And Just Like That It’s Thanksgiving In Palm Springs

A small orange pumpkin on a white napkin on a plate on a table

Summer is over, and cooler temps are playing coy. We’ve got days in the 90s and evenings in the 60s, with a strong forecast of holidays. That came fast, right?

If you need to get out of town for Thanksgiving this year, there’s no greater place to do that than in Palm Springs. The weather will be crisp in the earlies and lates; the pools and the afternoons will be warm; and the food, as always, will be outstanding.

You have options too! You can stay in one of our hotels that have a restaurant on site, and just stroll to dinner. Or you can opt for one of our other gorgeous properties and book dinner at one of the delightful options below. 

Most of the links go to OpenTable so you can see if they have any slots available. Some have but a few, others have wider options.

Home for the holidays

A vintage photo of a woman wearing a red dress holding up a turkey next to a pool in Palm Springs

Palm Springs does Thanksgiving poolside

So*Pa at L’Horizon — I had Thanksgiving here last year. Served family style, everything was delicious. Add to that, the property is stunning. We started with drinks by the pool, then were escorted to our table. All class, all the time.

The Pantry at Holiday House — Pretty sure this is a Class 1 Historic Site — the Holiday House, not The Pantry. It’s quite cozy, and Chef cooks up some mighty fine food.

Freddie’s at The Cole — It’s French! Freddie’s that is. The Cole is located on the north end of Palm Springs, and is a beautiful mid-mod property lovingly restored around 2020.

Melvyn’s at The Ingleside Estate — The ultimate spot in Palm Springs history, this property has hosted some of the biggest names in the 20th century. It used to be Ruth Hardy’s estate (she’s got her own park now) and has been a staple of our little city for over a century. Little bungalows make you feel like you’re at a swanky camp for bazillionaires. 

Del Rey at Villa Royale — This is another wonderful fine dining choice, and a marvelous place to stay. Peep the pool.

Thanksgiving dinner, Palm Springs style

Eight4Nine — Located in the old Palm Springs post office, you’d never know it. It’s a gorgeous spot just north of mid-town, and is one of the hottest spots to dine in Palm Springs. 

Kaiser Grille — I have never been, but my understanding is that their food is delicious. And you can’t beat that patio for people watching, unless you sit on the patio at …

Lulu — Solid menu, great drinks, and another great people watching spot if you sit outside. Inside it’s a fun and eclectic mix of old and new. 

Trio — This great little spot took a hit during the pandemic, but I ate here in June and it was back to its delightful former self. I have to say I personally miss the Australian Sole, but a girl can’t have everything.

Zin American Bistro — A warm atmosphere, with great wines and good food. Across the street from Lulu, the patio encourages people watching.

Churrasco — One of the newest restaurants in Palm Springs, it’s all about the meats. Right next to Johnny Costa’s on the southern end of the strip.

Tropicale — Slightly away from the madding crowd, across from the new old post office, is Tropicale. The patio is stunning, and the food is good too.

Grand Central — Right downtown, in La Plaza, this ginormous restaurant has the best grilled cheese. I’m sure they’re not serving it for Thanksgiving, but if an American standard like grilled cheese can be that good, a Thanksgiving dinner will likely be yummy.

La Cocina — Inside Reforma, this restaurant has a terrific chef and is one of the newer spots in Palm Springs. 

Bongo Johnny’s — I was surprised to see this tiki joint on the list, but maybe you’re craving a burger, or a tropical feel. You do you. 

Miro — One of my favorite restaurants in town, Miro is on the south end of town in a big shopping mall where Stein Mart used to live (RIP). It’s tucked away, so it’s a little easy to miss, but it’s on the same side of the road as Palm Canyon after it merges with Indian Canyon.

Copley’s — Formerly owned by Cary Grant, it’s an elegant spot to dine with great history.

The Purple Room — Ah, the Purple Room, home of The Judy Show, great acts, and delicious food. Former Rat Pack hideaway.

Johannes — German food never tasted as good as it does under the eye of Chef Johannes. It’s a beautiful dining room too.

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Brand Spankin’ New Places and Cool Tours

It’s getting even hotter here in Palm Springs, and I’m not just talking about the temperature. From the ashes of 2020, new establishments were born – some so new that locals haven’t even had an opportunity to try them!  Some are fancy, some are grab and go, but they’ve all got one thing in common, they’re all brand-spankin’ new and they’re all fabulous.

Quick note: *means I have personally been here and loved it!

Bar Cecil – The brand new eatery is definitely going to be one of the hottest spots around. Check out the story and pix on their website.

Gabino’s Creperie – it’s small, and maybe a tad hard to find, but doesn’t that make it pretty special? Located at the tri-corner of E. Palm Canyon, S. Palm Canyon, and Belardo. If you run into Kreem, a fabulous vegan local ice cream shop, you’re in the right neighborhood. If you’re craving a nice glass of wine, or a frosty beer stop at Dead Or Alive just a few steps north where you can also order from Gabino’s!

Gabino’s Crepe courtesy of Gabino’s

 

Kreem courtesy of Kreem

 

Dead or Alive patio photo credit Andréa Morrisette

1501 Uptown Gastropub Pub – If you’ve ever been to *Eight 4 Nine, *533 Viet Fusion or *Roly China Fusion then you know you’re in the hands of two of PS’s finest restaurateurs, Willie Rhine and Chad Gardner. Make reservations, they’ve been booked solid since they opened.

Boozehounds located at the old Dink’s space at 2080 North Palm Canyon. Beverages of every ilk, a great menu, and 4 tables set aside as work spaces. Especially for dog owners (aka bring’em).

Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge: At 38,000 square feet, it’s in the running for world’s largest dispensary and cannabis lounge. Pool tables, pinball, Zoltar! and the game Operation are just a few ways to play while enjoying your purchases.

Four Twenty Bank and Dispensary Lounge (Zoltar)

 

Vegan Clean Green Eatin’

So many people have dietary restrictions these days. Some are by choice, others for medical reasons. Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered. All have plant-based options, and for those of you who are gluten free, just about every eatery has something for you. Including the bakeries. Here are some of the great vegan friendly places. Keep in mind that vegan doesn’t mean gluten free. Seitan is made from wheat gluten, and tempeh is made with soy, but they all still have something for everyone’s appetite.

*Palm Greens, *Nature’s Health Food Cafe, *Native Foods, *Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, *Roly China Fusion, Monsoon Indian Cuisine, Kreem

 

Wake Up Winning With These Local Coffeehouses

You likely know about *Koffi, but here are some other local roasters and coffeehouses to get your caffeine on. Cafe La Jefa   (Latina owned), Ernest Coffee, Gre Coffeehouse and Art Gallery (and they spin LPs).  Bonus points: most are within walking distance of our boutique hotels.

 

Tootin’ Terrific Tours

There’s a LOT of great hiking to be done in Palm Springs, but sometimes you just want someone else to show you around. And that’s what tours are for. And some, like the CannaBus Express Tours, will take you to places no human dares to….nah, just kidding, but you will get to go places that most will never get to see. It’s from “Root to Toot” and it’s a three-hour tour, where you’ll visit growers, distillers, distributors with a “high light” at the end, aka a dispensary lounge where you can smoke’em if you bought’em but smoking on the bus is a no-no.

CannaBus Express Tours

Indian Canyons is one of the best places to hike in Palm Springs, there are tons of different trails, but Red Jeep Walking Jeep Tours is happy to show you around. They’ve got tours of the San Andreas Fault, Joshua Tree, and more. Check’em out. Some include lunch!

If you missed Modernism Week, then PS Mod Squad has some great tours for you. It’s all about the architecture – “see the works of William Cody, Albert Frey, Hugh Kaptur, William Krisel, E. Stewart Williams and Donald Wexler along with others that have been influenced by their version of Southern California Modernism.  They’ve also got a socially distanced interior tour. Check ‘em out.

That should keep you busy for awhile! Next month, we’ll bring you more fun options because we have barely scratched the surface of all the magic that is Palm Springs. And let’s not forget those wise words from Kurt Vonnegut’s commencement speech, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.” If you’re older than 20 then you know I just lied to you. That it was written by Kurt Vonnegut is an urban legend. Instead, it was written by Mary Schmich for the Chicago Tribune as a speech she would have liked to give to a graduating class. Vonnegut/Schmich, the message is clear and true: Wear sunscreen.

Say, if you go to any of our hotels or enjoy our recommendations, please be sure to tag us with your photos on IG, or @palmspringspreferredsmallhotel (yeah, it’s a lot to type, but we appreciate it!)  #PSPSH

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Restaurant Week 2025 In Palm Springs

A Black man, a white woman, and a Hispanic woman hold their glasses up to cheers at a table

If you’re lucky enough to be in Palm Springs from May 30 to June 8, you will have the distinct pleasure of being able to participate in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. Restaurants from Desert Hot Springs to Indio have specials, but why dine in any other city than the one you came to visit? 

I’ve culled a list for you. The actual website at this time has a drop down, so I sorted out all of our wonderful Palm Springs restaurants that are locally owned. You’re welcome.

A little extra — I will tell you what I know about these places because I’ve either (A) dined here or (B) someone I know has dined here. Keep in mind, everyone has different tastes, so what someone else turns their nose up at (as my mother used to say) you wisely know that you may think it’s the bomb. Real life example: I know that peanut butter and banana and mayonnaise sandwiches are soul satisfying. On the other hand, you may enjoy kimchi and vegan bacon. In my world, that’s a hard no. But you likely said no to my PBB&M sandwich. (It’s really, really good!)

American fare 

1501 Uptown Gastropub — This restaurant has changed hands, but I’m told it’s even better than before, which is hard to imagine. Fun ambiance for a friendly meal with friends. Lunch and dinner specials available — reserve on OpenTable. 1501 N. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 320-1501

Pinocchio in the Desert — Good food, and wild drink specials on the weekend. Lunch and dinner specials available. No reservations — this is fast and fun. 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. (760) 322-3776

PS Underground — Always a good time, and during Restaurant Week my pal Francesca Amari will be reprising her Ponytails, Chiffon and Shangri-La show. It is terrific. She’s terrific, the band’s terrific, and the back-up singers are terrific. Chef Dave’s food is chef’s kiss. Dinner specials available — reservations. 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite 2. (760) 636-8442

Mexican favorites

Casa Blanca – Palm Springs — I have not been but it is always packed and everyone looks pretty darned happy. Lunch and dinner specials available — reserve on OpenTable. 140 S. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 325-9464

El Patrón — Great for people watching. Lunch and dinner specials available — no reservations. 101 S. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 340-8226

Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill — This is off the strip in the Albertson’s mall on Sunrise. The food is terrific. Not only have I eaten there, I had them cater my birthday party. You wanna know how good it is? I see a lot of local Mexican-Americans there, so you know it’s good and authentic. Lunch and dinner specials available. No reservations. 1751 N. Sunrise Way, Suite F5. (760) 832-6474

Low Desert / Modern Mexican — I went once and had an ahi steak tostada and it was delicious. Lunch and dinner specials available. No reservations during Restaurant Week. 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 405. (760) 656-0231

Steakhouse delights

Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse — Friends have been and gave it thumbs up. Dinner specials only — reserve on OpenTable. 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 409-7555

French cuisine

Pomme Frite — The chef (and owner) calls it a Belgian bistro because he doesn’t want you to think it’s stuffy and French because it’s not (I mean it is French, but it’s not stuffy at all). The mussels are the thing here. Dinner specials only — reserve on OpenTable. 256 S. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 778-3727

Mediterranean meals

Saffron Palm Springs — I have not been yet, but friends went and said it was delicious. Dinner specials available — reserve on OpenTable. 1107 N. Palm Canyon Drive. (442) 268-5558

A little of everything

Kaiser Grille – Palm Springs — I have weirdly never been. They expanded in the back, and the front porch area is massive and covered. I have been told many times how good the food is, so I might be giving it a shot during Restaurant Week! Lunch and dinner specials available — reserve on OpenTable. 205 S. Palm Canyon Drive. (760) 323-1003

Spencer’s Restaurant — This used to be where we went for a special dinner, and we still do, but what a lot of people don’t know is they have a terrific lunch menu as well. Food is always en pointe. Lunch and dinner specials available — reserve on OpenTable. 701 W. Baristo Road. (760) 327-3446

Why am I listing only the privately-owned restaurants? Because eating, shopping and staying local at our small hotels is what keeps Hollywood’s playground open!

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Frozen In Palm Springs

Five bowls of colorful ice cream lined up in white bowls

Yep, it’s heating up in Palm Springs, but we’ve got a few things to help you enjoy the heat: misters on the sidewalks and in outdoor restaurants, cold beer on every corner, and frozen confections galore. 

Whether you’re an ice cream, yogurt, gelato, or milkshake kind of human, there’s something somewhere in Palm Springs just for you. We even have some artisanal shops for those craving ice cream in unusual but delicious flavors.

Here’s the scoop:

Ice Cream in Downtown Palm Springs

Ice Cream & Shopp(e) — This hip hybrid ice cream parlor/gift shop is at Arrive Hotel.

Great Shakes — Located in the heart of downtown, their daily flavors are listed on a PDF on their website, or you could just stop in while strolling Palm Canyon.

Brandini Toffee (the link goes to catering so you can see their in-store ice cream options) — Voted No. 1 candy store in California, they not only have the best toffee you’ll ever taste, but fantastic caramel corn in a variety of flavors AND ice cream! Get a toffee pop or opt for the decadent ice cream bowl. They’ll even make you an affogato sans booze.

Gelato Granucci — Artisanal gelato made on-site. Flavors change daily. Just north of La Quinta Brewing and Bootlegger Tiki. 

Ben & Jerry’s — You know ’em.

Carmela Ice Cream — Inside the very cool Flannery Exchange is another artisanal ice cream maker. She hails from Pasadena. Definitely worth a try and a visit to the space. If you need spot to work for a day, check ’em out.

Lolli & Pops — It has a few flavors of ice cream, but is also a swanky candy store. Great tinned gifts for bridal and groom parties, or even special guests. 

A three-scoop ice cream cone on a white background surrounded by colorful rainbow sprinkles

In Palm Springs, we all scream for ice cream. Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Away from Downtown 

Kreem — Located on the south end of Palm Springs right where Palm Canyon splits into South and East. Next to the liquor store. Artisan ice cream in unusual flavors. A local favorite. 

Cold Stone Creamery — If you keep going down Palm Canyon East you’ll run into a shopping mall. It’s past Sunrise a few blocks next to Jersey Mike’s. 

Monster Shakes — Those shopping for an extended stay at Ralph’s will find great rewards here. It’s next to Domino’s Pizza in the shopping center on Ramon and Sunrise.

Frozen yogurt

Jus Chillin’ PS — Two locations, one on Tahquitz and the other on Palm Canyon. Tons of flavors and options for add-ons.

Tutti Frutti — All local ingredients from down valley. If a fruit is in season, you’ll find a matching flavor here. They’ve got the chocolate-y-est chocolate evah!

Date shakes 

Nature’s Health Food Cafe — Off the beaten path for vacationers, but well worth the stop. Food is vegan, and they have date shakes.

Tutti Frutti — Mentioned above, they have my favorite date shake. Not too sweet. I’m sweet enough.

Ice Cream & Shop(pe): Date shakes too!

Stay cool everyone!

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Where To Eat Breakfast In Palm Springs

A white plate with French toast and berries on top of it with a mimosa in a glass next to it served at Escena

For years we’ve been hearing that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I might posit that it is also the most delicious, and the best comfort food for any variety of a touch-and-go morning. 

Here’s a pretty detailed list of where to go for breakfast in Palm Springs. If it’s not on this list, I either A, forgot it (in which case, mea culpa) or B, I left it off for a reason, like a health inspector issue, or C, it hasn’t opened yet (Broken Yolk). Let’s go! 

Breakfast in Palm Springs off the Strip

Pastries and breakfast sandwiches

Swiss Donut — In a strip mall on Sunrise and Ramon. Go early before the best ones are gone!

Aspen Mills — Same as above, right next door. Their baked goods are delish.

Peninsula Pastries — In the Sun Center. Same strip mall as Palm Greens. After, stop in at thrift store Revivals for some bargains.

Carousel Bakery — Closer to the airport, at Ramon Road and El Cielo, but not close enough to get stuck in traffic. What’s that? Traffic is rarely ever had here (exceptions: Coachella, Modernism Week, a Harry Styles concert, a presidential visit), so not to worry.

Play Lounge — Menus here. In keeping with its game theme, the location is a bit Where’s Waldo. But once you find it, good times and good food await.

Townie Bagels — They go through sesame bagels so fast I’ve had to try a few others. I liked the everything pumpernickel. They have soft pretzels too. Only open until noon.

A group of four adults it outside under a fan in Palm Springs, California

You can eat breakfast outdoors any time of year in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

American breakfast

Bit of Country — On Indian Canyon next to the now closed Wang’s of the Desert. Great American and Mexican breakfasts. They even have grits! (For the Southerner in you — and definitely me.)

Sherman’s Deli — East (away from the mountains) on Tahquitz, you can dine indoors or out at this NY style deli. It has a good reputation, seems to be a favorite of visitors. I like the soup.

Spencer’s — It looks fancy, but the dinner menu is the pricey one. Breakfast is not hard on the wallet, and the ambiance is lovely. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Elmer’s — It’s the hash browns and biscuits for me, but some go for the German pancakes. The food is fresh, and hot. Their coffee isn’t my favorite, but it’s passable. And if you’re not into breakfast, there are other delicious options.

Indian Canyon Golf Resort — The view at the South Course is terrific, and the breakfasts are pretty good. Service can be slow, but you just hiked Lykken Trail, so you’re ready for a relaxing brekkie. Across from Lykken Trail, on the southeast corner of Murray Canyon and South Palm Canyon is where the former Canyon Club Inn used to live. If you look around you can still see the remnants, and certainly the landscaping if you take the walkway up the hill. The golf course and mountains are to your right.

Mountain and palm tree views from the patio at Escena in Palm Springs, California

The views are gorgeous from the patio at Escena. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Escena — This is pretty far east on Vista Chino, but still in PS. Beautiful space, beautiful view.

Palm Greens Cafe — Everything is fresh, which comes with a heftier price tag, but it’s delicious. While it leans toward veggie and vegan, your friends who eat bacon will love it too. Just don’t get the fake bacon — it’s nothing at all like bacon.

Rick’s Bakery is a local favorite in the north end, just past Vista Chino. They serve grits, but I prefer the grits at Bit of Country. Just keeping it real.

Billy Reed’s — Like a fancy restaurant in 1980s Wisconsin, this is a staple for some folks. Just past Vista Chino going north, you can get here on both Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon.

Frisky Business — For the love of kitties, explore the Rimrock Trail then pop in for some coffee, a bite from vegan restaurant Tanya’s Kitchen or Aspen Mills Bakery, and cuddle with some cool cats. $22 gets you a cuppa and the cuddle. Food is on your dime, but for grab and go it’s delish.

Breakfast on the Strip

Farm — I’ve never been to the French countryside, but I imagine this is what it looks like. Food is good too.

L’Atelier — French café with delicious quiche and the best cup of iced coffee I’ve ever had (they use real cream — at least they did when I was there). Small but quaint.

Pinocchio’s — It’s a party! And they have my second favorite potatoes in P.S.: baked and fried, just like Dad used to make. Bottomless champagne for about $8.

Cheeky’s — Generally a long line to get in, closed on Tuesdays. From their website: “Everything is made from scratch using the freshest local ingredients, changes weekly, serving up creative meditations on breakfast and lunch — with super fun vibes — in a bright indoor-outdoor setting.”

Maleza — Located in one of our preferred small hotels, the brand-new Drift Palm Springs on Indian Canyon, it has what I would call a Cal-Mex breakfast menu, and I’m not mad at it. Avocado toast is on the menu, along with fruit, yogurt, and granola, but it also offers chilaquiles, churros, and a breakfast burrito.

People sit at metal tables inside Grand Central in Palm Springs, California

Grand Central is in the heart of Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Grand Central — Try the grilled cheese for late breakfast; it’s the only zag I will take from my eggs over-easy and potatoes. Okay, or a lox plate. I’m pretty fond of those some days.

Thirsty Palms — Their breakfast menu starts with potato pancakes, so my ears perked up, but my eyes also noted their eclectic menu of international dishes like shakshuka, bourbon French toast, chilaquiles, l’orange ricotta pancakes, and croque madame benedict. Yum yum. This a new restaurant (sole proprietor) in town, so please give it some love.

Jimmy B’s — Our second new kid on the block, this one is in Mercado Plaza (where you can take a photo with Sonny Bono). I haven’t been yet, but it is always hopping. After 11 a.m. they have live music.

Café Mon Amour — Our third new kid is a bit further north, but the reviews are in, and this French café is a hit. Bonus: it’s on the strip and walkable, but it’s just far enough that it hasn’t yet found foot traffic.

That’s it for the breakfast round-up. Hope this helps! After you get your belly full, it might be time to enjoy a drink and a float at your Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel. I mean, you came here to de-stress, right? Yeah, I thought so.

I’ll just slip away so you can dream about your next visit to Palm Springs.

Ciao now.

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