44 Best American Restaurants in Palm Desert

“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!!!!!!!!!!!!!“

“Si Bon was wonderful! The food and service as a 10/10. I will say, when we arrived, it was EXTREMELY busy. Completely full. The staff was running around taking orders, making drinks, trying to accommodate everyone and every request. Our server was not only our server, but also the bartender for the whole restaurant (I believe)! Food and service took a a few minutes longer than expected, but it was well worth the wait. The restaurant manager checked in on us twice, making sure we were comfortable and happy. Anyone who has ever worked in the service industry would acknowledge how hard these individuals were working. I left completely full on amazing food, and completely impressed on the restaurant staff. 10/10 again. Thank you Si Bon staff and manger. <3“

“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 burger and French fries“

“This restaurant is truly special. Their Thanksgiving spread and service were incredible and we could easily see that they all work as a family not just co workers. They gave my Dad’s girlfriend a wonderful spread of birthday desserts, the whole restaurant sang to her and they even had football going for the Ravens fans next to us! The chef personally came to talk with us and I’d like to give a special shout out to Gina. One of the best servers I’ve ever had at a restaurant. I hope we make it back soon!“

“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. 😊🤗💜😉“

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

“Great food! Great atmosphere!“

“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! 🎊 🤶“

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

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“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 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️“

“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.“

“Old school diner. We used to go here years ago when we lived in Palm Desert. Same food today. Taco salad is my fave. Burger isn't as good as we remember. Ranch dressing tastes home-made and is great! Tacos were yummy. Great stop with kids. Diner itself is older...but clean. Great location when you want a good stop close to I-10!“

“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!“

“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 .“

“Our expectations for a hotel restaurant were understandably modest, but our dinner experience at Rockwood Grill was absolutely wonderful in all respects! The only thing that topped our perfectly prepared entrees of scallops and the tomahawk pork chop was ELENA!! Our wonderful server was so delightful. She clearly loves her career and made our dining so special. Her food, drink, and dessert suggestions were perfect. We enjoyed a very memorable dining experience!“

“Fabulous experience at Larkspur Grill! While the food was average, the staff was attentive and excellent. But what really made our experience was the entertainment by Dick and Jane. Their music was incredible - all of the band members' instrumental skills and vocal skills were of a very high level. And Janis (Jane) visited with each table, making the experience more memorable!“

“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!“

“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 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!“

“Keedy’s Fountain & Grill is the best restaurant experience I had. We were able to seat ourselves immediately and our server was happy. She took our order within five minutes of us sitting and frequently checked up on us and refilled drinks. I never went to a restaurant that runs food so quickly, our food came out at least five minutes after we ordered and everything was fresh, hot, and well seasoned. Honestly you get more than you pay for here, although the restaurant was packed our server didn’t rush us or appear overwhelmed, and our delicious food came out quickly with no problems. Additionally, the atmosphere was very old fashioned and comforting. 10/10 dining experience I will be coming back for more yummy breakfasts again.“

“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.“

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

“Here to rave about the massive ahi tuna stack I devoured here during happy hour. The fish was fresh and delicious. The hot wings were also huge and juicy with the perfect amount of crisp to them. Not a wiggly or overcooked chicken wing in sight. All staff we encountered were friendly and very helpful when it came to choosing the best from the menu. So many great options on the happy hour menu you cant go wrong“

“Incredible food and wonderful service“

“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! ----- ----- -----“

“Agave is a hidden gem. Kevin is an absolute professional and it’s nice to get such good service and quality food in the valley. The drinks are some of the best we’ve had, and we drive from LaQuinta just for the raspberry lemon drop. It’s so good! This place is worth a visit and Kevin will take care of you, it’s a local treasure with seriously good food and fantastic service. Stop in!!“

“Awesome breakfast place with real quick service! Friendly staff!“

“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!“

“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.“