Local Favorites

1.  Billy Reeds offers a classic setting of antique decor, elaborate wood detailing, pattern, and old fashioned American diner meals. It’s been an iconic Palm Springs staple since it opened in December 7th of 1975. It’s been a local treasure ever since. 

2. Elmer’s is another classic and local gem of American diner favorites and pancake house plates. If you’re looking for a good breakfast and lunch spot, this is it.

3. Stuft Pizza is a well known Coachella Valley spot in Old Town La Quinta and at the Palm Desert mall near Barnes and Noble.  Pizza, drinks, comfort food, and sports night collide here. Everyone in the family will find something delicious to enjoy.

4. Enzo’s also has two locations in the Desert to serve you their famous housemade pasta platters. Carb lovers, this is where you belong. Grab some wine and pasta with all the fixings near Old Town in La Quinta or on 111 in Rancho Mirage.

5. The Cliffhouse is legendary in the Desert for it’s mountainous location and exquisite dining experience.  Enjoy decadent seafood while watching the sunset and enjoy nature as you’re nestled in the rocks and feeling the cool night air on the patio. If you’re looking for finer dining for date night and special occasions this is where you call for reservations.

6. Sammy’s wood-fired pizzas hit the spot when you want comfort food with flair and more taste in a beautiful location along El Paseo.

If you get it confused with Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill, don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed!  Their amazing patio and menu will also delight your appetite.

You might also get it confused on GPS for Sammy’s Place in Cathedral City where you can find even more Italian cooking to stuff your belly with. No matter, it’s all good eating!

7. LG’s Prime Steakhouse has been around the Valley forever and us longtime locals remember LG himself making memorable touchdown commercials during NFL games and telling folks “after the game, come on down and have some dinner with us.”

They had 4 locations including San Diego before his passing years ago. Their Palm Desert location has since closed now as well but you can still find a packed house downtown or right at the corner of 111 and Washington in La Quinta.

8.  Fisherman’s Market is right behind LG’S if you prefer all the seafood and shrimp scampi you can handle with a lively atmosphere. La Quinta isn’t their only location though. You can also find them downtown adjacent on Indian Canyon. They even have a location tucked sweetly in a corner to the left of Trader Joe’s in Palm Desert on Fred Waring.

9. Cactus Jack’s is another longtime Desert staple to locals and it’s never not roaring with a packed house and vibrant crowd.  Located right on 111 near Deep Canyon, this is where you find the elevated and simple dishes you’re wanting under one roof. And they have great drinks too!

10. Johannes in Palm Springs is a local crowd pleaser for its truly unique dishes of international flair and tastes you don’t get anywhere else. It’s an elegant dining experience for good company, good wine, good service, and good memories.

11. Sherman’s Deli is yet another classic in the Desert for decades. They’re downtown adjacent on Indian Canyon across from the Spa Resort and on Country Club in Palm Desert right off Monterey in front of Bristol Farms.

12. Spencer’s is well known and loved for its beautiful architecture and scenery as well as culinary experience and presentation. You will find many beloved American favorites here but with next level artisanal taste and fine dining plating.

13. 849 is all about the vibe and it is a VIBE! Color, style, flair, outstanding food, and space to host events and catering, this is where your next date night will be AND your next company party. Our company does their holiday party here every year!

14. Las Casuelas is a local landmark for Mexican cuisine and atmosphere that brings you live entertainment with music and dancing with all the drinks you can handle.  Downtown is my favorite location because of its huge inside open air dining experience with the patio style seating along the strip or the private space on the other side that’s still beautiful and enjoyable.  You can also visit them in Rancho Mirage on 111. Their awesome La Quinta location closed years ago but you can also drive further north and try their original location on Palm Canyon; OR have a good time on the dance floor with great food and family on 111 in Palm Desert at Casuelas Cafe for a more casual and exciting vibe.

15. Okura took over the LQ Las Casuelas location right across the busy intersection of 111 and Washington from LG’s. Their mainstay is sushi especially and fresh Japanese cuisine. Seafood lovers will enjoy it and the owners are as wonderful as the food.

Sooooo….

Did I miss some amazing landmark restaurants here in the Coachella Valley? Yes. There are just too many! Are these just the best? No! There are definitely more. There’s Lulu’s, Melvyn’s, Mr. Lyon’s, Keedy’s, and the Nest next to the Sand’s hotel (which also has a fantastic restaurant), to name just a few more. There truly are just too many amazing places to name them all!