Restaurants & Nightlife

Thanks to the region’s rich agricultural bounty, “farm-to-table” dining is abundant in the Central Desert, and with a resort lifestyle attracting culinary masters from around the world, you can be sure standards are high. From sophisticated fine dining establishments helmed by James Beard award-winning chefs to casual ethnic bistros and family-owned eateries, travelers can wine and dine at prime people-watching hotspots or off-the-beaten-track gems.

Each spring, the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival draws foodies and wine enthusiasts for three days of multicourse dining, exclusive wine dinners, celebrity chef demos, and grand tasting events. Every June during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, more than 100 of the finest restaurants and eateries across all nine cities showcase their culinary skills with special prix fixe menus. The first weekend of December brings thousands of tamale fans to the annual Indio International Tamale Festival, named a “Top 10 Food Festival” by the Food Network.

When the sun goes down, the nightlife scene heats up. From casual sports bars, hip wine bars, clandestine speakeasies, and trendy nightclubs to casino gaming, live theater, touring Broadway shows and top headliners in concert, you’ll discover fantastic entertainment options every night of the week. Make reservations well in advance if you want to see a concert at Pappy & Harriett’s Pioneertown Palace. This iconic venue showcases both up-and-coming and legendary musicians.