Unearth The Voyage
Palm Springs has always been a magnet for people who love vintage style, poolside lounging, and seriously good food. When it comes to brunch, this desert oasis delivers a treasure trove of retro dining spots that blend mid-century charm with modern flavors. Whether you crave fluffy pancakes in a wood-paneled diner or French toast on a sun-drenched terrace, these iconic restaurants will transport you straight back to the golden age of California cool.
1. Cheeky’s
Since opening its doors in 2008, this cult-favorite spot has become synonymous with creative morning meals that break all the rules. The bacon flight alone has inspired countless Instagram posts and converted skeptics into believers, offering four different preparations that showcase just how versatile cured pork can be.
Seasonal scrambles change with the harvest, bringing fresh ingredients from local farms straight to your plate. The eggs arrive perfectly custardy, never rubbery or overdone. Yes, lines snake around the block most mornings, but they move faster than you’d expect, and the payoff is absolutely worth the wait for brunch magic.
2. FARM
Stepping into this garden cafe feels like discovering a hidden corner of the French countryside, complete with dappled sunlight and the scent of fresh herbs. The shady patio right off La Plaza invites you to settle in for hours, sipping strong coffee and savoring every bite of a perfectly golden crepe.
Croques arrive bubbling with cheese, while the nightly prix-fixe dinner keeps locals coming back after sunset. Provence-style cooking means simple ingredients treated with respect, letting flavors speak for themselves. Long, lazy brunches here aren’t just meals but mini-vacations from everyday stress and hurry.
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
Grand old-Palm Springs elegance lives on at this mountain-base gem, where Sunday brunch feels like stepping into a classic Hollywood film. The beautiful patio captures everything magical about desert mornings, with mountain views framing every table and gentle breezes carrying the scent of blooming flowers.
Lobster gazpacho sounds fancy because it is, yet the kitchen balances sophistication with genuine warmth. Benedicts come in multiple variations, each one perfectly poached and sauced. Reservations are smart here, especially when weekends draw crowds seeking that timeless combination of excellent food and unforgettable atmosphere.
4. Jake’s
Locals know to book the courtyard at this Uptown Design District fixture, where daytime dining reaches an art form. Brunch, lunch, and incredible cakes keep the tables full from morning until afternoon, with regulars greeting servers by name and newcomers quickly understanding the appeal.
The Date Me salad has earned its reputation through fresh greens, local dates, and a dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Classic sandwiches satisfy without trying too hard, proving simple done right beats complicated any day. The neighborhood vibe makes solo diners feel welcome while groups gather for celebrations under sunny skies.
5. Norma’s (Parker Palm Springs)
Breakfast served until 3 p.m. means sleeping in never ruins your brunch plans at this Parker Palm Springs showstopper. Over-the-top plates arrive like edible sculptures, with French toast reaching heights that defy gravity and benedicts dressed to impress even the most jaded food lover.
The colorful terrace matches the menu’s exuberance, creating an atmosphere where restraint takes a vacation. Decadent doesn’t begin to describe the portion sizes or flavor combinations, each dish designed to make you smile and maybe loosen your belt a notch. Hotel guests wander down in robes, but visitors make special trips just for these legendary morning feasts.
6. Pinocchio in the Desert
High energy pulses through this downtown brunch institution from the moment doors open each morning. Big breakfasts satisfy serious appetites, while bottomless mimosas keep conversations flowing and laughter bubbling across the packed patio.
Open daily means no waiting until weekends to get your fix of sunshine and good food. The vibe skews social and celebratory, perfect for birthday gatherings or just treating yourself to a festive morning. Portions don’t mess around here, arriving generous enough to fuel hours of exploring Palm Springs’ shops and galleries. Regulars have their favorite tables, but newcomers quickly find themselves planning return visits before finishing their first plate.
7. Boozehounds
Your four-legged friend gets a proper welcome at this stunning spot where the roomy atrium frames mountain views that steal your breath. Friday through Sunday brunch service brings crowds of locals and their pups, all settling in for SoCal cooking with unexpected Asian accents.
Karaage chicken paired with waffles sounds wild until that first bite proves the combination works brilliantly. The menu leans creative without forgetting that brunch should be comforting and delicious above all else. Dog-friendly doesn’t mean compromising on atmosphere or quality here, just adding wagging tails and happy energy to an already winning formula for weekend mornings.
8. Le Vallauris
Pure old-school glamour waits in this tree-shaded courtyard, where Sunday brunch unfolds with the grace of a bygone era. Now part of Soho House, the restaurant occupies one of the Desert Inn’s remaining buildings, connecting diners to Palm Springs’ golden age with every elegant detail.
Historic French cooking meets California sunshine on plates that respect tradition while embracing local ingredients. The setting alone justifies the visit, with mature trees creating natural cathedral ceilings above your table. Reservations book quickly because people understand that some experiences can’t be rushed or replicated anywhere else in the desert.
9. The Tropicale
Mid-century supper-club magic explodes across every corner of this splashy destination, where tropical cocktails and bold flavors transport you straight to vintage Vegas-meets-Hawaii vibes. The sprawling menu offers something for every craving, from late morning through evening hours Wednesday through Sunday.
While dinner service shines with retro glamour, the daytime crowd loves starting their adventures here before hitting the pool or shops. Tropical drinks arrive in proper glassware, not sad plastic cups, setting the tone for an experience that honors the past while staying firmly delicious. Great for groups who want atmosphere as memorable as the food itself.
10. Mr. Lyons Steakhouse
Martinis, red booths, and throwback service define this reborn classic steakhouse where dinner becomes an event worth dressing up for. Not technically a brunch spot, but essential to understanding Palm Springs’ retro dining scene and perfect for evening meals after a morning of brunching elsewhere.
The atmosphere channels old-school elegance when steakhouses meant celebration and sophistication, not casual chain restaurants. Service follows traditions that younger establishments have forgotten, with servers who know their craft and respect the ritual of a proper meal. Consider this your dinner destination after spending the day exploring the brunch spots on this list, rounding out a perfect retro food tour.
11. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Since 1963, this downtown institution has been slinging New York-style deli classics to grateful desert dwellers craving a taste of the East Coast. All-day breakfasts mean you can order eggs at noon without judgment, while towering Reubens prove that some sandwiches deserve their legendary status.
Serious pastries fill the bakery cases, tempting you before you even sit down to order. The vibe feels authentically deli, with efficient service and food that doesn’t apologize for generous portions or bold flavors. Open daily means cravings get satisfied whenever they strike, whether you need breakfast at breakfast time or dinner hour.
12. Elmer’s Restaurant
Classic comfort radiates from every plate at this beloved diner where German pancakes and cinnamon-roll pancakes inspire fierce loyalty among regulars. Chicken-fried steak arrives properly breaded and smothered in gravy, the kind of hearty dish that fuels serious adventures or lazy pool days with equal success.
Hours run 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, accommodating early risers and late sleepers alike. The menu doesn’t chase trends or reinvent breakfast, instead perfecting the dishes diners have loved for generations. Prices stay reasonable, portions stay generous, and the atmosphere stays welcoming whether you’re dressed for hiking or still in yesterday’s clothes after a late night.
13. Billy Reed’s
Walking into this time capsule feels like visiting your grandparents’ favorite restaurant, assuming they had excellent taste in hearty American cooking. Since 1975, the wood-paneled walls have witnessed countless celebrations, first dates, and regular Tuesday mornings when nothing else would do.
Big breakfasts fuel the morning crowd, while homemade pies tempt diners at every meal. Hearty plates showcase cooking that prioritizes flavor and satisfaction over Instagram appeal, though the nostalgic atmosphere photographs beautifully anyway. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant serves as a reliable constant in a world that changes too fast for comfort sometimes.
14. Lulu California Bistro
This downtown landmark pulses with energy from its lively patio, where groups gather for three-course weekend brunches that stretch into afternoon. The all-day menu keeps crowds happy whether they arrive for early coffee or late lunch, with something delicious available at every hour.
Perfect for celebrations or just treating your crew to a proper meal out, the space handles groups without losing its welcoming charm. California bistro cooking means fresh ingredients prepared with skill but without unnecessary fuss or pretension. Reservations help during peak times, though walk-ins often find spots at the bar where solo diners and couples enjoy excellent people-watching with their meals.
15. King’s Highway (Ace Hotel)
What used to be a Denny’s got transformed into this stylish roadside diner that perfectly captures the Ace Hotel’s cool-but-casual vibe. Great for breakfast before pool time or brunchy bites when you need fuel but don’t want anything too heavy or formal.
The space honors diner traditions while adding modern touches that keep things fresh and Instagram-ready. Coffee flows strong and plentiful, exactly what you need before tackling a day of desert adventures. Casual doesn’t mean careless here, just relaxed and welcoming to guests in swimsuits or vintage finds from nearby shops. The remake respects the building’s history while creating something new and exciting for a younger generation of Palm Springs visitors.
