Outpost Cafe
Vintage postcard
The Outpost Cafe got its start in 1929 as a humble combination gas station and six-seat diner along the old U.S. Route 66 and Highway 395. Back then, it was a lifeline for motorists making the long haul between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, years before anyone dreamed of Interstate 15.
Through the 1940s and 50s, the place built a loyal following of truckers, servicemen from nearby bases, and dusty desert travelers looking for quick, hearty meals. By 1961, the arrival of the freeway meant moving a little west to its current spot in Oak Hills, keeping it right in the path of north–south travelers.
In the 70s and 80s, the Outpost added a quirky roadside twist—a themed wedding chapel. With big signs promising “No Waiting,” it lured young couples heading for Nevada and even hosted the occasional truck driver tying the knot before hitting the road again.
The chapel eventually disappeared in the 90s, but the cafe kept on serving. Today, the Outpost Cafe is still dishing up generous plates in the same friendly, old-school style, a nostalgic reminder of the days when road trips meant finding a one-of-a-kind stop instead of just another chain.
Timeline
1929 – The original Outpost opened as a combination gas station and six-seat diner along the old U.S. Route 66/Highway 395 corridor. It was a stop for motorists traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas long before the interstate existed.
1940s–1950s – The café gained a steady clientele of truckers, servicemen from nearby military installations, and desert travelers. It became known for hearty, simple meals served quickly.
1961 – When Interstate 15 was constructed, the business moved slightly west to its present site at 8685 U.S. 395 in Oak Hills. This relocation kept it in the path of north–south travelers while adapting to the new freeway era.
1970s–1980s – The Outpost added a themed “Wedding Chapel” next to the restaurant, capitalizing on the Las Vegas marriage trade. Roadside signs promised quick weddings—sometimes marketed as “No Waiting.” It attracted curious travelers, young couples on their way to Nevada, and even a few spontaneous ceremonies for truck drivers.
1990s – The chapel faded from use and was eventually removed. The café, however, remained a constant roadside landmark.
2000s–Present – The Outpost Café still operates as a family-friendly, old-school diner, drawing regulars and travelers for generous portions and the nostalgia of pre-chain-restaurant road culture. Its reputation as a “truck stop with character” has made it a fixture for decades.
Route 66
15 Freeway
U.S. 395
U.S. 91
National Old Trails Road
Hesperia, CA.
Wedding Chapel - Donna May Butikofer
