As I was enroute to Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Base with a load of fuel for the MCX, when I decided to look at all the restaurants and take a mental note on which ones I might be able to park my rig at and get a bite to eat on my way back. As soon as I got up the hill, (or at least the first hill), I noticed this Cafe. I knew about this place from when I used to drop fuel at the Circle K right there, but never gave it any thought. Rolling out to the base, there were several places I noticed as possibilities along the 62.
I got to the base, and even though I have been there many times, it took longer than I thought to get in and drop. So when it was time to leave, I decided to get some distance between me and the base. I remembered this was my last hope for a bite before the Casino Morongo area. So I kept it moving past all the other places, and made my way here. I parked my truck by the vacant house (not in the dirt road) across the side street from the cafe.
Walked into a packed restaurant. I could either sit at the smallest counter in the world, or the one table that was available. I chose the little table, and was greeted by a Waiter, a real Gentleman by the name of Ruben. Welcoming and friendly, he handed me a menu and took my drink order. I perused the menu hoping for a great lunch, but I was a tad disappointed by the selection. A few burgers, some sandwiches, some salads. Perhaps my expectations were too high...
My Iced Tea came out, and I asked him what a "Turkey Melt" consisted of. He pretty much told me it was a grilled cheese with turkey. So I ordered the Tuna Melt on sourdough w/ fries.
My food came out rather quickly, and what I got was a little sandwich, with a little bit of little fries. It tasted good, but it was pretty much a small grilled-cheese sandwich with tuna and celery bits in it. The fries were alright as well. Thin-cut fries that got cold quickly. Not bad, just not great either. My Iced Tea was just standard as well.
It became apparent that this is a breakfast spot. I seemed to be the only one not eating breakfast, and it was 1300! I think I saw a Lady eating a salad in the corner, but EVERY other table had a huge pile of Biscuits and Gravy on them, and they looked GOOD! Hashbrowns being served also looked really good too! Then a family of four sat next to me in a recently vacated table, and ordered nothing but Cinnamon Rolls!? I got it when they came out, they were huge as well! Knife and fork Cinnamon Rolls! I doubt I will come back here for lunch, but I am definitely intrigued by all the breakfasts I witnessed being served, and I have to try it someday when I'm out here hungry in the morning.
The prices were a tad steep for what I got ($12 plus tip) but the food was alright.
The restaurant was clean, and the staff was pleasant. The Menu is a funny read too. read more