Palm Springs is an eater’s oasis in the desert. If you come on I-10 from the west, stop in Cabazon at Hadley’s Fruit Orchards (where trail mix was invented) and at Crazy Coyote Tacos for hotter-than-hot sauce.
From the east, visit Shields Date Gardens in Indio for a date shake, date pancakes, and date ice cream. Also to the east, in Palm Desert, Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant and Bar serves memorable from-scratch Italian fare.
In Cathedral City, Tony’s Burgers is the place for extremely well-dressed hamburgers; and Salsas for inspired Mexican dishes (shrimp and seafood in particular).
In the city proper, we love Sherman’s Deli & Bakery for piled-high sandwiches and smoked fish; Frankinbun for artisan hot dogs; Felipe’s for blue-ribbon chilies rellenos and killer margaritas; Great Shakes for shakes and malts made to order; and Koffi for stylish caffeination along with beautiful pastries throughout the day.
Hadley Fruit Orchards
Claiming to have invented trail mix, Hadley Fruit Orchards of California is a top source for a date shake as thick as a Midwestern concrete.
Crazy Coyote Tacos
Crazy Coyote Tacos shouldn't be missed by anyone passing through; for those who crave the burn of hot chilies, the salsas are worth a special trip.
Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant and Bar
Masterful Italian meals make Mimmo's a Palm Desert hidden gem, from bruschetta thru pastas & seafood to unforgettable tiramisu and mascarpone cheesecake.
Tony’s Burgers
Spectacular mile-high hamburgers, dressed and loaded every which way, make Tony's a Cathedral City destination for adventurous eaters in search of extremes.
Salsas
Salsas is a Cathedral City storefront restaurant with a full California-Mexican menu that includes fantastic shrimp dishes and interesting grilled tacos.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Sherman’s of Palm Springs, California, is an old-fashioned Jewish deli restaurant with tall sandwiches, salami omelets, and smoked fish plates.
Frankinbun
Frankinbun is a Palm Springs, California, hole-in-the-wall that elevates the hot dog and more worldly sausages to gourmet status. French fries are the best.
Felipe’s
Felipe's is a modest storefront restaurant serving some of the best Mexican food in Palm Springs. Margaritas are great; dessert mustn't be missed.
Great Shakes
From-scratch milk shakes in every imaginable (and unimaginable!) flavor make Great Shakes a best bet for sweet tooths in Palm Springs, California.
Koffi
Superb coffee and espresso make Koffi a must for those in search of a quality caffeine fix. Good pastries, too.
Shields Date Gardens
Located by a grove of stately California palm trees, Shields sells luxurious date shakes and has a cafe serving excellent Mexican-accented food.
