Killing it at Coachella and during any visit to Palm Springs is typically all about where you stay, what you wear and the shows at which you snag VIP standing room. But, where you eat in one of California's best food hubs (its good weather and proximity to Central America give it access to some of the country's freshest ingredients and top notch Mexican food) is also highly likely to make your trip that much more memorable. Here, our editors' picks for the best meals at music (and fashion's) top festival.
Courtesy of Cheeky's
CHEEKY'S
A menu that changes weekly based on seasonality and a modern space make Cheeky's the best spot in town for fresh, all-American breakfast and lunch items that will meet your expectations for five-star egg dishes and sandwiches–but with a twist. Think: a not-to-be-missed spicy bloody Mary, frittatas with market vegetables and proteins (like their shrimp, zucchini, basil and cherry tomato option this week) or french toast that's anything but basic, like a sweet and salty version paired with brie cheese and topped with a brown butter syrup. Head here for recovery brunch or lunch of fresh comfort food after a late night of drinks and dancing.
Cheeky's, 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760-327-7595.
Courtesy of Workshop Palm Springs
WORKSHOP
With it's high-quality menu and high design, this rustic farm-to-table spot brings L.A vibes to the desert. Dishes that feel more dressed up than standard American fare (with a European touch) add a luxe feel to the experience here, but the flavors, ingredients and an impressive cocktail roster make the menu just as approachable as it is inventive. Standouts (for this season only) include a Wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle salsa, wood-fired pizza with daily special toppings and the house burger served on a brioche bun. If you're looking for a carnivorous break from Palm Spring's typical veggie-focused fare, make a reservation for a dinner of perfectly cooked steak or decadent duck fat (yes, duck fat) fries.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar, 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760-459-3451.
Courtesy of Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
CHI CHI
The California cuisine on the menu at Chi Chi at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows is best eaten poolside and expectedly peppered with latin flavors and Mexican staples. The focus here revolves just as much on keeping dishes as good for you as they are tasty. The result? Freshly pressed juices, a Soyrizo quiche and gluten-free pancakes at breakfast, a shrimp burger and share plates like flash-fried cauliflower with Cotija and mushroom and kale toro tostadas at lunch. Hearty dinner plates like Cochinita Pibil and healthy takes on soul food, like coconut oil fried chicken and collard green enchiladas are also crowd favorites.
Chi Chi at The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, 415 South Belardo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262; 844-328-2566.
THE PURPLE PALM
Located in The Colony Palms Hotel and inspired by the Mexican vibes of Palm Springs combined with the prohibition-era speakeasies of the late 1930's, The Purple Palm takes a sampling of all of it's influences (including modern-day California cuisine) for a diverse menu that with all of its variety feels undeniable cohesive. The cocktail list here is impressive (not surprisingly so) and the menu, which feels partly influenced by classic steakhouses of Sinatra's era, caters to the health-conscious California scene. Case in point: a SoCal asparagus appetizer and a fresh scallop sashimi.
The Purple Palm, 572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760-969-1818.
Courtesy of Birba
BIRBA
New Yorkers in town for Coachella will no doubt reach a point where they miss a well-made pizza and a great cocktail, and Birba is the town's go-to for homemade pasta, savory meatballs and brick-oven pizzas (with the option of gluten-free crust available upon request). An outdoor patio (complete with misters for hot days and nights) makes this spot ideal for date night. Daily fresh pasta specials are always good to inquire about, as are their "Piece of the Pie" special pizzas, which donate a portion of each pizza's profits to The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs.
Birba, 622 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760-327.5678.
Courtesy of Mr. Lyons / Audrey Ma
MR. LYONS
Looking for something a bit more upscale? This retro-style steakhouse is all about hand-cut meats paired with fresh vegetables and well-executed cocktails. Frank Sinatra lived in Palm Springs (the house he owned in the early 1950's is now available to rent) and his spirit feels alive and well in the plush banquettes and old-school menu of this chic spot. In classic fashion, the menu consists more of a strong range of appetizers along with vegetable and starch sides to pair with a short list of perfectly prepared proteins and fish dishes, topped with your choice of sauce.
Mr. Lyons, 233 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264; 760-327-1551.
Carrie Goldberg is HarpersBAZAAR.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.
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