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Best of the Coachella Valley...Your Favorite Dining in the Desert!

By
Real Estate Agent with California Lifestyle Realty DRE# 1780607

 

 

 

 

Every year the Desert Sun publishes the Best of the Valley... over 229,500 votes in 78 categories came in from readers this year!  See if your favorites made the cut!

 

 

DINING, BY TYPE

Best Breakfast
Keedy's Fountain Grill

1. Keedy's Fountain Grill, Palm Desert. Keedy's Fountain Grill bills itself as "a blast from the past," but that doesn't mean retro chic. With scrubbed lino floors and food that's as simple as the decor, this is a place where the service is friendly, the orders come fast and the prices are just fine--all of which make it a favorite of locals and returning snowbirds. 73633 Hwy 111, Palm Desert; (760) 346-6492.

2. Elmer's Restaurant, Palm Springs

3. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Sloan's, Indio; Sunshine Cafe, Cathedral City; Cheeky's, Palm Springs; Bit O' Country, Palm Springs; JC's Patio Cafe, Palm Desert; Mimi's Cafe, La Quinta; Sherman's Deli & Bakery, valleywide

Best Brunch
Spencer's

1. Spencer's Restaurant, Palm Springs. Spencer's advertises its Sunday Brunch but it's actually a weekend tradition, Saturday or Sunday. The Benedicts are the best selling item. And they deserve to be; they can be relied on to be consistently perfect, whichever of the seven varieties you choose. Even so, the menu is large. Don't miss the soft shell crab when it's in season. 701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs; (760) 327-3446; www.spencersrestaurant.com.

2. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage

3. Las Casuelas Nuevas, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Leon's Bar & Grill, Palm Springs; bluEmber Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage; Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs; Norma's at The Parker, Palm Springs; Cheeky's, Palm Springs; Don and Sweet Sue's, Cathedral City; Lakeview, Desert Springs, JW Marriott Resort, Palm Desert

Best Dinner Deal
Piero's Acqua Pazza

1. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage. There's a steady murmur at Piero's Acqua Pazza most of the day, sometimes escalating to a low roar. It may be the result of the almost day-long Happy Hour, the affordable prices, the popular raw bar, or the patio beside The River's "river," but the huge and varied menu plays its part, too. The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, #A167, Rancho Mirage (760) 862-9800; pierosacquapazza.com.

2. Hog's Breath Inn, La Quinta

3. Fisherman's Market & Grill, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Davey's Hideaway Restaurant, Palm Springs; Elephant Bar Restaurant, Palm Desert; The Cheesecake Factory, Rancho Mirage; Souplantation, La Quinta; Roscoe Grill, Palm Springs; Pom Restaurant (Tues. & Thurs.) at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio; Lord Fletcher's, Rancho Mirage

 

Best Family Restaurant
Piero's Acqua Pazza

1. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage. At breakfast, brunch, lunch or even dinner, kids will find plenty they won't wrinkle their noses at, while adults can indulge their more adventurous side if they want to. And there are plenty of dishes to please both; everyone seems to enjoy the curry chicken salad. The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, #A167, Rancho Mirage (760) 862-9800; pierosacquapazza.com.

2. Ruby's Diner, Rancho Mirage

3. Red Robin, Valley wide

Best of the Rest: Stuft Pizza, La Quinta; Babe's Bar-B-Que Grill & Brewhouse, Rancho Mirage; Billy Reed's, Palm Springs; Pinocchio in the Desert, Palm Springs; Coco's Restaurant & Bakery, valleywide; Viva Cantina, La Quinta

Best Late Night
Piero's Acqua Pazza

1. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage. This busy American bistro serves a wide range of food until 10 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For those who don't want a major entree that late, the pastas, creative pizzas and lavish paninis make perfect late-night eating. The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, #A167, Rancho Mirage (760) 862-9800; pierosacquapazza.com.

2. Yard House, Rancho Mirage

3. Matchbox, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Shanghai Red's, Palm Springs; Azul, Palm Springs; Tropicale, Palm Springs; Roc's Firehouse Grille, Palm Desert; Chop House, valleywide; Denny's, valleywide; Davey's Hideaway, Palm Springs

 

Best Outdoor Dining
Spencer's

1. Spencer's Restaurant, Palm Springs. This elegant, iconic restaurant, situated against the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, never seems to change but subtly gets better. Its patio area, with blazing fires and hanging globes of light among the tree branches, is consistently the center of the action. 701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs (760) 327-3446; spencersrestaurant.com.

2. Jackalope Ranch, Indio

3. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: bluEmber, Rancho las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage; Tommy Bahama, Palm Desert; Las Casuelas Terraza, Palm Springs; Las Casuelas Nuevas, Rancho Mirage; Copley's on Palm Canyon, Palm Springs; JC's Patio Cafe, Palm Desert; Le Vallauris, Palm Springs

Best Romantic Dinner
Spencer's

1. Spencer's Restaurant, Palm Springs. There's always a quiet nook somewhere in Spencer's for a couple to celebrate their coupling. In the dining room where they can listen to the pianist, on the enclosed patio with its pretty flower-filled window boxes or in a corner of the outside patio, it's possible to feel private here even when surrounded by parties. 701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs (760) 327-3446; spencersrestaurant.com.

2. Jillian's, Palm Desert

3. Wally's Desert Turtle, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: bluEmber Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage; Le Vallauris, Palm Springs; Copley's on Palm Canyon, Palm Springs; Shame on the Moon, Rancho Mirage; Europa Restaurant, Palm Springs; Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage; Chop House, Palm Springs

 

Best Vegetarian Dining
Native Foods

1. Native Foods Cafe, valleywide. Tanya Petrovna, vegetarian author and advocate -- with her emphasis on flavor, freshness, and local organic produce -- has created a small restaurant chain that keeps on growing. She imitates fast-food favorites but uses healthy ingredients. She makes her own organic soybean-based tempeh and tofu in house. Native Foods, Smoke Tree Village, 1775 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 416-0070; 73-890 El Paseo Dr., Palm Desert (760) 836-9396; nativefoods.com.

2. Peppers Thai Cuisine, Palm Springs

3. Palm Greens Cafe, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Luscious Lorraine's, Palm Desert; Thai Smile, Rancho Mirage; Natures Rx, Palm Springs

 

 

DINING, INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Best Chinese Restaurant
City Wok

1. City Wok, Palm Desert. Relaxed, efficient service, smiling staff and accessible Chinese dishes with crisp fresh vegetables are available at prices that don't break the budget. All this makes it the Chinese dining spot of choice for people seeking a touch of the east here in the west. And there's takeout. 74970 Country Club Dr., #650, Palm Desert (760) 341-1511; citywok.com.

2. Wang's in the Desert, Palm Springs

3. PF Chang's China Bistro, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Canton Bistro, La Quinta; China Wok, Palm Desert; China King, Palm Springs; Tsing Tao, Palm Desert; Great Wall Restaurant, Palm Springs; Ming's Chinese Cuisine, Cathedral City; Orient Express Asian Cuisine, La Quinta

Best Italian Restaurant
Le Donne Cucina

1. Le Donne Cucina Italiana, Palm Desert. Unassuming and unobtrusive, this long established Italian bistro -- not quite hidden in the corner of a shopping mall -- offers a warm welcome and generous servings of good Italian food. The very faithful clientele are made to feel like family. The risotto is a specialty well worth exploring. 72-624 El Paseo, C-7, Palm Desert (760) 773-9441.

2. Mario's Italian Restaurant & Cafe, valleywide

3. Johnny Costa's Ristorante, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Castelli's, Palm Desert; Sirocco at Renaissance Esmeralda, Indian Wells; Red Tomato, Cathedral City; Mamma Gina, Palm Desert; Bellini Restaurant, Palm Desert; Capri Italian Restaurant and Steakhouse, Desert Hot Springs; Trilussa, Cathedral City

 

Best Japanese Restaurant
Kobe

1. Kobe Japanese Steak House, Rancho Mirage. Customers not only get very good steak, but a full serving of Japanese atmosphere. The communal tables set around teppan grills, a Japanese garden, a water wheel, a fountain and a temple bell are all part of the magic. The sushi bar is pretty good too. 69-838 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage (760) 324-1717; koberanchomirage.com.

2. Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar, La Quinta

3. Musashi, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, Rancho Mirage; Mikado, Desert Springs, JW Marriott Resort, Palm Desert; Okura Robata Grill, Palm Springs; Sakura, Cathedral City; Matsuri Japanese Restaurant, Palm Desert; No Da Te Japanese Restaurant, Palm Desert; Kiyosaku Japanese Cuisine, Palm Springs

Best Mexican Restaurant
Las Casuelas Terraza

1. Las Casuelas Terraza, Palm Springs. Locals and visitors both flock to Las Casuelas Terraza to enjoy the festive atmosphere as well as the food. Music, people watching from the patio bordering Palm Springs' main drag, a superb range of tequilas, and an ever-growing menu with family recipes from the Delgado restaurant dynasty are the draw. There seems to be a continuous party. Try the green corn tamales in season. 222 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-2794.

2. El Mirasol Regional Cuisines of Mexico, Palm Springs

3. El Gallito Restaurant, Cathedral City

Best of the Rest: Las Casuelas Nuevas, Rancho Mirage; Serenata Mexican Bar & Grill, Palm Desert; La Casita Restaurants, valleywide; Armando's Dakota Bar & Grill, Palm Desert; Guillermo's, Palm Desert; Blue Coyote Grill, Palm Springs; Don Diego's, Indian Wells

 

Best Sushi
Okura  Robata Grill

1. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar, La Quinta. The food is as sophisticated and elegant as the setting at this sleek, chic Japanese restaurant. The creative chef blends daring fusion dishes and traditional sushi to surprise and delight the palate with clean, exciting tastes. 78-370 Hwy 111, the Plaza at Point Happy, La Quinta (760) 564-5820; okurasushi.com.

2. Sam's Sushi, La Quinta

3. Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Musashi, Palm Desert; Frankie's Fresh Fish Restaurant, Indio; No Da Te Japanese Restaurant, Palm Desert; Joe's Sushi Shabu Shabu, Bermuda Dunes; Kiyosaku, Palm Springs; Margarita's Restaurant, Palm Springs; Sakura, Cathedral City

Best Thai Restaurant
Thai Smile

1. Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage. The kitchen will make your choices as spicy as you like, if you let them know what you want. The aim is to please at this bright, kid-friendly restaurant where curries are a customer favorite. 42476 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage (760) 341-6565; mythaismile.com.

2. Thai Smile, Palm Springs

3. Pepper's Thai Cuisine, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Bangkok Five Thai Cuisine, Rancho Mirage; Le Basil, Palm Desert; Thai Kitchen, Cathedral City; Thai Palm, Desert Hot Springs; Thai House Restaurant, Palm Springs; House of Thai, Palm Springs; Krua Thai Restaurant, Palm Springs

 

DINING, CLASSIC & CONTINENTAL

Best Continental Restaurant
Grove Artisan Kitchen

1. The Grove Artisan Kitchen, Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells. A hidden treasure in Indian Wells, this underappreciated restaurant pays special attention to local produce, meats and fish. Chef Robert Nyerick draws on many continents for his dishes, from the Mediterranean to Asia, but the real star is Southern California. Miramonte Resort & Spa, 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, (760) 341-2200; miramonteresort.com.

2. Spencer's Restaurant, Palm Springs

3. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Cork Tree California Cuisine, Palm Desert; Copley's on Palm Canyon, Palm Springs; Shame on the Moon, Rancho Mirage; Trio Restaurant, Palm Springs; Kaiser Grille, Palm Springs; Johannes Restaurant, Palm Springs; Wally's Desert Turtle; Rancho Mirage

Best French Restaurant
Le Vallauris

1. Le Vallauris. Chef Jean-Paul Lair gives a fresh spin and a light touch to classic French cooking, artistically presented in a beautiful setting. Lunch is delectable and dinner is delicious. House-smoked salmon is only one of the many delights. 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs (760) 325-5059; levallauris.com.

2. Chez Pierre, Palm Desert

3. Cafe Des Beaux-Arts, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Cuistot, Palm Desert; Le St. Germain, Indian Wells; Pomme Frite French & Belgian Cuisine, Palm Springs; Zin American Bistro, Palm Springs; Palmie French Restaurant, Palm Desert; Mister Parker's, Palm Springs; The French Corner Cafe, Palm Desert

 

Best Seafood Restaurant
Fisherman's Market

1. Fisherman's Market & Grill. Customers know the fish here is of the best quality, brought straight from San Pedro by owner Louis Pagano and his team. Choose from the display up front before placing an order, or buy some to take home. In the restaurant, it comes charbroiled or grilled, with simple sides of cole slaw and rice pilaf or chips. 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 327-1766; 44250 Town Center Way, #C2, Palm Desert (760) 776-6533; 78575 Hwy 111, #100, La Quinta (760) 777-1601; fishermansmarketandgrill.com.

2. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Palm Desert

3. Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Crab Pot Restaurant & Bar, La Quinta; La Quinta Cliffhouse, La Quinta; Kaiser Grille, Palm Springs; Oceans, Cathedral City; Seagrille, Desert Springs, JW Marriott Resort, Palm Desert; Frankie's Fresh Fish Restaurant, Indio; POM at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino, Indio

Best Steak House
LG's  Prime Steakhouse

1. LG's Prime Steakhouse, valleywide. In a region filled with steakhouses, LG's stands out. In addition to its nine different USDA Prime steaks, it boasts an unrivalled wine selection. Seafood starters and salads make the experience complete. 255 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 416-1779; 74-225 Hwy 111, Palm Desert (760) 779-9799; 78-525 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 771-9911; lgsprimesteakhouse.com.

2. Ruth's Chris Steak House, Palm Desert

3. Chop House, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Rancho Mirage; Morton's, The Steakhouse, Palm Desert; Sullivan's Steakhouse, Palm Desert; The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage; Outback Steakhouse, Palm Desert; The Falls, Palm Springs; Lord Fletcher's, Rancho Mirage

 

DINING, CASUAL

Best Barbeque Place
Babe's

1. Babe's Bar-B-Que Grill & Brewhouse, Rancho Mirage. You don't have to limit yourself to barbecue at Babe's, you can get goat cheese, chicken or shrimp tamales, as well as smoked salmon. But barbecue is the main event, with the house micro-brewed beers a major bonus. There are even tasty vegetable sides: sweet potato fries and a very special slaw that includes oranges and pecans. The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage (760) 346-8738.

2. Big Mama's Soul Food, Cathedral City

3. Cowboy Way Bar-B-Que, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Jackalope Ranch, Indio; Tootie's Texas Barbecue, Cathedral City; Tony Roma's, Palm Desert; Harry's Oklahoma Style Smokehouse BBQ, La Quinta; Cactus Jack's, Indio; Elephant Bar Restaurant, Palm Desert; Crazy Bones Barbeque, Cathedral City

Best Burger
Tyler's Burgers

1. Tyler's Burgers, Palm Springs. This little burger stand in downtown Palm Springs packs 'em in at lunchtime, and with good reason: The thick, juicy beef patties are what burgers should be, and the al fresco patio seating makes you feel like you're on vacation. Wash your burger down with a fresh-squeezed lemonade and bring cash; credit cards aren't accepted. 149 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 325-2990.

2. In-N-Out, valleywide

3. Burgers & Beer, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Grill-A-Burger, valleywide; Red Robin, valleywide; Islands, Palm Desert; George's Bar & Grill, Cathedral City; Hamburger Mary's, Palm Springs; Ruby's, valleywide; Babe's Bar-B-Que Grill & Brewhouse, Rancho Mirage

 

Best Fast Food
In  and Out Burger

1. In-N-Out Burger, Thousand Palms. They're always at the top of the list of fast-food faves, perhaps because they do just a few things but do them right. Burgers are made of 100-percent beef with no fillers. They're cooked to order so they never sit under a heat lamp. Order by the patty -- single, double, 3x3 (yep, three burgers) or 4x4 (four!). The thick fries are made from fresh-cut potatoes, and the shakes are made with real ice cream. 72265 Varner Rd., Thousand Palms (800) 786-1000.

2. Del Taco, valleywide

3. Chipotle Mexican Grill, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Fisherman's Market & Grill, valleywide; Panda Express, valleywide; Carl's Jr., valleywide; El Pollo Loco, valleywide; Rubio's Mexican Grill, valleywide; Subway, valleywide; Port of Subs, valleywide

Best Fish Taco
Fisherman's Market

1. Fisherman's Market & Grill, valleywide. Pity the fool who drops an overly breaded, generic fish stick into a shell with a little lettuce and calls it a fish taco. You don't know how delicious it can be until you've had the grilled langostino lobster tacos, or the charbroiled swordfish tacos at this fun and casual restaurant. OK, fried is available, too; the Baja features a lightly battered and fried fresh fillet. It's the same with the shrimp and calamari versions. All are built on a fresh corn tortilla and topped with shredded cabbage, lime wedge and the restaurant's secret-recipe white sauce. 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 327-1766; 44250 Town Center Way, Palm Desert (760) 776-6533; 78575 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 777-1601; fishermansmarketandgrill.com.

2. Rubio's Mexican Grill, valleywide

3. Shanghai Red's, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Blue Coyote Grill, Palm Springs; Islands, Palm Desert; La Quinta Cliffhouse, La Quinta; Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Palm Desert; Las Casuelas Terraza, Palm Springs; Taco Armando's, Palm Desert; Taqueria San Miguel, valleywide

 

Best Hot Dogs
Costco

1. Costco, valleywide. It's got to be one of the best deals in town: a hot dog plus a refillable soda for $1.59. If cost alone is not enough to sway you, the dog will. Costco serves up plump Polish sausage, just spicy enough to make it interesting, nestled in a steamed bun. Request relish and sauerkraut or just top with mustard and chopped onion from cool, crank-operated machines located in the dining area. This is doggone good eating! 72800 Dinah Shore Dr., Palm Desert (760) 318-4291; 79795 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 775-0370; costco.com.

2. Wienerschnitzel, valleywide

3. Leenie's Weenies Cafe, Cathedral City

Best of the Rest: Sam's Club, Palm Desert; Grill-A-Burger, valleywide; Tyler's Burgers, Palm Springs; Hot Dog on a Stick, Palm Desert; Woody's at Lowe's, valleywide; Schmidy's Tavern, Palm Desert; Burgers & Beer valleywide

Best Pizza
Matchbox

1. Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro, Palm Springs. The pizza is HOT, and not just because the wood-fired masonry oven reaches 800 degrees to give it the perfect crispy-thin crust. The toppings (applied generously) are fresh-hot; the location, upstairs at the Mercado Plaza, is trendy-hot. Come to think of it, the servers and clientele are all pretty hot, too. Is it getting warm in here? 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 778-6000.

2. Haus of Pizza, Palm Desert

3. Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, La Quinta

Best of the Rest: Upper Crust Pizza, Cathedral City; Papa Dan's Pizza & Pasta, Palm Desert; Johnny Costa's Ristorante, Palm Springs; Billy Q's Good Stuff Pizza, La Quinta; Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage; California Pizza Kitchen, valleywide; Giuseppe's Pizza and Pasta, Cathedral City

 

Best Sandwich
Sherman's Deli & Bakery

1. Sherman's Deli and Bakery, valleywide. Corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, liverwurst, brisket, oy vey! This kosher-style family restaurant really knows how to stuff a sandwich with handfuls of superthin-sliced, perfectly lean meat between two slices of fresh rye bread. Come hungry; leave whistling a tune from "Fiddler on the Roof." 401 E. Tahquitz Way, Palm Springs (760) 325-1199; 73-161 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert (760) 568-1350; shermansdeli.com.

2. Panera Bread, valleywide

3. Manhattan of the Desert, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Port of Subs, valleywide; Aspen Mills, Palm Springs; Jensen's Finest Foods, valleywide; TKB Bakery & Deli II, Palm Desert; Jennifer's Kitchen & Catering, Rancho Mirage; Don and Sweet Sue's, Cathedral City; Bristol Farms, Palm Desert

 

 

DINING, LIGHT FARE

Best Bagels
Benny's Bagels

1. Benny's Bagels, Palm Desert. Benny's offers a wide variety of fresh-from-the-oven bagels for breakfast or lunch. Have one with a schmear for breakfast or stuffed with your favorite meat at lunchtime. And have you tried the French toast bagels? It's like having dessert for breakfast, any time of the day. 72785 Hwy 111, Suite B3, Palm Desert (760) 568-4990.

2. Panera Bread, valleywide

3. Bagel Bistro, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: New York Bagel & Deli, Palm Desert; Sherman's Deli, Palm Springs; Einstein Bros. Bagels, valleywide; Manhattan in the Desert, Palm Springs; Old Town Coffee Company, La Quinta; Sherman's Deli and Bakery, Palm Desert; Vons, valleywide

Best Bakery
Aspen Mills

1. Aspen Mills Bread Co., Palm Springs. Owner Marty Webster has operated the bakery for 15 years in the same location. He grinds the Montana-grown chemical-free wheat every day into flour for the 30-plus different breads and rolls he sells. The bakery also offers sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and catering, too. Yum. 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs (760) 323-3123.

2. Panera Bread, valleywide

3. Jensen's Fine Foods, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Manhattan in the Desert, Palm Springs; Pastry Swan Bakery, valleywide; Sherman's Deli, Palm Springs; La Quinta Bakery, La Quinta; Bristol Farms, Palm Desert; Old Town Coffee Company, La Quinta; French Corner Cafe and Bakery, Palm Desert

 

Best Coffee
Koffi

1. Koffi, Palm Springs. When coffee beans go to heaven, they end up at Koffi. Not only does this stylish cafe make a mean cup of joe, each location also boasts a warm atmosphere, friendly baristas and enough charm to fill your cup. Here the sense of community is almost stronger than the coffee. 515 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 416-2244; 1700 South Camino Real, Palm Springs (760) 322-7776; kofficoffee.com.

2. Starbucks, valleywide

3. Old Town Coffee Company, La Quinta

Best of the Rest: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, valleywide; Ignition Coffee Lounge, Palm Springs; Just Java, valleywide; It's A Grind Coffee House, valleywide; Bad Ass Coffee Shop, Rancho Mirage; Buzz Coffee Company, Palm Desert, McDonald's, valleywide

Best Frozen Yogurt
Golden Spoon

1. Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt, valleywide. The only thing not cool about Golden Spoon's frozen yogurt is how often you'll want some. Their towering treats have all the flavor of your favorite ice cream with just a fraction of the calories and fat. 2465 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 327-5000; 40101 Monterey Ave., Rancho Mirage (760) 340-0402; 78742 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 564-7549; icecreamloversyogurt.com.

2. Mango Tango, Palm Desert

3. Cactusberry, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Yogurt Island, La Quinta; Yogurt on Tap, Palm Springs; Costco, valleywide; Yummi Yogurt, valleywide; The Yogurt Cafe, Palm Desert; Goldmine Yogurt, Rancho Mirage; Juice It Up, Palm Desert

 

Best Ice Cream
Cold Stone Creamery

1. Cold Stone Creamery, valleywide. You know the deal with ice cream: I scream, you scream, we all scream. But Cold Stone takes that to another level entirely, with luscious flavors and swirls of goodness. It's practically bullhorn-worthy. Of course, for the real scoop, you'll have to actually try some of their scintillating creations. We recommend Cheesecake Fantasy and Chocolate Devotion. 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (760) 327-6892; 68-718 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City (760) 321-0158; 72840 Hwy 111, Palm Desert (760) 837-0071; 78-380 Hwy 111, La Quinta (760) 771-8242; coldstonecreamery.com.

2. Baskin-Robbins, valleywide

3. Ben & Jerry's, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Rite Aid, valleywide; Dairy Queen, valleywide; Golden Spoon, valleywide; Lappert's, Palm Springs; Lique, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio; Mango Tango Frozen Yogurt, Palm Desert; Surf City Squeeze, La Quinta

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Kathy Schowe   760.333.8886  California LifestyleRealty  California Lifestyle RealtySchowe Properties                                           

        

                  
                                   

Comments (2)

Anonymous
Kaboomski

I agree with most of the choices and most of the rest of the restaurents, but in a few cases I think some kids were asked to vote for some restaurents on their computers over, and over, and over, and over.............

Apr 08, 2010 11:58 AM
#1
Anonymous
Kaboomski

One of my favorite spots in the desert is the Beer Hunter in La Quinta, but don't think it got the attention it deserves!

 

Apr 08, 2010 12:01 PM
#2