When it comes to which local restaurants serve the best hamburgers, the Coachella Valley has its fair share of contenders that know how to grill a patty, toast a bun, and craft a variety of toppings and flavors.
Everyone has their favorite spot and an item on the menu, including us. We looked at the full picture and what else is on the menu, how creative the kitchen gets, the stories behind some of them, and the overall experience in determining our favorites.
Here are our five local favorite burger restaurants in the Coachella Valley.
The Heyday
In the mood for a martini with your burger? That’s one of the unique combos you’ll find at this diner-style Palm Springs spot that’s all about the simple pleasures in life. The burgers, which are on the smaller side but are still satisfying with each bite, come with classic toppings, but are elevated with soft, caramelized onions. The martini and burger special is a favorite among visitors, not only because it’s one you won’t see elsewhere, but it’s also perfect for a city that’s all about its mid-century modern chicness (but if you’re not a martini fan, there’s plenty of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options). Other items on the menu include their crispy fries that easily beat out a lot of the competition, a few non-burger sandwich options and warm chocolate chip cookies.
Details: 1550 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 442-268-9260, theheydaypalmsprings.com
Grill-A-Burger
Many people claim to have the best burger, but Grill-A-Burger has more than 30 delicious and wildly unique burgers to choose from on its menu. If you’re a huge Lady Gaga fan, you can sink your teeth into the Gagapalooza, which comes with frizzled imported Italian prosciutto, buttery Provolone cheese and homemade pesto mayo on a sourdough bun. Those with a taste for certain ingredients can scope out creative concoctions topped with avocados, mushrooms, bleu cheese and fire roasted green chiles, among others. There are also three options, the Tuscany, the Buddha and the Devil’s Revenge, that caught “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” host Guy Fieri’s attention when he visited this spot. The eatery also offers chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, salmon, salad and other options for those looking for non-burger fare. — Ema Sasic
Details: 73-091 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, 760-346-8170, grill-a-burger.com
Little Bar
The best thing about Little Bar’s cheeseburgers is their simplicity without sacrificing quality. When former Goldenvoice Chief Operating Officer Skip Paige opened the bar in 2019, he boasted about the hamburgers he cooks at home and planned to offer the same recipe on the menu, without an ingredient he dislikes ― tomatoes. The cheeseburger comes with special sauce, lettuce, pickles, and the option of raw or grilled onions. You can also enhance your burger with a fried egg or bacon for an additional $3. Add a side of tater tots, French fries, or a combination of both. Or, you can add filthy fries with melted cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce. Carne asada fries are also available. Little Bar also has a fried chicken sandwich, buffalo chicken wrap, tacos, and more. — Brian Blueskye
Details: 73-560 Palm Desert Drive, Palm Desert, 760-565-1965, little-bar.com
Burger Box
Burger Box in Indio has a roadside Americana look and a history dating back over 70 years. Even though the beloved establishment, opened in 1954 by the late George Mitchell, closed in 2024, it reopened a year later under the new ownership of longtime employee Yolanda Ruiz. It’s not just the nostalgic appearance of a drive-up, fast-food burger restaurant that makes Burger Box great, but also the classic burger taste and a combo for about $10. Add pastrami to any burger for $3. Burger Box’s menu also features a hot dog, fish sandwich, burrito, chicken sandwich, and its flat, round fries. Even better, there are milkshakes, including a date shake. — Brian Blueskye
Details: 81-201 Indio Blvd, Indio, 760-636-3318, instagram.com/burgerboxindio/
Tony’s Burgers
Reading the menu at Tony’s Burgers in Cathedral City feels like you keep scrolling and think, “this has to be the last burger,” but it isn’t. With creative names such as “The Love Hater (A Garlic Delight),” “OMG Girl (So Many Flavors Your Mouth Will Love You),” “Frankenstein Burger,” “Bacon Love Burger (Got Bacon?),” the monstrous “The Hulk Burger,” and many more, there’s something for every appetite. There’s also pulled pork, mini burgers, tuna wraps, chicken burgers, hot dogs, and plates such as fish and chips, fish tacos, and more. It’s a great place to go on a hot summer afternoon for a burger and a margarita, or enjoy the patio in cooler evening temperatures.
Details: 35-903 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, 760-832-7794, tonysburgers.com
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com. Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Best burger restaurants in Palm Springs? 10 special spots locals love
Reporting by Brian Blueskye and Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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