This Kitschy UFO Themed Diner In Arizona Is One Of The Quirkiest Spots You Will Ever Visit
Cruising down E Pima Street in Gila Bend, I spotted a flying saucer perched on the roof and knew immediately I had found something unusual.
Space Age Restaurant sits at 401 E Pima St, Gila Bend, a retro-futuristic diner that has been greeting travelers with alien statues and cosmic murals since the 1960s.
The moment I pulled into the parking lot, I could tell this place was built for people who appreciate quirky roadside Americana and breakfast served with a side of extraterrestrial charm. Walking through the door felt like stepping onto the set of The Jetsons.
I had driven past this spot dozens of times on my way between Phoenix and the California border, always curious about the UFO on the roof but never quite making the stop.
This time, hunger and curiosity finally won, and I found myself sliding into a booth surrounded by hand-painted murals of rockets, planets, and little green visitors.
The staff greeted me with a smile, the coffee arrived hot, and I settled in to explore what makes this kitschy diner one of the most talked-about breakfast spots in the Arizona desert.
A Roadside Icon Born In The Space Race Era
Space Age Restaurant opened its doors during the height of America’s fascination with space exploration, and the owners clearly wanted to capture that excitement.
The building itself looks like it belongs on a movie set, with a massive UFO replica mounted on the roof that catches your eye from blocks away. Walking up to the entrance, I noticed the retro sign and the faded paint that give the place a nostalgic, time-capsule quality.
Inside, the walls are covered with murals depicting rocket ships, astronauts, and alien landscapes that transport you straight back to the 1960s.
The decor is unapologetically kitschy, with life-sized alien statues positioned near the entrance as if they are ready to take your order.
I loved how the restaurant has held onto its original theme instead of modernizing or toning it down. Everything from the furniture to the menu design feels like a deliberate homage to a bygone era when the future seemed limitless and space travel was the ultimate adventure.
For anyone who grew up watching classic sci-fi shows or reading pulp magazines about flying saucers, this place hits all the right nostalgic notes without feeling forced or overdone.
Breakfast Plates That Anchor The Morning Menu
Breakfast at Space Age Restaurant runs from 6 AM until 11 AM, and the menu sticks to classic diner staples without any pretense.
I ordered the two-egg breakfast with hash browns, bacon, and toast, and it arrived on a simple white plate with everything cooked exactly as I asked. The eggs were fluffy, the hash browns had a nice crisp on the edges, and the bacon was thick-cut and flavorful.
Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices reflect the fact that you are eating in a small desert town with limited competition.
My coffee cup was refilled promptly, and the server made sure I had enough napkins and condiments before disappearing back into the kitchen.
Other breakfast options include omelets, Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, and a build-your-own omelet that lets you customize your meal with a variety of fillings. I noticed several regulars ordering the chorizo and eggs, which seemed to be a popular choice among locals.
The breakfast menu is straightforward and unpretentious, perfect for travelers who want a hot meal before hitting the road again.
Burgers And Melts That Define The Lunch Rush
Once the breakfast cutoff hits at 11 AM, the kitchen switches gears and starts serving burgers, sandwiches, and melts that draw a different crowd.
I tried the Jupiter Burger on my second visit, a hefty patty topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and all the classic fixings that make a good burger satisfying. The meat was cooked to order, juicy in the center, and served on a toasted bun that held up well against the toppings.
The patty melt is another fan favorite, featuring grilled rye bread, caramelized onions, and melted cheese that oozes out with every bite.
I also heard great things about the Spacey Melt, which combines the best elements of a grilled cheese and a burger into one indulgent sandwich.
Sides include fries, onion rings, or a half-and-half option that lets you sample both. The onion rings are thick, crispy, and arrive piping hot, while the fries are golden and well-seasoned.
The lunch menu is compact but well-executed, focusing on comfort food done right without any unnecessary frills or complicated ingredients.
Murals And Alien Decor That Steal The Show
Walking into Space Age Restaurant feels like entering a time machine, with every surface covered in hand-painted murals and space-themed artwork.
The walls feature colorful depictions of planets, stars, rockets, and alien creatures that look like they were lifted straight from vintage sci-fi comics. I spent several minutes just studying the details in the murals, noticing little touches like astronauts floating in space and UFOs hovering over desert landscapes.
Life-sized alien statues stand near the entrance, posed as if they are welcoming guests or waiting for their own table. The decor is playful and fun, never taking itself too seriously but still committing fully to the theme.
Even the ceiling has space-related details, with hanging decorations and painted stars that complete the immersive experience.
I appreciated how the restaurant has maintained the original artwork instead of covering it up or replacing it with modern prints.
For anyone who loves quirky roadside attractions, this place is a visual feast that begs to be photographed and shared on social media.
The Salad Bar That Surprised Me
Space Age Restaurant offers a salad bar, which I did not expect to find in a diner themed around flying saucers and retro space travel.
The salad bar is small but well-stocked, with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, croutons, and a selection of dressings. I added a side salad to my burger order and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
Several reviews mentioned the salad bar as a standout feature, especially for travelers looking for something lighter or healthier than the usual burger and fries.
The soup of the day is also available, and I noticed a few customers ordering the beef barley soup, which arrived steaming hot in a generous bowl.
The salad bar adds a nice option for families or groups with mixed appetites, allowing everyone to find something they enjoy. It is a simple touch, but it shows that the restaurant is thinking about variety and customer preferences.
I would not come here specifically for the salad bar, but it is a welcome addition that rounds out the menu nicely and gives diners a break from the heavier comfort food options.
Service That Varies With The Crowd
Service at Space Age Restaurant can be hit or miss depending on the time of day and how many staff members are working.
On my first visit, the restaurant was quiet, and my server was attentive, friendly, and quick to refill my coffee. She checked in at just the right moments and made sure I had everything I needed without hovering.
On my second visit, the place was busier, and I noticed that the single server on duty was stretched thin, juggling multiple tables and struggling to keep up with orders.
Wait times were longer, and I had to flag her down a few times for refills and the check.
Several reviews mention similar experiences, with some customers praising the staff for being warm and welcoming, while others report slow service and forgotten items. It seems clear that the restaurant operates with a small team, which can make service feel inconsistent.
Despite the occasional hiccup, I found the staff to be genuinely friendly and doing their best under the circumstances. Patience goes a long way here, especially during peak hours.
The Gift Shop For Alien Souvenirs
Space Age Restaurant includes a small gift shop near the entrance, stocked with alien-themed souvenirs and kitschy memorabilia.
I browsed the shelves after my meal and found coffee mugs with UFO designs, postcards featuring the restaurant and its famous flying saucer, alien figurines, and a few T-shirts. The selection is modest, but everything ties into the space theme and makes for a fun keepsake from your visit.
Prices are reasonable, and I picked up a postcard to send to a friend who collects quirky roadside attractions. The gift shop adds to the overall experience, turning a simple breakfast stop into a mini-adventure with a tangible memento to take home.
Several families were shopping for alien toys and trinkets, and I overheard a couple debating whether to buy matching UFO mugs.
The shop is small enough that you can browse it in a few minutes, but it is a nice touch that extends the theme beyond just the food and decor.
If you are a fan of roadside kitsch, you will appreciate the effort to offer souvenirs that match the restaurant’s unique personality.
The Motel Next Door And Its Cosmic Atrium
Space Age Restaurant is connected to a motel that shares the same retro-futuristic theme, and the lobby is worth a quick visit even if you are not staying overnight.
I wandered over after finishing my meal and discovered a stunning atrium mural that depicts space exploration, rocket launches, and alien worlds in vibrant colors. The artwork is even more elaborate than the murals in the restaurant, covering the walls from floor to ceiling.
The motel itself looks like it has been frozen in time, with vintage furniture, old signage, and a layout that feels like something from a classic road trip movie. I chatted with a couple who had booked a room for the night, and they told me the accommodations were clean and comfortable, if a bit dated.
The atrium mural alone is worth the short walk from the restaurant, and it provides a perfect photo opportunity for anyone documenting their journey through quirky Arizona roadside attractions.
The motel and restaurant together create a complete experience that celebrates mid-century space-age optimism.
If you have a few extra minutes, step into the motel lobby and take in the artwork before heading back to your car.
Pricing That Reflects The Desert Location
Prices at Space Age Restaurant are higher than what you might expect for a small-town diner, but they reflect the reality of operating in a remote location with limited competition.
My two-egg breakfast with sides and coffee came to around thirty dollars with tip, which felt steep for what I received. Burgers run in the ten to fifteen dollar range, and fountain sodas are priced at five dollars or more, which raised a few eyebrows among other diners.
Several reviews mention that the online menu prices do not always match what you pay at the register, with handwritten updates on the physical menu indicating recent price changes.
It is clear that costs are fluctuating, likely due to supply chain challenges and the difficulty of sourcing ingredients in the middle of the desert.
Despite the higher prices, the portions are generous, and the food is made to order, which helps justify the cost. I also reminded myself that this is the only sit-down restaurant option in Gila Bend, so the lack of competition naturally drives prices up.
If you are on a tight budget, you might want to stick to fast food, but if you value the experience and atmosphere, the prices are tolerable.
Why This Quirky Stop Is Worth The Detour
Space Age Restaurant is not perfect, and it will not win any awards for gourmet cuisine or five-star service.
What it offers instead is a slice of roadside Americana, a commitment to its quirky theme, and a chance to step outside the ordinary for an hour or two. I left feeling entertained, well-fed, and glad that I finally made the stop after years of driving past.
The combination of retro decor, solid comfort food, and genuine kitschy charm makes this diner a memorable experience, especially for families, road-trippers, and anyone who appreciates the weird and wonderful side of American culture.
The UFO on the roof, the alien statues, and the hand-painted murals all contribute to a sense of fun that is increasingly rare in modern dining.
Yes, the prices are high, and the service can be slow, but those quirks are part of the package. This is not a place you visit for efficiency or fine dining.
You come here for the story, the photos, and the chance to say you ate breakfast under a flying saucer in the middle of the Arizona desert.