Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Quinta

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Twenty6

4.2

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • La Quinta

Booked 23 times today

When Walter Morgan first opened the La Quinta Hotel in 1926, his dream was to provide a welcoming desert escape for his friends and family. Throughout the ensuing decades, that dream has blossomed, and today TWENTY6 sits at the heart of La Quinta Resort providing the time-honored hospitality that Mr. Morgan so loved. Our focus is chef-driven modern American cuisine, using local, sustainable sources whenever possible. Our passion is providing exceptional service, our hallmark since 1926.

2. The Nest

4.6

Exceptional(3272)

Price: Expensive

• Continental • Indian Wells

Booked 28 times today

The Nest is Indian Wells' most famous restaurant and lounge. We've been serving fine guests, celebrities, golf and tennis legends since 1965. The reasons for our exceptional longevity and acceptance are delicious food, wonderful, warm atmosphere, great entertainment, and generous refreshments, along with the service you would like to receive all the time .... RESERVATIONS ARE FOR FULL DINNER IN THE DINING ROOM ONLY. Reservations for only cocktails, just desserts, or appetizers will be cancelled. The Nest enforces a strict upscale dress code. We do not allow beachwear, gym attire including sweatpants, sweatshirts or hoodies. Athletic apparel, jerseys, beanies, bandanas, backwards ball caps, oversized or baggy clothing are prohibited. No excessively revealing clothing will be allowed. Clothing emitting offensive odors is not permitted to be worn anywhere on the property.

A photo of Vicky's of Santa Fe restaurant

3. Vicky's of Santa Fe

4.6

Exceptional(2401)

Price: Expensive

• American • Indian Wells

Booked 20 times today

Indian Wells' award-winning Restaurant, noted for its outstanding American cuisine, has been consistently awarded "Best Hot Spot", "Best Live Music Venue" and "Best Bar Scene" by OpenTable. Established 1989. Owner Marc Laliberte likes to say, "It's not just the place. It is the people. Our guests become friends & family." A menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood, rack of lamb pair with any number of sides. A walk-in wine cellar features California wines from well-known winemakers to select boutique vintners. At the spacious center bar, signature cocktails shake up. Entertainment in the Lounge Room with a live music program by desert legend John Stanley King. Electrifying performances every night, two sets on Fridays & Saturdays, 7 Sets in 5 Days. No Cover. Please visit vickysofsantafe.com for the Live Music Schedule Now-June 2025. Dinner Reservations required in Dining Rooms and the Lounge. 5pm-9:30pm. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sunday & Monday in the months of September & October.

A photo of Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West restaurant

4. Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West

4.8

Exceptional(435)

Price: Moderate

• American • La Quinta

Booked 12 times today

Ernie's is an "open to the public" Gastro-Pub located at PGA West, overlooking the famous Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament courses. The hallmark of Gastro Pub fare is that it takes adventurous twists on familiar food, all made from scratch with palette arousing ingredients. Ernie's offers both a casual and refined atmosphere that welcomes the casual beer drinker, the wine enthusiast or the hipster looking for a cocktail. The restaurant consists of booths, low and high top tables positioned to provide people watching, sports on various TV’s or take in golf course views. The large patio provides both outdoor living room furniture and table dining. Two gas fire pits provide and area to relax, unwind and socialize.

A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm Desert restaurant

5. Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm Desert

4.6

Exceptional(4388)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Palm Desert

Booked 56 times today

Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.

6. Kitchen 86

4.5

Awesome(313)

Price: Expensive

• American • Palm Desert

Booked 18 times today

Kitchen 86 is a local favorite for indoor and outdoor dining on El Paseo in the heart of Palm Desert.Featuring a deliciously eclectic menu, exceptional service, and a contemporary vibe.Indulge in our ever-changing menu that includes seafood, steaks, lamb chops, salads, pasta, house-made curry, ramen, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable small plates.We serve breakfast and brunch daily with bottomless mimosas and plenty of delicious menu items including vegan and gluten free options. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal, you’re sure to please your palette at Kitchen 86. We use only the freshest ingredients, with many of our menu items being organic and locally sourced.Our Ultra Lounge is the perfect place to gather with friends for happy hour or a late-night cocktail and food until 1am.86 Live, our state-of-the-art entertainment stage, features live music, DJs, and stand-up comedy.

A photo of Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO restaurant

7. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO

4.4

Awesome(564)

Price: Expensive

• American • Palm Desert

Booked 16 times today

Welcome to Larkspur Grill!We are now accepting reservations! Experience the ultimate dining destination in Palm Desert, conveniently located near the chic El Paseo shopping district. At Larkspur Grill, we bring a modern twist to classic California cuisine, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Join us on our patio to savor delicious dishes and refreshing cocktails while soaking in the stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains.For groups of 6 or more, please contact the restaurant directly, and we’ll be happy to assist with your reservation.Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday 6pm-9pm***To maintain the integrity of our live entertainment program an entertainment fee of $6.00 per person will be added to all checks during performance nights.***The entire party must be present to be seated. We kindly request that guests limit the number of checks per table to no more than two.

8. Babaloo Lounge

4.5

Awesome(337)

Price: Expensive

• Gastro Pub • Palm Desert

Booked 1 time today

We are a gastropub specializing in Cuban and Peruvian flavors. While still adhering to age old family recipes, we strive to be innovative and open minded, just as our ancestors were when these flavors were first imagined. Here at BaBaLoo, we want to take on this multicultural challenge by providing the most authentic dining experience that Lake Havasu City and Palm Desert have to offer. Cuba and Peru are rich in history, and nothing tells that tale better than their diverse flavor combinations. We take ideas from cuisines around the world; Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Caribbean, and African flavors have heavily influenced Cuban and Peruvian food throughout history.

A photo of POM - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino restaurant

9. POM - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

4.5

Awesome(978)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Indio

Booked 12 times today

POM is Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's answer to casino cafes. POM features breakfast, lunch and dinner in an atmosphere that's light, airy and modern. Reviewers on Yelp.com give POM 4&1/2 stars out of 5 and for good reason. The food here is of top quality. Chef Freddy Rieger even gets herbs used for cooking and garnish from the garden just outside the restaurant's French doors. The food is inventive yet hearty and the service is friendly and attentive. Patrons can also order cocktails here they won't find anywhere else around Palm Springs. How about a Date Martini or a hand-crafted White Sangria? POM excites your senses and keeps you coming back for more.

A photo of P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage restaurant

10. P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage

4.1

Excellent(443)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Rancho Mirage

Booked 4 times today

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Melissa
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Thank you for the reserved table by the music. Our server was excellent and adorable in her Xmas Eve onesie. Band was awesome. Food was delicious. Thank you for such a memorable time with my family.
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The NestPrice: Expensive• Continental• Indian Wells
•
4.6
P
Peter
Charlotte •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Wonderful experience! Mastro’s cuisine was delicious and the service was superb. That being said be prepared to pay top dollar for the meal.
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Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm DesertPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Palm Desert
•
4.6
L
LoriVIP
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our meals were really good. We had some flatbreads, salads (huge) and hot sandwiches. The service was great. We sat outside under heaters and enjoyed the holiday decorations and a huge, glorious Christmas tree. Fantastic night.
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Twenty6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• La Quinta
•
4.2
S
SharonVIP
San Diego •109 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Ambience is great. The food selection was also good. We had the sea bass and halibut which cooked perfectly. The wedge is always great at Vicky’s. After dinner we listened to some of the music which was very good, maybe a little too loud. A great treat
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Vicky's of Santa FePrice: Expensive• American• Indian Wells
•
4.6
R
RichVIP
Las Vegas •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
Great place. Busy and fun. Accommodating as we had two extra people. Jose is a great server. Food wonderful.
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Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA WestPrice: Moderate• American• La Quinta
•
4.8

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La Quinta

Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Quinta

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Twenty6

2. The Nest

3. Vicky's of Santa Fe

4. Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West

5. Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm Desert

6. Kitchen 86

7. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO

8. Babaloo Lounge

9. POM - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

10. P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage

See what locals rave about

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