Hay Madre Mia — Restaurant in Victorville

First impressions weren’t great—the outside was surrounded by homeless. Inside, we waited over 10 minutes at a dirty community table that still had napkins and salsa from the previous customers.

I ordered a café de olla, which was disappointing (especially when the waitress brought over a carton of half & half). A good café de olla should never need cream. The green chilaquiles tasted sour, the eggs were undercooked, and the handmade tortillas were thick and undercooked.

My partner’s menudo tasted days old and had a bad smell that left his stomach upset. He also ordered a carnitas taco that never arrived, but we were charged for it.

The clay dishes were pretty and the waitress was kind, but unfortunately the food just didn’t taste good. We picked at our plates but couldn’t really eat. Sadly, not a place I’d return to.

Thank you for your response. I do want to address a few things respectfully but firmly. First, I am of Mexican descent To be told “if you’re educated” about tomatillos and salsa is not only offensive but dismissive of our culture and knowledge of our own cuisine.

Second, your comment about acting “like a normal person” is unprofessional and unnecessary. Customers should never be spoken to in that way, especially when they are simply sharing their experience.

Lastly, reviews are meant to provide feedback so businesses can improve. Instead of receiving an apology or acknowledgment, your response shifted blame onto us and invalidated our experience. Respect goes both ways, and unfortunately, your reply reflects poorly on the hospitality expected from...

After a long drive from a neighboring state, which I will not disclose to my surprise Hay Madre Mia is open 24 hours. Knowing it was it early Sunday morning (4:00am) and after reading the reviews, we found a place for "fantastic" menudo. I guess the photos got the best of me, so we veered off-course and headed for there. I was the only well lit business on that two lane road, so it wasn't hard to miss. Well, as we pulled to the speaker, viewed the overwhelming list of food items, we knew this trip wasn't a complete loss. With our hearts and appetite set for menudo to go with all the trimmings to include hand made tortillas, the gentleman politely said "Hello, good morning, what would you like to order today?" I said with a big smile and grin, "We would like two large orders of menudos' to go" and to hear the gentleman reply "Sorry, we don't have any". My smile turned upside down, which I replied "What !?, okay thanks", then heading out the drive-in and back to Highway 15 (south). After 15 minutes of driving, my fiancé said "better let me drive"... Just my opinion, maybe stipulate "only served during the following hour xx:xx am to xx:xx pm". I felt in good honesty not to fully render my opinion about the whole establishment cause my order/desire was not fulfilled. Hopefully the next time we're in town, we can see if our order would be available, maybe if we choose to stop by and take my money elsewhere. Again, just my opinion folks...don't shoot...

Hay Madre Mia is a truly authentic gem that transports you straight to a cozy, little Mexican town the moment you walk in. Having lived in the High Desert since 2009, I appreciate finding a spot where the food genuinely feels homemade and crafted with love, making it a highly desirable stop despite the surrounding area. ​The strengths here are undeniable. The horchata is, without a doubt, one of the best I’ve ever had—creamy, perfectly spiced, and refreshing. Every dish feels honest and traditional. Even the presentation, like the charming, rustic clay bowls used for the salsas, adds to the whole authentic experience. ​However, a few minor improvements could take this spot from great to spectacular. ​The four salsa options, while all good, could benefit from more variety in heat. I was hoping for at least one to be on the spicier side to really kick things up. Also, the chips arrived cold. A simple heat lamp or quick warm-up for the chips would make a huge difference in the overall experience. ​Finally, a note on execution: I ordered my chilaquiles with over easy eggs, but unfortunately, both eggs came out without any runny yolk. It's a small detail, but getting that perfect runny yolk is key to the dish! ​Despite these minor quibbles, my partner and I loved our meal and the atmosphere. We will absolutely be returning, and I highly recommend Hay Madre Mia for anyone craving real, soulful Mexican...