Gay Restaurants in Palm Springs, CA — Page 2

Think you know the Denny's experience? King's Highway at the Ace turns that expectation on its head. This Palm Springs diner occupies a lovingly renovated old Denny's, but the Ace Hotel has transformed it into something entirely fresh. The kitchen focuses on local, organic ingredients across American, Mediterranean, and sandwich offerings. It's a diner made chic, just as the tagline promises. The vibe is laid-back Palm Springs cool with that Ace Hotel polish. Regulars appreciate the consistency and the inventive take on comfort food. Since it's on the Ace property, you might spot guests lounging by the pool nearby. No specific hours are listed, so check before heading over. LuLu California Bistro is another solid option if you're craving Mediterranean flavors in a lively setting.

Unlike other poolside dining spots in Palm Springs, CHi CHi brings regency-era old Hollywood glamour to the Avalon hotel. This women-led restaurant serves American cuisine and coffee, with a cocktail lounge and happy-hour vibe open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. The atmosphere is romantic and chic, and reviewers note it's very gay friendly. The menu focuses on creative cuisine, and the setting works for both a romantic dinner or a relaxed poolside lunch. You'll find it on Ramon Road in Downtown Palm Springs. For a different vibe, LuLu California Bistro is nearby if you want more options.

Walking into Palm Greens Cafe, you'll notice the counter-service setup and the menu board filled with wraps, salads, and bowls. This is a deep fat fry-free zone, so everything is baked, grilled, or raw. Health-focused but not restrictive: vegan, gluten-free, and raw dishes sit alongside free-range poultry and wild-caught fish. Breakfast is served all day, and they have organic coffee, fresh juices, and smoothies. The cafe opened in 2008 by Jeff and Greg, who brought their Maui experience (from Jawz Fish Tacos) to Palm Springs. It's a neighborhood hangout with outdoor seating, free WiFi, and a dog-friendly patio. They take reservations. Their wine list is strictly biodynamic or organic, with bottles priced $19-$45. If you want another upscale option nearby, Trio Restaurant is just a short walk away.

A lively Monday evening crowd says it all: Johnny Costa's Ristorante is a local staple. This family-run Italian spot opened in 1976 by chef Johnny Costa, who once cooked at the Sinatra estate. Today his son Vince and three brothers keep the tradition alive. The Alaskan halibut filet done Sicilian style with tomatoes and olives is a frequent standout. You'll find fresh seafood, veal, steaks, and pasta here. The restaurant has a full bar and offers a happy hour. It's dog-friendly with outdoor seating. Reservations are accepted. Prices are moderate, so you can enjoy a relaxed dinner without breaking the bank. If you're in the mood for something different afterward, LuLu California Bistro is a nearby option for a change of pace.

Expect a lively mix of locals and visitors here for late-night dining on the Palm Springs strip. Alicante, formerly Zini Cafe Med, is known for its large, shareable tapas plates and one of the few late-hour options in town, serving until midnight. The bar and patio are prime spots for people-watching, with dishes like beet and goat cheese salad, garlic aioli green beans, and linguini with mussels and clams earning raves. It's a go-to for Restaurant Week and regular late cravings alike. Tables fill up fast on weekend nights, especially on the outdoor patio. The friendly service and espresso-chocolate dessert are regulars' favorites. If you're near Sherman's Deli & Bakery for a classic breakfast, book Alicante for a tapas dinner instead.

Unlike most European restaurants in the desert, Miro's sources its influences from Slavic, Italian, Greek, and German kitchens. This family-owned spot opened in 1994, shortly after the Terzic family arrived from Mostar, Yugoslavia. Homestyle soups and pastries quickly won over locals. By 1997, the restaurant doubled its footprint in Plaza del Sol. The wine list leans toward rare bottles from Austria, Bosnia, and Croatia. Full bar available. Outdoor seating is a draw on warm Palm Springs evenings. Reserve ahead, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. If you're in the mood for more, LuLu California Bistro is nearby and offers a different vibe.

Riccio's Steak & Seafood is a family-owned downtown Palm Springs restaurant continuing its tradition of serving premium meats, seafood, and pasta. The setting is comfortable and casual, with a full bar and outdoor seating that's dog friendly. You'll find a menu that leans American and seafood, with steaks as a highlight. Open for lunch on weekends, Riccio's takes reservations, which can be handy given its downtown location. The Yelp rating sits at 3.4 out of 5 from over 400 reviews, reflecting a solid reputation. For a different Palm Springs dining experience, you might also check out LuLu California Bistro just nearby.

Walking into Norma's, you're hit with mint-green retro diner charm and the cool vibe of the Parker Palm Springs resort. This 5-star diner serves breakfast all day on their patio, offering comfort food without the grease. The menu is playful and fresh, with options like a $1,000 omelette that's pure Beluga bling, but regular meals are reasonable for the setting. It's the ultimate breakfast-at-1pm spot, where you might find yourself next to a celebrity entourage. The decor is a wink-and-swoon mix of Hollywood Regency and thrift store finds, designed by Jonathan Adler. After your meal, stroll through the resort's gardens or pop into Mister Parkers for fine dining. Best time to go is weekday brunch when it's quieter. Reservations are recommended.

Most French spots in Palm Springs are high-end dinner affairs. L'Atelier Cafe is different: a casual brasserie-style cafe where you can grab a quiche, a croissant, or a Smoke Salmon salad without breaking the bank. The owners are French, the tunes are French, and the team is French. It's been a reliable brunch-and-lunch stop since 2013, earning a 4.6/5 Yelp rating from 1800+ reviews. The cafe opens at 7:30am daily (except Tue and Wed) and closes at 2pm, so you'll want to arrive early for a relaxed seat on the dog-friendly patio. Free wifi makes it a no-brainer for remote work or catching up with friends over beer and wine. For a heartier evening meal, nearby Trio Restaurant offers American comfort food late into the night.

You might expect a Vietnamese restaurant in Palm Springs to stick to tradition, but 533 Viet Fusion blends modern twists into classic dishes. Taking over their own space in 2011, this locally-sourced spot serves up items like ossobuco and crepes alongside pho and pad Thai. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, with big portions and a clean, upscale feel. Outdoor seating and a full bar give it a relaxed vibe. It's not a typical gay bar scene, but the crowd is mixed and welcoming. Reservations are smart during peak hours, and happy hour is a good time to stop in. You'll find it downtown, near other popular spots like LuLu California Bistro.

Expect a playful drag show and Cal-Asian dinner in one reservation at AsiaSF Palm Springs, where every booking includes performances by the venue's own ladies. The cabaret atmosphere draws a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd ready for dinner and entertainment. Reservations are recommended — the venue books up quickly for its limited weekend hours. Sunday brunch starts at 10:30am, while dinner runs evenings Friday through Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check current status online, as Yelp suggests it may no longer be operating.

Alice B. is tucked inside Living Out, an elegant apartment community for 55+ LGBTQ+ adults in downtown Palm Springs. This restaurant comes from James Beard award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, known for their pioneering work at City Café, Border Grill, and the Food Network's Too Hot Tamales. Executive chef Lance Velasquez leads a kitchen focused on seasonal ingredients and New American cuisine inspired by Alice B. Toklas's travels through Europe. The vibe is upscale yet casual, with full bar, happy hour, and outdoor seating. The crowd is all-ages and mixed LGBTQ+. One diner raved about the cauliflower entree, calling it "100% plant-based and super flavorful." Reservations are accepted, and the space feels like a hidden gem rather than a retirement home dining room. The cocktail menu is creative, and the service is attentive. It's open Wednesday through Sunday from 5pm to 9pm only, so plan accordingly. For a classic brunch in Palm Springs, LuLu California Bistro is another popular spot nearby.

Most poke spots stay casual, but Haus of Poké PS adds outdoor seating and a BIPOC- and women-led vibe. They serve wraps and bowls with raw fish and assorted veggies on rice, blending American, Polynesian, and sushi influences. It's a straightforward fast-food setup with an island feel. The split hours mean lunch and dinner are separate blocks, with a gap each afternoon. Yelp data suggests this location may be permanently closed, so it's worth checking before heading out. If you're in the mood for a sit-down meal nearby, Trio Restaurant offers a different atmosphere just a short drive away.

Cafe Aroma is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30pm, making it an ideal spot for a late afternoon or evening meal. This BIPOC-owned venue blends an American fusion menu with an attached art gallery, bar, and cafe, creating a social club vibe that's good for groups. The space feels more like a community hangout than a typical restaurant. With a strong 4.1/5 Yelp rating from over a thousand reviews, regulars appreciate the mix of Italian and New American influences. If you're exploring the area, Trio Restaurant is another local favorite worth checking out.

bluEmber is a restaurant at a spa resort in Rancho Mirage, open daily for both breakfast and dinner with a split schedule (7am-3pm and 5pm-10pm). A noted chef runs the kitchen, offering fresh seasonal American, Italian, and seafood dishes, plus tasting menus. It's attached to a spa, so the vibe leans toward relaxed elegance. Live music plays regularly. You'll find it in the Rancho Mirage neighborhood, a quieter alternative to busier Palm Springs dining strips.

Downtown Palm Springs has a small, unassuming taco spot that's been a local favorite since 1990. Guacamoles serves classic Mexican dishes at budget-friendly prices. Tony Sesma, a fine dining veteran, and his wife Artemisa founded it after decades in the industry. The place is cash only and very casual. What you'll find here is fresh, fast Mexican food with none of the frills. Regulars know to grab a seat on the outdoor patio. The kitchen runs daily from 10am to 9pm, except Sunday when it closes at 3pm.

Drag shows, go-go dancers, and DJ sets happen alongside modern Chinese cuisine at Roly China Fusion. This Downtown Palm Springs spot has an outdoor bar overlooking Palm Canyon Drive that welcomes pets. The menu blends classic Chinese dishes with Asian fusion twists, served in a casual but trendy atmosphere. Full bar and happy hour are part of the experience. Fridays and Saturdays are best for the live entertainment. Reservations are accepted. The crowd is a mixed gay-straight mix. Make a night of it by starting with drinks at the nearby LuLu California Bistro before heading here for dinner and the show.

Walking into PS Underground, you'll find yourself in a 4,200-square-foot blank canvas that transforms completely for each themed dinner event. This supper club started as a pop-up in 2012 and now hosts weekly theatrical dining experiences with a secret menu. Chef-driven courses and performances make every visit a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. Reservations are essential.

Themed dinners here include theatrical surprises woven into the meal. PS Underground started as a pop-up in 2012 and found a permanent 4,200-square-foot home in 2019. It's LGBTQ+-owned and rated 4.6/5 on Yelp. Reservations are required. Outdoor seating is available. The space transforms for each event, so no two visits are the same. Trio Restaurant is a nearby option if you're in the mood for a more traditional dinner.

Lola Rose brings Levantine-inspired mezze to Downtown Palm Springs from its second-floor perch inside the Thompson Hotel. The menu reimagines Mediterranean classics with a Californian twist, all served in a setting that feels both upscale and trendy. Dog-friendly patios and a full bar make it easy to linger over small plates with friends. The weekend hours extend until 10pm Thursday through Saturday, perfect for a late dinner after exploring the neighborhood. Reservations are recommended given the hotel location. For a casual brunch nearby, LuLu California Bistro is another local favorite.