For Nearly 20 Years, Paulina’s Mexican Grill Has Served the High Desert; Now Meet the Woman Behind Its Name

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — For nearly 20 years, Paulina’s Mexican Grill has been a staple in the High Desert dining scene, known for its elevated Mexican cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. But behind the restaurant that so many residents recognize, there is a deeper family story that many have never heard, until now.

The inspiration behind opening Paulina’s Mexican Grill came from Maria, a hardworking mother who wanted to push herself in life and bring something unique to the High Desert.

“My mother wanted to bring the High Desert a beautiful, upscale experience of Mexican cuisine,” said Paulina. “She has always been an incredibly hardworking woman.”

What makes the restaurant’s journey unique is that neither Maria nor her family had prior business experience, culinary training, or even a traditional background in cooking. Instead, they built everything from the ground up with determination and a willingness to learn.

“What we did have was the pure will to succeed, a love for new opportunities, and a deep appreciation for life,” Paulina shared.

The restaurant’s name carries a deeply personal meaning. Paulina recalls her mother asking her if it was okay to name the restaurant after her.

“I never used to like my name,” she said. “But now, hearing customers say it’s their favorite place, or choosing it as their meeting spot, it feels incredibly special.”

Although the restaurant bears her name, Paulina says she has never viewed herself with entitlement.

“As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe every person who walks through our doors is important, no matter their background,” she said. “It is an honor to serve our guests and be part of the community.”

Inside the kitchen, the philosophy remains simple: consistency.

“We stay organized, focus on the present day, and above all, remain consistent,” she said. “Consistency is difficult, but it is the key ingredient to building the right taste.”

While the menu includes classic Mexican dishes such as burritos, tacos, and combination plates, Paulina’s Mexican Grill is also known for its elevated signature offerings. These include Chicken en Mole crafted with 21 spices, Carne Asada marinated in chimichurri, seared Mahi Mahi with shrimp in a creamy white wine sauce, certified Angus Ribeye steaks, and fresh salmon topped with chipotle mayo.

To keep things fresh, the restaurant also offers rotating weekend specials featuring exclusive dishes not found on the regular menu. Guests may occasionally find Chiles en Nogada, seared Sea Bass with spicy cucumber salad, sizzling Ribeye skillets, or pork chops finished with a sweet and spicy peach glaze.

As the restaurant approaches two decades in business, Paulina says her life today looks very different than when it first opened.

“I was barely 20 years old when we started,” she said.

Now a mother herself, she says the experience has given her a new appreciation for her own mother’s sacrifices and the journey they built together.

“Becoming a mother has given me an entirely new appreciation for my own mother,” she said. “The patience, discipline, and commitment I learned through the restaurant now help me every day.”

She added that running a business and raising a child share many of the same lessons—patience, structure, and resilience.

“In many ways, raising a child isn’t so different from running a busy restaurant,” Paulina said.

Every day, she says, she remains grateful for her family, her staff, and the community that continues to support them.

“Whether they’re longtime regulars or travelers passing through the High Desert, every customer means something to us,” she said.

For Paulina, the restaurant is more than a business—it is a reflection of family, faith, and years of hard work.

“For nearly 20 years, this restaurant has connected us to a community that has supported us through every challenge and milestone,” she said. “I will always be grateful for that.”

Paulina’s Mexican Grill located at 14845 Monarch Blvd G, in Victorville, continues to serve residents and visitors across the High Desert, with guests traveling through the region often stopping in on their way to destinations such as Las Vegas and Big Bear.

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