You’re driving down the Mother Road, stomach growling, looking for something that isn't wrapped in plastic or served through a sliding glass window. If you find yourself in Davenport, Oklahoma, you’re basically legally obligated to pull over at 1025 Broadway. That’s where Tammy’s Round Up Cafe sits. It’s a classic Route 66 diner, but honestly, calling it just a "diner" feels like an understatement. It’s more like a community living room that happens to serve some of the best fried catfish in the state.
People often assume these roadside stops are just tourist traps trading on nostalgia. They think they’ll get a frozen patty and a lukewarm cup of coffee. But they're wrong. Tammy’s is the real deal. It’s where the locals—the people who actually live in Lincoln County—go to argue about the weather and eat rolls that are roughly the size of a toddler's head.
Why Tammy’s Round Up Cafe Isn't Your Average Roadside Stop
Most folks think Route 66 dining is all about the neon signs and the kitsch. Sure, Tammy’s has the charm, but the magic is in the "made-from-scratch" philosophy. We’re talking about a kitchen that treats yeast rolls like a sacred art form.
These aren't those wimpy, airy rolls you get at the grocery store. They are hand-pinched, dense but fluffy, and usually come out of the oven just as you’re sitting down. If you don't put the cinnamon butter on them immediately, you’re doing it wrong. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to cancel the rest of your road trip and just take a nap in the booth.
The Legend of the "Big Mike"
If you show up for breakfast, you’re going to see something on the menu called the Big Mike. It’s named after a regular customer, and frankly, it’s a lot. It’s a mountain of open-faced biscuits, home fries, sausage, eggs, and gravy, all topped with shredded cheese.
It’s not "refined." It’s not "plated" for Instagram. It’s a pile of calories designed to keep a farmer going until sunset. Most people can't finish it. That’s sort of the point.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Everyone talks about the Chicken Fried Steak. It’s hand-breaded, eye-of-round beef, and it's good. Really good. But if you want to eat like someone who knows the place, you look at the daily specials.
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- Fried Catfish: This is a Friday and Saturday staple. It’s hand-breaded and served with a house-made tartar sauce that actually has some bite to it.
- The Rolls: I know I already mentioned them. I'm mentioning them again. Get a dozen to go. You’ll thank me when you’re three hours down the road in the middle of nowhere.
- Elvis Presley Cake: It’s a pineapple and pecan cake with a cream cheese frosting. It’s sweet enough to make your teeth ache, but it’s the perfect end to a salty meal.
- Beef Livers: Okay, look, I know liver is polarizing. But if you’re into that sort of thing, they do them hand-breaded or butter-grilled with onions. It’s old-school comfort food you can’t find many places anymore.
The "Secret" Senior Menu
A lot of travelers miss the fact that Tammy’s has an extensive senior menu. This is actually a pro-tip for anyone who isn't trying to eat 3,000 calories in one sitting. You get the same quality, just in portions that won't require you to unbutton your pants before you leave the table.
The Reality of Running a Landmark on Route 66
Running a place like Tammy’s Round Up Cafe in a town of about 800 people isn't easy. Davenport is a quiet spot. It’s got deep roots in the oil industry—you can still see the old "Spherical Tank" from 1925 nearby, which was the first of its kind.
The cafe itself used to be Garwooly’s, but Tammy took over and turned it into the local anchor. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, but they shut down on Mondays. Even the hardest working people in Oklahoma need a day off.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed (Seriously, don't show up) |
| Tuesday - Thursday | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Note: Breakfast is only served until 10:30 AM. If you show up at 11:00 AM wanting a Big Mike, you’re out of luck.
Common Misconceptions and Nuances
One thing people get wrong is the location. Sometimes folks confuse it with "Jimmy's Round-Up" in Oklahoma City. While both are great and both do the "Round-Up" theme, Tammy’s has that specific, small-town Route 66 vibe that you just can't replicate in a big city.
Another thing: the service. It’s fast, but it’s "small-town fast." If the place is packed with a church crowd on Sunday morning, you’re going to wait a bit for those rolls. That’s just part of the experience. Use the time to look at the walls. There's a lot of local history tacked up there if you're paying attention.
Is it worth the detour?
If you're on I-44, Davenport is a bit of a trek. You have to want to be there. But if you're actually driving the old highway, it’s one of those mandatory stops. It’s not just about the food; it's about the fact that places like this are disappearing.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to stop by, here is how to do it right:
- Check the Clock: Remember, breakfast ends at 10:30 sharp. If you want the biscuits and gravy, get there early.
- Cash or Card?: They do take cards and even NFC mobile payments now, which is a nice modern touch for a historic diner.
- The "Take-Home" Strategy: Order your dessert to go at the beginning of the meal. They often run out of the most popular pies (especially the coconut cream) by mid-afternoon.
- Explore Davenport: After you eat, walk down the street to see the old gas stations and the "Spherical Tank." It’s a quick 5-minute history lesson that helps settle the stomach.
- Call Ahead for Groups: If you’re traveling with a big group of bikers or a car club, give them a heads-up at 918-377-2230. They’re friendly, but a surprise group of 20 can stretch any small kitchen thin.
You aren't going to find a "lite" menu here. You aren't going to find avocado toast. You're going to find heavy plates, warm smiles, and a lot of gravy. And honestly? That's exactly why it matters.