Greek Legacy on Route 66

The last of the “new immigrants” from Europe, the first Greek immigrants arrived in New Mexico around the 1890s, seeking work or treatment for tuberculosis. Larger groups arrived throughout the 1910s, escaping the ravages of the First World War. Individuals joined family members and neighbors in the West, who wrote highly of “golden opportunities” offered stateside. Soon, the Albuquerque Greek community would make significant entrepreneurial contributions to the city’s rapid growth. Some of Albuquerque’s most storied Route 66 diners are tied to this heritage.

Industrious and ambitious, the Greek community played a big role in the development of “New Town Albuquerque” (present-day Downtown). At the turn of the 20th century, 10 businesses in Downtown were owned and operated by Greek families – a significant number for the city’s burgeoning commercial center. Many Greco-Americans worked for the nearby AT&SF railroad and sanatorium. Greek-owned businesses along Route 66 rose to 34 by 1930 as the city expanded east. Then, in 1944, the first Greek Orthodox church in New Mexico was established right here in Albuquerque.

Local historian Katherine Pomonis described how the early settlers taught each other the restaurant business, from the kitchen to the paperwork. This is how so many of the original cafés in Albuquerque, such as Court Café, Cozy Café and Coney Island Café (Lindy’s) share an entwined Greek legacy. At the peak of Route 66’s heyday, dozens of cozy diners and high-end eats from Nob Hill to Nine Mile Hill were helmed by Greek descendants.

Alabama Milner - Court Cafe (1931)

Alabama P. Milner, Court Cafe (109 Fourth Street), ca. 1931, silver gelatin print. Albuquerque Museum, PA1992.005.147.

Matchbook from the Cozy Cafe (1509 West Central Ave), ca. 1950, ink on card. Albuquerque Museum, gift of Nancy Tucker. PC2023.10.44

Visit some of these iconic historic restaurants on Route 66, still kickin’ today! Kap’s Coffee Shop and Diner (est. 1968) in east Nob Hill is perhaps one of the most recognized projects of the culinarily prolific Kapnison family. Standing just west of the Rio Grande, Monte Carlo Steak House has been serving juicy steaks on 66 since 1970, courtesy of the Katsaros family. A West Central favorite, Western View Diner and Steakhouse (est. 1937) is another prime choice for a dinner and a view, operated by the Agnastakos family. A cornerstone of Downtown, Lindy’s Diner began as the Coney Island Café in 1929 under William Kirikos’ leadership. The diner was passed on to the Vatoseow family in the 1960s, who have stewarded the vibrant Bliss building ever since. Lindy’s is now the longest continuously operating diner on Route 66 in New Mexico.

Then

Now

Then and now: Lindy's in 1979 (left), Lindy's in 2024 (right).

The Annual ABQ Grecian Festival

Immerse yourself in Greek culture in early October during the multi-day Albuquerque Grecian Festival. Join the local community for traditional music, dance and delicious bites. Everyone is welcome at the Grecian Festival!