10 Best Palm Springs Area Restaurants for a Satisfying Midday Lunch Break (2024)

Photo courtesy of Babe's Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse

With a focus on good barbecue and good beer, Babe's is a popular Western-themed restaurant in Rancho Mirage. From St. Louis-style ribs to pulled pork sandwiches, Babe's has you covered on all the barbecue fronts. You'll find pork, beef and chicken options in a variety of finger-licking good styles, as well as homestyle sides like cornbread, coleslaw and sweet potato fries. Don't miss the homemade rhubarb pie, which is made fresh in the kitchen.The bar also focuses heavily on craft beers from the award-winning in-house brewery and from top breweries around the world. Babe's Honey Blonde is one of the most popular beers, while the Blackfin lager pleases more discerning beer palettes.

Recommended for Lunch because: Babe's Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse serves up authentic barbecue and house brews for a hearty lunch that hits the spot.

Marissa's expert tip: Head in on a Monday for Craft Beer Appreciation Day. You'll get half off all craft beers and a special beer-themed meal.

Photo courtesy of Eureka!

With a focus on all-natural ingredients, tasty craft beers and small-batch American whiskeys, Eureka! offers a unique dining experience in the heart of Indian Wells. While the name of the game at Eureka! is hamburgers, these aren't your typical fast food burgers. Eureka! burgers feature vegetarian-fed, hormone-free and antibiotic-free beef, with artisanal toppings like figs, blue cheese, arugula and charbroiled tri-color peppers. The menu also features fresh salads, sliders and sandwiches, if you aren't in the mood for a burger. Don't miss a chance to wash down your meal with a selection from the restaurant's extensive craft beer and small-batch whiskey menu, which features American-made drinks.

Recommended for Lunch because: Eureka! offers gourmet burgers made with vegetarian-fed, hormone-free beef, for when a plain fast food burger simply won't cut it.

Marissa's expert tip: Kick off your meal with an order of Lollipop Corn Dogs served with a cheddar IPA sauce, then dig into the Fresno Fig Burger (topped with fig marmalade) or the Western-style Cowboy Burger.

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Photo courtesy of Sherman's Deli and Bakery

If you're spending the day in downtown Palm Springs and looking to recharge over lunch, try this authentic New York-style diner just off of the main strip. Sherman's Deli and Bakery is a Palm Springs institution, beloved for its authentic New York fare and fresh baked pastries. Among the must-tries are the towering pastrami sandwich, the beef and latkes and matzo ball soup. If you have your puppy in tow, feel free to grab a seat on the patio. The friendly servers are ready to make suggestions if you have a hard time choosing between all of the delicious options.

Recommended for Lunch because: Sherman's Deli and Bakery serves an extensive selection of authentic, New York-style lunches, including sandwiches, soups and salads.

Marissa's expert tip: Hold off on the pastries--instead, opt for the authentic New York-style pastrami, and grab a few pastry selections from the case to go.

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Photo courtesy of Marco Combs

When Tyler's closes seasonally in the summer, local burger lovers can't help but count down the days until this family-owned burger institution reopens. Owner Diana DiAmico grew up around her mom's beachfront hamburger stand, and today, Diana uses her lifelong experience to run a burger joint that locals can't ignore. This old-fashioned hamburger stand sticks mostly to the basics--a few hamburger variations, sandwiches, classic sides like French fries, soup and potato salad, and thick, creamy milkshakes--and only fresh ingredients are used to create a Tyler's burger. Tyler's is open just five hours a day--from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.--so plan your trip accordingly.

Recommended for Lunch because: Tyler's Burgers are a homestyle delight, and these juicy burgers can only be enjoyed during lunch hours.

Marissa's expert tip: A seat under the misters on the shaded patio is worth the wait. This popular burger joint is only open for five hours a day, so try to arrive just before or after lunch hour to avoid long lines.

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Photo courtesy of Wilma and Frieda's

Nothing will ever compare to the dishes your grandmother used to make for you as a child, whether you were brought up on her top-secret meatloaf recipe or an oh-so-creamy mac and cheese. But you can come dangerously close at Wilma and Frieda's, a Palm Desert breakfast and lunch restaurant that deconstructs classic comfort food dinners to create dishes like griddled meatloaf and eggs and a five-cheese mac and cheese. Serving their own special roast from local java joint Koffi and an impressive presentation of pastries from the in-house pastry chef, Wilma and Frieda's is a must-try when in Palm Desert.

Recommended for Lunch because: Wilma & Frieda's serves up comfort food lunches with a sophisticated twist, such as the five-cheese mac and cheese with Old Amsterdam gouda and gruyere.

Marissa's expert tip: Check out the butcher paper roll for the daily specials, and don't miss a chance to try Wilma and Frieda's own special coffee roast from the Rancho Mirage Koffi location.

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Photo courtesy of Jake's Palm Springs

If you're in downtown Palm Springs and looking for fresh lunch options, be sure to stop by Jake's Palm Springs. Named for the owners' beloved West Highland Terrier, this popular restaurant is known for its fresh fare and superior service. The pet-friendly courtyard is also perfect for a leisurely lunch filled with people watching. For a hearty lunch, try the chicken milanese sandwich, a breaded chicken breast served with melted gruyere cheese, greens and dijonaisse on a ciabatta roll. Be sure to check out the custom co*cktail menu, too, which includes a cactus pear margarita and Bloody Mary served with horseradish-infused vodka.

Recommended for Lunch because: Jake's Palm Springs is one of the city's best bets for an al fresco lunch with upscale continental fare.

Marissa's expert tip: Save room for dessert. You won't want to miss the peanut butter cupcake, a Jake's special drizzled with Bailey's, or the coconut cake, which is soaked in amaretto.

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If you're searching for a lunch restaurant soaked in quintessential Palm Springs style, make a reservation at Spencer's Restaurant. This award-winning restaurant in Palm Springs serves American fare influenced by French and Pacific Rim cuisine, and attracts locals, tourists and celebrities alike. At midday, the express lunch option--served with soup or salad, bread, an entree and pastry, is perfect for a filling midday meal. Other options include a lobster club sandwich, wild mushroom ravioli, an Ahi tuna nicoise salad. Reserve a table on the canopied outdoor patio to enjoy a Palm Springs lunch surrounded by Mount San Jacinto, palm trees and sunshine.

Recommended for Lunch because: Spencer's Restaurant is one of the top-rated in Palm Springs, and the tree-enclosed patio is perfect for mid-day dining in the desert.

Marissa's expert tip: Looking for the perfect setting to get some business done over lunch or have a romantic rendezvous in Palm Springs? There's no better lunch restaurant than Spencer's.

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