41 Best American Restaurants in Palm Desert

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

“Tommy Bahama never disappoints! Everyone was super friendly from the moment we arrived. We sat on the patio and were served by Bailey — she was so sweet, friendly, and helpful. The food was delicious as always and totally met our expectations. Such a great evening at Tommy Bahama!“

“Love the matzoh ball soup and the #5“

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

“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!!!!!!!!!!!!!“

“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! Great atmosphere!“

“Omelette you in on a little secret—this diner is awesome! We came here for breakfast and it did not disappoint. The all meat omelette was packed with the works and absolutely delicious. The hash browns were golden and crispy, and the service was top-notch—fast, friendly, and welcoming. Oh, and did I mention the mimosas? Perfect start to the day. Can’t wait to come back“

“Great burger and French fries“

“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. 😊🤗💜😉“

“We came to Cactus Jacks on a whim. In town for a conference. I had the mahi tacos and my sister had the Ruben. Mahi tacos could have had more flavor but the texture was perfect. My sister devoured her sandwich. We shared a delicious chocolate cake a la mode. We ate so fast we forgot to take pics. Flora was a great attentive server. Will come back again when in town.“

“Great ambiance and the burger and the salmon salad is good“

“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.“

“Favorite local cafe with Live Bands and dancing under the stars. Eat outside shaded by pergola with views of mountains, greens, palm trees, fire pits - no traffic noise, no parking lots to stare at. Great lunch and happy hour with dinner on the weekend and holidays. Hidden Gem!“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“While staying here we went to the main pool and enjoyed the water to include the lunch that was available. Sometimes we split the lunch between us and some time got individual for partial take back to lodging Great place to stay, food was presented and tasted very good. Service was excellent and you have a full service bar here also. They also serve poolside food and drinks“

“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.“

“Bottom line up front: Goodies is one of the American diner staples of the desert. Great place to eat.

I generally only go to Goody's for breakfast, but my family goes for other meals of the day. I don't think anyone really complains unless they don't really like their food choice. Lots of things on the menu, to include American and Mexican breakfasts. Good place to go if you don't know what you want.

Relatively clean, so no complaints there.

Service is good and quick. They speak Spanish.

Solid choice.“

“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!“

“Serene location in a resort setting. The food and service were top notch. What made it even better was the location. We were seated on the outdoor patio at the JW Marriott Palm Springs Desert Resort. It is situated on a lagoon with black swans, other waterfowl and decoratively lit electric tour boats“

“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!“

“The steak was delicious,juicy and tender,the Brussel salad chickpeas was interesting but I wouldn't try it again.
The tuna tostada looks good and my friend said it was,there black bean burger was interesting but not my favorite,the meatballs were delicious,tender,juicy, and delicious great recipe from the chiefs family.
I liked the chared broccoli but would loved it pre cut as it was awkward to cut with a butter knife. The drinks are strong and good 💯 I loved the espresso martini 💖 🙏 and the lemon cheesecake was delicious.
Beautiful Dinner,live band and servers are amazing!“

“Stayed at nearby Courtyard and walked across to Applebee’s for lunch. Servers were friendly and sat us down quick. Food was big portioned and deserves a 3/5. Would suggest going to nearby JT’s diner for better tasting brunch/lunch options with fresh avocado“

“Great service! The King Mushroom burger with 4 different mushrooms was the best! Will stop in when passing through Palm Springs.“

“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!“

“Keedy’s Diner is the perfect classic breakfast spot in Palm Springs. I ordered eggs with bacon and hash browns, plus a side of pancakes, and everything hit the spot. The eggs were cooked just right, the bacon was crispy and flavorful, and the hash browns had that perfect golden crunch on the outside while staying soft inside.

The pancakes were fluffy, buttery, and easily some of the best I’ve had at a diner — they came out hot and fresh, the kind you can tell are made with care.

On top of the great food, the diner has that old-school charm and welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home. Service was friendly and fast, and the whole experience felt genuine and classic.

A must-visit in Palm Springs if you’re craving a true diner breakfast done perfectly.“

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

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

“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.“

“Manager Art J was one of the most personable people I have ever had the pleasure of encountering. He took the time to answer our many questions even though the place was very busy. He never made us feel rushed. We ordered our food to go so all I can say is that if our food is half as good as the service we got from Art, we will be well pleased. Thanks, Art, for a memorable experience in the best way possible. Maggie and Viki 👏😋😎“

“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! ----- ----- -----“

“Incredible food and wonderful service“

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

“We were looking for a place to have a quick dinner and did not feel like venturing out. It was also taco Tuesday and the prospect of reduced price tacos and margaritas was tempting. There is a nice bar along with high top tables and traditional tables. The dining room was very bright, and we opted to sit at the bar. We were taken care of by Kevin who did an admirable job of managing a busy bar. Kevin‘s advice was helpful as we were going to order the happy hour tacos, but he pointed out that they were just not as good as the ones on the menu although they were cheaper. For the second time today I had tacos companion, and I split the shrimp tacos and the grilled mahi tacos. The tacos were on double wheat tortillas and had a nice selection of veggies as well as pineapple in them. An aioli was served on the side along with salsa Verde. The margarita was happy and priced at $12 and was a pint glass. Well-made. Overall, a lovely experience and worth another visit. Besides tacos, flatbreads and the like they do have a couple of more substantial entrées on the menu, such as pasta, salmon, short ribs, and skirt steak.“

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

“Would prefer table service versus ordering at counter.“