Victorville, CA

Victorville has lots of Route 66 remnants. Be sure to check out the California Route 66 Museum just before following Route 66 along Bus 15 on Victorville's 7th Street, which is the main drag.

On the way to Victorville from Oro Grande, you will pass Emma Jean's Holland Burger. It's a small place where folks prefer t0 sit at the counter rather than the tables. Emma Jean's was opened in 1947 as the Holland Cafe' by Bob and Katherine Holland. They sold it to Emma Jean in 1979 and she changed the name to Emma Jean's Holland Burger. Today it is run by Emma Jean's son Brian and his wife. This is a unique place with good food and a national following. Part of the movie Kill Bill was filmed there and it has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Diners.

Victorville is different. 

The first time I stayed in Victorville I planned to stay at the New Corral Motel because it has a distinctive restored Route 66 sign with a rearing neon palomino. I asked a local about the motel, and he euphemistically told me that I could “meet some chicks” there. Not to be deterred, I stopped into a local bar and asked about the New Corral, and the bartender told me that if I stayed there I “…definitely would get robbed.” 

So much for the New Corral. I wound up staying at the Green Tree Inn, which was pretty worn, but overall OK. It had its own bar and restaurant. I didn’t meet any chicks, but at least I didn’t get robbed. 

I Googled local bars, and it appeared that a place called T-Zers was the place to go. I asked the clerk in the lobby of the Green Tree how to get there, and she told me it was closed because two people had been murdered there a couple of days previously. So much for T-Zers. 

I looked for another bar and wound up at Johnnie Fingers Sports Bar. It turned out to be a pretty friendly place with cold beer and good drinks. 

While I was there, someone came in and asked if we had any news about a shooting at the Dollar General. The bartender said she had heard about it an hour or so previously. The guys who had come in said that the police just got there. 

Like I said, Victorville was different.

If you are hungry, just before getting on I-15 heading toward Devore and San Bernardino, try Richie's American Diner. It has only been around 20 years, but it has a 1950s feel, with it's black and white checkered floor, turquoise upholstered booths and luncheonette counter. They smoke their own hams, chickens, steaks and other meats. There is a corner with some vintage photos that are worth checking out.

The next town is Devore, and you'll have to get on I-15 to get there, but it is a beautiful ride with views of mountain vistas. You'll also get to get off the interstate to follow the old road through a canyon following the railroad tracks with I-15 over 100 feet above you in some places. This short ride is one of the prettiest on California's Route 66, so don't be tempted to skip it by staying on I-15!