In a world where even time feels negotiable, you might wonder: ‘If calendars are just suggestions, how can a restaurant still be ‘fully booked’?’ Yet here in Indio, certainty exists—in the form of these 15 establishments where every bite feels like an anchor in the present moment.
Raspados Kio’s
$$ | (760) 391-2247 | WEBSITE
Raspados Kio’s is a modest spot in the Indio dining scene, offering a variety of tasty raspados, including the popular fresas con crema. Located in a simple storefront, they’re serving these refreshing treats here, all of which can be upgraded to generous portions. Whether you’re actually sharing with others, however – that’s between you and your conscience. The restaurant’s customer service receives praise, with an employee showing empathy and understanding towards a customer’s autistic nephew.
Yet some reviews note average experiences, with mediocre service and decor. The music volume and content may also be a concern for families. Overall, Raspados Kio’s provides a mixed dining experience – available for takeout and delivery, find them on most major apps.
Big Rock Golf and Pub at Indian Springs – Public Golf Course in Palm Springs
$$ | (760) 200-8988 | WEBSITE
Big Rock Golf and Pub at Indian Springs is a public golf course with a solid dining option. Here’s how it goes: You can book a tee time online, then head over to tackle the course, which features well-protected greens and legitimate fairways, all in terrific shape. After your round, grab a seat on the patio and order from the pub menu, which includes tasty options like burgers and tuna pike nacho appetizers, served with exceptional service.
But be aware – slow play can happen sometimes, so plan accordingly. Overall, it’s a very enjoyable place to have a round of golf followed by a meal, where you can appreciate the atmosphere and company around you.
Pablos Tacos & Beer
$ | (760) 619-2041 | WEBSITE
Oh, Pablos Tacos & Beer. What was once a straightforward, welcoming name has turned into something almost like a promise, winking knowingly as we stare out of the window, longing for a time when Thirsty Thursday was just a happy hour and the only thing keeping us from vacationing in Mexico was a lack of time.
Well, the present is the present, and if we’re going to be stuck in our respective routines for the foreseeable future, we might as well be doing it with a plate or two of their incredible quesabirria tacos and outstanding ceviche. Available for dine-in with sports viewing and karaoke, find them conveniently near the Tesla Supercharger.
Art Alkobar Grill
$ | (760) 347-6235 | WEBSITE
As much as you love (and support) your neighborhood burger joint, if you’re trying to mix things up tonight, look no further than Art Alkobar Grill. The family-friendly spot has a straightforward, clean dining room with simple wooden tables and bright lighting that keeps the focus squarely on the food.
Cut straight from a generous, satisfying menu, the Mexican Philly cheesesteak here is tender and flavorful, but never too greasy, and comes loaded with peppers, onions, melted cheese, and just a dash of jalapeño. Get the chicken garden salad with a side of Lumpia, if you’re feeling balanced.
Taco Tango at Jackson Liquor
$ | (760) 342-2883 | WEBSITE
Taco Tango is one of the more unusual restaurants on this list, but the team behind it knows exactly what they’re doing. The chefs running this spot have taken over a liquor store space and transformed it into an Indio destination, serving a variety of Mexican dishes – everything from the taco tornado to the triple barrel roll and creatively presented plates with special sauces. Oh, and some of the best tacos in the Coachella Valley, too.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (760) 342-4149 | WEBSITE
If you’re getting a bit tired of the same old reheated leftovers routine (we ran out of inspiration), but still want a satisfying meal without the fuss, then it’s time to head to Applebee’s Grill + Bar. This reliable chain restaurant in Indio serves up consistently good food with friendly, attentive service that handles even the busiest dinner hours and Coachella Fest crowds effectively.
Served with nothing but a big-screen TV for sports viewing and a date-night atmosphere, this is the kind of straightforward, dependable experience that’s exactly what you need when you can’t bear to microwave another frozen dinner any more (we didn’t want to waste effort). Applebee’s offers everything from 99 cent kid Tuesday meals to all-you-can-eat options, and their Bahama Mama drink is a highlight—call ahead for quick seating during peak hours.
La Paloma Mexican Food
$ | (760) 972-4796 | WEBSITE
This Mexican eatery offers a few different dishes on the menu, but the central focus here is on generous portions. If you’re not familiar with the concept, consider La Paloma your ideal introduction: shrimp cocktails come piled high with plump seafood in a zesty tomato sauce, fish tacos arrive overflowing with crispy battered fillets, and chicken enchiladas are served smothered in rich mole. For all the details, check out their simple and clean ambiance with outdoor patio seating.
Sayulita Tap Room
$ | (442) 324-0006 | WEBSITE
No shade to those predictable chain spots, but there’s only so many times a week you can stomach the same old combo platter. We’ve got an alternative for you: Sayulita Tap Room. This cozy Mexican-inspired bar in Indio is known for its friendly staff and good drinks, so expect the same welcoming atmosphere, as well as solid dishes like chicken taquitos and birria tacos. Right now, they’re offering dine-in and take-out, with ample seating options both indoors and outdoors.
The menu is decent, with a fair amount of options, and prices are reasonable. Sayulita Tap Room is available for both experiences, making it a convenient choice for those in the area.
Rincon Norteño Mexican Restaurant
$ | (760) 347-4754 | WEBSITE
Unlike many of the other spots on this list, Rincon Norteño isn’t some sort of new pop-up: This Mexican restaurant in Old Indio has been serving incredible food for over 60 years. But if you haven’t had the chance to try them yet – or if you haven’t been back in a while – there’s no time like the present.
In addition to traditional Mexican dishes such as Huevos Rancheros, which can be customized to your liking, Rincon Norteño also serves a variety of tasty Margaritas, such as classic lime and fruit-infused options, and the Salsa Fria, which is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional salsa – a.k.a., a good thing to add to your order if you, like a certain person writing this, has eaten three different tacos in the last two days (and one of them was from a chain, smh).
Outside The Masa
$ | (760) 578-6247 | WEBSITE
While eating the birria tacos and tamales from this downtown Indio food truck, you might find yourself getting hit with a wave of actual déjà vu. Maybe that’s because you’ve eaten it in a parallel universe, but most likely, it’s because you’ve had the food at the soon-to-open restaurant that’s been promised for years.
The chef has now brought those signature birria tacos back, and is offering them in varieties like birria tacos and burria tacos, as well as birria tamales, grilled onions, and rich, flavorful consume. Check Outside The Masa’s schedule for updates, or find them on Fridays and second Saturdays in downtown Indio.
Dutch Bros Coffee
$ | (877) 899-2767 | WEBSITE
Although you could easily make coffee at home, visiting Dutch Bros Coffee is half the fun – because it gives you a chance to experience the enthusiastic staff, who, when we pulled up to the drive-thru during a busy afternoon, simply greeted us with ‘What can we make amazing for you today?’ (but with, like, a lot more EXCLAMATION POINTS). But making your own drinks/taking your time/avoiding lines/etc.
aside, it all becomes pretty immaterial once you start sipping their fantastic beverages, like their must-try Shark Attack with its delicious mix of flavors, a rich, bold large coffee with four shots of espresso that tastes like liquid energy, or that perfect lemonade that hits just right. The outdoor area could use some canopy for shade, but the positive energy and outstanding service make it worth the visit.
Available through their app for faster service, download it for a free drink or find them at their Indio location.
Bistro
$$$ | (800) 827-2946 | WEBSITE
Dining out has always been important, but during busy seasons, it’s downright essential. But if you can’t handle another crowded chain or mediocre meal, give your hungry appetite something new, like a reservation at Bistro. This popular Indio spot is the ultimate destination for exceptional dishes (except, like, in a nice way… we just wanted to hit that alliteration) and serves all sorts of well-prepared food, including lobster bisque, baked oysters, Caesar salad, and short ribs.
The sushi chef excels, and their lobster tails and pasta are a highlight. Bistro is available for dine-in only. Expect to spend around $25-40 per entrée, and be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak hours because of its popularity. The ambiance is dated and could benefit from remodeling, but the food remains exceptional. The service is also highly praised, with staff like Maria and Justin taking good care of diners.
The menu features plentiful dishes like Kobe Burger and Duck Confit, which are seasoned perfectly. Fresh French loaf bread is always available at the table. The atmosphere, though a bit rushed at times, still offers a satisfying dining experience. Overall, Bistro provides delicious food and friendly service, and visitors are encouraged to visit when in the Palm Springs/Indio area.
Sushi Kitto
$$ | (760) 296-1097 | WEBSITE
This spot might require a little more patience and acceptance, but in a desert town with surprisingly few sushi destinations, it might just be worth it. As you probably gathered from the name, Sushi Kitto is a Japanese-American restaurant with a diverse menu and a great atmosphere in Indio. They have a variety of fabulous sushi rolls and popular dishes available to enjoy, like spicy scallop nigiri, salmon roe with quail egg, and ahi tuna nachos.
There’s just one catch: The tables and chairs can feel a bit dirty and sticky, and the bathroom could be cleaner. So even if you’re starting to think that pristine dining rooms don’t exist anymore, plan accordingly. Focus on the incredibly fresh California rolls with zero fishy taste, the generous teriyaki salmon with Wasabi mashed potatoes, and the upbeat, relaxed vibe with good music.
LIT – Bar and Lounge
$$ | (760) 342-5000 | WEBSITE
LIT – Bar and Lounge’s 80’s dance nights aren’t just the best in Indio, or even the best in the Coachella Valley – with Angelina Alexon and the band delivering fantastic performances, they’re the best in Southern California.
And now, you can enjoy this award-worthy entertainment from the comfort (and security) of the casino floor, where you’ve been busy contemplating life’s greatest questions, like “Do I want another strawberry margarita?” and “How many songs can I request before the DJ gets annoyed?” In addition to the aforementioned music, this casino lounge is also offering well-served drinks like mojitos, special V.I.P. nights with extensive buffets, and tons of poker and gaming options.
Available for dancing and dining – find them inside the casino or check their event schedule.
Indio Taphouse
Sure, grabbing a beer at home sounds convenient and maybe even a little economical, but when it comes down to it, you probably don’t have twelve different beers on tap, or like, still drink the same old bottled lager every time. Let Indio Taphouse help you. This Indio bar has maintained its focus on being a relaxed spot with good drinks and tasty food, including chicken sliders and other bar favorites.
The setup is very cute, with open doors that provide a street view and a backyard vibe, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere during the day. Servers like Jeena provide friendly and quick service, making it a great place to enjoy drinks after work or with family. Place an order for some appetizers to share or just relax with a drink from their selection of bottled beer and beers on tap.
