Best Brunch Spots in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a perennial favorite winter destination, according to both the “Points Guy” & Forbes Magazine.  Its year-round warm weather guarantees a steady stream of visitors from fall through spring, lured to the desert not only by the sun, but also for its world-famous mid-century architecture.  But Palm Springs is also a foodie’s paradise, & I’m writing this article to highlight some of the area’s fantastic brunch spots ~ many of which were deeply affected by the events of the last few years: but are now back with a bang.  To that end, here are the some of the “Best Brunch Spots in Palm Springs!” 

Great breakfast spots in places like La Quinta & Palm Desert can be found later in the article.

FARM is one of the trendiest spots to grab brunch in Palm Springs ~ but in this article, I’ll take you to some great off-the-beaten path spots as well.

Check out some of Viator’s tours in Palm Springs ~ such as riding up the Aerial Tram, or off-roading adventures in Joshua Tree National Park.

Map of Palm Springs Brunch Spots

Overview of Brunch Spots in Palm Springs

First up, I’ll give you a quick overview of each restaurant & where you’re likely to find the longest waits.  Click on the name of the restaurant, & it will take you to their breakfast menu.

Cheeky’s breakfast gets the most “buzz” in town ~ & you’ll always find a line of people waiting to get in here.

1. FARM = The Freshest Food in Town & Cute Outdoor Patio + FULL BAR.  FARM is a top-rated French restaurant with charming Provence-style & the #1 breakfast in town (says Yelp). Known for their “Sweet & Savory Crepes,” Brioche French Toast, & a variety of Omelettes. You’ll find long waits here ~ so arrive early.  Hours: 8AM-2PM DAILY.
2. Cheeky’s = The Most Popular Breakfast in Town.  There’s almost ALWAYS a wait at Cheeky’s ~ it’s popular with locals & out-of-towners, known for specialties like their scrumptious “Bacon Flight.”  More “hipster” than FARM, with a full bar that serves up “Morning Margaritas” & their famous Spicy Bloody.  Hours: 8AM-2PM DAILY.  
3. Spencer’s = Beautiful Patio Tucked Up Against the Mountains + FULL BAR.  Spencer’s isn’t listed for brunch on Yelp ~ which I find odd: it’s one of the most well-known Sunday brunches around. Their patio is also one of the prettiest in town, tucked up against the mountains. Order their Banana Stuffed French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, or a variety of Benedict’s….then follow it with a Mojito or Bellini.  Breakfast Hours: 8AM-11AM; Sunday Brunch: 8AM-2:30PM.
4. Pinocchio’s = The Rowdiest Brunch Party + FULL BAR + Bottomless Mimosas!  Pinocchio’s has a HUGE outdoor patio & it’s the rowdiest brunch in town; when I last visited, there was an hour wait! Great for larger parties & bachelorette-type events, but not known for the best food in town. Their “BOTTOMLESS” Champagne makes up for it though. Hours: 7:30AM-10PM DAILY.  
5. Wilma & Frieda’s = Most Unique Brunch Offerings in a Refined Atmosphere.  They’ve got another location on El Paseo in Palm Desert ~ & both are always packed. Try their Churro Waffle, Signature Griddled Meatloaf & Eggs, Filet & Egss, or a California Benny. This menu is huge & filled with specialties: get creative when ordering!  Hours: 8AM-2PM DAILY.  
6. Sherman’s Deli = Famous Deli with Delicious Breakfast Too.  Sherman’s has been around forever & is popular with locals ~ but they’re more known for their “Sandwich Board” than for breakfast.  Both are delicious, & they also offer food to-go, which can be ordered online.  Hours: 8AM-9PM.  
7. Billy Reed’s = A Little More Off-the-Beaten-Path Breakfast.  Locals know about Billy Reed’s ~ but most tourists don’t, simply because it’s further north on Palm Canyon (not right downtown).  They offer a huge indoor dining area & curbside pick-up; I love the old-fashioned, red velvet-vibe here & lack of pretension.  Great classic breakfast; big portions.  Hours: 8AM-9PM.  
8. Revel House = The Least Busy Breakfast in Town + FULL BAR.  When Cheeky’s, & Pinocchio’s have hour-long waits ~ pop over to Revel House, which is right next door. Sit on their small outdoor patio & enjoy a bottomless mimosa brunch or cocktails.  Personally, this is the most FUN brunch I’ve had in Palm Springs….my friends & I stayed for FOUR hours!  Breakfast Served Daily Until 1:30PM.  
9. Grand Central = Healthy New Cafe with California-Fare + FULL BAR.  This hip cafe is the newest entry on the list ~ & so far, the reviews are good. For brunch, try their Palm Sugar Waffles, Salmon Benedict, or Mexican Omelet ~ then wash it down with a Mimosa Flight or Desert Mule.  Hours: 7:30AM-9PM.  
10. Norma’s, at the Parker Palm Springs = The Best Celebrity-Spotting Brunch Spot in Palm Springs!  Norma’s is the most glamorous spot on the list (& the Parker is one of the top celeb-spotting hotels in the desert): if you want to pretend you’re brunching with “Mad Men,” do it here. And they serve breakfast ALL DAY. Try their Blueberry Pancakes, legendary Smoothies, or Sweet Potato Hash.  Hours: 7AM-10PM DAILY.  

Even waiting in the lounge is chic at Norma’s….& you never know who you’ll run into..

Photos of Palm Springs Breakfast Spots

FARM’s outdoor dining area is quaint & charming: it will transport you to the South of France…

Cheeky’s “Bacon Flight” is famous around town: you can try 5 different flavors of bacon ~ then wash it down with a Spicy Bloody.

Spencer’s is the fanciest spot on this list with a lovely outdoor patio ~ & they’re also pet-friendly!

Go to Pinocchio’s for the PARTY: you can’t miss their pink umbrellas out front & kitschy vibe.

Wilma & Frieda’s is more upscale than say, Pinocchio’s ~ & locals agree that their breakfast fare is among the best. They also have a location in the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert.

Sherman’s Deli is a Palm Springs institution that’s more well-known for lunch ~ but you can get breakfast here too.

The vibe at Billy Reed’s is OLD-SCHOOL….& I love it! Portions are big here & the dining room is massive, so when indoor dining comes back ~ this is a great, less “trendy” breakfast spot.

Ready to work off breakfast? Check out some of the best day hikes by Palm Springs ~ or if you just want to lay out: here are the desert’s greatest hotel pools…

Decor is hip & minimalist at Grand Central, where you’ll find fresh & healthy California fare.

Norma’s at the stylish Parker Palm Springs is an ideal spot for “Mid-Century Modern Brunch Al Fresco” ~ with a side of celebrity spotting…

Best Brunch Spots in Other Desert Cities…

Though Palm Springs has the most breakfast joints ~ it doesn’t mean they have the only ones.  Here’s a quick run-down on the best breakfast spots in other desert cities. 

• Best Breakfast in Cathedral City: Michael’s Cafe.  Don’t let Michael’s strip-center setting fool you: this is one damn good breakfast!  With Marilyn Monroe decor on the walls, there’s a great vintage Palm Springs vibe here ~ but the main event is their delicious breakfast (their French Toast is FAB).
• Best Breakfast in Palm Desert: Keedy’s & Wilma & Frieda’s.  Keedy’s is one of the oldest breakfast joints around, & is SUPER popular with locals; Wilma & Frieda’s is newer & fancier ~ both have great food.
• Best Brunch in Indian Wells: The Pink Cabana.  This is the most “Palm Springs” place on this list (it’s also the cover photo) ~ if anything, go there for great photos.  The Pink Cabana is in the newly-renovated Sands Hotel & I’ve been there: the food is DELICIOUS.  They’re more than just a pretty face!

The prettiest, most “Palm Springs” restaurant on this list is far & away The Pink Cabana restaurant at the Sands Hotel in Indian Wells.

• Best Breakfast in La Quinta: Twenty-Six, at the La Quinta Resort & Ernie’s (at PGA West).  This past Christmas, I went to the La Quinta Resort’s more casual restaurant, Twenty-Six ~ no less than 8 times!!  That’s how good their breakfast (& breakfast buffet) is.  Plus, the atmosphere & grounds are amazing.  For golf course views, head out to PGA West & enjoy brunch on the patio at Ernie’s (open to the public).
• Best Breakfast in Indio: The Tack Room.  This is one of my favorite spots ~ I love the western, cowboy-vibe: it’s located on the Coachella grounds, by the polo fields.  They’re mainly known as a bar, but they’ve got one of the best weekend breakfasts in the valley.  Brunch only available on Sundays.

Best Brunch Spots in Palm Springs

That’s it for great breakfast joints in the Coachella Valley!  For more articles on the desert, check out some of the best things to do in Palm Springs ~ which includes some of the city’s best bike rides.

xoxo Noelia

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