Posts

There is a bit of contention as to who invented the hamburger. 

Some say it was invented in 1880 by Fletcher Davis of Athens, Texas. He served fried ground beef patties on bread with mustard and onions, and later sold his dish at the 1904 World’s Fair. 

In 1885, the Menches brothers claimed to have invented the hamburger. No proof is given.

Then there was Louis Lassen of New Haven, Connecticut. In 1900, he put ground beef between slices of bread. He sold his burgers at his lunch wagon, Louis’ Lunch.

Otto Kuase is said to have invented the hamburger in 1891 by cooking a beef patty in butter and topping it with a fried egg. 

And finally, 15-year-old Charlie Nagreen supposedly sold Hamburg steaks from a stall at an annual fair (no date given).

All that said, the bottomline is sometimes you just want a good burger. I feel you. I stopped eating red meat five years ago, and I missed that comfort more than you could know. The only time I ever drink a Coca-Cola (never Pepsi) is with a burger and fries, as it completes the trifecta of the flavor palate. Prior to cutting out red meat, I ate at most of these places, so they are mostly first person recommendations, and it turns out most people agree with me. Who’da thunk? As the late, great Jackie Gleason used to say, “And away we go”:

Gimme the meats!

Tony’s Grill and Bar — This is the second Tony’s location in the area, and its burger often tops “best of” lists in the Coachella Valley. I went to the original location with a pal, and it was de-licious. The only problem is trying to choose which burger — the options are endless. 

Zin American Bistro — The food here is good, and that includes the burger. This has taken the number one spot as the Best of the Valley a few times as well, and they have a wonderful patio for people watching. Great wines too.

The Heyday — Home of the SmashBurger; the french fries are delicious, and I usually don’t like crinkle cut, but theirs are firm, hot, and tasty. The tunes are always banging and the employees are happy. 10/10, no complaints.  

Billy Reed’s — Enter on both sides, Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon, and a stone’s throw north of Vista Chino. If you’re from the Midwest, you’ll feel right at home at Billy’s. When you get the burger, try their housemade potato chips. Old timers love to stop by and grab them as a snack when they leave.

Smokin’ Burgers — Stick to the beef burgers at this mostly local spot. Good place to watch sports.

1501 Gastropub — They have a juicy angus beef burger called the 1501, and the atmosphere is upscale but relaxing. Terrific spot next to Arrive Palm Springs. 

Eight4Nine — or 849, is located where Palm Springs’ first post office used to live and the name is the address. This restaurant is gorgeous, and owner Willie Rhine is very involved with worthy causes and the arts, locally. It’s one of the places people go for special occasions and it’s not the least bit stuffy. It’s just a beautifully decorated space offering delicious food with indoor and outdoor dining. Save the burger for happy hour at the cheerful bar that greets you upon arrival.  

Bongo Johnny’s — You can read the very loving description of their burgers on their website, but here’s the gist: “Gold Canyon Premium Angus Chuck Burgers using only the finest USDA upper 2/3 Choice beef sourced from a select group of Angus cattle that meet our stringent 10-quality specifications.”  

Tonga Hut — Founded in 1958, Tonga is the oldest tiki bar in Palm Springs. In three more years it will be 70! Along with your tiki cocktail, you have the choice of six different sliders. You’re looking for the Angus beef. The others are pork, spam, and fish.

Veggie burgers  

Some repeat listings here, but those who want veggie only will appreciate me. The rest of you can stop reading if you’d like.

Chef Tanya’s — Big favorite of vegans from everywhere. Located in an industrial area close to Gene Autry and Sunny Dunes, many folks will pass the first Palm Springs exit and shoot for this one so they can stop here before they head to their small boutique hotel.

Tyler’s — Yep, they’ve got a veggie burger, and the place is not only a local and visitor favorite, it has a terrific history. Located in La Plaza, which was designed by architect Harry Williams and included what was Palm Springs’ first stagecoach stop. This eventually became a Greyhound stop, and is now Tyler’s Burger. At least, that’s the story I was told.

Eight4Nine — As it is above, so it is below. Same ambiance and terrific food, and a veggie burger.

The Heyday — Their answer to a veggie burger is portobello mushroom ground up and formed into a patty. It’s a personal favorite.

1501 Gastropub — Skip the meat and get a vegan Beyond Burger. Everything is good here, so I will be going soon to try that burger!

Palm Greens Cafe — The vegan mushroom patty melt and the vegan tempeh reuben are what you’re looking for here. They use all of the finest organic ingredients and have the freshest eggs I’ve ever had. Deep yellow and super tasty. I haven’t yet had the burger here, but your meat eating friend can also get an Angus burger, so everyone wins (except the cow).

Summer is over, and cooler temps are playing coy. We’ve got days in the 90s and evenings in the 60s, with a strong forecast of holidays. That came fast, right?

If you need to get out of town for Thanksgiving this year, there’s no greater place to do that than in Palm Springs. The weather will be crisp in the earlies and lates; the pools and the afternoons will be warm; and the food, as always, will be outstanding.

You have options too! You can stay in one of our hotels that have a restaurant on site, and just stroll to dinner. Or you can opt for one of our other gorgeous properties and book dinner at one of the delightful options below. 

Most of the links go to OpenTable so you can see if they have any slots available. Some have but a few, others have wider options.

Home for the holidays

A vintage photo of a woman wearing a red dress holding up a turkey next to a pool in Palm Springs

Palm Springs does Thanksgiving poolside

So*Pa at L’Horizon — I had Thanksgiving here last year. Served family style, everything was delicious. Add to that, the property is stunning. We started with drinks by the pool, then were escorted to our table. All class, all the time.

The Pantry at Holiday House — Pretty sure this is a Class 1 Historic Site — the Holiday House, not The Pantry. It’s quite cozy, and Chef cooks up some mighty fine food.

Freddie’s at The Cole — It’s French! Freddie’s that is. The Cole is located on the north end of Palm Springs, and is a beautiful mid-mod property lovingly restored around 2020.

Melvyn’s at The Ingleside Estate — The ultimate spot in Palm Springs history, this property has hosted some of the biggest names in the 20th century. It used to be Ruth Hardy’s estate (she’s got her own park now) and has been a staple of our little city for over a century. Little bungalows make you feel like you’re at a swanky camp for bazillionaires. 

Del Rey at Villa Royale — This is another wonderful fine dining choice, and a marvelous place to stay. Peep the pool.

Thanksgiving dinner, Palm Springs style

Eight4Nine — Located in the old Palm Springs post office, you’d never know it. It’s a gorgeous spot just north of mid-town, and is one of the hottest spots to dine in Palm Springs. 

Kaiser Grille — I have never been, but my understanding is that their food is delicious. And you can’t beat that patio for people watching, unless you sit on the patio at …

Lulu — Solid menu, great drinks, and another great people watching spot if you sit outside. Inside it’s a fun and eclectic mix of old and new. 

Trio — This great little spot took a hit during the pandemic, but I ate here in June and it was back to its delightful former self. I have to say I personally miss the Australian Sole, but a girl can’t have everything.

Zin American Bistro — A warm atmosphere, with great wines and good food. Across the street from Lulu, the patio encourages people watching.

Churrasco — One of the newest restaurants in Palm Springs, it’s all about the meats. Right next to Johnny Costa’s on the southern end of the strip.

Tropicale — Slightly away from the madding crowd, across from the new old post office, is Tropicale. The patio is stunning, and the food is good too.

Grand Central — Right downtown, in La Plaza, this ginormous restaurant has the best grilled cheese. I’m sure they’re not serving it for Thanksgiving, but if an American standard like grilled cheese can be that good, a Thanksgiving dinner will likely be yummy.

La Cocina — Inside Reforma, this restaurant has a terrific chef and is one of the newer spots in Palm Springs. 

Bongo Johnny’s — I was surprised to see this tiki joint on the list, but maybe you’re craving a burger, or a tropical feel. You do you. 

Miro — One of my favorite restaurants in town, Miro is on the south end of town in a big shopping mall where Stein Mart used to live (RIP). It’s tucked away, so it’s a little easy to miss, but it’s on the same side of the road as Palm Canyon after it merges with Indian Canyon.

Copley’s — Formerly owned by Cary Grant, it’s an elegant spot to dine with great history.

The Purple Room — Ah, the Purple Room, home of The Judy Show, great acts, and delicious food. Former Rat Pack hideaway.

Johannes — German food never tasted as good as it does under the eye of Chef Johannes. It’s a beautiful dining room too.