I’ve had the bittersweet privilege to live by Joshua Tree National Park since 2017. The park receives well over two million visitors annually with a steady upward trend. Influencers and celebrities flock here from L.A. and elsewhere to “unplug” and pose for trendy photos with the iconic landscape.
I say bittersweet because I was sent here involuntarily (on military orders) and therefore finding the most delicious, interesting, beautiful parts of the area were less about Likes and more a means to survive- and hopefully thrive – in my new desert home. Some of my favorite places and past times have been impacted by COVID but of those that remain – here is the battle-tested best of the bunch in the category of dining.
Follow Your Cravings, Not the Crowds
1. Rustic Date Night – Kitchen in the Desert (Twentynine Palms)
Tucked into a dark residential neighborhood, Kitchen in the Desert was introduced to me early in my time here and has remained a favorite. Many of their recipes have a Caribbean flare and include plenty of vegan and vegetarian options that I’m confident even carnivores would enjoy.
What to order: Anything! (Or everything). Wash down with Cucumber Cilantro Lemonade.
They have a small rotating/seasonal menu but that doesn’t make choosing any easier. Pick whatever sounds good to you and don’t forget dessert (currently Fried Oreos!) and a cocktail or wine. Before COVID, they even allowed patrons to BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine).
2. PIZZA – Giant Rock Meeting Room (Yucca Valley)
This hidden gem blows the more popular Pie for the People way out of the water. We accidentally discovered this hole in the wall when we were turned away from the exclusive and elusive La Copine. We ended up having a blast and all agreed that the food was amazing!
When we went they also had delicious vegetarian side dishes, but I don’t see them on their website at this time.
What to order: The Four Cheese Pizza and Mushy Tina Pizza. They also have a wine and craft beer selection.
3. American with a side of History – Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneer Palace (Pioneertown)
I wanted to believe Pappy & Harriet’s would be nothing more than a kitschy tourist trap but instead, I fell in love. Also a music venue, P&H has hosted musicians from local talent to the likes of Paul McCartney and Lizzo. My husband surprised me with Maren Morris tickets a few years ago and it is one of my fondest memories of the desert.
You will encounter a longer wait time but they’re transparent about this on their website and walls, proclaiming, “If you’re in a rush – you’re in the wrong place!” More importantly, the food is worth the wait and the prices are reasonable for the venue’s popularity. (Note – only open Thursday through Sunday).
What to order: This is random but they had the best chili I’ve ever tasted. Pappy’s Chili had HUGE chunks of beef in it.
4. Tex Mex Splurge – Red Dog Saloon (Pioneertown)
Originally opened in 1946, the Red Dog Saloon was re-established in 2020. While opening a business in 2020 would be a nightmare for most, Red Dog already had a window based order and pick up model that would weather the pandemic. As a cheapass I can’t say I love the prices but it’s on the list because I also can’t say the food didn’t cause my eyes to roll back in pleasure and my throat to release an embarrassing sigh of satisfaction. Foodgasm. Sorry not sorry if you’re uncomfortable, so was everyone sitting near me, oops.
What to order: Wagyu Beef Brisket Taco, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Pork Carnitas Taco, (if you don’t eat meat, get the other three taco options) elote, spicy fresh pickles.
Pro Tip: Keep a cooler of your booze of choice in the car. Or purse.
5. A Little Something for Everyone/ Ultimate Hangover Cure – Jelly Donut (Twentynine Palms)
Hear me out, don’t skip this paragraph because you saw the word donut and you’re still going strong on your New Year Resolutions or Lent.
Owner Lam started making Pho Vietnamese Noodle soup and selling it out of a local Mexican restaurant. When presented with the opportunity to buy this former donut shop, he started serving the Pho and other creations alongside the bakery goods. In addition to the cleverly named menu choices, Lam is constantly creating foods in the vein of Asian fusion and comfort food. He is one of the kindest and most generous people and business owners around. You could find Chris and me there on most Sundays picking up our hangover cure to eat in front of the TV.
What to order: Pho with extra brisket (#3 “make your own” with only brisket) and extra noodles if you’re a hungry bitch like me. Coconut water from the cooler and Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
Honorable Mentions:
Mas Tacos – El Guero Mexican Grill (Yucca Valley)
Since moving to SoCal, Chris and I began fancying ourselves as street taco connoisseurs. This is among the best we’ve had. Their meat is moist, well seasoned and generously portioned. Their red and green house salsas are the best I’ve ever had.
Epic Sushi Feast – Kimi Grill (Yucca Valley)
A year ago Kimi Grill would have easily made the top five. They have a wide selection and special deals that will score you free food after spending a certain amount. Unfortunately, following a customer service mishap and doubling the threshold of their special deal (they used to have a $25 tier), Kimi has slid down to honorable mention. I still drool a little thinking about the spreads we used to order from them.
What to order: M.I.U.M (Melt in your Mouth – Assorted baked seafood on top of California Rolls), Avocado Bomb, Kimi Poke Sashimi, your favorite sushi rolls (get to $50 and you get another free roll!). This is an ideal smorgasbord to feed everyone in your AirBnB. Yep I’m drooling on the keyboard.
Late Night/ Haters be Damned – Castañedas (Multiple Locations)
I did not include any chains on this list but if you are from outside Southern California (especially if you’re enjoying some of our specialty local produce *wink wink* and indiscriminately available booze), go to Castañedas. (Get the food first…don’t drive under the influence!) Most locations are open 24/7. They have a lot of haters but it has never let me down or made me sick *knocks on wood* and gives me mouthgasms every time.
What to order: San Felipe Burrito (Carne Asada and Grilled Shrimp) and their famous Carne Asada Fries.
Pro tip: Come hungry but be warned the drive thru usually takes an inexplicably long time. We have been known to pick up a Little Caesar’s Hot N’ Ready to snack on in the car while waiting.
Popular Options that Didn’t Cut It
29 Palms Inn – Currently only serving its hotel guests.
Joshua Tree Saloon – Fun for a night out with friends but foodwise I would categorize it as a tourist trap. Because of COVID, JT Saloon’s draw of live music, karaoke night, and socialization are on hold and all that’s left is its overpriced mediocre food after a 45 minute wait (not including the wait to be seated). Most recently we dined with a group on the patio and in addition to the aforementioned, there was also a drink limit of two drinks per entree. And port-a-potties only. No thank you.
Steak of any kind – There is a small handful of things I will miss about Southern California and the meat prices at Stater Brothers grocery stores is at the top of that list. We have made some of the most succulent, mouthwatering steaks of our lives with Stater Bros finds thrown on the grill at prices like $4.99/lb ribeye. Make sure you go on a weekday. After living here I will never be bamboozled into overspending for restaurant steak again.
I want to hear your thoughts! What have been your favorite dining destinations in Joshua Tree?