Restaurant Roundup: Casual Local Favorites

Vacation is a great time to splurge on awesome dining experiences. But sometimes you just want something simple, without a lot of fanfare and fuss. For those times, our hospitality team frequents these casual local restaurants. Enjoy!

Palm Springs, North to South

Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Classic Mexican fare + solid American breakfast. Counter service, indoor & patio seating. Easy bike ride from Descanso.
Open daily until 9pm

Peruvian Fuego
Lunch, Dinner
Tasty ceviches and classic dishes from Peru, including a knockout Peruvian rotisserie chicken. Indoor & patio seating. Easy bike ride from Descanso.
Open Wednesday-Monday, 10am-8/9pm

Chicken Ranch
Lunch, Dinner
Locally raised rotisserie chicken, sandwiches & salads. Full bar, plus a Happy Hour menu from 3pm to close. 15-minute walk from Descanso.
Open daily, 11am-8pm

El Patio
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Festive family-owned spot for authentic Mexican classics + great margaritas. Indoor & patio seating. Downtown, near the art museum.
Open daily, hours vary by day

Blue Coyote Bar & Grill
Lunch, Dinner
Southwestern favorites, salads and margaritas in an expansive space on the main drag. Good for large groups.
Open daily, 11am-9pm

Tyler’s Burgers
Lunch only
Casual spot for old school hamburgers, hotdogs & malts on La Plaza.
Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm

Bill’s Pizza
Lunch, Dinner
Specialty pizza, by the slice or build your own.
Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-9/10pm

Fisherman’s Market & Grill
Lunch, Dinner
Fish tacos and seafood specialties in a casual setting with counter service. Three locations - Downtown, Palm Desert & La Quinta. Lunch and early dinner specials are worth a look.
Open daily, 11am-8pm

Felipe’s
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local favorite for traditional Mexican dishes in a quieter setting near the airport. Large portions. Indoor & outdoor seating.
Open daily, 9am-9pm

Gabino’s Creperie
Lunch only
Foodie hotspot for non-traditional savory crepes, hidden down a tiny side alley off East Palm Canyon. Window-service and limited seating, no alcoholic drinks.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-3pm

The Reef
Happy Hour, Dinner
A “tropical-themed libations sanctuary” inside the historic Caliente Tropics Hotel serving burgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort food.
Hula Happy Hour Mon-Thurs, 1-5pm.
Open daily, kitchen hours vary by day.

King’s Highway Diner
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Eclectic spot for tasty comfort food inside a former Denny’s at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. On Thursdays there’s a good Taco Jueves special. You may need reservations on weekends during high season.
Open daily, 7am-10pm

Cathedral City

 Luchador Brewing Company
Lunch, Dinner
Local craft brewery with a fun vibe and indoor taco truck.
Open daily, 11:30am-9:30pm

Rancho Mirage

Uncle Chai Thailand Street Food
Lunch, Dinner
Authentic Thai noodles, curries, soups and more inside a little mall called The Atrium.
Open daily, 11am-3pm and 5pm-9pm