The Mad Greek Cafe

It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad Greek.



If you desire a break along the semi-arid portion of I-15, then, Baker, CA, “Gateway to Death Valley,” is a fairly decent town to rest, eat, or take some photos. There’s some, out of business signs scarring the streetscape, but the “Mad Greek” restaurant is still very much alive. Besides being an authentic Greek restaurant, Mad Greek seems to be in good company among “Alien Beef Jerky” and the “World’s Tallest Thermometer,” as far as attractions. The exterior is a mixture of modern and re-created antiquities such as the Neo-Classic post and lintel system which I’m sure is purely decorative and non-structural in function. Without referring to my 23-year-old Western Civ. homework for conformation, I recognize the stylings as a mixture of Doric and Corinthian. This mixing of pop culture and ancient Greece continues inside as well, but it’s all authentically Greek. In between the Columns and Facades are News articles, autograph pictures of Celebs, and portrait sized pics of the Greek Coastline. I’ve never seen a bad picture of Greek landscapes and I don’t think it’s possible to take one. Some picture subjects just naturally compose themselves. Other misc. items include a displayed Greek dancing costume and the “Greek Tycoon” movie poster, a standard item for an authentic Greek Restaurant. I couldn’t thoroughly explore all the interior décor as my meal was ready rather quickly. The food is a Greek and American and a large selection of Greek baked goods including Baklava. I chose the Gyro plate. One shortcoming is the absence of spinach pie but they do have a kind of, spinach and cheese turnover that I tried. It was Ok although a little dry I thought. I’ve been here more than twice and tried different dishes every time. I’m always satisfied and notice something that I overlooked from the previous visit. They have my repeat business for now.

I stop every time I go to Vegas. Delicious!

Yeah, the food is like festival fare, but the real reason to stop at The Mad Greek is for the cheesecake shake! The other reviewers are just clueless to the kitschy hook of this place. It's just a pitstop on the way to Vegas, so adjust your expectations, enjoy the nummy cheesecake shake and mosey over to the general store to stock up on roadtrip snacks. Two of the stars are the for the cheesecakse shake, and the other star is for the Roadside America kitsch factor.