Always fun. Non corporate environment with interesting clients and help. Miss Bill, but he'll be back. Food always quite decent. Love this place because it's not like machine. And then you have Michelle... the best!!!
Mel
Its been almost a year since I visited. Food, service, and entertainment were all still worth it. The bar was a little more subdued than what I remember but still a good time.
Coco
This is a must everytime i come to the desert. My friends and I have the absolute best time when Bill Baker is performing!!!!!!
Tonya Miller
I was really looking forward to trying this place however when we showed up, they were closed for summer! It would be great if the hours were correct in Google as that is how most people decide where to eat when visiting a new town. Especially if you are going to close for months at a time! Very frustrating and disappointing to say the least.
D Diane
This was for restaurant week and we ordered from it. This was a Friday night and you really need a reservation. They have valet parking which is needed. They were very busy. They have tables, booths and high tables. They had TVs which showed the hockey game, and they had a pianist who sang and had a female join him for some songs. My husband started with the special soup of the day which turned out to be New England clam chowder. It was rich and creamy but not too thick. I had the chopped salad that was flavourful and refreshing. My husband had three pieces of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. I had the short ribs with mashed potatoes. We were both satisfied and happy after finishing. For dessert my husband had the Toll House pie with Ice cream and I had the fruit cobbler with ice cream. Breanna was our server and she was very efficient. Our hostess who helped us when we arrived was very kind and often checked on us to make sure we were doing well. All in all we would like to go back.
Tom
Everything was great. However, as the restaurant filled up, the noise level was much too high.
Michael
The service was outstanding....the food was plentiful and well prepared. The noise level from the bar area and several female local golf club members was distracting. Our seating at a high top table was a surprise
Randi
Charge to plate share is actually ridiculous. Our service was rushed and we had to wait 20 for our table we had a reservation for. Seated elsewhere. In and out in about 45 min. The food is delicious and portions are large. It is like walking into the 70s.
Terri
Food was delicious, service was excellent. Old school feel without being pretentious. Server was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!
Lynda
We had a table of four and three out of the four people were very happy with their meals. The Sole, Sand Dabs and pasta were excellent. I ordered filet mignon and I'm sorry to say that it was was absolutely the worst filet I have ever eaten. It was so tough that I wasn't even sure if it was a filet. I will never order that again. The service was excellent, the ambience and music were good too.
I wholeheartedly agree with one of the other reviewers, “People make a difference!”. Overall, The Sandbar in La Quinta is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the food is excellent—I’ve had the sautéed sole twice, and it was delicious both times. The live music is a highlight; Bill Baker keeps the energy up and the crowd entertained. I disagree with some of the other reviewers who complained about the average age of the clientele; I love seeing an older crowd out enjoying themselves!
That said, be warned: it’s very loud. If you’re looking for a place to chat or have a meaningful conversation, this is not the spot. It’s more suited for those who want to enjoy live music with drinks and a meal without the expectation of much talking.
In addition, tables are packed tightly together, making it hard to move through the dining room without bumping into others. And forget about pausing at another table to say hello or chat with fellow diners. The angry busser or hostile, female-presenting manager will yell at you to get out of the way. Overall, it feels cramped and chaotic.
Prices are very high, and unfortunately, the service doesn’t match the cost. Although efficient and professional, service was also cold and unfriendly. The real downside of the experience, however, was the staff demeanor beyond our server. The overall staff attitude was cold, unwelcoming, and gave off the impression that guests are an inconvenience. If you're going for the food and music, it's worth it—but don't expect warmth from the staff or a welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
Amy
Everything like food service and ambiance was fabulous except the booth we sat in the seat was old and broken and slanted. Ouch 😳
Hovig
Great dinner! Amazing value! Delicious food and cocktails! We will be back!! Cozy atmosphere with tons of regulars and live music!!
Tris
Our food was delicious and our server was very attentive. The music was way too loud and we were t in the room where the music was being played! When we come next time we'll ask to be seated as far from the music as possible.
Always fun. Non corporate environment with interesting clients and help. Miss Bill, but he'll be back. Food always quite decent. Love this place because it's not like machine. And then you have Michelle... the best!!!
Its been almost a year since I visited. Food, service, and entertainment were all still worth it. The bar was a little more subdued than what I remember but still a good time.
This is a must everytime i come to the desert. My friends and I have the absolute best time when Bill Baker is performing!!!!!!
I was really looking forward to trying this place however when we showed up, they were closed for summer! It would be great if the hours were correct in Google as that is how most people decide where to eat when visiting a new town. Especially if you are going to close for months at a time! Very frustrating and disappointing to say the least.
This was for restaurant week and we ordered from it. This was a Friday night and you really need a reservation. They have valet parking which is needed. They were very busy. They have tables, booths and high tables. They had TVs which showed the hockey game, and they had a pianist who sang and had a female join him for some songs. My husband started with the special soup of the day which turned out to be New England clam chowder. It was rich and creamy but not too thick. I had the chopped salad that was flavourful and refreshing. My husband had three pieces of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. I had the short ribs with mashed potatoes. We were both satisfied and happy after finishing. For dessert my husband had the Toll House pie with Ice cream and I had the fruit cobbler with ice cream. Breanna was our server and she was very efficient. Our hostess who helped us when we arrived was very kind and often checked on us to make sure we were doing well. All in all we would like to go back.
Everything was great. However, as the restaurant filled up, the noise level was much too high.
The service was outstanding....the food was plentiful and well prepared. The noise level from the bar area and several female local golf club members was distracting. Our seating at a high top table was a surprise
Charge to plate share is actually ridiculous. Our service was rushed and we had to wait 20 for our table we had a reservation for. Seated elsewhere. In and out in about 45 min. The food is delicious and portions are large. It is like walking into the 70s.
Food was delicious, service was excellent. Old school feel without being pretentious. Server was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!
We had a table of four and three out of the four people were very happy with their meals. The Sole, Sand Dabs and pasta were excellent. I ordered filet mignon and I'm sorry to say that it was was absolutely the worst filet I have ever eaten. It was so tough that I wasn't even sure if it was a filet. I will never order that again. The service was excellent, the ambience and music were good too.
Restaurantji Recommends
I wholeheartedly agree with one of the other reviewers, “People make a difference!”. Overall, The Sandbar in La Quinta is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the food is excellent—I’ve had the sautéed sole twice, and it was delicious both times. The live music is a highlight; Bill Baker keeps the energy up and the crowd entertained. I disagree with some of the other reviewers who complained about the average age of the clientele; I love seeing an older crowd out enjoying themselves!
That said, be warned: it’s very loud. If you’re looking for a place to chat or have a meaningful conversation, this is not the spot. It’s more suited for those who want to enjoy live music with drinks and a meal without the expectation of much talking.
In addition, tables are packed tightly together, making it hard to move through the dining room without bumping into others. And forget about pausing at another table to say hello or chat with fellow diners. The angry busser or hostile, female-presenting manager will yell at you to get out of the way. Overall, it feels cramped and chaotic.
Prices are very high, and unfortunately, the service doesn’t match the cost. Although efficient and professional, service was also cold and unfriendly. The real downside of the experience, however, was the staff demeanor beyond our server. The overall staff attitude was cold, unwelcoming, and gave off the impression that guests are an inconvenience. If you're going for the food and music, it's worth it—but don't expect warmth from the staff or a welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
Everything like food service and ambiance was fabulous except the booth we sat in the seat was old and broken and slanted. Ouch 😳
Great dinner! Amazing value! Delicious food and cocktails! We will be back!! Cozy atmosphere with tons of regulars and live music!!
Our food was delicious and our server was very attentive. The music was way too loud and we were t in the room where the music was being played! When we come next time we'll ask to be seated as far from the music as possible.
Charming. Great food, service and ambience
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