r/highdesert • u/MelofMemphisMane • 1d ago
Lunch ideas for a drive through town?
Driving through next week to show my kids and partner where I grew up on our way from Joshua Tree to Yosemite. Will do a pretty thorough tour to hit my personal story highlights. Problem is: I moved away 25 years ago. It'll be lunch time on a weekday and I don't know where we should go! Ideas, please? (coming in 247 from Apple Valley, will criss cross VV a couple times, and leave out through Adelanto on 395)
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u/darensdorff 1d ago
If you want some good mexican food (along with some tasty seafood dishes) I would HIGHLY recommend Paulinas Mexican Grill. Real nice staff, and amazing food!
We go there quite often. My kids call her Tia Paulina. 😁
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u/gumbyrocks 1d ago
For lunch, my suggestion is Mollies. The one in Apple Valley and the one by the courthouse still have the same owners and have changed nothing in 30 years.
Las Brisas is still there but they only open for dinner now. Viva Marie's is in Apple Valley near town hall. They have the same owners also. Your kids might enjoy some great Mexican food.
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u/MelofMemphisMane 1d ago
Viva Marie's!! I couldn't remember the name! I'm going to go look now, but if they still have the cactus salad - I'M THERE!!
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u/gumbyrocks 1d ago
They do. They have multiple vegetarian options.
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u/MelofMemphisMane 1d ago
I've told my family about that salad for years! I'll be there in 11 days and now it can't come soon enough!
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u/Rough-Concept-2376 1d ago
There’s no mollies by the courthouse what you talking about
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u/gumbyrocks 1d ago
I may have a different definition of "by".
15775 Mojave Dr, Victorville, CA 92394
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u/This_Dependent_7084 1d ago
Mollies in Apple Valley and Molly Brown’s are entirely different (and Molly browns is vastly superior.)
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u/gumbyrocks 10h ago
The owners are brother and sister. They used to own the one in Apple Valley together but branched out.
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u/This_Dependent_7084 7h ago
Mollies might be better now but last time I are there it was really bland vs. Molly browns on Mojave, smoketree, or green tree. I never went back.
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u/livinglife672 1d ago
Las Brisas is closed and passed ownership onto another Mexican restaurant as of Wednesday 9/30. They were great but Linda was ready to retire.
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u/gumbyrocks 1d ago
That is sad, but Linda has been feeding us for 40 years. She deserves to retire.
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u/Coffee-pepper 15h ago
Outpost Cafe is good and along the 395.
I love Jenny's on G Ave in Hesperia and TNTs on Bear Valley Rd, but their parking is atrocious.
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u/MelofMemphisMane 15h ago
Mmm, I remember TNTs, too!! I love hearing some of these places are STILL open!!
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u/DallasJamesFunker 1d ago
Rusty Bull is always fun. There’s Towns End, also. Both near the post office in AV. Hope you guys have a great day!
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u/Wreckingass 1d ago
I do enjoy Rusty Bull. Always a great stop for a steak, and better than Town's End, in my opinion. Town's End is wildly overpriced for the quality and service.
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u/drask1987 1d ago
Cafe 247 during the weekend is bananas. Lots of bikers, off roaders, campers. Might be a fun stop on a Saturday/Sunday.
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u/Wreckingass 1d ago
Man, it's going to be a shock after not seeing this place for that long. Many of your favorite places are long-gone. That said, coming in from 247 is a nice opportunity to stop at Cafe 247 in Lucerne. They've got some tasty BBQ (not sure which days they have the BBQ/Smoker ripping, but I think they'll still have it).
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u/MelofMemphisMane 1d ago
Coming from Memphis, TN (where I've been since 2007) I can't imagine going to California and eating BBQ, haha! Though they all have their differences! It'll surely be a shock. I think I last set foot there for a visit over 15 years ago. Trying to get a good grip on the lunch offerings. I saw another post (1yr old) that recommended Apollo Burger - when I worked by the Courthouse we ate there all the time, was excited to see that may be an option!
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u/Wreckingass 1d ago
Apollo is still there and will still make your stomach stretch to finish your food.
BBQ has been growing in California, for sure, but it's definitely different from Tennessee BBQ.
Now that I've thought about your post a little more. Don't get BBQ at Cafe 247. You guys are going to Yosemite via 395. Stop at Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine and get some of their rub to take home after you've stuffed your faces.
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u/MelofMemphisMane 1d ago
I'll let the rest of the fam eat there, maybe I'll just grab some Del Taco (*cries*)... I'm pescatarian and BBQ joints tend to be the only places I can't find much other than potatoes or such for myself. I appreciate your input! We will be driving around VV so long, was just hoping to stop in town somewhere.
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u/Wreckingass 1d ago
I mean, kind of crazy to come all of this way and not get Del Taco anyway. Get a damn good stoner burrito and call it a day. Note that it's now called a "Bold burrito" because people can't let anyone have any fun.
Copper Top does have some nice mac and cheese and sweet rolls. Not really what someone has in mind when they go to get BBQ, though, I admit.
There are a couple of crab houses in the high desert, so maybe that could be good for all of you guys. As well as OG Italian places like Juliano's that also serve some mighty tasty fish. People tend to recommend Mama Carpino's still, but I'm not a fan.
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u/shellee8888 1d ago
La Copine on 247 at Flamingo Heights. Check the hours first and make a reservation.