Best Dining Spots Near Desert X Art Installations in Greater Palm Springs
Exploring the Greater Palm Springs area to view every Desert X art installation can easily turn into a full-day adventure.
Desert X 2021, held from March 12 through May 16, featured works by 13 international artists. These site-specific installations drew inspiration from the desert landscape and local culture, celebrating the region's history while addressing broader social issues.
With installations scattered throughout the destination, refueling at local restaurants is essential. Greater Palm Springs offers plenty of spots with outdoor dining and takeout options conveniently located along your route.
Here are some must-visit eateries:
King’s Highway
Start your Desert X tour at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club with snacks and a map. This popular Palm Springs hotel serves as a Desert X hub for information and installation maps. Enjoy outdoor patio dining or takeout from its bohemian-inspired King’s Highway restaurant. For breakfast, pair their delicious pastries with Stumptown coffee—the perfect fuel for a day of art exploration.
If you go: King’s Highway, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Offers patio dining and takeout.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
A Greater Palm Springs staple since 1963, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery has locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, both offering patio dining and takeout.
This New York-style deli is renowned for home-cooked meals and decadent desserts. Try the hearty turkey pastrami sandwich, featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Their generous salads, like the Oasis with dates, avocado, feta, almonds, corn, cornbread croutons, and citrus vinaigrette, are equally satisfying.
At the Palm Springs location on Tahquitz Canyon Way, catch a glimpse of Christopher Myers’ installation “The Art of Taming Horses,” with sculptures along the road’s median.
If you go: 401 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 73161 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert. Both offer patio dining and takeout.
Kitchen 86
Opened in 2019 on El Paseo in Palm Desert, Kitchen 86 is ideal for late-night bites or cocktails. Savor shareable small plates, pastas, ramens, and pizzas.
Don’t miss the impressive happy hour and craft cocktails, like the refreshing Bee Sting with rosemary-infused tequila. Time your visit for the Super Sonido Pop-Up, featuring DJ Alf Alpha spinning from his vintage VW bus.
If you go: 73130 El Paseo, Suite 1, Palm Desert. Offers patio dining and takeout.
Delicias Mexican Cuisine
Family-owned Delicias in Desert Hot Springs serves authentic Mexico City-style Mexican cuisine.
The Mole Poblano, from the owner’s grandmother’s recipe, is a standout. Pair it with mango or horchata agua fresca. Beyond Mexican dishes, enjoy pancakes or burgers. Heated outdoor patios ensure comfort year-round.
If you go: 66121 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs. Offers outdoor dining and takeout.
The Cafe at Shields Date Garden
Celebrate Greater Palm Springs’ date production at Shields Date Garden, unmistakable with its iconic roadside knight.
The Cafe behind the shop features a spacious outdoor patio with stunning views and is pet-friendly. California-style cuisine highlights date-infused dishes, like the beloved date pancakes with date butter.
If you go: 80225 Highway 111, Indio. Offers outdoor dining and takeout.
Pappy & Harriet’s
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace hosts top musical acts in a rustic, western-themed setting.
Pair a hearty chili bowl or craft cocktail like the Highway Queen (inspired by Nikki Lane) with salads, burgers, sandwiches, or steaks, all grilled fresh.
If you go: 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Offers outdoor dining and takeout.
Tac/Quila
Tac/Quila specializes in gourmet Jalisco-style cuisine: street tacos, stuffed peppers, and unique salads like jicama and papaya.
Boasting extensive tequilas and mezcals, try a flight of flavored margaritas. End with the churro ice cream sandwich.
If you go: 415 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. Offers outdoor dining.
DESERT X LOCATIONS & DIRECTIONS
To see all Desert X art installations in Greater Palm Springs, click here.
