The First District is home to some of Route 66’s most legendary diners, including the iconic Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe on D Street in Victorville.
Bob Holland and his wife Kate opened this cozy eatery in 1947. It was built from cinder blocks made at the fiber tile plant where Cemex now stands. In 1979, Holland sold the business to cement truck driver Richard Gentry and wife Emma Jean. When Richard passed away in 2008, Gentry’s son Brian and wife Shawna took over the business.
Catering to hungry travelers passing through the High Desert, this historic restaurant specializes in hearty home-cooked meals including biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak and their famous 1/2-pound Holland Burgers.
Belly up to the bar for a hearty Trucker’s Special Sandwich (chock-full of roast beef, bacon, Ortega chilies, and melted Swiss cheese), or dig in to some gooey chili cheese fries. Just be sure to save room for the cherry and peach cobbler!
In addition to serving weary motorists, the cafe has starred in several Hollywood spots, including Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill: Vol. 2,” Train’s music video, “Bulletproof Picasso,” and Guy Fieri’s Route 66 episode of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe is located at17143 D Street, Victorville. Hours are 5 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. weekdays, and 6 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. For more information, call 760.243.9938.