"Prior to the pandemic, the Mad Greek was one of the most well-known restaurants along Interstate 15, the main focus of the town of Baker, which stands as the last major marker before reaching Las Vegas from LA. Founder Larry Dabour opened the place with his family in 1990, developing a bit of a cult following among road trippers and truckers. The blue-laden interior conjures images of Aegean islands and bright skies. Most diners come for the gyro wraps and plates, heaping portions of ground lamb and beef, pork, layered chicken carved to order. Crispy fried falafel also make for filling pita sandwiches served with earthy tahini and hummus. There are also fast-food favorites like burgers, fries, and patty melts, plus ice cream shakes (strawberry is the most popular)." - Matthew Kang
"A rite of passage for Southern Californians traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, The Mad Greek has decades of history as a favorite lunch spot for travelers. There may be no more popular stop in the state than the Greek on a Sunday afternoon, as Californians return west from a weekend jaunt to Sin City. The baklava, whether in traditional form or mixed into a milkshake, makes for a great snack while navigating the 15." - Vox Creative
"The Mad Greek will be your last pull-over before Vegas so make it count. For whatever reason, people are just drawn to this place and Mad Greek has positioned itself as the most recognizable restaurant along the entire 1-15 corridor. Mad Greek will also tell you they have “America’s Best Gyro” on the menu. That is not true. It is probably the best gyro you’ll have that day though so go ahead and order one to be passed around the car. And then draw your focus solely to the strawberry shake. Because it’s 112 degrees out and this beautiful, football-size calorie dump actually is America’s best." - brant cox
"The Mad Greek will be your last pull-over before Vegas so make it count. For whatever reason, people are just drawn to this place and Mad Greek has positioned itself as the most recognizable restaurant along the entire 1-15 corridor. Mad Greek will also tell you they have “America’s Best Gyro” on the menu. That is not true. It is probably the best gyro you’ll have that day though so go ahead and order one to be passed around the car. And then draw your focus solely to the strawberry shake. Because it’s 112 degrees out and this beautiful, football-size calorie dump actually is America’s best. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation
"Against all odds, 28-year-old road trip icon the Mad Greek rakes in $4 million a year. Yes, that’s big money for any restaurant in this day and age — but it’s especially impressive for an aging diner with sky-high operating costs that trades in a style of food that’s languished for years elsewhere in greater Southern California. Not to mention it’s positioned in the midst of a nearly inhabitable climate: in the high desert between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Despite incredible odds, owner Larry Dabour keeps his family business’s status as a juggernaut in itinerant dining alive." - Farley Elliott