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A charming city that sits at the southwestern border of the Mojave Desert in California, Victorville may be somewhat smaller and quieter than the state’s bustling metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco, but there is certainly no shortage of local food joints here. We’ve selected 10 of the best restaurants in town, from traditional American diners to Mexican grills, barbecue joints and Middle Eastern bistros.

Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café

Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café

Diner, Restaurant, American

A secluded and inconspicuous diner that is well worth the short detour out of town, Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Caféis the picture-perfect image of an old-school American diner, a small, ice-cream-hued restaurant that sits on the roadside of the iconic Route 66, amid the dusty peaks of the Californian valley. A colorful, friendly 1960s ambience where the staff is beaming, the service is exceptional, and the food (traditional American burgers, ice-cream, milkshakes and the like) is fantastic.

Apollo

Restaurant, American

Molly Brown’s Country Café
© Molly Brown’s Country Café
Apollo’s artisanal burgers are pretty famous throughout Victorville and have long been considered the best in the high desert. It has a fantastic menu, which includes all the classics and long-time favorites (with the option to add on as many fillings as you might desire) as well as some more unusual recipes and plenty of alternative options and side dishes. However, most who come here opt for the mighty burgers, which are stacked high and fully loaded.

Molly Brown's Country Cafe

Cafe, American, French

Molly Brown’s is the place to come for some hearty, lovingly prepared country food, where the dishes will more than satisfy your stomach and the friendly staff will be sure to put a smile on your face. Start your day right with what has been officially voted the best breakfast in town; all the classic American favorites are available such as eggs, waffles, pancakes and French toast. Lunch is also served up until 2:30pm daily.

Paulina's Mexican Grill

As far as Mexican food goes, Paulina’s Mexican Grillis certainly the best in the area. The extensive menu offers everything from enchiladas and tacos to seafood, beef and pork dishes plus a special that changes every weekend. The dining room is spacious, sophisticated and open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner services. There is also the option for take-out should you wish to enjoy Paulina’s excellent quality food in the comfort of your own home. Dolmas | © Vegan Feast Catering/Flickr

Ala’al Deen

Ala’al Deen is a little gem in the Californian desert. An appetizing alternative to the diners and burger joints that are aplenty across the state, Ala’al-Deen is a glittering fusion of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cuisines. The menu comprises dishes such as hummus, dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, garlic and onion) and kibbeh (fried balls of wheat, beef and pine nuts) all of which brim with exotic flavors.

The Corner Café

Cafe, Diner, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian

You’d be hard pressed to find a diner with a more impressive selection than The Corner Café. There is a wonderful breakfast menu, which includes various egg, crepe and pancake dishes as well as an impressive list of lunch options. Their burgers are particularly good, and they offer interesting alternatives for the slightly more adventurous. For example, the Thai chicken burger with the Corner Café’s famous Thai peanut butter sauce or the pineapple and teriyaki version are great.

Goody's Restaurant

Restaurant, American

Sometimes simple is best. Goody’s small, inconspicuous restaurant on Green Tree Boulevard is nothing extraordinary, but the food they serve is excellent. The menu is traditional, steak, fries, burgers and the like but the portions are exceedingly generous and well cooked. Just simple, honest, good food.

Itchy Foot Island Deli & BBQ

Deli, Restaurant

Though it might not sound particularly appetizing, Itchy Foot Island is a fantastic barbecue joint that is rapidly becoming one of the most popular places in town. A low-key, light-hearted affair where the atmosphere is relaxed and cheery, the staff merry, and the food excellent. Itchy Foot’s tri-tip beef, slow cooked in their signature BBQ sauce is melt-in-the-mouth wonderful and is, unsurprisingly, the restaurant’s most popular dish.

Crown N’ Sword

The Crown N’ Sword boasts a particularly plush interior with a sophisticated scarlet decor that makes it the perfect locale for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The menu is varied, with plenty of meat and vegetable options as well as a wonderful selection of desserts and drinks; all of which is prepared to a high standard with good quality ingredients.

Golden Gate Chinese

Restaurant, Chinese

Delicious Chinese cuisine that includes all of the much-loved classics such as wonton soup, lemon chicken and sweet and sour pork, all of which are served in generous portions that are sure to satisfy the stomach. Prices are very reasonable, and there is almost always an offer or special deal. The restaurant itself is upbeat though there is the option for take-out as well. Golden Gate also offers catering services for larger parties or events.
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