The Mad Greek

The Mad Greek is located in Baker, California on Interstate 15, between Las Vegas Nevada and Barstow California.  The restaurant, truly an oasis in the desert, is about 80 miles, or 77 minutes outside of Las Vegas. There telephone number is 760 733-4354 and there are plenty of signs along the highway as you get closer to Baker.

My fellow travelers and I decided to stop by for breakfast on their recommendation after having had dinner there a few months ago.

Upon entering the white and blue building, you are greeted by Greek music and walls covered in Greek decor. There are two fabulous photographs taking the upper portion of two walls in the main dining area: one photo of Santorini and one of Mykonos.  The decor follows the traditional blue and white, with flowers hanging from the ceiling and lace curtains on the windows.  There was professional music equipment in the corner, however I never found out why it was there.  While you wait for your food, you can grab a handout and read about Greek words in the English language, or learn the Greek alphabet from a poster on the wall.

For breakfast, I had the spinach and feta cheese omelet, which came with hash browns, toast, a large slice of delicious watermelon and a quarter of an orange.  The omelet was a good size for $5.25; probably made with four eggs.  The coffee was very good.   My only complaint is that they could have washed the spinach one more time.   The breakfast menu also had eggs with loukaniko, and all the other traditional American breakfast dishes you would expect.  The lunch menu featured burgers and sandwiches as well as the obligatory gyro.  My traveling companions told me they had a great dinner there, olives and feta cheese, a horiatiki salad and mousaka.

The restaurant also features all the great pastries you would want: baklava, kourambethes, koulourakia, etc.  You can also get Mad Greek frisbees, mugs, shirts, etc.

The bottom line:  A great deal for three reasons:

1. A good place to stop on a long trip - if you're driving from Las Vegas to Southern California, or vice versa, it's perfect for stretching your legs, getting a bite to eat and using the restroom (all automated toilets, sinks, etc.).
2. Great atmosphere - Designed truly as a Greek restaurant, not another type of restaurant with some Greek food.
3. Great Greek food at great prices - let's face it, to attract business in that location, prices have to be good.

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