Manhattan in the Desert

“A lot of food”

I bring a large group here for dinner twice a year and everyone seems to enjoy it. I plan to return soon.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Over a year ago: The latkes are excellent, as is the pastrami omelette.

A guest · Over a year ago

“The best DELI !!!!!”

If you want good deli, this is the place. Wonderful service and food. Interesting crowd!

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“Its OK BUT...”

I prefer Sherman's because it is closer to downtown Palm Springs. I like sitting outside on the patio and I love their pastries. I know it is just a deli, but I do not like the atmosphere at Manhattan in the Desert and prefer Sherman's.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Yo, is it too much to ask for a Delicatessen categ”

As a former New Yorker, I think it is important to recognize that delis are regional, like a dialect. The first time you are exposed to a new one, you need to pay a little more attention than you would on your home turf. If you do, you will catch the nuances and what is different for you to enjoy about the place; it is not the same for everyone. However, if someone speaks your language but you are not happy that it does not sound the same, then go home and, as New Yorkers enjoy saying, don't let the door hit your fat ass on your way out. Manhattan in the Desert is very Palm Springs, but similar to delis like Center Stage Deli in San Francisco, The New Yorker in Atlanta, Schwartz's in Montreal, Zucy's in Santa Monica until the 1984 earthquake, and Taste of New York in Kaimuki, Honolulu. Are you catching on to the language metaphor? MID attracts the same great friendly mix of gay men and aging locals as Sherman's, the other larger deli in Palm Springs, so each has found its niche. MID has a more complex menu of generally better food. Sherman's is closer to a New York coffee shop and not a delicatessen. You may disagree. It seems that people like one or the other, so let me point your fat ass in the direction of the door, because on the way out I think you will like MID's pastry wall more than Sherman's small selection. I especially like that MID is close to some of the better hiking trails and just far enough from downtown Palm Springs to be unknown to Desperate Housewives, Hell's Angels, and tweakers. The employees have generally been there for years and like working there and their patrons. I have not found that to be true at Sherman's. As for what might be slightly different at MID, the turkey burger with avocado and blue cheese French fries, and Russian potato salad, but it is a bit too mild. As for tradition, they have it all: herring and anchovies on toast, potato latkes, brisket like Aunt Tille used to make, and great booths so you can spread out and relax. Here is a secret between you and me: if you are ordering takeout from the deli, give your order to Adam; he will take care of you. If you tell him you are a friend of the poolboy, he will hook you up with a mouthful. Another tip for dining in a small town: always tip well, even for takeout.

A visitor · Over a year ago