There’s nothing quite like walking into a restaurant that’s barely changed in the past several decades. From the slightly frayed menus to the black-and-white photos on the walls, these are the kind of white-tablecloth joints that multiple generations bring their children to because they never disappoint.
Although Palm Springs has been a city for less than 100 years, its 88-year history comes alive at these types of restaurants, and although your bill won’t be as affordable as it would at the new fact casual place across the street, it’s worth every penny.
Here is The Desert Sun’s 10 favorite spots for a classic meal that’s worth your time and your money.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery is an integral part of Palm Springs cultural history. Since its opening in 1963, it’s attracted celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Rita Hayworth, and Keely Smith. The Palm Springs location features numerous headshots of such celebrities who flock to the deli for everything from deli classics such as turkey, roast beef, pastrami, and corned beef to the Chicago Knockwurstor Frankfurter and French Dip. Stop in for dinner, and you’ll be able to enjoy the herb-roasted chicken, liver and onions and “Chicken in the Pot” and more. Of course, Sherman’s is also renowned for its dessert case with several cakes, pies, pastries, and other specialty items like cannolis.
Details: 401 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, 760-325-1199; and 73-161 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, 760-568-1350, shermansdeli.com
— Brian Blueskye
Spencer’s Restaurant
Some occasions are meant to be celebrated in style, and Spencer’s is one of those restaurants that specializes in celebrating milestones. The indoor restaurant blends in with the outdoor patio thanks to shade provided by five giant Ficus trees, combining style and comfort. The dinner menu features steak, seafood, pastas, lamb and more, and it’s also open for breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch. Equally as notable is its history. The late Harold Matzner opened Spencer’s in 2000 to help the neighboring Palm Springs Tennis Club, which was struggling financially at the time. The eatery, named after his 110-pound Siberian Husky, played a huge role in rebuilding the club.
Details: 701 W. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, 760-327-3446, spencersrestaurant.com
— Brian Blueskye
Wally’s Desert Turtle
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or just an elegant night on the town, this Rancho Mirage staple is the place to be. A dimly lit interior sets the mood for a special evening and only gets better with one of Wally’s Desert Turtle’s specialty cocktails, such as the Perfect Pear or Velvet Turtle Espressotini. The menu also offers a variety of options that celebrate fine dining with modern California flair, including dover sole, rack of lamb and Chilean sea bass. Top it off with some Wally’s soufflés or sorbets and your visit to this desert gem is complete.
Details: 71-775 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-568-9321, wallysdesertturtle.com
— Ema Sasic
Mr. Lyons
There’s a number of steakhouses in the Coachella Valley, but Mr. Lyons keeps us coming back for its elegant atmosphere and delicious food. This Palm Springs eatery will transport you back to the mid-century modern era as you sip on classic martinis and enjoy a red-meat-only diet (but don’t worry, there’s other options on the menu as well). Pop over into Seymour’s, the chic speakeasy inside the restaurant, for a delicious nightcap.
Details: 233 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-327-1551, mrlyonsf10.com
— Ema Sasic
Paul Bar/Food
This eatery may not attract a lot of attention from the outside — it’s located in a strip mall, after all — but the intimate environment inside can’t be beat. Paul Bar/Food has been serving Palm Springs since 2018, and it quickly became a favorite among locals for its low-key lounge vibe and delicious fare. Burgers, steak frites, salmon and chicken schnitzel are offered on the menu, elevating this spot from any regular watering hole. But the best part about this staple is the comradery that’s felt the moment you walk in. As the warm, intimate setting greets you, you can sense that you’re going to walk out having made a couple of new friends during your visit.
Details: 3700 E. Vista Chino, Palm Springs, 760-656-4082, thepaulbarps.com
— Ema Sasic
Enzo’s Bistro & Bar
This old-school Italian spot sets the mood with dim lighting, wood surfaces, stone fireplaces and Rat Pack-era celebrity photos that give the place a certain vintage desert cool. The large patio is great for enjoying winter or spring weather, and when it’s too hot to sit outside, there’s more fans than you could ever imagine inside. The menu, meanwhile, offers an appealing combination of pizzas, pastas and salads, as well as a 28-day-aged steak for those who want to splurge. Those wary of red meat (and sauce) can instead opt for entrees like the branzino or the rotisserie chicken served with fingerling potatoes and vegetables.
Details: 70-030 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-548-4151, enzosbistroandbar.com
— Niki Kottmann
Parker Palm Springs
We were originally going to award Mister Parker’s, but decided that all three eateries at the luxurious Parker Palm Springs hotel deserve to be recognized as a classic in their own right. Norma’s, the hotel’s elevated diner, is perhaps best known for its benedicts — and the fact that they serve breakfast all day until 3 p.m. — but we implore you to come for dinner and try the lobster mac and cheese. It’s divine. Next up is Counter Reformation, the hotels’ swanky wine bar that recently got a complete menu overhaul. Come for the impressive wine list, and stay for exquisite bites like the caviar, creme fraiche and quail egg on toasted brioche. Last is Mister Parker’s, the swankiest of the hotel’s three offerings. This is the kind of old-school, white-tablecloth place where jackets and collared shirts are still required for gentlemen, so expect equally lavish entrees like filet mignon and duck breast.
Details: 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-770-5000, parkerpalmsprings.com
— Niki Kottmann
The Copper Room
This restaurant is in the high desert, so it’s not technically in the Coachella Valley, but it’s the kind of place that people are willing to drive 40-plus-minutes for. From its inception as an airport lounge at Yucca Valley Airport in 1957 through the 1970s, The Copper Room was a Rat Pack hotspot thanks to Frank Sinatra’s composer and best friend Jimmy Van Heusen, the honorary mayor of Yucca Valley. Today, after going through eras as the Red Baron and Wine & Roses, the restaurant again known as The Copper Room preserves its old-time charm while also maintaining a hip edge, with modern menu items like a goddess salad and a tomahawk steak (and, it should be noted, several kinds of martinis).
Details: 57-360 Aviation Drive, Yucca Valley, 760-228-0607, thecopperroom1957.com
— Niki Kottmann
(This story was updated to include a fresh video and photo gallery.)
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Best Palm Springs restaurants? 10 classics that stand the test of time
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Brian Blueskye and Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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