Between Amarillo and the New Mexico border, the landscape is identical to what lies east of the city: endless flat plains dotted with occasional oil derricks and Aermotor windmills. The main event hereabouts is both a geographical and culinary magnet: the hamlet of Adrian (pop. 150) and the unmissable Midpoint Cafe (daily; 806/538-6379), one of the route’s most enjoyable places to eat, located more or less at the halfway point in Route 66’s long ride between Chicago and Los Angeles—both of which are 1,139 miles away. The town’s water tower is painted with the “Midpoint” logo, and a more enduring monument to the mileage midpoint is in the works; in the meantime, stop by the café for one of their great steaks, or at least a piece of baked-from-scratch pie. As more than one satisfied customer has said, you can taste the happiness.
