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!
