float offers serious value. It’s the kind of simple, classic treat that reminds you why old-fashioned diners still hold a special place in American culture.
Order one and feel instantly transported to a simpler time.
Burgers Worth Writing Home About
Forget fast-food patties — the burgers at Mr D’z are the real deal. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right, they come in a variety of creative options including the green chili burger, teriyaki burger, turkey cobb burger, and classic bacon cheeseburger.
There’s genuinely something for every kind of burger lover on this menu.
One reviewer raved about their turkey burger in a lettuce wrap, calling it “absolutely perfect — juicy, fresh, and flavorful.” Another praised the bacon cheeseburger without hesitation. The kitchen clearly takes these staples seriously, putting care into every patty that hits the grill.
Pair your burger with onion rings or sweet potato fries for the full diner experience. The portions are satisfying without being overwhelming, and the value feels right for a beloved Route 66 institution.
These are burgers that earn their reputation one bite at a time.
All-Day Breakfast Done Right
Breakfast lovers, rejoice — Mr D’z serves breakfast all day long. Whether you roll in at 7 AM sharp or wander through the door at 2 PM, you can still order eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast without anyone batting an eye.
That kind of flexibility is exactly what road-trippers need.
One reviewer’s husband ordered the full breakfast during a lunchtime stop and “really enjoyed” every bite. Classic diner breakfasts done right mean eggs cooked to order, crispy hash browns with a golden crust, and toast that’s actually warm when it arrives.
Nothing revolutionary — just reliable, comforting food executed with care.
Starting your day at Mr D’z sets a great tone for miles of driving ahead. The portions are hearty enough to fuel a long stretch of highway, and the friendly service makes the whole morning feel just a little bit brighter.
Handmade Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Not all mozzarella sticks are created equal, and the ones at Mr D’z prove that point deliciously. Made by hand and fried fresh to order, these golden sticks are crispy on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside.
One regular visitor described them as “so fresh and delicious” — and coming from someone who visits specifically for the milkshakes and ice cream, that’s a serious endorsement.
The handmade touch makes a noticeable difference. You can taste the freshness in every bite, and the cheese pull is everything you want it to be.
Paired with a cold root beer or a creamy shake, they make for a seriously satisfying starter or snack.
Appetizers like these show that Mr D’z doesn’t cut corners anywhere on the menu. The kitchen clearly puts the same level of attention into small plates as it does into the headlining desserts and burgers.
Sweet Potato Fries That Steal the Show
Regular fries are fine, but the sweet potato fries at Mr D’z? Those are a whole different conversation.
Reviewers have given them an enthusiastic A+ rating, and one look at the basket explains why — crispy edges, soft centers, and a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with savory diner flavors.
They pair beautifully with any of the burgers on the menu, adding a slightly sweet contrast to a smoky, seasoned patty. Even on their own as a side, they’re the kind of thing you keep reaching for long after you think you’re done.
Several customers mentioned them as a standout even among a table full of great food.
If you’re the type who usually skips the side dish, make an exception here. Sweet potato fries done this well deserve full attention.
Order a basket, share them if you must, and try not to eat them all before your burger arrives.
The Iconic Route 66 Location
Location matters, and Mr D’z has one of the best addresses on the entire Mother Road. Sitting at 105 E Andy Devine Ave in Kingman, Arizona, the diner is right in the heart of Route 66 country, just steps from the local tourist information center and museum.
It’s practically impossible to drive through Kingman without spotting it.
The building itself is as photogenic as anything you’ll find along the highway. Bright colors, vintage signage, and classic Americana details make it a natural stop for photos before you even walk inside.
Travelers from all over the world — including Germany, Belgium, and beyond — have made it a bucket-list pit stop.
Being on Route 66 adds a layer of meaning to every visit. You’re not just eating a meal; you’re participating in a piece of living American history.
Few dining experiences come loaded with that kind of atmosphere and significance.
Friendly and Attentive Staff
Good food is great, but great service turns a meal into a memory. At Mr D’z, the staff consistently earns high praise from visitors.
Reviewers describe servers as “friendly,” “efficient,” “attentive,” and “conscientious” — a combination that’s harder to find than you might think at a busy tourist-destination diner.
One reviewer specifically called out a server named Santana, saying she “took great care” of their group and made the experience noticeably more enjoyable. Another praised their waitress as “super efficient and super friendly.” These aren’t isolated compliments; they show up repeatedly across dozens of reviews, pointing to a consistent team culture.
Even during peak hours when the place is buzzing with road-trippers and tour buses, the staff keeps their cool and their smiles. That kind of reliable hospitality is what keeps people coming back — sometimes literally the very next day, as more than one reviewer has done.
The Gift Shop Experience
Right beside the restaurant sits a gift shop that’s worth browsing even if you’re just waiting for a table. Stocked with Route 66 souvenirs, quirky novelty items, and unique keepsakes, it adds a fun extra layer to the whole Mr D’z experience.
One reviewer described it as having “interesting items and nice wall murals” — a spot that’s genuinely enjoyable to explore.
For road-trippers, picking up a small memento from a place like this feels meaningful. It’s not a generic highway gift shop full of forgettable trinkets; the selection reflects the personality and history of Route 66 itself.
Think vintage-style magnets, retro signage, and Americana collectibles that actually make great gifts.
Even if you’re not a big shopper, popping into the gift shop is a natural extension of the diner visit. It rounds out the experience and gives you something tangible to carry home from one of Arizona’s most beloved roadside stops.
Vintage Memorabilia and Decor
Every inch of Mr D’z walls tells a story. Vintage advertisements, framed celebrity photos, classic car imagery, and Route 66 artifacts create a visual feast that keeps your eyes moving from the moment you sit down.
Elvis and Marilyn Monroe smile down from the walls, and the overall effect is like eating inside a living museum of mid-century American culture.
Reviewers consistently mention the decor as one of the diner’s biggest draws. One visitor called it “meticulously decorated” and said everything was spotless, right down to the details.
Another described it as feeling like stepping into “a vintage postcard of the Mother Road” — a poetic way to capture the magic of the space.
Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a well-designed space, the decor alone makes the stop worthwhile. It’s a carefully curated atmosphere that turns an ordinary meal into something genuinely memorable.
A Must-Stop on Any Arizona Road Trip
Some places earn their reputation through years of consistent excellence, and Mr D’z is exactly that kind of place. With a 4.4-star rating built on over 9,500 reviews, it’s not just popular — it’s genuinely beloved by travelers from across the country and around the world.
That kind of track record doesn’t happen by accident.
Open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, the diner fits easily into any road trip schedule. Whether you’re heading toward the Grand Canyon, coming in from Las Vegas, or simply exploring the historic highway, Kingman is a natural waypoint — and Mr D’z is the reason to slow down and stay awhile.
From the banana split that haunts your dreams to the shakes, burgers, and warm hospitality, everything about this place earns its spot on your travel itinerary. Come once, and you’ll already be planning your return before you’ve finished your dessert.