Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019: Readers' Picks
November 26 2018This whole process started back in August, when voting began in the first round of the fifth annual Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll.
Now, after three months, two rounds of voting and ballots from more than 1,300 people, we’ve come to the glorious end of the process: Here are the results of the Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019!
From all of us here at the Independent: A huge, sincere thank you to all of the readers who voted. We realize that this is not an easy ballot to fill out—almost 130 categories is indeed a lot— but because you took the time to do so thoughtfully, the slate of winners and finalists presented here is truly impressive. It’s diverse; it’s valley-wide (even including representation of the high desert); and it shows how truly great the people, places, organizations and businesses are that call the Coachella Valley home.
Now, it’s time to celebrate. Please join us at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Copa Nightclub—your selection this year as Best Nightclub—244 E. Amado Road, in Palm Springs, for the Best of Coachella Valley Awards Party. All of the winners present will receive certificates and have an opportunity to say thank you; after that, your Best Local Band selection, Avenida Music, will take the stage and perform. I hope to see you there.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
CODA Gallery
Runners up:
2. Heather James Fine Art
3. Shag
4. Beatnik Lounge
5. Michael Weems Collection
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Show at Agua Caliente
3. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
4. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Empire Polo Club
3. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
4. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
5. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. La Quinta Arts Foundation
4. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
5. CREATE Center for the Arts
Best Local Band
Avenida Music
Runners up:
2. Frank Eats the Floor
3. Mega Sun
4. The Flusters
5. Sunday Funeral
Best Local DJ
DJ Day
Runners up:
2. TIE
Alex Harrington
DJ PWee
4. Sugarfree
5.Pedro Le Bass
Best Local Musician
Matt King
Runners up:
2. Giselle Woo
3. John Stanley King
4. Justin Ledesma
5. Nick Hales
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Elena Bulatova
3. Nancy Worthington
4. Cristopher Cichocki
5. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Century The River and XD
4. TIE
Camelot Theatres
Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
2. Palm Springs Air Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
5. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Company
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
5. Coyote StageWorks
6. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group
Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter
3. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
4. Desert AIDS Project
5. L-Fund
Best Gym
World Gym
Runners up:
2. 24 Hour Fitness
3. EOS Fitness
4. Planet Fitness
5. In-Shape
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Power Yoga Palm Springs
3. Yoga Central
4. Bikram Yoga Plus
5. Bikram Yoga Palm Desert-El Paseo
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
4. Yucca Bowl
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Q Trading Co.
Best Auto Repair
Ramona Tire and Service Center
Runners up:
2. Andy’s Auto Repair
3. Lou’s Automotive
4. Downtown Shell Palm Springs
5. Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Quick Quack Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Executive Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
5. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
Moller’s Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Vintage Nursery
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Lotus Garden Center
Best Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. Bones ’n’ Scones
4. Pet Oasis
5. PoshPetCare
Best Annual Charity Event
Palm Springs Pride
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Walk (Desert AIDS Project)
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
5. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Morongo Casino Resort Spa
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bryan Gallo, KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
3. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
4. Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Haley Clawson, KESQ News Channel 3
Best Radio Station
Jammin’ 99.5
Runners up:
2. Q102.3 Classic Rock
3. Mix 100.5
4. 93.7 KCLB
5. Big 106
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Q102.3/Big 106
3. Bill Feingold, KNews 94.3 FM
4. Randy Houston, The Big 106
5. Joey English, KGX 99.1 FM/920 AM
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. TIE
Rancho Mirage Library Book Nook
The Book Rack La Quinta
4. Sagebrush Press
Best Retail Music/Video Store
The Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
3. Vista Music and Video
Best Comics/Games Shop
Game Stop
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Comics
3. Comic Asylum
4. HooDoo!
Best Hotel Pool
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Runners up:
2. The Saguaro
3. Riviera Palm Springs
4. Renaissance Palm Springs
5. Arrive
Best Urgent Care
Eisenhower Medical Center Urgent Care
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Urgent Care
3. Executive Urgent Care
4. TIE
Centro Medico Urgent Care
MedPost Urgent Care
Best Indoor Fun/Activity
Escape Room Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Get Air Trampoline Park
3. Laser Oasis
4. Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Lisa Bodon
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Amanda Curnock
4. Dr. Geoffrey Block
5. Gennady “Henry” Nosovitsky, PA
Best Eye Care
Milauskas Eye Institute
Runners up:
2. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
3. Dr. Greg Evans (Evans Eyecare)
4. Old Town Optix and Optometry
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Hospitality Dental and Orthodontics
Runners up:
2. Dr. Frank Hernandez (Hernandez Dental)
3. Dr. Larry Kunkle (Palm Desert Dental Center)
4. Dr. Natalie Le (Palm Springs Modern Dentistry)
5. Dr. Ray Cros (Cros Dental)
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Sofonio
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Suzanne Quardt
4. Dr. Natalie Driessen
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Barbara Barrett
3. Christopher Heritage
4. Emily Benjamini
5. James Jackson
Best Air Conditioning Service
TIE
Comfort Air
General Air Conditioning
Runners up:
3. Nexgen Air Conditioning and Heating
4. Blair Heating and Air
5. On Call Air Conditioning and Heating
Best Personal Trainer
Jaime Jimenez
Runners up:
2. Brandon Wertz
3. Ted Guice
4. Francisco Serrato
Best Chiropractor
Jim Cox
Runners up:
2. Daryl Richardson
3. Nazemi Chiropractic
4. Vincent Savarese
Best Real Estate Agent
Barbara Carpenter
Runners up:
2. Bob Ross
3. Paul Zapala
4. Valery Neuman
5. Michael Benthall
Best Electrician
Desert Pro Electrical
Runners up:
2. Hegge Electrical Contractors
3. Electrician4Hire
4. Collins Electrical Services
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta City Councilman Robert Radi
3. Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Oooh La La
Runners up:
2. Bobby G’s
3. Trina Turk
4. Wil Stiles
5. Grayse
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
5. Unity Home
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Ashley HomeStore
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. West Elm
Best Antiques/Collectibles Store
Misty’s Consignments
Runners up:
2. Victoria’s Attic
3. The Estate Sale Co.
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Hephaestus
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Brush Palm Springs
3. Dishwater Blonde Salon
4. Wondercuts Inc.
5. Alankara, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
Runners up:
2. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
3. Two Bunch Palms
4. Miracle Springs Resort and Spa
5. Feel Good Spa at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Revive Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. Studio M Salon and Spa
3. Desert Serenity Float and Spa
4. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. The Flower Company
4. Mami’s Floral Boutique
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
Bloodline Tattoo and Body Piercing
Runners up:
2. Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
3. Oasis Tattoo and Body Piercing
4. Strata Tattoo Lab
5. Solid Tattoo
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Milauskas Eye Institute
3. Desert Vision Optometry
4. America’s Best
5. Panache Optical Gallery
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Moorten’s Botanical Garden
4. Shields Date Garden
5. El Paseo
Best Place for Bicycling
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Creek Loop
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Palm Canyon Epic
Best Recreation Area
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
3. Tahquitz Canyon
4. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon Trail
3. La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla Trail
4. Ladder Canyon Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Sunrise Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
3. Tri-A-Bike
4. BikeMan
5. Pedego Electric Bikes
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Country Club
3. SilverRock Resort
4. The Lights at Indio GC
5. Classic Club Golf
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Demuth Park
4. Ruth Hardy Park
5. Ironwood Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Target
Runners up:
2. Walmart
3. Mr. G’s Toys and Expressions
4. The Lumpy Bunny
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Children’s Place
3. Carter’s
4. Gap
5. Crazy 8
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Shakey’s Pizza
3. Red Robin
4. Old Spaghetti Factory
5. Laser Oasis
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Boomers
3. Laser Oasis
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Escape Room Palm Springs
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
3. Laser Oasis
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Eureka!
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. Katherine King Catering and Special Events
4. TRIO/Liquid Catering
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Goody’s Cafe
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. Rick’s Restaurant
5. Sunshine Café
Best Organic Food Store
Trader Joe’s
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
4. Whole Foods
5. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Real Italian Deli
Best Custom Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Runners up:
2. Over the Rainbow
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
5. Jensen’s Foods
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. French Corner Café
5. Over the Rainbow
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Ben and Jerry’s
3. Great Shakes
4. Lappert’s Ice Cream
5. Kreem
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Oasis Date Gardens
4. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
Runners up:
2. Tutti Frutti
3. Beach House
4. Jus Chillin’
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. French Corner Café
4. Carousel Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Jackalope Ranch
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burgers
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
Tyler’s Burgers
Grill A Burger
Eureka!
Bongo Johnny’s
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
4. TIE
Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Bongo Johnny’s
Best Sandwich
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Real Italian Deli
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Piero’s PizzaVino
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Wingstop
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Jackalope Ranch
Best Bagels
Panera Bread
Runners up:
2. Townie Bagels
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Smoothies
TIE
Fresh Juice Bar
Jamba Juice
Runners up:
3. Juice It Up
4. Koffi
5. Palm Greens Café
Best Buffet
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Coffee Co.
3. Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Best Coffee Shop
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Joey Palm Springs
6. Sip Coffee House and Juice Bar
Best Breakfast
Broken Yolk Café
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. Wilma and Frieda’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Acqua California Bistro
3. Kaiser Grille
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Purple Palm Restaurant at the Colony Palms
Best Brunch
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Wilma and Frieda’s
3. Broken Yolk Cafe
4. Escena Lounge and Grill
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. City Wok
4. Bobby Mao’s Chinese Kitchen and Bar
5. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
3. Athena Gyro
4. Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
5. Koutouki Greek Estiatoro
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. L’Atelier Café
4. Cuistot Restaurant
5. Joey Palm Springs
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
Best Italian
Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Ciro’s Ristorante and Pizzeria
4. Il Corso
5. Venezia Restaurant and Pizzeria
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Shogun Restaurant
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Otori Japanese Cuisine
Best Korean
Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. Umami Seoul
Best Sushi
Dragon Sushi
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Sam’s Sushi
4. Misaki Sushi and Grill
5. The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Roy’s
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4. The Steakhouse at the Spa Resort Casino
5. Chop House at Jackalope Ranch
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. My Thai
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Le Basil
5. Thai House
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. 533 Viet Fusion
4. Fuzion Five
5. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
4. Wildest Greens
5. Luscious Lorraine’s
Best Upscale Dining
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Morton’s The Steakhouse
3. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
4. Wally’s Desert Turtle
5. Johannes
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Spencer’s Restaurant
5. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Eureka!
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rincon Norteno
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Rincon Norteno
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Pueblo Viejo
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Chipotle
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Blanca
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Eureka!
5. Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Best Local Brewery
La Quinta Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Billiards
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Red Barn
Best Cocktail Menu
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Tonga Hut
4. Seymour’s
5. Truss and Twine
Best Craft Cocktails
TRIO Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Bootlegger Tiki
3. Seymour’s
4. Purple Palm Restaurant at the Colony Palms
5. Truss and Twine
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar Palm Springs
3. Hunters
4. Blackbook
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Happy Hour
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza
3. La Quinta Cliffhouse
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Jackalope Ranch
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Red Barn
4. Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails
5. Score
Best Margarita
TIE
Las Casuelas Terraza
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
Runners up:
3. Blue Coyote Grill
4. El Mirasol
5. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Purple Room Palm Springs
5. Zin American Bistro
Best Nightclub
Copa Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. The Nest
3. Zelda’s
4. Hunters
5. Costa’s Nightclub at the JW Marriott Desert Springs
Best Sports Bar
TIE
The Beer Hunter
Burgers and Beer
Runners up:
3. Big Rock Pub
4. Playoffs Sports Bar
5. Smokin’ Burgers
Best Wine Bar
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. La Fe Wine Bar
3. Dead or Alive
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Counter Reformation at the Parker Palm Springs
Best Wine/Liquor Store
BevMo!
Runners up:
2. Total Wine and More
3. Desert Wines and Spirits (Go Deli)
4. The Wine Emporium
5. Larry’s Gourmet Market and Deli
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Dead or Alive
4. Paul Bar/Food
5. Counter Reformation at the Parker Palm Springs
On Cocktails: Our Intrepid Drinker Hits Up The Nest, Sullivan's, Mastro's and the Brand-New Sandfish
January 30 2018Sometimes, I go looking for innovative cocktails; sometimes, I go looking for good happy hours.
I’ve done a little of both recently.
After a long afternoon of exploring the East Valley, and my first trip to the Salton Sea, I needed a little food and drink to resuscitate my sun-worn state. I remembered hearing about the happy hour at The Nest, and made a beeline for Indian Wells. I caught them on a slow day, which was fine by me.
I started with a solid, old-school old fashioned, and a tall glass of water. (Hey, it was a long day out in the desert.) I chatted with the staff, and when the bartender found out I was a craft-bar guy, he busted my chops a bit, saying The Nest is too busy for any of that craft stuff. While one should always aim for a balanced drink no matter how busy you get, I agreed that going all the way into a full craft program isn’t always worth it. On the bartender’s recommendation, I filled up on some Adriatic sausages with house-made pita, which were very tasty (and only $8 during happy hour!).
Then I saw him pull out a bottle of slivovitz … and I thought: Here we go!
I love to work with all manners of fruit brandy, and apple brandy has been a particular favorite as of late. Well, this is nothing like those elegant spirits on our back bar: It’s a harsh kick to the palate, made all over Eastern Europe and the Balkans, usually from plums. If you’ve had grappa, you might get the idea; it generally tastes as much like a plum as grappa tastes like a grape (although some versions are fruitier). I often drink a Bulgarian cousin to this spirit, called rakia. These Balkan brandies are rough at first … and at second, and at third. But with some practice, they go great with a plate of sausage or stuffed grape leaves, or frankly, whatever, because you’re tipsy anyway by then. I showed a little restraint and stopped after one (OK, maybe two), and it was a nice little evening. I won’t be featuring any slivovitz cocktails anytime soon, however.
An evening of exploring El Paseo found me at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and it was a Thursday, so I was happy to hear it was happy hour all night. I wasn’t even in a cocktail mood, but for $7, how could I resist?
I started with a barrel-aged Vieux Carre. A quick aside: I loathe barrel aging cocktails. They usually taste oxidized, flabby or muddy to me. Maybe people overdo the aging; maybe it’s a crime against nature, and the gods punish it accordingly. What made me give it a go this time was that there were no barrels, but small bottles with oak staves immersed inside instead. I figured this was a good way to keep an eye on the process, at least. My first sip was, “Uh oh, here we go again,” but then I realized the drink wasn’t fully diluted yet (a problem with using a large ice cube). After some patient stirring, I gave it a second sip, and it was pretty good. It had an unusual, almost-spicy flavor that wasn’t off-putting and actually kind of intriguing. I ordered oysters Rockefeller to complete the New Orleans pairing. I still prefer to see my drink made to order, but this time, the cocktail gods were clement.
Next I tried “The Ice and the Rye,” a mix of rye, Cointreau, mint, berry preserves and lemon. I was wondering how this was going to work out; having used preserves in drinks, I know how hard it is to get a consistent measurement for balance. Man … this was almost there. The flavor was nice, but the jam and Cointreau overpowered the lemon and rye a bit. As the large cube melted, it got better, and by the end, I was enjoying it. I definitely would like less sweetener next time, though.
I had a great time joking around with the staff and stuffing my face, and I really appreciated it more when I stopped into Mastro’s Steakhouse down the road … where the drinks were almost all $20 or more. While the drink I had, the Scotsman—a mix of Islay scotch, Aperol, basil and grapefruit juice—was much better than the last $20 drink I had in the valley, it was a shame I couldn’t afford to try another.
To end things, I violated my usual rule about avoiding a place when it first opens, and I stopped for some sushi at the much-anticipated Sandfish. (Sandwish has ties to El Paseo, as it has the same chef/owner as The Venue, so I am calling this a segue.) This is a Chad Austin (Bootlegger Tiki) cocktail program, so I had been hearing about the ambitious list for months through our Palm Springs Bartender Club meetings. (Just kidding … we don’t really have those, although it is a tightly knit scene.) Boy, is this menu ambitious—he has a milk punch on there, for gosh sakes!
If you haven’t had a milk punch, you’re not alone. A bar manager has to be a little crazy to put one on a list. They take days to make—three days for this one, specifically. I did a lightweight version once, and it sold so well, I kept running out. Basically, you take a spirit, spices, tea, fruit—or whatever else you want, really—and pour it into milk. There are recipes going back to colonial days; Ben Franklin had one, no kidding. The original purpose was to tame the harsh flavors left by ancient distilling methods … but today, they are just plain cool. This one is heavy-duty, with seven spirits, lots of fruit and some spices. After you have your ingredient mixture, you pour it into some scalded milk (although I’ve had great success with cold milk, too). Then, techniques vary, but I like to curdle the milk with citric acid. Most people use lemon juice. Then you rack it and let the curds settle. Filter it—and if those fickle gods are smiling, you will have a clear mixture with only about 10 percent loss to the curds.
But back to Sandfish’s milk punch: The first thing I noticed was the oily note of mezcal, and the herbal hit of chartreuse (yellow?), and maybe whiskey, too, with clove, anise and maybe pineapple. (I don’t want to give away any secrets accidentally, but feel pretty confident about those.) I like my milk punches shaken; it gives them a cool whey protein foam, and that didn’t happen here, but that didn’t affect the experience for me. Give it a try.
The banana, yuzu and matcha sour was tasty as well, although I might have preferred the Japanese whisky highball, also featured for only $10, to pair with my nigiri sushi. All and all, Sandfish is a nice addition to the cocktail scene.
So, whether you want cheap booze and eats or obscure cocktail techniques, get out, and get your fill. To heck with New Year’s resolutions …
Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016: Readers' Picks
November 24 2015On the surface, this “Best Of” package may seem pretty simple: It’s a list of winners and finalists in more than 115 categories, as voted on by Coachella Valley Independent readers, along with a handful of staff picks and photos—with a feature on the Best Local Band thrown in for good measure.
But if you look a little deeper, you’ll see these results paint a fairly interesting picture of the Coachella Valley as it stands today. For example: The fact that such varied and diverse local bands, musicians and DJs were chosen by our readers as winners and finalists points to an increasingly varied and diverse local music scene. If you peruse the places selected as winners and finalists in the various food and restaurant categories, you’ll discover the vast majority of them are locally owned places—pointing to an increasingly good local food scene.
On the flip side, you can find hints of deficiencies in the valley as well. For example: Because there are only three finalists in the Best Indian food category, one can guess there aren’t all that many Indian-food joints in the Coachella Valley. (In fact, you can guess there are probably three, give or take.) And a chain won in the Best Chinese category. ’Nuff said.
I could go on and on, but I won’t; I’ll simply leave you to the results instead.
Oh, one more thing (maybe two): Thank you to all of the many, many readers who voted—and congratulations to all of the winners and finalists. And mark your calendars: The Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016 Awards Party will be on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Details coming soon.
Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. Heather James Gallery
3. CODA Gallery
4. Archangel Gallery
5. Hohmann Fine Art
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. The Show at Agua Caliente
5. Fantasy Springs Special Event Center
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre
3. Palm Springs Art Museum
4. La Quinta Arts Foundation
5. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
Best Local Band
The Flusters
Runners up:
2. IIIZ (formerly The Yip Yops)
3. War Drum
4. Thr3 Strykes
5. R. Buckle Road
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. DJ Day
3. Alex Harrington
4. House Whores
5. One4All/Tommy Locust
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika Von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. EeVaan Tre
3. John Robbins
4. Steve Madaio
5. Kal David
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Michael Murphy
3. Elena Bulatova
4. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
5. Michael Weems
Best Movie Theater
Century Theatres at The River
Runners up:
2. Cinemas Palme d’Or
3. UltraStar Mary Pickford Stadium 14
4. Camelot Theatres
5. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum
3. La Quinta Museum
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
5. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Empire Polo Club
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. La Quinta Civic Center
Best Theater Company
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Coyote Stageworks
5. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Alternative Health Center
Palm Springs Healing Center
Runners up:
2. Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center
3. Neuro Vitality Center (formerly the Stroke Recovery Center)
Best Farmers’ Market
Old Town La Quinta Certified Farmers’ Market
Runners up:
2. College of the Desert Street Fair
3. Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market (Saturday)
4. Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market (Wednesday)
5. Palm Springs VillageFest
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Project
3. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
4. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
5. Mizell Senior Center
Best Gym
World Gym Palm Desert
Runners up:
2. In-Shape Cathedral City
3. EOS Fitness Palm Springs
4. Palm Springs Fitness
5. World Gym Palm Springs
Best Public Servant
Congressman Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans
3. Palm Springs City Council Member Ginny Foat
4. Palm Springs City Council Member Paul Lewin
5. La Quinta City Council Member Robert Radi
Best Yoga Studio
Bikram Yoga University Village
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. Urban Yoga
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes Bowling at Morongo
Best Auto Repair
Desert Classic Cars
Runners up:
2. TIE
Andy’s Auto Repair
Palms to Pines Automotive
4. European Auto Service
5. OMAG Automotive Machine
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. TIE
Airport Car Wash
Desert 100% Hand Car Wash
5. Red Carpet Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Moorten Botanical Garden
4. Bob Williams Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Runners up:
2. Cold Nose Warm Heart
3. Petco
4. Bones ‘n’ Scones
5. Pet Oasis
Best Annual Charity Event
La Quinta Arts Festival
Runners up:
2. Paint El Paso Pink (Desert Cancer Foundation)
3. Evening Under the Stars (AIDS Assistance Program)
4. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala (Desert AIDS Project)
5. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
Best Place to Gamble
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
Runners up:
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
3. Morongo Casino Resort Spa
4. Spa Resort Casino
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. Ginger Jeffries, KMIR Channel 6
3. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
4. Jenifer Daniels, CBS Local 2
5. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
Best Radio Station
KCRW 89.3 FM
Runners up:
2. Q102.3 Classic Rock
3. Mix 100.5
4. The Bull 98.5
5. K-News 94.3
Best Local Radio Personality
Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald, 103.9 FM The Breeze
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Big 106 (KPLM)
3. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
4. Dan McGrath, 103.1 Sunny FM
5. Joey English, K-News 94.3
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. Crystal Fantasy
3. The Book Rack
4. Just Fabulous
5. Revivals
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Best Buy
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Barnes and Noble
3. JB Sports and Varsity Jackets
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Riviera Palm Springs
3. Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa
4. La Quinta Resort
5. The Saguaro
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Red Panties Boutique
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
Runners up:
2. Grayse El Paseo
3. Wil Stiles
4. R&R Men’s Wear
5. Glossy
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
TIE
Angel View
Revivals
Runners up:
3. Gypsyland
4. Resale Therapy
5. The Fine Art of Design
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Misty’s Consignments
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Scandinavian Designs (formerly Plummers)
Best Antiques/Collectibles Store
The Estate Sale Co.
Runners up:
2. Misty’s Consignments
3. Antique Galleries of Palm Springs
4. Victoria’s Attic Antiques
5. The POP Shop
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Leeds and Son
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. The Jewelry Bar
4. Hephaestus
5. B. Alsohns Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Dishwater Blonde
3. Brien O’Brien Salon
4. Razors
5. Revive Salon Spa
Best Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Resort
3. Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa
4. Studio M
5. Miracle Springs
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Rancho Mirage Florist
3. Palm Springs Florist
4. The Flower Company
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
The Tattoo Gallery
Runners up:
2. TIE
Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
Strata Tattoo Lab
4. Art and Ink Tattoo Studio and Design
5. Contrast Tattoo Studios
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Ooh La-La de Paris
4. Desert Eyecare Center
5. Old Town Optometry
Outside!
Best Urban Landscaping
Sunnylands
Runners up:
2. El Paseo
3. Palm Springs (downtown)
4. Rancho Mirage (general)
5. Palm Springs International Airport
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. El Paseo
4. Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden at the PS Art Museum Palm Desert
5. Palm Desert Community Gardens
Best Place for Bicycling
Palm Springs (general)
Runners up:
2. La Quinta (general)
3. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Idyllwild
3. Indian Canyons
4. Whitewater Preserve
5. Tahquitz Canyon
Best Hike
Indian Canyons
Runners up:
2. Bump and Grind Trail
3. Painted Canyon
4. Palm Springs Art Museum Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Francis Stevens Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Cyclery
3. Tri.A.Bike
4. Mike’s Bike Truck
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5
3. The Sports Authority
Best Public Golf Course
Indian Wells Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Desert Willow Golf Resort
3. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
4. SilverRock Resort
5. The Lights at Indio GC
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys “R” Us
Runners up:
2. Target
3. Mr G’s For Kids
4. Big Lots
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Crazy 8
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Islands
4. Ruby’s
5. Burgers and Beer
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Wet ’n’ Wild
3. Children’s Discovery Museum
4. Boomers
5. Chuck E. Cheese’s
Best Place for a Birthday Party
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum
3. TIE
Boomers
Chuck E. Cheese’s
5. Peaks Restaurant (Top of the Tram)
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Stuft Pizza
4. Bill’s Pizza
5. Pho 533
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Dash and a Handful
4. Desert Cities Catering
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Keedy’s Fountain Grill
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. King’s Highway at the Ace
4. John’s
5. Bit of Country
Best Organic Food Store
Whole Foods
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
4. Nature’s Health Food and Café
5. Harvest Health Foods
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace and Cafe
4. Real Italian Deli
5. It’s a Deli
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Manhattan in the Desert
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s
3. French Corner Cafe and Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Pastry Swan Bakery/Fix a Dessert House
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Cold Stone Creamery
3. Ben and Jerry’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Lappert’s Ice Cream
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Palm Greens Cafe
Best Frozen Yogurt
Beach House
Runners up:
2. Tutti Frutti
3. Yogurt Island
4. Jus Chillin
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
Aspen Mills
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. French Corner Cafe and Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Jackalope Ranch
4. Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill
5. CV BBQ
Best Burger
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Grill-A-Burger
3. Woody’s Burgers
4. Burgers and Beer
5. Smokin’ Burgers
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Grill-A-Burger
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Woody’s Burgers
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. The Sandwich Spot
3. TKB Bakery and Deli
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Stuft Pizza
Runners up:
2. Bill’s Pizza
3. Piero’s PizzaVino
4. Matchbox
5. Giuseppe’s
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Upper Crust Pizza
3. TIE
Bar
The Village Pub
5. Lulu California Bistro
Best Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Runners up:
2. New York Bagel and Deli
3. Townie Bagels Bakery Cafe
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Sherman’s
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Juice It Up!
4. Koffi
5. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Buffet
Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
Runners up:
2. Emperor Buffet
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Old Town Coffee Company
3. Starbucks
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Teavana
3. Koffi
4. Starbucks
5. Ristretto
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s Cafe
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. John’s
4. TIE
Lulu California Bistro
Spencer’s Restaurant
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. TIE
Trio
Zin American Bistro
4. Tropicale
5. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Best Brunch
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Escena Lounge and Grill
4. Vue Grille and Bar
5. Tropicale
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. City Wok
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. China 8
5. New Fortune
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
3. TIE
Miro’s Restaurant
Nina’s Greek Cuisine
5. Santorini Gyro Hamburger/Greek Food and Grill
Best French
Le Vallauris
Runners up:
2. La Brasserie
3. Pomme Frite
4. Cuistot
5. Chez Pierre
Best Indian
India Oven
Runners up:
2. Monsoon Indian Cuisine
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
3. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Sushi Domo
Best Italian
Ristorante Mamma Gina
Runners up:
2. La Bella Cucina
3. Mario’s Italian Cafe
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Trilussa
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
2. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
3. The Venue
4. No Da Te
5. Sushi Domo
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
3. Ruben and Ozzy’s
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5.Oceans Seafood Restaurant
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino
4. Outback Steakhouse
5. Chop House
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage (now in Palm Desert)
3. Blue Orchid
4. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
5. Le Basil
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. Pho 533
4. Pho of the Desert
5. Le Basil
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Upscale Restaurant
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Wally’s Desert Turtle
3. Lavender Bistro
4. Jillian’s
5. Tropicale
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Le Vallauris
5. Tropicale
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. King’s Highway at the Ace
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Alicante
5. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. El Mirasol
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Pueblo Viejo Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Pueblo Viejo Grill
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill
5. Los Pepes Mexican Grill and Bar
Best Burrito
Chipotle
Runners up:
2. El Ranchito Taco Shop
3. El Gallito
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Bart Lounge
4. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
5. Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Bart Lounge
3. Hunters
4. Neil’s Lounge
5. Palm Springs Lanes
Best Cocktail Menu
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Bar
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Tropicale
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s
Runners up:
2. Hunters
3. Chill
4. Tool Shed
5. Streetbar
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. Hunters
5. Tropicale
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Red Barn
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Score
5. Toucan’s
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Armando’s Dakota Bar and Grill
3. El Mirasol
4. TIE
Los Pepes Mexican Bar and Grill
Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Melvyn’s
3. The Falls (no longer in business)
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Tropicale
Best Nightclub
Bart Lounge
Runners up:
2. Copa
3. Chill
4. Hunters
5. Bardot Nightclub
Best Sports Bar
Yard House
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Burgers and Beer
4. Playoffs Sports Bar and Lounge
5. Score
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. La Rue Wine Bar
3. Sullivan’s Steak House
4. La Brasserie
5. 12th Floor Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar at Fantasy Springs
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. LQ Wine
4. Desert Wines and Spirits in the Go Deli Market
5. Fame Lounge
Best Bar Ambiance
Bart Lounge
Runners up:
2. Bar
3. Melvyn’s
4. Tropicale
5. Chill
Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016: Staff Picks
Best of Coachella Valley 2015-2016: Best Local Band: The Flusters
Restaurant News Bites: Palm Springs' CPK to Close (for Now); 'Wine Spectator' Honors; and More!
August 05 2013CPK’s Palm Springs Location to Make Way for Construction
Every time we walk by the California Pizza Kitchen at 123 N. Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, we wonder: Given that it’s part of a mall that is now mostly demolished, what will be the restaurant’s fate?
We asked the CPK folks that very question. Spokesman Jeffrey Dorman responded via email: “According to Clint Coleman (CPK’s chief development officer), CPK will be closing the Palm Springs restaurant in late October/early November as the development gets to the phase where they need to demo the building.”
As for the future, Dorman said that the company is in “negotiations” for a space in the mall that will replace the Desert Fashion Plaza, and hopes to re-open in downtown Palm Springs sometime in the third quarter of next year.
In other words, for about a year, local CPK fans will have to make the trek to the chain’s other Coachella Valley location—on El Paseo in Palm Desert—to get their fix.
More info can be found at www.cpk.com.
Coming Soon: The New York Company Restaurant
A sign has gone up at 1260 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs—most recently the home of Brushfire Grille and 911 Saloon—announcing that the New York Company Restaurant is coming soon.
A spelling-challenged Craigslist help-wanted ad offers a few more details: The “fine dining restaurant with a full bar” is slated to open in September.
We’ll share more details as we get ’em.
Local Restaurants Nab ‘Wine Spectator’ Accolades
A number of valley restaurants have been honored by Wine Spectator magazine as having top-notch wine selections.
According to the Wine Spectator website, the awards “recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.”
No valley restaurants were among the 73 “Grand Award” winners. (These restaurants generally offer 1,500 wines or more—wow.) However, two were among the 850 to earn the Best of Award of Excellence: Cuistot in Palm Desert, and Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs. “These lists typically offer 400 or more selections, along with superior presentation, and display either vintage depth, with several vertical offerings of top wines, or excellent breadth across several wine regions,” the magazine’s website notes.
Quite a few area restaurants were among the almost 2,900 honored with the Award of Excellence (meaning that they offer at least 100 well-chosen wines): Circa 59 at the Riviera, Europa Restaurant at the Villa Royale, Zin American Bistro and The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs; Desert Sage Restaurant and Piano Bar, Morgan’s in the Desert, and Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill in La Quinta; Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage; Mastro’s Steakhouse, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Ristorante Mamma Gina, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and Mitch’s on El Paseo Prime Seafood in Palm Desert; and Sirocco at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells.
Get more info at www.winespectator.com.
Get Some Learnin’ on French Wines
Speaking of wine: Total Wine and More, which recently opened at 72338 Highway 111 in Palm Desert, is offering some schooling on French wines.
At 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 8, the store will hold its “Romancing the Rhône” class and tasting. A news release promises “a journey through Avignon, Orange and Nimes to experience some of France’s most legendary wines, such as Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.”
The class is $25, and it will go for about two hours. Seating is limited, as they say; call 760-346-2029 for reservations.