Located in Newberry Springs, California, the Bagdad Cafe has been an iconic landmark from the time the cult film “Bagdad Cafe” was shot there, four decades ago. The film, which features two women in a desert landscape—a diligent cafe owner wielding a rifle and a stranded German tourist—enchanted audiences globally, particularly in Europe and Japan. Even today, tourists frequently visit this historical site on Route 66.
Andrea Pruett, the real-life owner, was known for her warm yet steely demeanor. Fluent in French and German, she treated visitors to buffalo burgers and omelets, while keeping a gun behind the counter. A memorial to Pruett is now found at the cafe, marking the end of an era as her family determines its future.
The Cafe still attracts tourists celebrating the centennial of Route 66, but presently, the kitchen remains closed. “We don’t get any locals, and we don’t cook any food right now,” says Mark Bradley, the cafe’s manager. However, the Bagdad Cafe continues to be a vibrant splash of color within the desert’s expanse.
Inside, flags from various countries hang from the low ceilings. Passport photos and signed dollar bills adorn the walls. You’ll find heartfelt messages in the guest book, left by visitors who have returned multiple times.
The Cafe’s origin dates back to 1995 when the Pruetts acquired the establishment, initially named Sidewinder Cafe. They later renamed it Bagdad Cafe, inspired by the film directed by Percy Adlon.
The history surrounding the Cafe is rich. The nearby Bagdad was once a railway town named for its desert terrain by Southern Pacific Railroad officials. Gold, silver, and copper mining camps thrived initially, but faded as Route 66 traffic declined with the opening of Interstate 40.
Pruett embraced the movie’s legacy, welcoming patrons in a manner akin to a director announcing ‘Action!’. She showcased memorabilia from the film and kept the jukebox playing the film’s theme song, “Calling You”. Notable figures like Monaco’s Prince Albert II and actress Renée Zellweger have visited, adding to the Cafe’s allure.
The Cafe brought together diverse personalities, including a man known as General Bob, who shared fantastical stories and added to the Cafe’s unique culture. Pruett’s kindness extended to those in need, often providing meals and shelter to those who otherwise might not have found assistance.
Pruett’s resilience faced challenges, from personal losses to criminal encounters. Her steadfast spirit helped her overcome hardship, and she persevered even after losing her home in a fire during the pandemic in 2021.
In recent years, aspiring actress Léa De Carmo documented Pruett’s final years in the Cafe, creating a film titled “The Keeper of Bagdad Cafe” which brings light to the Cafe’s fading glory.
Despite deteriorating conditions, devoted friends and visitors rallied together to refurbish the Cafe’s roof, keeping the essence of Bagdad Cafe alive. Pruett passed away in January 2023, leaving a legacy cherished by many.
While family deliberates the Cafe’s future, Bradley honors Pruett’s dedication by maintaining it as a memorial to her devotion to the patrons. As visitors continue to arrive, the spirit of the Cafe and its historic charm remain.
Even after her passing, the Cafe endures. It stands testament to its storied past, welcoming roadtrippers and tourists, ensuring that the magic lingers on Route 66.
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