50 Best American Restaurants in Palm Desert

“Excelent food and service. Ray was fantastic!!!“

“Love the matzoh ball soup and the #5“

“Great burger and French fries“

“Really nice place for breakfast just off El Paseo - freshly cooked, good service, and a nice vibe. A real antidote to the major chains!“

“We had such amazing service today at this Denny's. Cenisa R is "THEE MOST AMAZING SERVER" She was so professional and on top of everything including refilling our drinks. Cenisa is a wonderful young lady, fantastic personality and service. Denny's should be very proud to have someone of this quality working for them. GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!“

“5 of us went for a leisurely birthday lunch. We each had something different and we each loved what we got. Waiter was so nice, table was in a good spot to just visit and we weren't rushed at all. It was perfect. Can't wait to go back to try the other dishes my friends had.“

“We had not been to Legends and Icons since 2020. Finally talked the hubby into going back tonight and let me just say...the food was absolutely delish and on point. Drinks were very good. The waitress and staff were amazing and friendly. Dessert was their yummy carrot cake. I can honestly say it's the best carrot cake I've ever eaten. Bobby has done a wonderful job turning this restaurant into a great success. Thank you Bobby and we will definitely be putting Legends and Icons back on our list of great places to eat and drink. 😊🤗💜😉“

“Once again, Home of the extra strength 4 if you’re not ready to come and drink, don’t go here if you’re not ready to talk to other people and be personable don’t go here everybody’s gonna be talking to you. You gotta respond because otherwise you look like an idiot so hey, get out have some fun meet some people talk some shit but they don’t be a dick !“

“This was the best Peruvian food hands down made by Peruvians so the taste was authentic with authentic ingredients. My wife and I met the chef and she’s so passionate about her food and was very friendly. Think it may have been family working there every one was so polite and friendly engaged in conversation about Peru. My wife and I had the lomo saltado and I had to get the ceviche con chicharron it was absolutely delicious. We usually make stops throughout the places we visit to try the Peruvian food and this is it. The ceviche was fresh and had all the authentic ingredients it’s like if we were sitting in Peru eating. This is going to be our go to spot when visiting the area.“

“Great food, nice presentation, attentive service, we’ll be back.“

“Highly recommend. Christmas Eve was delicious. The food was yum. The mimosas were refreshing. The ambiance was festive. The service was perfect. Thank you. Merry Christmas and happy new year! 🎊 🤶“

“We took our neighbor out for lunch, on Friday, recalling what a great experience we had with our son last October. The warmth and efficiency of the staff and our meals were top notch. Instead of heading toward the East side during Coachella, we decided that the eclectic menu here was far superior to unique bite. At 11:15 the place was hopping but we got a great center table. People of all ages love it here. We saw young people ready for concerts and elderly couples and groups. My husband loved the French Dip and he does not usually exclaim with a 5! Our neighbor had the tuna sandwich and side salad. Her sweet petite self had enough to bring half of it home with her. It looked good! My choice was the chicken tarragon on a croissant with those crunchy fries we like so much. An old school charm, consistently great meals and friendly staff make JT's a favorite in the valley.“

“Watched the Budweiser Clydesdale horses and had a fabulous lunch.“

“My family and I were looking for a fun, toddler-friendly spot for lunch, and this place was a fantastic find! Dale was both bartending and waiting tables, and he was incredible—super friendly, attentive, and so kind to our toddler, which we truly appreciated. We ordered the chicken sandwich, French dip, and chili, and everything was delicious. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it!“

“We came on a pretty busy holiday weekend but we're super impressed. Everyone on staff worked hard to offer an exceptional experience to the guest, and that's exactly what we got. The food came out fast and everything tasted great. The drinks by Hunter awesome. Dana the manager was busy and still took time to greet us and make sure we were satisfied. We were, thus highly recommend this Islands for a casual, comfortable dining experience.“

“Such a beautiful place. The clubhouse and restaurants are a must visit (with a member. Or better yet buy a home and become a member!“

“I had the pleasure of visiting Canyons this evening.The Kobe burger was a great option-the burger ? is tasty, piled high with all of the fixings and a bun with sauce!The pretzel bread - my first time ever trying that - was warm, soft, and tasted jut like a pretzel!“

“Woodhaven has a band Hotwyre who is the best band. Love their tune & set list. Lots of dancing to iconic rock n roll!“

“Course in great shape. Friendly staff. Fun times with clubhouse for an after game refreshment!“

“My husband and I stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Palm Desert. We were there for 3 nights and 4 days. It was more than I expected. The breakfast was great, you actually had real breakfast items. Not just a continental breakfast. The 5:30 to 7:30 free drinks was awesome! And the dinner was great!“

“This is a great place to eat lunch while in The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. We got the (2) Piece Chicken Tender meal which was really great. I thought I was going to get just the chicken, but it came with garlic bread, plus very tasty French fries. Much more food than I expected. Plus, the chicken was the best tenders I've tasted in a long while and huge pieces. the squirrel also enjoyed the food :-) Good pricing and food, I would recommend.“

“Lovely pool area with great food and drink. Enjoyed the fish tacos and chicken wings. Nice selection of cocktails and other drinks. Plenty of seating both loungers, high-tops and table seating. Options for shaded areas or sun! Thanks to Lety for her friendly and attentive service, credit to the facilities here ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️“

“Chef Michael and staff did an outstanding job catering our outdoor celebration. The Mexican buffet spread was unbelievable and all of our guests had rave reviews. 5 stars from beginning to end!“

“Great burger and fries. Delicious carne asada burger. 🍔 🍟 🥤 so good!“

“Literally a quaint Little Bar in the heart of Palm Desert. Great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere with a down home menu. A touch of the LA music scene is the desert. The burgers are awesome!“

“We were staying overnight, on our way to Los Angeles, and came across this little gem. The variety of food was stupendous. The staff were super friendly and helpful! Very clean establishment! We both had the Turkey and Bacon Wrap and it was delightful! Decently priced! Would recommend to anyone!! Way to go guys!“

“We miss the buns you used to serve. Why don't you put them on the menu and charge for them? The replacement buns on the menu are NOT nearly as good. Also why did you tae the pork and burger sliders off the menu..they were great Happy Hour/anytime items .“

“We have been to Boulevards 3 or 4 times for dinner, each time it was a great experience; service, food, and ambiance way above par...however, we had lunch for the first time a week ago this past Friday with 7 other people. While the service was good, the food was subpar...I had a professional LA Chef with us, who did not say a word, but neither he or his wife ate their lunches and I know them well enough to know they did not like it...I ordered chili, it was not very good and was luke warm, but the server took it immediately and warmed it. My partner ordered a club sandwich, it too was subpar, and another friend also ordered chili and felt as I did. While the others in the party were grandkids, the one salad looked like a bowl filled with lettuce thrown together, and not much thought at that, one had a sandwich and I looked at that, it too looked awful, and my one grandson said his lunch was good...I do not remember what he had. For a place that has no kids menu and prices are steep, everything should be served professionally. ALSO...I was in the restaurant business in LA and NYC for over 25 years and it is 2024 and time for Boulevards to have a voice mail instead of a message that askes the customer to call back when they cant answer the phone as they "are serving other customers" The customer should not have to keep calling back. By the way, I just called to make reservations for this coming Tues nite, 4 times over a 15 - 20 minute period, and each time I got this same message. We really like Boulevards for dinner, but as with all restaurants, and included my own, there is always room for improvement!“

“The eggs Benedict tasted really good. So did the French toast. When we first walked in, it was loud and very vintage. Has an A on the window but seemed a little old dirt felt. Very hometown carefree environment and man the good tasted great. Parking in front, and way more in back. Had bathrooms and a private table set up in back. Service was great and food came out quick. Dont be thrown off by the vintage dinge. Its a perfect place for breakfast“

“Went to a 5pm fundraiser. Clearly they let an entire restaurant in early. There was not one seat available at 5. It was already maxed out with people wolfing down appetizers and wine with not one seat open. Not Cool. Clearly the good Ole boys got the we will let you in early memo. Too much competition around El Paseo to ever go back.“

“Great place all around! The food is AWESOME and the atmosphere is top notch. A must if you're in the area!“

“The Larkspur Bar and Grill is one of the top five overall restaurant experiences in Palm Desert.(My Opinion). The food is true quality, the staff is attentive to guest needs and the chef's know how to blow your taste buds out of your mouths. Last nights Prime Rib was the best I have had in the desert.“

“I just want to say that today was a wonderful day ending the day with a great dinner @ Rockwood Grill 🙏🏼 they were able to help me with going out of their way and having time to do this night memorable for helping me propose my future wife🙌🏼 shout out to Esmeralda and Rockwood team management and servers for this wonderful evening.“

“Our new neighbors, Cahparritos Grill treated us to an outstanding lunch today! Thank you. 10/10 would recommend.“

“I worked for Stuft in the early 90s. This pizza to me is one of the best in California. Thanks to Jack Bertram this small chain exists! I live in Sacramento area, but, on occasion I will drive the several hours it takes to get one in Northern California. Try it once!“

“My family and I come to Palm Springs every year to visit and this place is a must. The food is amazing. Cafe has a homey feel. My mother gets her chicken and waffles with the chicken extra crispy; and they always perfect it.

Salma and the entire staff is so welcoming. I highly recommend this place when you’re in the area; there’s genuinely nothing like it!“

“Great food selection and daily specials. Healthy portions and excellent history lesson on the walls.“

“Concise Review Great poolside food, drinks, & staff ----- Longer Review We have visited Marriott’s Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert since 2002, and afternoons at the pool, with food and drinks from Chuckwalla Bar & Grill, are a bit part of every trip. One of my all time favorite photos is from a nice afternoon, poolside, several years ago when the kids were little... it was one of our most fun and peaceful afternoons as a family anywhere... the photos is of our daughter, asleep on my wonderful wife, my wonderful wife smiling at me, and our son was on the chair in between us, smiling as he was drinking a strawberry smoothie from Chuckwalla’s... such a blessing. We visited Southern California - Palm Desert, Yucaipa, and Malibu - for Spring Break 2021. This trip we had more activities off-property than usual, so we only got one nice long afternoon at the pool, and RebekahM made it a little extra special. The sun, the water, fun in the pool... and smoothies... such a joy. Before I had a chance to think about it, smoothies were en route from Chuckwalla... strawberry, banana, and alcohol-free pina colada. Rebekah delivered them to us with a big smile and infectiously positive attitude. Rebekah turned the fun up a notch with her dancing and smiling and laughing as she took our orders and delivered to the families around the pool... everyone was extra happy when she was around. Thank you, Rebekah and Chuckwalla, for another memorable trip! ----- ----- -----“

“Thanksgiving dinner again was exceptional. The greeting on arrival, the incredible menu, amazing service deliver a five star experience every visit. The outdoor dining creates a unique ambiance and if you want the best in fine dining..Jillian's is outstanding.“

“Great place to hang out. I like the Bloody Mary bar on Sundays.“

“Our 60's rock band Woody & The Retros play at PDCC, and we love the vibe, people and patio. Come see us and dance to the Feel Good Sounds of the Swingin' 60's. 💃🕺For booking contact Woody Retro. Thanks to Robert Pescador for bringing us back each season. We truly appreciate the opportunity. We hope to see YOU on the dance floor!“

“From the moment you walk in, Flora greets you with a smile. My server Lizzy, was great and kind. The cooks deserve praise for a fast, tasty food experience. And last, but not least, Tony, the floor manager made it all come together. Thanks, folks.“

“Great service and great food! Every salad on the menu is amazing“

“A take out order today had one "glitch," so I wondered if J's was slipping again. I called the restaurant and talked to the person who had sent the order out. She apologized and said there would be a credit on my next order either delivery or in the restaurant. But almost immediately, Jay, the owner, sent me an email apology increasing the credit (double the cost of the item) and saying he was sorry for the error and disappointing me. That prompt and responsive action on the part of the owner counts. Things go wrong with any restaurant or any business. I learned long ago as a customer - and as a consultant to the top execs at Fortune 500 companies - that the true measure of a company isn't how they act when things are going well (that's easy) but rather how they handle it when things go awry. Jay handled the minor mistake in my order with professionalism, responsiveness, promptness, and kindness. The order was on time, packaged perfectly, and the key thing, great food. As I said in the past, there was a period in which I saw some problems at J's, but for a while now, I have seen nothing but great food, good service, and attention to the customer. I hope others go to J's and find the same.“

“Once you catch the eye of a server you get great service. We ate at the pool about three times. The arugula mozzerella tomato salad was very good and large enough for two to share. Also the chicken strips were a good size portion. We LOVED the homemade chips that came with many of the lunches.“

“Incredible food and wonderful service“

“Great service should be tops on their list of reasons to come here. Tracy is the best!“

“Would prefer table service versus ordering at counter.“

“PLEASE READ: This is a 10 star rating. Been coming here for years. The place is the best in service and food is great. What makes this place the best, is the service. The bar tender is ,(Jessica) and she is the best. You won't find this great service any where else. I can't say enough about her. She makes this Applebee's a place to relax and bring friends.“