Best Restaurants for People Watching in Desert Hot Springs

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zin American Bistro restaurant

1. Zin American Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(2604)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Palm Springs

Booked 16 times today

For the past 20 years, Zin has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. We offer crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner. We are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for our extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating we have a beautiful heated and cooled covered patio for outdoor dining.

2. Boozehounds

4.3

Awesome(254)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Palm Springs

Booked 115 times today

Boozehounds Palm Springs was established in 2020 and has served as a go-to restaurant for dog owners from LA, San Diego, Coachella Valley, and beyond. Boozehounds was started by three friends for one simple reason… they loved dogs and dreamed of owning a place where people could take their pups, enjoy an awesome cocktail or fab meal, and socialize in style. Making sure the pup was the real VIP of course! Choose from the sexy and stylish dining room and lounge facing the gorgeous San Jacinto mountains, dine in the open-air atrium, or enjoy the picturesque vacation vibes at the cabana bar and patio. Who doesn’t love a little mai tai moment?Both the Atrium and Patio are dog-friendly zones and offer water bowls and a pup-friendly menu. Please note all indoor spaces are human only.Michelin Guide Restauarant 3 years in a row, and recently nominated best drag show 2023 by GED

A photo of Lulu California Bistro restaurant

3. Lulu California Bistro

4.4

Awesome(6069)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Palm Springs

Booked 93 times today

Lulu California Bistro is Palm Springs’ landmark restaurant on world famous Palm Canyon Drive where there’s a lively vibe daily on its streetside patio, covered terrace, bar, and in its indoor dining areas featuring an extensive all day favorites menu, an award-winning three-course weekend brunch, and of course, signature cocktails and wines. The list of accolades awarded to Lulu is all encompassing: best all around restaurant, best brunch, best California cuisine, best dining experience, best outdoor dining, best pet friendly dining, best take out, and best place to hang with friends…all awarded from readers’ polls and editors’ picks over the years. Dining at Lulu is an authentic local experience with its California bistro menu, friendly and warm service, and the energy and excitement of being in Palm Springs’ most popular restaurant because, after all, “there’s always a party at Lulu!”

A photo of Jake's - Palm Springs restaurant

4. Jake's - Palm Springs

4.5

Awesome(3536)

Price: Moderate

• American • Palm Springs

Booked 69 times today

Jake's is a casual, upscale European-style bistro nestled in a secluded courtyard at the epicenter of the Mid-Century Uptown design district of Palm Springs. Much like the architectural and style artisans that surround it, Jake’s takes cues from the past with a nod to the future in the kitchen and behind the bar. Classics are given a surprising twist while new flavor combinations excite the palate. Likewise wines come to us from both New and Old worlds. Of course, save room for something from our signature dessert case! Since 2007, Jake’s has offered al fresco dining as well as seating in our cozy dining room. So join our friendly, approachable and knowledgeable staff for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch!

A photo of Trio Restaurant - Palm Springs restaurant

5. Trio Restaurant - Palm Springs

4.3

Awesome(3882)

Price: Expensive

• American • Palm Springs

Booked 51 times today

Trio offers a lively, modern dining experience with exceptional service. Known for its chef-driven California cuisine, Trio sources fresh, local ingredients to create innovative dishes with a distinctive modern twist. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Trio promises a memorable dining experience. Located in the heart of Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, Just steps away from unique shops, hotels and galleries, Trio is a 15-minutestroll to downtown and the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue, and a short10-minute drive from the Palm Springs Tramway.Trio continues to earn accolades, including TripAdvisorTraveler’s Choice Award and Certificate of Excellence in 2024, WineSpectator Award of Excellence in 2024, and on Yelp’s Top 100 Placesto Eat. Additionally, it’s been recognized as a Diners Choice byOpenTable. Make your reservation today and experience the best ofPalm Springs dining!

A photo of Sammy G's Tuscan Grill restaurant

6. Sammy G's Tuscan Grill

4.7

Exceptional(3814)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Palm Springs

Booked 45 times today

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and near some of the city’s most quaint shops and hotels.Established in 2009, Sammy G’s has is open seasonally for Sammy's weekend Brunch and lunch with an innovative menu, blending traditional Italian with California cuisine. Take a break from shopping and dine al fresco for lunch on the newly renovated patio and soak up the gorgeous desert weather, or venture inside and be transported to Tuscany with the restaurant’s rustic charm.Dinner becomes a casual yet elegant event, and traditional Italian favorites mixed with updated classics are on the menu. A semi-private room is available for family gatherings or business events.On Thursday through Saturday nights, the Sammy G’s Lounge becomes an energetic yet intimate place to meet up with friends and dance the night away to live music and enjoy Sammy G’s signature cocktails.

7. Pomme Frite

4.6

Exceptional(2675)

Price: Moderate

• French • Palm Springs

Booked 33 times today

French & Belgian Bistro in Palm Springs, serving French food and Belgian specialties, full bar, French and California wines and 36 Belgian Beers.

A photo of Kaiser Grille - PALM SPRINGS restaurant

8. Kaiser Grille - PALM SPRINGS

4.2

Awesome(1414)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Palm Springs

Booked 13 times today

At Kaiser Grille Palm Springs, we believe you are what you eat. With this in mind, we proudly offer all natural and hormone-free USDA PRIME beef, free range organic chicken, and sustainable/wild seafood, all served alongside fresh, local produce. We use organic products as often as possible, and we make all of our delicious desserts, dressings and sauces in-house. Born out of our love of food and hospitality, Kaiser Grille has been synonymous with quality and value for over twenty years in the Coachella Valley. Founded by Kaiser Morcus in 1992, Kaiser Grille quickly became a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. When you are here, please introduce yourselves. We look forward to meeting you!

9. Palm Canyon Swim & Social

4.3

Awesome(47)

Price: Moderate

• American • Palm Springs

Booked 4 times today

Palm Canyon Swim & Social Palm Springs is an adults-only poolside restaurant and bar serving an All-Day Brunch Menu inspired by California’s abundance of agricultural and culinary diversity, featuring inviting dishes like Hashbrown Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, Fish Tacos, and the Cucumber & Avocado Salad. Our Specialty Cocktail Menu, Draft Beer, and Wine offerings will keep you refreshed while you lounge! Palisociety restaurants and bars (Palisociety Dining Group) are approachable spots that travelers and neighbors frequent on the regular. We create one-of-a-kind spaces where guests can find trusty service and classic, yet playful, seasonal menus that live up to our belief that great food never goes out of style and it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.

A photo of La Cocina at Reforma restaurant

10. La Cocina at Reforma

4.7

Exceptional(318)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Palm Springs

Booked 8 times today

MUST BE 21+ TO DINE WITH US.Reforma Palm Springs offers a world-class dining and nightlife venue while remaining rooted in Southern California with an authentic sense of place. Occupying nearly 9,000 square feet of a mid-century icon unique to Palm Springs.Inspired by Latin American culture, our Pan-Latin menu pays homage to the Southern California experience. Cuisines from Mexico, Central, and South America are represented and fused, paired with our handcrafted cocktails, delivering a unique dining opportunity. We believe nightlife should be inclusive and inspirational; a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of community, even for first-time visitors.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
NicoleVIP
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I have been missing out! I have been going to Palm Springs for decades and had no idea this amazing gem had been downtown for 20+ years. The ambience, food, drinks, service all amazing! We loved it so much we went back for breakfast for bottomless mimosas! I cannot wait to go back!
More info
Zin American BistroPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Palm Springs
•
4.6
D
DonVIP
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
One of my absolute favorite places in Palm Springs. The food, service, specialty drinks are all great, and it’s always consistent. We arrived a little early, and as I waited for my table, I observed the owners on the floor and attending to many details. But I was most impressed with how one of the owners interacted with the staff. Service positions can be hard work with little gratitude. In the interactions I saw, the owner was sincerely supportive of what I gathered was a new staff member. Impressive.
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Jake's - Palm SpringsPrice: Moderate• American• Palm Springs
•
4.5
J
JonathanVIP
Los Angeles •133 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
great food and love the dog friendly nature of this location - its a favorite spot with a great parking lot too.
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BoozehoundsPrice: Expensive• Californian• Palm Springs
•
4.3
B
Betty
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As a repeat visitor to the PSIFF, this was our second visit to Trio. We came back, not only because the food is outstanding, but our waiter has always been helpful in recommending dishes that suit our tastes. We also appreciate his friendly, humorous , and colorful personality. We’ll definitely be back!
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Trio Restaurant - Palm SpringsPrice: Expensive• American• Palm Springs
•
4.3
D
DeeVIP
Portland / Oregon •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We all enjoyed our salads. It’s always an enjoyable place to eat and a great menu.
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Lulu California BistroPrice: Moderate• Californian• Palm Springs
•
4.4

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Desert Hot Springs

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Desert Hot Springs

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Zin American Bistro

2. Boozehounds

3. Lulu California Bistro

4. Jake's - Palm Springs

5. Trio Restaurant - Palm Springs

6. Sammy G's Tuscan Grill

7. Pomme Frite

8. Kaiser Grille - PALM SPRINGS

9. Palm Canyon Swim & Social

10. La Cocina at Reforma

See what locals rave about

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