Tyler’s Leads This Dining Guide In The Desert
From the initial look of things, people who live and play in Palm Springs seem like their meat, as there are several steakhouses along Palm Canyon and in the area.
But we’ll begin the restaurant guide with meat of a different kind – the Best Hamburger in Palm Springs.
Look no further than Tyler’s on the corner of La Plaza and Indian Canyon Drive. This is a true, classic American prize, a juicy burger on a perfectly-sized bun stuffed with basic toppings. While they serve french fries, the side prize is the homemade potato salad, so delicious it would even be welcomed on any Southern picnic table. And Southerners know their potato salad!
A cheeseburger is just $6.50, they have beer and a friendly, attentive staff which is only too glad to give Palm Springs information to customers. It serves lunch only and is closed every August so the owner can go on vacation.
Palm Springs Mexican Restaurants & Cantinas
There are two (well, actually four) locations of Los Casuelas. The one most people visit is downtown on Palm Canyon. With its patio, round bar covered with thatched roof and themed dining rooms, it would seem the obvious choice for dinner. But save it for cocktails instead. For food, head to the one on the north side of town, where the food is flat-out authentic Mexican (368 N. Palm Canyon).
The Mexican-style restaurant with the best decor – and margaritas – is Blue Coyote (455 N. Palm Canyon). The food is more upscale and prepared with a Southwestern flair.
Classic Palm Springs Restaurants
For those who like music with their meal – heck, for those who just love great food – there’s Shanghai Red’s. Located just behind the “touristy” Los Casuelas and disguised as a meat market (not to be confused with a “meet” market) it’s a locals’ hideaway. The lobster tacos are enough to entice one to drive back out from L.A., to try again but there’s also a chowder that can rival anything in Boston, the delicious Ozzie shrimp in a great sauce and Cajun lamb chops. A blues band adds to the atmosphere and there are TVs to watch sporting events.
The food isn’t all that great – other than the onion rings, which may be the best on the planet – but the atmosphere at Billy Reed’s (1800 N. Palm Canyon) is worth the short trip from the middle of town. It’s like an 1800s parlor and saloon, right down to the strong drinks and old cash register.
For breakfast, Peabody’s serves all day, though the food is just so-so. Pinocchio’s has $3.95 endless glasses of champagne available with its eggs and such.
There are other restaurants in the area, many located along Highway 111 in and around Rancho Mirage. The River is a shopping complex based around a “river” with a Fleming’s, PF Chang’s, Yard House, plus sushi, pizza and BBQ. It also has a movie theater and shops.
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