Palm Springs: Where to Eat

Escaping to Palm Springs centers around lounging by pools, sipping cocktails at friendly bars, and, of course, eating well, even if you're wearing shorts and flip-flops. Here are the best places to dine in the desert:


Trio
707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 864-8746
triopalmsprings.com
Centrally located on the Palm Canyon Drive "strip," this gay-owned eatery feels both casual and upscale. The restaurant is a great place to see and be seen, with an outside patio (that features water misters that bring down temperatures in the summer months) and large bar. The food is classic SoCal American, with hearty salads, sandwiches, and seafood dishes that will make your forget you're landlocked.


The Tropicale
330 East Amado Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 866-1952
thetropicale.com
Located next to Palm Springs' Spa Resort and Casino, this gathering spot (also gay-owned) is serious about its food and drinks, but is never stuffy; you'll likely see a friend as soon as you enter the huge outdoor patio. The pizzas are delicious, try the gorgonzola and mushroom, and the entrees sizes are very generous. Unless you're a teetotaler, don't forget to get a cocktail, which are big, boozy, and often contain an umbrella. Also, Sushi Sundays and brunch are worth your time.


Wang's in the Desert
424 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 325-9264
wangsinthedesert.com
Another (!) gay-owned P.S. restaurant, Wang's is Asian-fusion cuisine (not a hot dog stand), with a mix of Sichuan, Cantonese, Mandarin, Thai, and Korean dishes. Lots of beef and chicken options as you'd expect, but also a healthy assortment of veggie and tofu dishes. The award-winning restaurant also has a great happy hour worth checking out.