A restaurant I used to like to eat at, called Tegmyers, closed down a while back and new placed call “Hot Rod Cafe” opened up in its place. I kept meaning to give it a try, yet someone how I never really got around to it. Today, after running around looking for a few office supplies, I decided to pay a visit to my mom’s office and invite her out to a late lunch (read: early dinner) and since the Hot Rod Cafe wasn’t far we decided to go and give it a shot.

As you probably guessed, the interior of the cafe is designed as a tribute the 1950′s. There are a ton of photos, posters, and adverts of famous actors and artists from this time period framed on the wall. There were also a lot of pictures of some cool “hot rods” too. The style of the tables, chairs, and booths look like they got yanked from Back to the Future, and there were even cutout figures of iconic comic and cartoon characters spread about. Like Little Lulu, Betty Boop, Archie, and more. And the menu, the names of the food items cracked me up. I had the “That Crazy Chick” which consisted of chicken tender strips, fries, and sauce.

Sadly though, Hot Rod Cafe wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. The wait staff seemed to prefer hanging out in the back and wiping down spotless counters rather then waiting on customers. I mean, my gosh, I had to ask for napkins and the waitress never gave me silverware either. Hello! Not all people eat chicken strips with their hands, some do cut it up. Not to mention the food is greasy, of course I’m going to want a napkin! Taku.

And there’s just something about being inside a cafe with a 1950′s decor and listening to a radio with non-stop commercials that mostly consisted of reminding Las Cruces residents that the “no talking on cell phone law” is now in effect, don’t drink and drive, and various insurance agencies telling listeners to call today for insurance quotes. Of course, when the music came back on it was Power 102 – the local Rap/Hip Hop station. Seriously? I’d think you’d be playing Ritchie Valenz, Beach Boys, Buddy Holly, Dion & the Belmonts, the Big Bopper, Elvis, ect. Not Soulja Boy.

Eventually though they did change the station and instead put it on 101 Gold, an oldies station playing music anywhere from the 50′s to 80′s. Better, but still a bit off there.

Besides the lack luster service, the big disappointment is the food and prices. The food is okay, certainly the sandwiches and burgers I saw were pretty decent sized (and big) but the chicken strip basket I got? Small serving for $7 bucks. So not worth it. If you go to the Hot Rod cafe I’d recommend getting a burger or sandwich from them, then it’ll be worth your money.