Previously home to the famous “Yucca Inn,” established in 1934, Rick’s Roadside Café has graced the corner of Route 138 and Beekley Road in Pinon Hills since 1997, keeping satisfied customers returning for more of their hearty meals. Owners Sandra and Cristian Alvarez have maintained their promise to the previous owner, the well-remembered Rick Baxter, to provide a high-quality service to their guests and employees. “We always meet our family at Rick’s when we visit from Nevada,” Said Ashley with her nephew “Cash” waiting to be seated at one of the Tri-Communities landmark restaurants.
Inside the rustic dining room, the walls are lined with historical photos and items representing the years this establishment has been serving meals to Phelan, Pinon Hills, and Wrightwood. Many a motorist passing by on Highway 138 looking for a home-cooked meal has enjoyed the relaxed, down-home atmosphere of Rick’s. Even the menu has historical charm, with the story of the Yucca Inn and Rick’s Roadside Diner’s origin printed on its cover. “This is so good!” said John Scialpi, a regular at Rick’s, while enjoying his Cinnamon French Toast, a customer favorite. Well known for its skillets, the cosmopolitan menu offers many familiar choices, from burgers and sandwiches to soups and salads. Over one hundred personal coffee mugs are hanging on the wall behind the service counter, reflecting the patronage of the returning customers–at least the coffee drinkers. They also offer all of their meals for take-out, with the morning favorite, historically, being their sensational breakfast burrito.
Although the restaurant has historically been a breakfast and lunch café, Rick’s Roadside Diner now offers a new menu on Friday and Saturday evenings to fill that dinnertime need for a sit-down supper. Who can resist the traditional Friday night offering of hand-battered Icelandic Cod Fish and Chips with homemade Cole slaw and piping hot garlic toast from the oven? Serving delicious Prime Rib with mixed vegetables, garlic toast, and your choice of potato on Saturday nights, Rick’s Roadside Diner also has top-your-own cheesecake with a choice of toppings for a dinner that deserves dessert.
The excellent food and service at Rick’s is what inspired current owner Cristian Alvarez to purchase the restaurant from Rick Baxter in 2018. With his wife Sandra, they would visit Rick’s Roadside Diner weekly from Victorville for breakfast, where they developed strong ties with Rick that eventually spawned an interest in purchasing the property. As they say, “The rest is history,” with Sandra and Cristian successfully fulfilling their dream of operating the restaurant here in the Tri-Community. Enjoy the daily specials, the hospitality, and the delicious food at this family-friendly roadside eatery. Rick’s Roadside Café is open for dine-in or take-out, Sunday-Thursday 7:00 am through 2:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. For information, call (760) 868-8863 or follow them on Facebook with their daily specials and on Instagram.
