When you think of cool dining experiences, the desert is likely not the first place that comes to mind, but the Coachella Valley may just surprise you. Palm Springs, Indio, and Palm Desert are home to some amazing restaurants where you will be treated to a memorable experience – along with really delicious food and drinks!
Alps Village
77734 Country Club Dr. F, Palm Desert, CA 92211
760-200-5400 | www.alpsvillage.com
Cuisine Type: German / European
Craving some authentic German food served in a friendly atmosphere? Search no further than the Alps Village in Palm Desert. Chef Mici is originally from Yugoslavia and moved to Germany in the 1990s. She brought recipes from both countries to the Coachella Valley with her and she and her daughter are proud of their authentic schnitzels, cevapcici, homemade sauerkraut, cabbage rolls, and goulash. Pair your meal with German beer, either bottled or on tap from the bar, and be sure to save room for some homemade white cake for dessert! The Alps Village is definitely a great desert dining experience!
Shanghai Reds
235 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-322-9293 | www.fishermans.com/restaurants-in-palm-springs
Cuisine Type: Seafood / Mexican / Deep South American
Quality seafood in the desert? The late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain certainly thought so when he tried Shanghai Reds’ Baja fish tacos and proclaimed them to be “truly, truly extraordinary!” Don’t judge a restaurant by its name – if you are expecting Chinese food, you will be in for a surprise as Shanghai Red specializes in seafood. In addition to the tacos, favorites include oyster shooters and garlic bread.
With an indoor/outdoor layout reminiscent of a back alley in the Deep South, the atmosphere will be just as memorable as the food.
Big Rock Pub
79-940 Westward Ho Drive, Indio, CA 92201
760-200-9844 | www.thebigrockpub.com
Cuisine Type: American
Lovers of rock music are in for a serious treat when they pay a visit to the Big Rock Pub in Indio. The owner, Ken Hanna, has amassed a museum-worthy collection of instruments, art, and memorabilia, which are displayed throughout the restaurant. The entryway even features a glass floor with a piano inside of it.
When you open your album cover menu, you will see a range of American foods with a few extras like carnitas tacos thrown in. Try the sliders and, if you like unique drinks, be sure to order the signature Bandhattan cocktail. Before you leave, make a stop in the restroom to check out the glass bathroom sinks with their enclosed rock-and-roll memorabilia.
TKB Bakery & Deli
44911 Golf Center Pkwy, Indio, CA 92201
760-775-8330 | www.tkbbakery.com
Cuisine Type: Sandwiches / Deli / Bakery
Hidden among the warehouses of Indio is the TKB Deli & Bakery, a delectable sandwich shop which has earned a spot in the ‘Top 5 Places to eat in the U.S.’ list on Yelp for 3 consecutive years. Head inside and you will soon see why this unassuming shop has gained nationwide fame.
The sandwiches are huge and the customer service exceptional. Regardless of political affiliation, “The Trump (not actually named for the president),” featuring turkey, salami, bacon, cheese, and a plethora of toppings on a jalapeño focaccia roll has become a menu favorite. Let them know it is your first time visiting, and you may even be given a free cookie!
The Desert has some of the best dining experiences of any resort town, but here you get the added bonus of the great weather too boot!
