Cafe 247 is a roadside cafe and more, with best burgers, beer and BBQ in Lucerne Valley

Reader Zachary Husted recently recommended Alyn and Kathy Nielsen’s unique Café 247 in Lucerne Valley as the deserving subject for Dining Around. No surprise that when we called, the Nielsens thought it was a good idea, too.

What’s in a name?

Named after their location at the corner of State Highway 247 and Old Woman Springs Road, Café 247 is what the Nielsens call a “roadside café.” We think it is much more.

Want music?

Since becoming the owners in 2015, the Nielsens have focused on burgers and beer, fries, milkshakes, and the best BBQ cooked and served every Friday through Sunday and to be eaten while enjoying the best High Desert, Orange County, Joshua Tree and Los Angeles bands. It’s the best in outdoor dining and live entertainment.

Some of the weekend bands have played as cover bands and backup musicians for many well-known groups.

Café 247’s outdoor dining area and convenient bar service make for plenty of room to eat, drink and enjoy the scene every day.

Paying it forward

Biker clubs gather at Café 247 to eat and ride out for fun or to raise money to help others. Last year, a successful ride was held for the families of victims of the hit-and-run accident in June 2021 in Lucerne Valley. Poker runs for the Barstow Veterans Home are well attended, as are rides dedicated to combat veterans in need or for fallen heroes.

Bikers come to Lucerne Valley from all over, including a group from Europe that rented Harleys and rode to Café 247, one of their “destination points.”

Most Wednesdays, the Dirty Boyz and Naughty Girlz Breakfast Ride Club, an idea that started during the pandemic, rides out to support other small businesses. Local drive-thru or sit-down diners in places like Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Big Bear, Running Springs, and Wrightwood get a heads-up call that the “Boyz and Girlz” are on their way.

It’s “kickstands up,” and everyone is invited. Check the Club’s Facebook page for pictures and more.

And now, the food

Café 247’s burgers are “very big,” to quote Alyn Nielsen. He adds that even the ultra hungry leave satisfied after just one burger and a side of fries. The milkshakes are handmade and come in 15 flavors.

BBQ options include fall-off-the-bone beef or pork ribs — Alyn Nielsen says, “No teeth needed” — as well as tri-tip, pulled pork and sausages. The most popular item is the sampler plate for with those that just cannot make up their minds. Sandwiches are also available.

Get there early because BBQ starts service at noon and is often sold out by mid-afternoon.

Diners can hang out for five minutes or five hours. With outdoor seating, diners are welcome to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

Tasty technology

Travelers heading through Lucerne Valley can reserve a rack of ribs to pick up on their way to their destination. Orders are kept in the computer.

Plenty of parking

Café 247 sits on several acres and the parking is able to handle RVs with toy haulers, 18-wheelers and more. Whether the vehicles belong to the BBQ-and-music crowd or those attending car shows, gem shows, swap meets and other community events at Café 247, there is room for all.

All in the family

The Nielsen’s son Matthew is part of Café 247 as is his friend Hayden Noffsinger, the manager. The Nielsens regard all their employees as family. Most are Lucerne Valley locals.

Giving back to the community is an important part of the business at Café 247, too, with Lucerne Valley High School students receiving scholarships. They also reward deserving students for whom college is not an immediate goal. They rely on Lucerne Valley Unified School District Superintendent Peter Livingston to suggest prospective recipients.

Students in the Culinary Program at LVHS benefit from work experience at the café as well.

Eat-in, take out

Café 247 has a Facebook page. Their menu is found on places.singleplatform.com. They offer dine-in, dine outside, and drive-through options.

Dining Around

If you would like your own restaurant or your favorite eatery profiled in Dining Around, please contact Kathy Young at the Daily Press by email, kyoung3@gannett.com, or text 760-953-8682.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Dining Around: Cafe 247 food favorites include burgers, beer and BBQ