Barstow’s dining scene is a desert mirage in motion: ever-shifting and full of surprises. We’re tracking more chef pop-ups, ghost kitchens, and roadside gems than ever before. In this landscape, creativity is survival. From historic Route 66 diners to innovative newcomers, here are the spots worth pulling over for right now.
Village Cafe
$ | (760) 256-5152 | WEBSITE
Village Cafe has been serving Chinese and American dishes for over 40 years in Barstow. The food is really good, so we’re happy to see that this hidden gem is still going strong. You’ll find dishes like their steak over white rice, potstickers, and almond cookies for the road. The menu offers traditional options daily, with lunch specials and family-style dinners available. The portions are generous but not overwhelming, and the food is beautiful and delicious.
The staff are all super chill and sweet people, with the owner being a cool dude and the waitress incredibly kind. Despite the rundown area, the service is top-notch. Customers get a lot from the one and only waiter, and the kitchen is run by the other brother. The coconut shrimp and orange chicken are especially awesome, while the pork ribs are super filling and yummy. This place is cheap but tastes good, and many plan to return.
Subway
$ | (760) 253-2873 | WEBSITE
Subway is a reliable road food stop that’s operating out of a convenient location in Barstow. But don’t let the straightforward sandwich chain concept fool you, this place has excellent subs. They’re fresh, well-made, perfectly assembled, and will satisfy any traveler who needs a quick bite on the road. From a perfect veggie sub with crisp vegetables to the classic sandwiches prepared by friendly staff like Julian, everything here is fantastic.
Casa Jimenez
$ | (760) 252-3346 | WEBSITE
Casa Jimenez has been serving Barstow since it opened, and this is their current location offering dine-in service with that authentic Mexican feel. The menu features their classic dishes, with things like the three taco combo, taquitos, carnitas, and fish tacos. The decor showcases many animals and hunting pictures, creating that unique atmosphere perfect for photos. The staff remains friendly and attentive, just like you’d expect.
The food delivers great value, with generous portions that won’t break the bank—most plates run about $12-18. The coffee and chilaquiles are still not to be missed. While the rice could use a bit more seasoning, the seafood tastes fresh and the salsas pack plenty of flavor. It’s worth supporting this local spot for consistently good Mexican food in a welcoming setting.
Sam’s Palace
$ | (760) 252-0602 | WEBSITE
When Sam’s Palace opened its doors this year, it quickly became the go-to spot for reliable Chinese takeout. The restaurant serves generous portions of classic dishes like BBQ pork and teriyaki chicken, which arrive hot and fresh every time. You’ll find these favorites available daily, along with other staples like sesame chicken, all at wallet-friendly prices that make it easy to feed a crowd.
The staff are consistently polite and efficient, ensuring your order is ready quickly whether you’re dining in or taking home leftovers. While some menu items might not hit the mark for everyone, overall Sam’s Palace delivers exactly what you want: satisfying meals that taste good without breaking the bank.
Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers
$ | (760) 253-5500 | WEBSITE
We’re big fans of Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers, a classic burger joint in Barstow, so we’re excited that they’ve maintained their signature chili cheeseburgers all these years. Their famous burger has toppings like thick chili sauce, diced onions, and a thick slice of tomato, described as the ‘absolute BOMB.’ The double chili cheeseburger, in particular, is highlighted for its great tasting chili and consistent quality.
The dining area is noted for being clean and ‘doable,’ with simple booths and bright lighting that make it a reliable stop. The friendly staff provide great service and make helpful suggestions, keeping everything hot and fresh. Whether you’re local or just passing through on your way to Las Vegas, Original Tommy’s remains a tasty and enjoyable meal at around $8-$12 per burger.
Canton Restaurant
$ | (760) 256-9565 | WEBSITE
Finding the amazing Chinese food at Canton Restaurant requires some advance planning. You need to arrive early for the lunch specials and be prepared for the generous servings. And because it’s a popular spot, it might take a while to get a table. But your patience will be rewarded with some excellent salt and pepper pork chops, duck prepared in that unusual way, and fresh sashimi.
If you’re lucky, they might be experimenting with some fusion twists on traditional dishes that they’ll bring to your table just to showcase their creativity.
Baskin-Robbins
$ | (949) 629-8609 | WEBSITE
Baskin-Robbins is conveniently located right off the 15 freeway at the Lenwood Road exit – the one with that famous drive-thru option that makes it so easy for travelers. Well, that accessibility has made it a regular stop for many, and the staff here consistently deliver excellent customer service, often going out of their way to accommodate requests. The menu is focused on delicious shakes and classic ice cream flavors, with the strawberry shake being absolutely perfect for hot days.
It has a wonderfully creamy texture, and comes with that familiar sweet-tart balance that will feel nostalgic to anyone who grew up with Baskin-Robbins. Many customers enjoy trying new flavors while others stick with classics like Pralines and Creme and World Class Chocolate – both are fantastic. Even when you arrive just before closing, the friendly and efficient staff welcome you with smiles and give you time to explore different flavors in the clean, bright environment.
Jenny’s Grill Steak & Mariscos
$ | (760) 255-1500 | WEBSITE
This family-owned spot specializes in Mexican cuisine and the menu has things like the Chile Verde plate, a Mar y Tierra molcajete, and ostiones preparados (yes, served with micheladas). Both the pork in the Chile Verde and the seafood are incredibly flavorful, the house-made beans are wonderfully authentic, and we’re glad the generous portions are covering everything since it’s delicious. Basically, this place has the type of comfort food that can single-handedly get you through any day.
Lola’s Kitchen
$ | (760) 255-1007 | WEBSITE
This is a family-owned Mexican gem tucked away in a Barstow strip mall with plenty of parking. And Lola’s Kitchen specializes in (you guessed it) authentic Mexican food, with standout dishes like chili verde, sopes, and breakfast burritos. The place has an unassuming exterior but inside it’s clean and welcoming, with Lola and her son providing friendly service. Many customers rave about the breakfast and lunch offerings, noting the food is always hot, quick, and made with care.
The homemade hot sauces and fresh ingredients really shine through in dishes like the chilaquiles and burritos. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone passing through the area looking for fantastic Mexican food in a clean, family-run environment.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (760) 253-2547 | WEBSITE
You might remember Raising Cane’s – a chicken finger chain that’s been expanding across the country. It’s been around for years, but now it’s thriving in Barstow, California. Operating out of a convenient spot for travelers, it has a focused menu of fast-casual favorites like chicken tenders, crinkle-cut fries, and signature Cane’s sauce. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with cheerful staff who keep the space immaculately clean.
It’s especially popular with families looking for a quick, satisfying meal on the way to or from Las Vegas, with nearby amenities like shopping and hotels making it an ideal pit stop.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (760) 253-3700 | WEBSITE
Chili’s Grill & Bar is a popular restaurant that takes its inspiration from classic American comfort food (FYI, their baby back ribs are legendary). This means Chili’s has the same kind of satisfying, crowd-pleasing dishes that we all know, love, and make all our visiting friends and families eat. There are only a few standout items you absolutely need to try from Chili’s each visit, so plan your order ahead of time.
Del Taco
$ | (760) 253-2641 | WEBSITE
One of the best parts of heading to Vegas is the chance to stop at Del Taco. Specifically, eating their Barstow Tacos that come generously filled with meat and cheese right in front of you. Unfortunately, the dining room can be dirty at times, but luckily the team behind Del Taco is offering quick service and motivated staff, especially a worker named Elijah, who makes the experience even better.
This Del Taco is equipped to handle many customers, making it a must-visit place that will change the way you see Del Taco!
Roy’s Cafe
$ | (760) 718-0498 | WEBSITE
Roy’s Cafe has long been a beloved Barstow spot that developed a loyal following for its home-style comfort food. Now you can enjoy its famous biscuits and gravy every morning (or the occasional hearty burger) in person, for dine-in or takeout from its cozy location on Main Street.
Ate8 Noodle House
$ | (760) 412-1558 | WEBSITE
This Barstow noodle spot has become a reliable pit stop for travelers, offering a straightforward yet satisfying menu. The focus here is on comforting noodle bowls, with standout dishes like beef noodle soup and beef braised noodles, both featuring generous portions in rich, flavorful broths. The beef braised noodles come with substantial chunks of meat, fresh bok choy, and plenty of noodles. They also have a selection of foreign snacks, drinks, and desserts available for purchase.
Guests can enjoy a refreshing Thai tea or ramen in the clean, modern interior that provides a relaxed atmosphere. While the prices run a bit high at around $16-18 per bowl and you need to order and pay upfront, the food delivers on taste and the service remains friendly and efficient.
Jack in the Box
$ | (760) 646-4149 | WEBSITE
Jack in the Box is a classic fast-food chain in Barstow, CA. Their specialty is the Jumbo Jack: a juicy burger with fresh toppings on a soft bun. There are two popular options to try (the Jumbo Jack or the Supreme Croissant breakfast) and both versions are consistently satisfying, with quality ingredients that are prepared quickly with just the right amount of customization. The drive-thru service is generally fast, though communication could be smoother at times.
Recent visits highlight the efficiency of the staff, with one trip featuring speedy preparation and a perfectly customized Classic Smashburger. Another visit showed better service and order accuracy here compared to other locations. Despite some concerns about the surrounding area, the overall experience at this Jack in the Box remains positive, with customers appreciating the reliable food and the efforts of the team.
Los Alazanes Mexican Food
$ | (442) 233-0048 | WEBSITE
Los Alazanes Mexican Food is a long-standing fixture (it’s been a local favorite for years) operating in Barstow. It’s a spot for authentic Mexican cuisine to shine, with a consistent lineup of homemade dishes and excellent sauces. On the menu, you’ll find standout items like the green chilaquiles, carne asada fries, and menudo. The shrimp and fish soft tacos are a must-try, though the crunchy chicken tacos may not be to everyone’s taste.
While the service can be a bit sparse at times, the food quality and generous portions make up for it. The ambiance is clean and tidy, with plenty of natural light and seating, all at reasonable prices that keep people coming back.
Oggi’s Sports Brewhouse Pizza
$$ | (760) 253-2001 | WEBSITE
This is a lively sports brewhouse located near hotels in Barstow, California. The “Sports” in question is the main attraction, and Oggi’s theme is “game-day dining”. This means you’ll find options like the “Special XL” pizza, a “generous” quinoa sliders plate, and “Alfred’s pasta with salmon” cause, you know, sports fans.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
$ | (760) 307-5091 | WEBSITE
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a classic roadside spot that specializes in smashed burgers and frozen custard. There are plenty of options on the menu (like the perfectly cooked burgers and the must-try skinny shoestring fries), along with crispy cheese curds, turtle sundaes, and brownie sundaes. Along with their bright diner-like space featuring red and white colors, they also offer a drive-thru for convenience and ample parking. Check their location for details.
Dutch Bros Coffee
$ | (877) 899-2767 | WEBSITE
The Dutch Bros people are very busy right now. Dutch Bros Coffee is their drive-thru-focused coffee shop with a family-operated feel, and as you might have deduced from the name, this place focuses primarily on coffee drinks. The menu has things like the Poppin Boba Vanilla Freeze, Golden Eagle with soft top, chocolate shakes for kids, and muffin tops. The parking lot is decently sized, and there are other food options available.
The broistas ensure customers enjoy their drinks with great coffee quality at good prices, making it an affordable option. While some have noted that the broistas might need training, the overall friendliness of the staff shines through. This coffee shop is definitely worth a visit.
Six Beans Coffee Co.
$ | (760) 252-5396 | WEBSITE
The strawberry and pomegranate blend at Six Beans Coffee Co. is one of our favorite drinks in Barstow. And now this coffee shop known for its friendly service is offering a consistently popular (at minimum) alternative to larger chains. It’s called the Tropical Drive and features refreshing drinks like that signature blend, and menu items like reasonably priced coffee and food with personalized sleeves as a special touch.
The staff, including friendly associates like Belicia and Chrissy, provide good, quick service in a convenient location for travelers. However, there have been issues with incorrect orders and long wait times due to the confusing big menu, highlighting the need for clearer communication and menu simplification. Overall, Six Beans Coffee Co. is a popular spot for quality coffee and friendly service.
