Zigzagging through Greater Palm Springs to see every Desert X art installation can be an all-day excursion. 

Desert X 23 runs from March 4 through May 7 and includes projects by 11 artists from all over the globe who use the desert landscape and local culture to create spectacular site-specific works that celebrate the area and highlight its history, as well as greater social issues.   

With pieces spread across the destination, you'll want to be sure to fuel up on food before, during, or after taking in the awe-inspiring artwork—and there's no shortage of Greater Palm Springs restaurants offering outdoor dining and takeout along the way. 

Here are some you won't want to miss:  


King’s Highway

Outdoor dining patio at Ace Hotel & Swim Club

We recommend kicking off your Desert X tour at Ace Hotel & Swim Club for some munchies and a map. 

The popular Palm Springs hotel is a Desert X “hub” for info and maps of the art installations. The property also offers outdoor patio dining and takeout from its bohemian-inspired King’s Highway restaurant. If you stop by during breakfast, King’s Highway serves up a variety of delicious pastries that pair perfectly with their Stumptown coffee—a great start for a day of art. 

If you go: King’s Highway, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Offers patio dining and takeout. 

 

Kaiser Grille Palm Springs

Drinks at Kaiser

Kaiser Grille Palm Springs is a great spot to stop for a break in between Desert X searching. If you are into specialty cocktails, the fiery pineapple margarita is a top option, or the fiery watermelon margarita. If you're more into the classic, the sweetheart martini or blueberry lemon drop are great choices as well. If you're in the mood for lunch or dinner, Kaiser Grille Palm Springs is known for sourcing local produce so you know the dishes you are eating are coming straight from the source. 

If you go: 205 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262


Sherman’s Deli & Bakery 

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery has been a Greater Palm Springs staple since 1963. Both locations (one in Palm Springs and another in Palm Desert) offer patio dining and takeout. 

This New York-style deli is known for its home-cooked meals and delectable desserts. It also boasts a hearty turkey pastrami sandwich that was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” several years ago. But their generously portioned salads, like the Oasis—piled high with dates, avocado, feta cheese, almonds, corn, cornbread croutons and creamy citrus vinaigrette—are just as filling.  

And if you eat at the Palm Springs location on Tahquitz Canyon Way, you can sneak a peek at the Christopher Myers installation “The Art of Taming Horses,” which features various sculptures located along the road's median. 

If you go: Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, 401 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs

 

Lulu California Bistro

Image of blue skies and palm trees at Lulu.

LULU California Bistro is an excellent option for lunch, dinner, or a weekend brunch. Stop by this classic restaurant centrally located on Palm Canyon and dine indoors or on their colorful patio. If someone in your group is gluten intolerant or vegan/vegetarian, there are plenty of options to indulge in. Don't forget to order the hand-spun cotton candy.

If you go: 200 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Offers patio dining and takeout. 


Tac/Quila 

A margarita flight at Tac/Quila restaurant.

Tac/Quila features gourmet Jalisco-style cuisine, including several variations of street tacos and stuffed peppers, as well as some hearty salads (try the jicama and papaya for something different!).

As the name suggests, they're also known for the seemingly endless variety of tequilas available—mezcal, too. If you can’t decide which one of the uniquely flavored margaritas to try, order a flight of four so you can taste them all. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with the churro ice cream sandwich.

If you go: 415 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs. Offers outdoor dining. 


Kitchen 86 

Kitchen 86 opened along El Paseo in Palm Desert in 2019 and is a great late-night spot for food or cocktails. Enjoy everything from shareable small plates and pasta to ramen and pizzas.  

The restaurant also offers an impressive happy hour and craft cocktail menu; the Bee Sting, which uses rosemary-infused tequila, packs a nice, refreshing punch. And try to plan a visit when the Super Sonido Pop-Up is there, with DJ Alf Alpha spinning tunes out of his vintage VW bus.

If you go: 73130 El Paseo, Suite 1, Palm Desert. Offers patio dining and takeout. 

 

The Gardens on El Paseo

The Gardens on El Paseo

The Gardens on El Paseo are an open-air, premier shopping and dining district in Palm Desert. Make a stop from your Desert X itinerary for walking, dining, shopping, and taking in the palm tree views. If you are looking for fine dining, casual dining, or coffee, then this place is for you!  Here are a few options to choose from below:

Mastro's Steakhouse
Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
Perfect Pint
Sullivan's Steakhouse
The Hideout Kitchen + Bar
Tommy Bahama's Restaurant & Bar
Wilma & Frieda El Paseo

If you go: 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260

 

Delicias Mexican Cuisine 

Food and drink from Delicias Mexican Cuisine.

Delicias is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Desert Hot Springs that boasts authentic Mexican food from Mexico City. 

The Mole Poblano, made from the owner’s grandmother's recipe, is a must-try. And to wash it down, a mango or horchata agua fresca will hit the spot. Though their calling card is certainly Mexican food, they do have a full menu featuring everything from pancakes to hamburgers. Their two outdoor patios are even equipped with heaters so you can stay nice and toasty well into the night.

If you go: 66121 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs. Offers outdoor dining and takeout. 

To see all art installation of Desert X in Greater Palm Springs, click here