On Sunday, October 19, 2014 I took a short day trip with my brother Brian in the direction of Gila Bend, Arizona. Gila Bend is a small town that exists chiefly to support local farmers and some of the energy companies that have solar farms and gas-driven power plants in the area. The town was founded in 1872 and got its name from the fact that the Gila River makes an almost 90 degree turn nearby. In fact, Brian and I went first to the Gila River near the Gillespie Dam–it’s a jungle out there. Beware of mosquitoes.

But the true destination of our quest was the Space Age Cafe. The decor is interesting. The food is about like Denny’s (not quite as good imho), but you’re not going there for fine dining. You’re going for the kitsch experience. Like many small towns on highways to nowhere, Gila Bend is full of kitschy things if you keep your eyes open. I should return some day and really celebrate some of the other features, but right now, here is the Space Age Cafe.

The cafe is on the main drag through town, and parking is perilous.

Space doors. Note the shaded entrance. In summer metal doors like this would be too hot to touch in this part of Arizona.

I have been to the future, and it’s a lot like now.

The Enterprize has picked up some alien hitchhikers.

Astronauts.

Blast off!

Brian is glad to get away from the riverbottom mosquitoes.

What’s for breakfast?

The coffee was weak, but the mugs were pretty cool.

And that concludes another adventure to the Outer Limits (of Arizona).

If you’ve ever been to Gila Bend, or have eaten breakfast inside a flying saucer, why not leave a comment?

–end