May 2011: While in Vegas, we drove around an hour across the border of California, to a small town called Baker. This is the home of the Mad Greek. This was on the first episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, so they discovered it long before the restaurants started feature more and more outrageous foods. It was a a decent place, with typical Greek fare. They had gyros, falafel, spinach pie, souvlaki, kebabs, etc. They also had a nice selection of desserts, many of which I ate. This is a counter service restaurant where they bring the order to the table. (You place the order at a counter, and they give you a number to stick on the table. When the order comes up, they bring it to you.) There’s not much to say here. The food was decent, but nothing magical. I’ve eaten a lot of gyros in my day, and this one was strictly average. The rice tasted very funny though. It wasn’t inedible, but it had a quality I couldn’t place. As we were eating, I asked “Wet dog? Is that it?” My wife agreed. Wet dog was definitely the flavor of the rice.
In spite of the funny tasting rice, the gyro was large and decent, and the desserts were calling my name, so I picked up a few on the way out. I can’t remember what they were all called, but every one of them was pretty tasty. There was pistachio baklava, some Greek yogurt with nuts and granola, some doughy honey covered stuff, and best of all the almond cookies. I actually wish I had eaten the almond cookie first. If I had tasted it before leaving, I would have probably bought several more. Overall, it was a decent stop if you’re passing through town, but I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way to drive there again.
Food: [usr 7/10] 7/10)
Show: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives — Episode: Classics (101)
Restaurant Info: The Mad Greek — 72112 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309 — (760) 733-4354