If you’ve ever traveled the Florida turnpike, you’ve likely seen the sign for Yeehaw Junction about 65 miles south of Orlando. The question is, have you ever been curious enough to venture off the highway to see what’s there? If not, you should. If you have, then you already know about the Desert Inn – once a must see for those looking for a taste of old Florida.
Unfortunately, the building was demolished last year after extensive damages caused by a semi tractor-trailer crashing into it in 2019.
The Desert Inn once sat at the busy intersection of Highway 60 and U.S. 441 and was a favorite lunch and dinner spot for locals, tourists and bikers out for their weekend rides. The Inn also offered rentals for those looking for a place to stay in the area.
Desert Inn History
The Desert Inn was established as a trading post in the late 1880s. The current building can be traced to before 1925 when it served as a respite for cattlemen and lumbermen after long days of hard work. With the construction of roads in the 1930s, the Desert Inn saw an increase in the number of tourists who stopped by. Then in the 50s, the turnpike was built, an exit added, and the name officially became Yeehaw Junction. (The area was known by several names in its early years: Crossroads, Jackass Crossing, and the Crossing.) In 1994, the Desert Inn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Ambience
The minute you walk up to the Desert Inn, its unique character is apparent, an old gas pump on one side, a “Jackass Crossing” sign on the other. Inside, it’s just as eclectic – from the dollar bills attached to the U-shaped bar, to the old fortune telling machine in one corner and the Native American family in another.
If you visit the women’s bathroom, don’t be surprised to see a life-size male mannequin, his shirt signed by visitors to the restaurant. (I had heard about the mannequin but was still taken aback when I walked in!)
On the Menu
A menu board is propped up in one of the windows and offers some tasty dining options. When asked for a recommendation, the waitress said the hamburgers and the fried green tomatoes are favorite dishes.
We chose the burgers – a plain burger and a bacon burger – both of which were cooked to perfection. A nice change to a traditional burger was the bread. Fresh ciabatta bread kept the burger together and mess-free. (I don’t know how many times I’ve had a burger and it has fallen apart because of the hamburger bun.) Crisp hot fries rounded out our lunch, along with a cold beer.
Paying the bill is just as unique as the restaurant itself. A mouse trap holding your tab is delivered to your table. As for the prices? Comparable to other restaurants this size, but worth the atmosphere. We were able to eat for less than $40 before a tip.
If you are looking for fast food, this is not the place. A sign outside lets you know before you walk in that if you’re in a hurry, a Mickey D’s can be found 30 – 50 miles in any direction! The service was prompt but laid back. The meal was tasty, and the experience was worth venturing off the highway.
I stopped by in early August and it was closed, too bad ’cause we were starving. We also passed by the Heartbreak Hotel before. Very cool places.
It was pretty packed when we were there. Too bad they closed. The Heartbreak Hotel is definitely a cool place.