Triple XXX Adventure
Rooter and I experienced a wonderful culinary Triple XXX Adventure before Coronavirus caused restaurants across the country to close their doors. #American diner #rootbeer #Purdue University #Chevy Spark #Triple XXX
The orange and black striped exterior of the Triple XXX diner didn’t give a clue to the delicious food waiting for us inside. Rooster and I wouldn’t have bothered to stop if it hadn’t been for the excellent online reviews, and they’re full parking lot. We had to drive around the block near 2 N. Salisbury Street in West Lafayette, Indiana, many times before we found a place to leave the Chevy Spark. On our second tour of the block,
I suggested we find another place to eat. Rooster said I was willing to give up on the culinary adventure too easily. Not ready to be called a quitter, I told him to keep trying. We finally found a spot up a what I call a steep hill. Rooster considered it to be only a slight elevation, but he was wrong. This lofty spot served as Triple XXX’s overflow lot. The thermometer read 20 degrees, which means it was cold outside.
Our Triple XXX Adventure was right around the corner from Purdue University
I wondered why there were so many people congregated outside under the drive-in awning behind the restaurant. I had the answer to my question as soon as I stepped through the door. There was a twenty-minute wait to get a seat at one of the counters in this unique eatery.
The fact Purdue University’s frat houses started less than a block away meant they would never suffer from a shortage of patrons. Customers hung around outside due to the lack of standing room. We knew it would be worth the hassle if Hoosiers were willing to endure the cold to get breakfast.
The Triple XXX Adventure started in 1929
I discovered the Triple XXX Root Beer Stand got its start in 1929. The restaurant’s tag line is, “We were here before your mother was born.” The statement was almost correct since my mother was born in 1917. Triple XXX was Indiana’s first drive-in. The diner was part of a national chain, which had roller-skating carhops and an intercom system, where you could order food from your car. The carhops are gone, but you can still eat outside under the orange and black awning. The dining establishment in Lafayette is one of the last Triple XXX restaurants left in existence. Rooster and I hope they never shut their doors. I’m sure this establishment will be open long into the future.
If a customer is looking to have a seat at a table, they will be disappointed. There isn’t one to be found in this diner. A winding countertop system, with servers taking orders and handing out food from the middle, fill the entire restaurant-serving floor. We were seated at one of these counters in twenty minutes, as promised. A server promptly handed us a menu. Both Rooster and I selected the Albuquerque Omelet. While we waited for the food to arrive,
Rooster bought Root Beer Jelly on our Triple XXX Adventure
Rooster noticed a jar of something called Root Beer Jelly. He asked our server about the delicacy. She offered to bring us a sample. We decided to live dangerously and spread some on toast as soon as our omelet arrived. The concoction had a pleasing taste. We all know Rooster is a frugal man. This antique restaurant inspired him, and he wanted to have a memento of our dining experience. He decided to bring a jar of root beer jelly home with us along with a large yellow Triple XXX bottle cap sign.
What we ordered on our Triple XXX Adventure
The Albuquerque Omelet we ordered was delicious. I would ask for it again if I were ever in the area and needed a tasty breakfast. I want to return to this eatery for an outside dinner when the weather turns warm. I’ve heard they have something called a Duane Purvis, which I heard was a peanut butter covered steak burger. I never thought about peanut butter and steak having a relationship, but I’m up for exploring the challenge.
We left the restaurant with our arms loaded with merchandise. Rooster was holding a jar of Root Beer Jelly in his hand. Tucked under his arm was a yellow Triple XXX sign. I carried a refrigerator magnet in the pocket of my jacket. It was an enjoyable dining experience. We’ll be sure to make a return visit next time we are in Lafayette, Indiana.
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana, who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures click here.
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