There's not much going on in the city of Baker lol This is the place where everyone stops when they are on the way to Las Vegas, from California. Baker is the best place to stop if you have to use the restroom. They have some food options here too. So, if you need a bit to eat, or a coffee, this is your place. It's mostly fast-food options here. Which is fine, if you are on a road trip, you want something quick. For food, I'd suggest the Mad Greek. That is a popular spot that way. If you need gas, this is the spot. There are a gas station and the Baker market. I recommend the alien jerky place. If you enjoy jerky, you must go there lol The world's tallest thermometer is located here too. You will see it right by the road. Can't miss it lol read more

This looks like a good place to stop when headed to Cali from Vegas. Except it isn't. The draw of extremely expansive EV vehicle charging seems like a draw. Not enough of one. Zero effort is applied toward amenities. We stopped to charge at the Tesla Supercharger that also hosts Electrify America stations. The EV footprint is huge. The facilities are disgusting. Bathrooms are below an outhouse and the food options are 2nd rate...at best. Drive on to Yermo. read more

The small City of Baker is most FAMOUS for being one of the few towns that isn't completely DEAD Yet, after California's Route 66 was abandoned when the Interstate replaced it. Baker still has a handful of open & thriving businesses (like the Mad Greek, & Alien Jerky) along side many which are boarded up and crumbling (like The Hawaiian Motel & Bun Boy). This town's sketchy survival is mostly due to people from Los Angeles driving to Las Vegas and needing to get gas, stretch their legs, and grab something to drink or eat (plus the Country Store and Gas has more winning Lottery Tickets than anywhere else on earth). Baker is also the site of the only real entrance-way into California's "Death Valley". Literally, a City on the Edge of Death is the Official Gateway to a Valley who's name IS "Death". Baker has a few good places to eat, now that it's most iconic food joint, "Bun Boy" is closed forever. The Best place that's Not fast food or a chain is "The Mad Greek", which actually offers pretty good, relatively authentic Greek food, from Gyros and Spanakopita (Spinach & Feta hand-pies baked in 20 layers of papery Philo-dough), to Moussaka (fried Eggplant, ground Beef, Tomato & Bechamel Casserole), Pasticcio (it's like Lasagna but baked with Long Thick Macaroni Noodles instead of flat Pasta sheets), plus Pita Bread, Greek Soups (Avgolemono, etc.), Greek Dips (Hummus, etc.), and Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades). The food and the people here are all very Greek. Somehow, 65 years ago, an entire Greek Clan immigrated to the middle of the Mojave Desert, Opened a Greek Roadside Restaurant - and it Worked. That's the American Dream at Full Force, Folks. Who would have Thunk it, at the very Gateway to "Death Valley". Baker is also the home of the World's tallest Thermometer. You can see it for miles as you drive towards Vegas on the Highway (You know - highway that killed the town). And, Baker being the Gateway into Death Valley, has some very interesting Lava Tubes, well worth a photo-opp. So if you want to go to Death Valley, and need Snacks, Gas, Maps, Water, Camping Permits or Information, Baker is the last place to get any of these things, before facing Death Valley's Life-Draining & Brutal heat. read more

See all

Situated between Barstow and Vegas, it's one of few landmarks I use to give me an idea how far I am from one or the other. It is a small town of 2,687 square miles and according to the most recent census (2019) they have a population of 541. It isn't hard to find: if you spot the world's largest thermometer, you've found the town! It is also where the famous Mad Greek Café is located. So, if you happen to have an hour or so to kill, this might be a good stop for a quick grub and/or taking a better look at the can/t-miss temp reading. read more

I have been thru Baker, CA several times coming back to Las Vegas or going to Northern and Southern California. Three major areas on why you have to pass through Baker, California. First is one of the major rest area stops before heading into Las Vegas which is about an hour and 30 minutes drive depending on traffic or vice versa going on a long road trip. Secondly, its known for UFO sightings and you must visit the Alien Fresh Jerky store. Lastly, city of baker has the world's tallest thermometer which significantly is the record high of 134 degrees back in summer of 1913. Very Hot! A few fast food restaurants and gas stations. Basically, It will take you 10 minutes to go through the city, so take your take time and enjoy the isolation and view of the mountains. read more

See all

Yelp 100 Challenge 2017 # 42/100 Because of the now functional World's Largest Thermometer, this city that boasts a collection of stores and restaurants are seeing a lot more foot traffic. At least that's what I think. If you ever get caught not gassing up before leaving LA or LV and you find yourself with an almost empty tank, just to let you know gas prices here are about a $1 to $1.50 more. Yes it's highway robbery. So wise up and before you leave gas -up. It has seen some changes in the four years since my last review but still has room for improvement. read more

City of Baker - Towering 134 feet, The World's Tallest Thermometer with a backdrop of wispy clouds in the blue sky. - Local Flavor Near Me

See all

Baker is my pit stop town on the way back from Las Vegas. I love that they easy off and easy on freeway access. There are several fast food places as well as some restaurants to choose from. One that is on my list for next time is the Mad Greek, it's always busy. I always look forward to seeing the Baker thermometer tower it's such a historic landmark. The town is very quaint, quiet and so peaceful. People that work here always seem happy...maybe it's the air. read more

City of Baker - Can you guess the temperature... - Local Flavor Near Me

The halfway point between LA & Las Vegas is a small town named Baker. You'll see signs for miles for The Mad Greek littering the freeway for miles , however until you pull off the freeway you'll never understand why on earth you'd ever stop. Baker is really home of a few attractions and one being the worlds largest thermometer which is 134 feet (41 m) and made in 1991. This mammoth thermometer isn't like the one your mother used as a kid, it's the one used on KING KONG. So your fist pit stop is defiantly the Mad Greek for lunch or dinner. You can't miss it since it looks like a Greek Explosion of bad taste and blue & white decorations and erected statues. Across the is a gas station with largest soda pop selection for purchase I've ever encountered. Of coarse you already know about the thermometer but as you drive towards exit well ALIEN JERKY is staring you in the face. I know we're not in Area 51 but darn it sure feels like it. Clark Griswold and Ellen really should have stopped here verse stopping at Cousin Eddy's house or the 2nd largest ball of mud world. Maybe aunt Edna would still be alive had they gave her some Alien Jerky or Greek food. Do yourself a favor it's worth stopping in this town. read more

See all

Five stars just for surviving out here in the desert. This place is remarkably amazing perhaps because people have chosen to live out here and work out here at the surrounding businesses. There are some decent restaurants. They have auto repair shops, a local fire station and a county fire department just yards apart. The long road through the city very early in the morning with no cars on it looks like a long drag strip. And as for the historic huge thermometer, I guess generally most of the time, it is pretty accurate. It matches the temperature in my new car. I guess if I lived here, I'd have off road vehicles, motorcycles, and maybe even a personal runway. read more

City of Baker - The big thermometer in Baker. It's three degrees off from mine inside my car. Theres says 82 and mine says 85 - Local Flavor Near Me

See all

Stopped at this town coming from Vegas and it's a really cool spot! I got some KFC and I'm just enjoying learning about the history of this place. read more

My Favorite site to visit while in Baker Ca. Short Story: When Businesses close they Often leave behind - Local Historical/Landmarks and Art..... and memories.... The *Stop The Go Mart* (now closed) -- Left Behind the Now Iconic "Running Man Statue" a 6 ft pipe symbol of someone in a "Hurry in a small town. The Statue second location was on HWY 127 by the School zone 25 MPH Sign. Now the "Running Man Statue" is Alive an Well and new home - Located on Hwy 127 and School House st. and is maintained and owned by the Baker Valley Unified School District. read more

See all

The city of baker is pretty much a huge rest area. Good selection of fast food chains and gasoline stations.

Way more than I expected. The alien shop was very well done. Lots of better than average food in the town. The thermometer was a little underwhelming but fun to see from the highway, and know we were getting close. read more

See all

The town of Baker is literally just an oasis in the middle of the desert. It would make anyone stranded smile and jump for joy. There really isn't much here. They do have a couple places to stop and eat, though I can't attest to how good or bad it is, because I've never stopped for food. There are motels, not hotels, and places to stop for gas, water, and restroom usage. The usefulness and convenience to travelers is what makes me give this little town four stars. Alien Jerky is located in this small town. Don't worry about needing an address for anything...just keep driving down this one lane town and you'll see whatever it is that you're looking for. They do have the iconic World's Tallest Thermometer. That and Alien Jerky are what puts this place on the map. Otherwise, one would think it's just another po-dunk town that would bring back memories of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and make you stretch your foot across that accelerator, rather than stopping and getting out. read more

I usually stop here to stretch my legs a bit when driving from Vegas to wherever I'm going in the people's republic. Basically a main strip through town with several gas and food options. There is Alien Jerky and the world's largest thermometer as points of interest. I also go there to grab lottery tickets sometimes. Gas is $1.67 more here than Vegas. No thank you. read more

See all

Its interesting stopping by this city to get lunch and check out the Alien Jerky store. But it was so hot that the heat hits your face that you had to run into a store or restaurant with an AC. When I was there it was 120°. Besides that this little town was pretty interesting to stop by before my wife and I headed by to California. read more

When going from Vegas to California, Baker is a semi mid point to stop by and have a quick bite and pump gas. They have the alien beef jerky, a country store, Arby's, Burger King and a Greek place with great gyros, milkshakes and baked goods that I've had before. There's really nothing more but a bonafide rest stop, but it's one I'll continue to come back to. read more

City of Baker - Highway area - Local Flavor Near Me

This is a place to go for a quick stop for gas and food. There's KFC, yogurt, small market, Pizza Hut and subway. The price was quite expensive but I guess they are in the middle of nowhere and the next stop is another 45 minutes or so. read more

See all

Road trip staple on the way to and from Vegas. Sure, half the businesses are closed in a state of urban decay. The thermometer is broken. Some of the residents look like they're straight out of The Hills Have Eyes. The desert air often smells like a sewer. Yet Baker is not without it's charm. I wouldn't stay here, although I'm pretty sure Wills Fargo motel is the only place to stay at in town (Pretty sure there are people squatting in Arne's Royal Hawaiian and the ill-fated Bun Boy motel) But I will always stop here on the beaten down path to and from Vegas, and wonder "What if?". Make sure to stop at the Lucky Lotto store if you're really feeling down on your luck! read more

City of Baker - The famous Lucky Lotto store! - Local Flavor Near Me

Wow, great for a pit stop? Methinks not, fits this pretty well. It looks like a ghost town, sure they have a few restaurants but from the highway they look closed down years ago already. I saw the famous busted thermometer from the car thankyouverymuch and will hold having to pee until I'm in Primm. read more

Hot hot hot hot hot hot hot and what more can I say pretty hot idk why we even need to rate has simi okay food selection

Most people will say you are a small blip of a town who's relevance is mostly tied with jerky, Greek food, gas, and potty breaks. Well I think those people are just shallow. I see you as something more. I've stopped by you so many times throughout the past decades of my life and though not every moment has been memorable I have seen some beautiful sunrises and rainy afternoons here. Perhaps it is my love for things falling apart and the desolation of places nowhere near civilization but you make me happy every time you're near. You are great for those who are looking for interesting landscapes, quietness, and of course, bathrooms. Baker, don't you ever get too big for your britches, whatever that means. Stay classy Baker. read more

Ok folks... Who hasnt stopped here at least once in their life on the way to or back from Lost Wages? I mean seriously they have a number of grub options, gas stations, etc. Or being its the arbitrary primary stopping point for those that dont want to cruise to Barstow to stop who do want to stretch their legs, it ends up as a handy rest stop. All the usual fast food joints and gas stations are here willing to help you spend your vegas winnings or help you scrimp by for having lost your rent payment... THEY DONT CALL IT LOST WAGES FOR NOTHING! Dont forget if you want to be touristy, duh you are a tourist here (I think the pop is like 150 total ppl), they have the worlds tallest thermometer here. And they definitately need it to count that high up into the 100s during the hot summer / indian summer months. So yeah... keep on trucken through this joint or stop and stretch, the choice is yours and how badly you want to get to lost wages or return from it... read more

Living here in Baker Ca is a fantastic place to be, if you enjoy the Peace left and given then you will enjoy Baker. To mention that the stars at night here are brighter than in Hollywood! Thank God! read more

If you're driving from Cali towards Vegas, once you hit Baker, you have about an hour left!!!! It's a little town with all it's businesses on one main street. The famous thermometer has been broken for a while now and you can see it from your car so big whoop! I mainly stop here for Mad Greek and The Alien Jerky Store. Mad Greek has good gyros and amazingly thick strawberry shakes. The Alien Jerky store has a lot of cool things to look at along with the delicious jerky. I wouldn't recommend getting gas here because it's super expensive. Hopefully you have enough gas to last you until you get to Vegas or until you hit Barstow. read more

Glad they finally fixed the thermometer and cool little city thats still in operation to be in the middle of nowhere. They have everything you need from a rest stop like gas, food, restrooms, a lil shopping, and car repair. If it wasn't here it wouldn't make the Vegas drive or home anymore pleasant. read more

Home of the world's largest thermometer, I've always been a fan of this city (or at least the small strip of land that I only know of). It's the perfect place for us Californians to make a pit stop on our way to and from Sin City (or adult Disneyland, as I like to call it). There's diners and gas stations, and don't forget the famous Alien Beef Jerky! Everything you need for the perfect road trip. read more

For those long road trips to and from Vegas this is a great pit stop. I'm happy this small town called Baker exist. It's convenient and offers amenities like restrooms, checking the weather, snacks, drinks, alien jerky and more. read more

City of Baker - Local Flavor Near Me

My kids and I took a little trip out here just to get out of town for a couple hours, we live about 1 1/2 away. We've passed through a bunch of time going to Vegas and never stopped. Anyways it was a cute little trip for the kids we had lunch, took pictures and went to the Alien jerky. It was fun. The girl working at the thermometer shop on 7/8/17 was so friendly. read more

See all

Wow, I never knew you could write a review for an entire town! I'll have to remember this when I go to Vegas in October. I usually make a stop in Baker on the way. read more

Stop if you need gas, get back in your car quickly, and keep heading towards Vegas. Oh, and have a little looksie at the giant, but not impressive thermometer. OOOOOOOH!!!! read more

It's just another highway town, BUT, but for the thermometer. The big ass multi-story thermometer that advertises how hot it is in the desert to travelers going between LA and Vegas. This has no real utility anymore granted, but it's now a piece of the road, a piece of Americana and it's something to look forward to when you crest the rise on I-15 and see it there at night in it's red splendor shining along. There's nothing else to this town worth describing but when you see the thermometer you know you're alright. read more

They filed a movie here, called "THE BIG EMPTY" 2003 with jon favreau and the movie was good and the town is about what expected and seen from the movie. Worlds biggest thermometer which is not working due to it being as hot as it gets! It is a cute town with history, and THE ALIEN folk tale could have some truth, as it feels creepy, and mysterious. I have my blue suit case and blue addidas track suit on and i have my bowling ball bag, and i am in the middle of the dessert and i made my circle and im waiting for the aliens to beam me to paradise. come on man ur late! ok fine im taking my money and going to vegas, all on red! read more

OK all you naysayers. There are some very good people in Baker. We recently lost our dog when we stopped in Baker. We posted flyers all over town and talked to so many caring residents. During the following 7 weeks we had dozens of phone calls from people who had just seen our dog. No one could catch her. People left food and water our for her. Finally a truly incredible man who is a Baker city employee took it upon himself to rescue her. For weeks he lured her with food and earned a bit of trust with her. Two days short of 7 weeks he caught her using a live trap. He called us immediately and 90 minutes later we were in Baker to pick up our dog. She was exhausted and a real mess after living in the desert for so many weeks. She's home now and back to being a gorgeous 5 year old Border Collie. Baker really does have some wonderful people. read more

2010 Population is about 700. 2000 population was 900+. The reason for that decrease is because of the minimum security prison being shut down in the mid 2000's. Yes this small town is more than just gas stations & restaurants. The local fire/emt dept. is responsible for saving lives across the vast mojave desert. The rare earth mineral mining company thats 30 miles away is growing & creating jobs. Theres a unified school district with an athletic program & community service district. Its the gateway to deathvalley & mojave national preserve. As far as the cheesy thermometer, it was built around 1992. It actually fell down due to high winds several years ago and was rebuilt LoL. Once vegas started becoming the conglomerate that it is today, i noticed a change from small business to corporate. Starbucks even opened a store in baker, ( now its closed ) bummer for you yuppie starbucks fiends.People live here to get away from the city. Living out here means you have to be self sufficient & plan ahead as far as stocking up on groceries & clothes. The cost of living is very cheap. There are homes ,trailer parks and apartment complex .The downside is the crazy hot summers. Its usually 10 degrees hotter than vegas. the upside is having a dirtbike & just being able to ride anywhere. Small towns across america have seen hard times over the past 20 years because of the greed of our government. The local motels in baker were all class during the 40's, 50's, & 60's. But then again so was our society. Remember how great this country was? read more

I have made "The Trip" from L.V. to L.A. and back since 1971 and just last week I did it again with husband and Grandson. We decided to go across the street to check "IT" out and I went down! Yes it was dark but, I did NOT expect a huge hole in the street and I went down and messed me body up something good. Bruised ankle, knee, badly on the hip, shoulder, arm and lets NOT forget the forehead! The worse is the broken ribs I got. Two ribs and there is nothing I can do about this! OR is there! And THIS is how we showed up for a special Christmas holiday! How is it a hole THIS BIG is only getting BIGGER? How is it-NOBODY GIVES A HOOT ON WHAT THIS HOLE IS DOING?? FIX THIS HOLE- OR I WILL do something to make sure you people take care of business and NOT cause THIS kind of mishap! SHAME ON BISHOP!! read more