🛸 Deep in the Nevada desert, where the only thing more mysterious than the scorching heat is what might be flying overhead, sits a humble extraterrestrial oasis that has captured the hearts of locals and travelers alike.
The Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, Nevada, proves that magic happens when you least expect it – even in a town with just 54 residents and zero cell phone towers.
How Little A’Le’Inn Won Local’s Hearts
The Little A’Le’Inn began its cosmic journey in August 1988 when Connie’s parents opened their doors to a desert community that desperately needed a gathering place.
Originally called Rachel’s Bar & Grill, the establishment underwent an intergalactic transformation when the owners held a contest for a catchier name – and the winner was pure genius.
The rechristened Little A’Le’Inn quickly became the heartbeat of Rachel, serving as the town’s unofficial community center where locals could grab a hot meal, cold beer, and share their otherworldly experiences under the star-filled Nevada sky.
What truly won over the locals was the family’s genuine commitment to their remote community.
Pat and Connie West didn’t just serve food – they created a welcoming haven where ranchers, travelers, and UFO enthusiasts could all feel at home.
The mother-daughter team embraced the area’s mysterious reputation while providing essential services to a population scattered across the vast desert landscape.
When Nevada officially renamed Route 375 the “Extraterrestrial Highway” in 1996, the Little A’Le’Inn was perfectly positioned as the epicenter of alien culture, but it never lost its small-town charm that made locals feel like family. 👽
Food Highlights
- World Famous Alien Burger: Served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, green onions, and their signature Alien Sauce – reviewers consistently call it one of the best burgers they’ve ever had 🍔
- Saucer Burger: This saucer-shaped masterpiece comes topped with mushrooms, pepperjack cheese, green onions, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, plus French fries by default
- Biscuits and Gravy: Described as “certainly the best plate of two biscuits smothered in gravy in Rachel, NV, or maybe even all of the United States” – a hearty comfort food favorite
- Full Stack of Pancakes: Three large fluffy pancakes that customers rave about, with gluten-free options usually available 🥞
- Denver Omelette: A three-egg masterpiece with ham, peppers, and green onions, served with homefries or grits and toast
- Chili Size: An open-face burger smothered in homemade chili with a side of French fries – a locals’ favorite 🌶️
Atmosphere
The authentic desert diner atmosphere is part roadside Americana, part alien wonderland.
Dollar bills cover the bar ceiling in old-school Sagebrush Saloon fashion, while UFO memorabilia and alleged first-person encounter photos line the walls.
The small, rustic space features three life-sized aliens perfect for photo ops, and the staff’s genuine warmth makes every visitor feel like a local.
Guests can enjoy conversations with friendly bartenders who share wild extraterrestrial tales, while the picnic tables outside offer the perfect spot to watch Nevada’s spectacular desert sunsets and maybe catch a glimpse of something unexplained in the night sky. 🌅
Bottom Line
The Little A’Le’Inn offers unbeatable desert hospitality, surprisingly delicious comfort food, an authentic UFO experience, and unforgettable stargazing opportunities in America’s most mysterious neighborhood. 🌟
Address: 9631 Old Mill St, Rachel, NV 89001
📞 (775) 729-2515
🕔 Mon-Tue: 8 AM–4 PM, Wed-Sun: 8 AM–10 PM (Kitchen closes 1 hour early)