Packing your bags and heading to Palm Desert, California in the name of fun, adventure, and new discoveries is something everyone deserves to enjoy once in a while. Here, you can count on amazing weather, easy access to unforgettable activities and attractions, as well as time spent in nature enjoying the gorgeous landscapes everywhere you look. Of course, Palm Desert is also home to a tantalizing array of eateries to check out when cravings come calling. Whether you’re in the mood for local fare or you can’t wait to settle into an elegant restaurant and enjoy a night out savoring dishes inspired by far-flung destinations, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more right here. Consider the following your ultimate Palm Desert dining guide when you’re ready to elevate the palate-pleasing moments ahead.
Enjoy an Afternoon or Evening of Fantastic Mexican Fare at Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill
If after time on the trails or exploring Palm Desert shops you find yourself longing for some mouthwatering and authentic Mexican fare, Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill is where you’ll find it. Located at 73260 El Paseo, this Palm Desert favorite is a great place to bring family and friends for lunch or dinner. Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill is open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 10:00 pm. Guests can pick and choose between indoor and outdoor seating options upon arrival but no matter where you settle in, you can count on every dish here being served up with a side of friendly service. If you choose to dine indoors, you’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful walls coated in beautiful murals as well as a sleek bar to enjoy if you’re dropping by for a round of house margaritas.
Many nights of the week, Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill hosts live musical entertainment making a meal here as entertaining as it is tasty. Whether you opt for the tamales on the menu or prefer a burrito, chimichanga, or a collection of custom tacos ranging from grilled salmon and jumbo shrimp to Tacos Tres Amigos, your tastebuds will thank you for the experience. Don’t be surprised if Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill is a place that calls you back time and again during your Palm Desert getaway.
Make the Most of Elegant Dining at Mastro’s Steakhouse
When you’re in the mood for a sophisticated night out after a day of adventure in Palm Desert, Mastro’s Steakhouse is where you want to be. Located at 73405 El Paseo, Mastro’s Steakhouse is situated within the greater Gardens on El Paseo and provides patrons with a welcoming, lovely, and savory experience to enjoy from start to finish. Pick and choose between indoor or outdoor seating when you enjoy a dinner here between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm any night of the week. This is a dinner destination in town that you’ll want to be sure to dress your best for. Mastro’s Steakhouse enforces a strict upscale dress code made to match the elegant surroundings you’ll savor once you’re inside. Beachwear, sweatshirts, gym attire, hoodies, hats, and tank tops aren’t permitted here.
Once you get settled at a table, there’s a good chance you’ll be treated to live music as you peruse the menu between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays as well as 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm Sunday through Thursday. Oftentimes, the hardest part of dining here is having to choose just one of the amazing entrees they serve up in style. Seafood selections include bigeye tuna and jumbo lobster tail as well as Norwegian cold-water salmon and Chilean sea bass. The menu also boasts New York strip and filet as well as herb-roasted chicken and rack of lamb. Sushi is also available to order at Mastro’s Steakhouse upon request while small plate options range from shrimp cocktail and sauteed shrimp to lump crab cakes and oysters on the half shell.
Drop by Aspen Mills Bakery and Café for a Coffee or Lunch
If you find yourself in need of a pick-me-up to start the day, or you’re looking forward to a casual late lunch during your Palm Desert adventure, Aspen Mills Bakery and Café is a great place to add to the itinerary. You’ll find this welcoming eatery at 73600 Alessandro Drive, and when you drop by, you can count on enjoying the aroma of freshly baked bread each day. Aspen Mills Bakery and Café is a locally owned family business that’s been serving up muffins, cookies, bread, and pies to the greater Palm Desert area and beyond for nearly 30 years. It’s long been a passion for the owners and the love for what they do can be felt by guests upon arrival. From the friendly service to the more than 30 different breads found here each morning alongside breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, it’s a place that has a way of feeling just like home.
While an espresso first thing in the day can be the fuel you need to make the most of the fun ahead, the gourmet sandwiches and healthy salads are wonderful for afternoon breaks with family and friends. If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, don’t hesitate to pair your beverage selection at Aspen Mills Bakery and Café with a brownie or a homemade cookie that’s sure to delight!
Enjoy The 19th Hole Sports Bar & Restaurant Morning, Noon, Or Night
Travelers heading to Palm Desert who are looking for an any time of day destination to enjoy a great meal will find it at The 19th Hole Sports Bar & Restaurant. Located at 42305 Washington Street, 19th Hole Sports Bar & Restaurant is a relaxed and fun eatery that serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner options between 11:30 am and 8:00 pm daily. This low-key restaurant comes with a pub vibe that’s decidedly laid-back and a great place to catch the game with friends. Indoors, you can pair your preferred meal with time at the pool tables or watch something on the many large flat-screen televisions overhead. The 19th Hole Sports Bar & Restaurant also has an outdoor patio for guests who prefer a fresh-air meal in good company when they drop by. Many nights of the week, this stop showcases live musical performances that can be enjoyed with fantastic handcrafted cocktails, wine, or beer.
If you’re here for the appetizers, don’t miss out on the calamari, wings, chicken fingers, pretzel bites, and loaded tots. The menu also has soup and salad for those looking to dine light while entrees range from burgers and patty melts to shrimp & chips, tacos, and carne asada burritos too. When you’re looking forward to ending your meal on a sweet note, the dessert section of the menu showcases cheesecake, chocolate cake, ice cream, and sundaes to enjoy.
Savor International Cuisine at Alps Village
Even in the heart of Palm Desert, travelers who can’t wait to savor the flavors of Europe can do so with ease at Alps Village. Located at 77734 Country Club Drive F, Alps Village is an unassuming eatery from the outside that serves up bold and unforgettable flavors once you get settled inside! Here, you can make the most of a casual and rustic-chic atmosphere complete with a fireplace that adds a cozy touch to the aesthetic. The menu boasts the best of German, Hungarian, and Eastern European specialties ranging from pasta and chicken paprikas to Wienerschnitzel and goulash too. Of course, topping off your meal with German beer is always a treat no matter when you drop by. Alps Village is open Monday through Thursday from 4:30 pm until 8:30 pm for dinner. On Fridays and Saturdays, they’re open from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm before reopening for dinner service between 4:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
Grab a Slice at Bill’s Pizza
Every once in a while, nothing hits the spot quite like a great slice of pizza. When you find yourself longing for a delicious bite, head over to Bill’s Pizza in Palm Desert at 73196 Highway 111. This pizza place is a great place to bring the entire family when cravings come calling and a location that’s loved by locals and visitors alike. They’ve earned their reputation for using fine quality ingredients, friendly service, and unique techniques and toppings that make their pizza stand out in a crowd. When you drop by, you can always count on options to customize your pizza or choose from the 22 creations that are already on the menu. Some of the details that make all the difference here at Bill’s Pizza include the use of Extra Virgin olive oil, imported pizza flour from Italy, sourdough pizza crust that’s made daily, and Schreiner’s custom-made sausage. From the fresh vegetables used to top every pie to the gas-fired brick ovens that heat them to perfection, Bill’s Pizza is a place worth returning to a time or two while you’re in town. Feel free to drop by any day of the week between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm.
Spend Some Time in Good Company at Beach House Frozen Yogurt
Sometimes it’s not a full meal you’re after while traveling but something refreshing and sweet while you’re on the go. When this sounds exactly what you’re looking for, be sure to set aside time during your Palm Desert visit for a trip to Beach House Frozen Yogurt. Located at 72363 Highway 111 A2A, Beach House Frozen Yogurt opens its doors to patrons daily between noon and 9:00 pm to peruse over 21 frozen yogurt flavors that can be topped with 60 unique offerings on-site. Beach House Frozen Yogurt sits within the Desert Crossing Shopping Center and is a family-friendly destination to add to your itinerary when you’re craving shakes and smoothies. While you can always take your selections to go, Beach House Frozen Yogurt has a few cozy tables indoors as well if you’re looking to linger awhile in good company.
Start the Day Right at Breakfast Republic
There’s a good chance your Palm Desert itinerary is packed and when you know you need to start your day on a delicious note to get things going, Breakfast Republic is the very best place to do it. Sitting at 44491 Town Center Way, Breakfast Republic serves up savory breakfast options daily between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Here, you can count on finding all of your traditional breakfast favorites like pancakes, French toast, hash browns, eggs, omelets, and more. Beyond the standard beginning-of-the-day delights, this eatery also puts a unique twist on breakfast fare with options to enjoy Oreo pancakes, shrimp & grits, S’mores French toast, and a variety of other unique menu additions that are always palate-pleasing! The atmosphere here is welcoming and cozy making it a place everyone in your traveling crew will feel comfortable. The menu also has a section dedicated to vegan breakfast bites for those in your group who adhere to dietary restrictions.
Enjoy the Best of Local Fare at Cork Tree California Cuisine
Don’t leave Palm Desert behind without a dinner at Cork Tree California Cuisine. Found at 74950 Country Club Drive, this eatery showcases the best of California’s local fare in an elegant setting that’s perfect for dinner. Guests can enjoy dining indoors or out on the patio with options to settle in at the bar if you’re dropping by for happy hour and a glass of California-produced wine. Cork Tree is open from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 10:00 pm. The menu features delicious options like pasta primavera, seared Bristol scallops, boneless braised short ribs, and white Peking duck breast too. Whether you go for the seared Chilean sea bass or the prime rib-eye, you can top it off with house-made warm apple cinnamon tart or Dutch molten chocolate cake.
Book Your Getaway in Style Today
When travel plans bring you to Palm Desert, TRAVLR has the vacation rental you need to elevate your experience in style. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious property options available and how we can help you make more of every single moment you’re in town.
