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FOOD
&
DRINK
I've talked to old-timers, new timers and year-round locals to find the places that make Palm Springs a memorable place to visit and live. These restaurants and bars are selected because of the magic memories they provide. Do you have a place I need to visit?
Paul Bar 3700 E. Vista Chino
Don't let the strip mall scare you. The doorway into Paul Bar transports you to something like a Parisian speak easy. It's small and dark and well.... it's perfect. The waiters and bartenders will guide you through a menu that serves some of the best bar food in the valley. But the drinks... ooh the drinks are expertly crafted by folks behind the bar who take expert care to deliver the perfect. The Manhattans are a must.
Jake's 664 N. Palm Canyon
A great patio, really friendly staff and wonderfully flavorful food has made Jake's one of my favorite places and why this little spot is on my list. Locals love it and consider it a true gem. I really love the brunches on a sunny weekend morning. And who said you can't have dessert following brunch? Check out the display case featuring their cakes. Ohh yes...the cocunut creme lives up to its reputation. But hey... they are all lucious and worthy of your sweet tooth.
The Reef Bar 411 E. Palm Canyon
Go through a hidden passageway and transport yourself to a tiki bar that serves up the most tropically bodacious drinks this side of Bora Bora. And they are powerful too. So... call a cab cuz you ain't driving Clementine after a cocktail at The Reef! You will be most welcome in your tourist flip-flops and straw hat. All the friends I've taken there have walked away giggling from it's tasty tickles.
Escena Bar and Grill 1100 Clubhouse View Dr,
Escena is a very special place. Located at Escena Golf Club, this wonderful setting puts you smack-dab in the middle of a Palm Springs postcard. The view from the patio–sitting here is a must– affords you one of the best views in the valley. Whether brunch or lunch or early dinner, the attentive waiters, the wonderful and quite affordable food will be in competition with the commanding views of the course and mountains.
Shame on the Moon 69950 Frank Sinatra Dr., RanchoMirage
On my first desert visit back in the 1980s, some folks by the pool recommended that I try this restaurant with the strange name. Many years later I still come back. The vibe is still the same and the regulars today remind one of older versions of Blake and Krystle Carrington. The mood turns more "rainbow" past 9 pm. But whenever you come, you feel like you are a legacy member in a special club. From the service to the food, you feel cared for and cozy. Skip your lunch and enjoy the full ride of a wonderful and wide menu.
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Ernest Coffee 1101 N. Palm Canyon
After moving to Palm Springs in 2019, my "things to do" list required finding a coffee oasis where I could sit and ponder over a perfect brew. Look no further. This little clatch has brilliant baristas that know their stuff and can froth, and whirr, and pour you a cup, to keep you coming back for more. Hang out with the local intellectuals or take your coffee for a stroll around Old Las Palmas, Clementine does not steer you wrong when it comes to a good cup.
Koffi 1101 N. Palm Canyon
I told you I love coffee. Well, Koffi is my other hangout. I mean I do love a good brew. With three locations in town, you are not more than a mile from one of these caffeine-havens. I love, love, love the North Palm Canyon location due to a wonderful little park out the back door. Sit and sip and watch the doggies, the hummingbirds, or for that matter, the leaves on the trees. The place is like a dream and a perfect spot to figure out how you can live here permanently.
Bill's Pizza 119 S. Indian Canyon
The only thing better than pizza is great pizza. And the best pizza in Palm Springs is at Bill’s. What more is there to say? I like Christine’s Rocker Pizza loaded with sausage and mushrooms, among other good things. My dad, the heretic, likes pineapple on his pizza and goes for Baby Z’s Luau Pizza. Yeah, he’s weird that way, but it kinda works! Is it any wonder this was where we had our first date?
Lulu's 1101 N. Palm Canyon
Lulu’s is like the cool hip cousin of a traditional diner, that has traveled the world and has returned with a refined sense of taste and style. From across the street, you already know this is not your dad’s diner. The decor is bright and trendy. The ambiance is vibrant and cheerful, and perfect for families or groups with eclectic tastes. If you can’t find anything to eat here, you’re just not trying. From Miso Mustard Pork chops to Meatloaf, from Cotton Candy to Tiramisu, they’ve got it all. I love their mushroom soup!
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