By admin BARSTOW, Calif. (KABC) — Take a drive down a dusty desert road in San Bernardino County, and you’ll find Slash X Ranch Café, a destination where ranch history, off-road adventures and hearty comfort food come together.
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Originally a cattle ranch, the property became a restaurant in the 1950s, giving ranch hands a place to grab a hot meal and a cold drink.
Today, co-owners Randy and RJ Lynn said the restaurant’s authentic atmosphere is what sets it apart.
“There’s a lot of larger chains and stuff that try to emulate the experience that, you know, we’ve organically grown over the last 60 years of going from a ranch to an actual, like, ranch-themed restaurant. And it’s authentic.”
The restaurant features a beer garden, live music and plenty of history to explore. Even Hollywood has made its way inside.
One of the scenes for “Erin Brockovich” was shot in the bar, and a phone booth that once stood outside was also part of the production.
But it’s the travelers and off-road community that are the true heartbeat of Slash X.
Over the decades, hundreds of hats and other memorabilia have been left behind as parting gifts, each carrying its own story.
The Lynns said the community is very close.
“The off-road community is very tight-knit. If someone needs help, whether it’s they get stuck in the desert or someone gets lost or a lost dog, they will all come together and help each other out, and that’s what makes this place special.”
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And after a day in the desert, visitors can refuel with some seriously hearty food.
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The Quad burger features four patties and four slices of cheese.
“You don’t need a meal the rest of the day after eating this,” one diner said.
The menu also includes big steaks, racks of ribs and a legendary mountain of chili cheese fries.
Fall is the restaurant’s busiest season, and the Lynn family encourages visitors to come experience Slash X for themselves.
“All of these hats weren’t just put up here for decoration. All the stuff on the walls wasn’t just like the designer didn’t pick this out and lay this out. This is accumulated history and it’s accumulated little anecdotes and moments of time.”
Slash X Ranch Café is located at 28040 Barstow Rd, in Barstow, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The restaurant is also a proud sponsor of the third annual Power Puff Race for a Cure, benefiting breast cancer research.
The event will take place in Barstow next weekend.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Share with us and we may highlight your submission on Community Eats with Rachel Brown.
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