Route 66’s Bagdad Cafe and More: Exploring Newberry Springs California

Howdy, folks! Big Mike here, your trusty guide to all things Route 66. Now, we’re makin’ our way through the Mojave Desert in California, and there’s a little gem out here you just gotta see: Newberry Springs. It ain’t much of a town these days, but it’s got a whole lotta history, and one spot in particular that’s famous the world over: the Bagdad Cafe.

Newberry Springs itself is one of those places that time seems to have forgotten. Named after a fella named John Newberry who settled here back in the 1800s, it was a watering hole for travelers and settlers back in the day, thanks to the natural springs bubbling up from the ground. Route 66 breathed some life into the place, but even that’s faded some now. But don’t let that fool ya, there’s still somethin’ special about this place, especially if you’re a movie buff.

See, back in 1987, a German film crew rolled into town and made a movie called “Bagdad Cafe” (or “Out of Rosenheim” in its original German). It tells the story of a German tourist, Jasmin, who has a bit of a spat with her husband and ends up stranded at this dusty roadside cafe. The cafe’s owner, Brenda, is a tough but kind-hearted woman, and the two of them, along with a colorful cast of characters, form an unlikely bond.

Now, this wasn’t your typical Hollywood blockbuster. It was a quiet, quirky film, full of heart and humor. But it captured somethin’ special about Route 66, about the people you meet along the way, and about finding connection in the most unexpected places. The film became a cult classic, and it put Newberry Springs and the Bagdad Cafe on the map.

Today, the Bagdad Cafe is still there, a little worse for wear maybe, but still standing as a testament to the movie and to the enduring spirit of Route 66. You can stop in for a bite to eat, soak up the atmosphere, and imagine Jasmin and Brenda sharing a cup of coffee and a slice of pie. They even have memorabilia from the film, so you can relive some of your favorite scenes.

Now, a little further down the road from the Bagdad Cafe, keep your eyes peeled for a sight that’ll take you right back to the golden age of Route 66. There’s an old, abandoned gas station, fenced off now, but still a picture-perfect postcard from the past. It’s a reminder of how things used to be, when filling up your tank was an event, and every gas station had its own character.

And if you’re lookin’ for a place to wet your whistle and soak up some local color, mosey on over to The Barn. This place has been slinging drinks and serving up good times since 1952. It’s a Route 66 institution, with walls lined with memorabilia and a friendly atmosphere that’ll make you feel right at home.

The movie “Bagdad Cafe” itself is worth a watch before you hit the road. It’ll give you a whole new appreciation for the Bagdad Cafe and for the magic of Route 66. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t expect, and that the most memorable places are often the ones that are a little rough around the edges.

So, if you’re cruising down Route 66, make sure you add Newberry Springs and the Bagdad Cafe to your itinerary. It’s a chance to step back in time, experience a piece of movie history, snap a photo of that vintage gas station, and enjoy a cold one at The Barn. Just remember, folks, keep your eyes on the road, your heart open to adventure, and your camera ready. You never know what you might find out there on the Mother Road.

Route 66 Attractions to see in Newberry Springs, California.

1. Bagdad Cafe
2. Old Abandoned Gas Station (Private)
3. The Barn Route 66 A fun bar Est in 1952