Best of Coachella Valley 2019-2020: Readers' Picks
November 25 2019Every year, when late August rolls around, and we start the first round of Best of Coachella Valley voting, the results announcement seems so far away.
Yet … the next three months fly by—and while the time is flying, a lot of work is being done.
Primary, that work is being done by you, the amazing readers of the Independent. To start, you tackle that first-round ballot—including almost 130 categories and NO pre-selected finalists, just a blank field to fill in next to each category.
After that goes on for several weeks, we here at the Independent get to work, and we tabulate all those first-round ballots to determine who you picked as our finalists. Then, in late September comes the announcement of each category’s three to six finalists (five in most cases)—and the start of the final round of voting. After four weeks of that, we here at the Independent check the results and begin putting together our special Best of Coachella Valley print edition, as well as this online version.
We say it every year, but it’s worth repeating: Man, you readers are good. Yeah, other publications and websites here in the Coachella Valley do readers’ polls—but the slate of winners and finalists you Independent readers come up with is so much better than the rest, partially because of how we do our polling (i.e., asking readers to vote just once in each round, to lessen the ballot-box-stuffing), but mostly because you, our readers, are smart and community-minded. This is a fantastically diverse, valley-wide selection of finalists and winners.
So, please join us to celebrate at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Copa Nightclub—again your selection this year as Best Nightclub—at 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 thanks. Plus, we may have several surprises in store for everyone. I hope to see you there.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2019-2020!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
TIE
CODA Gallery
Shag
Runners up:
3. Heather James Fine Art
4. Melissa Morgan Fine Art
5. Michael Weems Collection
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Show at Agua Caliente
4. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
4. Empire Polo Club
5. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. CREATE Center for the Arts
5. Coachella Valley Symphony
Best Local Band
Giselle Woo and The Night Owls
Runners up:
2. TIE
The Flusters
Ocho Ojos
4. Avenida Music
5. Captain Ghost
Best Local DJ
DJ Galaxy
Runners up:
2. Alf Alpha
3. Alex Harrington
4. DJ Baz/Barry Martin
5. DJ Mr. D/Joe De Hoyos
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Giselle Woo
3. Doug Van Sant
4. Courtney Chambers
5. Krystofer Do
Best Local Visual Artist
Adam Enrique Rodriguez
Runners up:
2. Shag
3. Sofia Enriquez
4. Chris Sanchez
5. Cristopher Cichocki
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
4. Century Theatres at The River and XD
5. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. TIE
Palm Springs Air Museum
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Desert Theatreworks
5. Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
6. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
TIE
Desert AIDS Project
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
3. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
4. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
5. Shelter From the Storm
Best Gym
EOS Fitness
Runners up:
2. 24 Hour Fitness
3. World Gym
4. In-Shape
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Bikram Yoga Plus
3. Yoga Center Palm Desert
4. Power Yoga Palm Springs
5. Yoga Central
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Lanes Bowling
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Mischief Cards and Gifts
Best Auto Repair
Exotic Car Service
Runners up:
2. A.G. Auto Care
3. Kennard’s Automotive
4. TIE
Cam Stone’s Automotive
Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Quick Quack Car Wash
Runners up:
2. Elephant 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. Moorten Botanical Garden
3. Vintage Nursery
4. Lotus Garden Center
5. Bob Williams Nursery
6. Sky Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
Bones-N-Scones
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. PetSmart
4. Pet Oasis
5. PoshPetCare
Best Annual Charity Event
Palm Springs Pride
Runners up:
2. Concert for Autism
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. Red Dress/Dress Red (LGBT Community Center of the Desert)
5. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
6. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
3. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Palm Springs (Spa Resort Casino)
4. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV 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. Brooke Beare, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Jeff Stahl, KESQ News Channel 3
Best Radio Station
KGAY 106.5
Runners up:
2. 93.7 KCLB
3. Jammin’ 99.5
4. Mix 100.5
5. 107.3 Mod FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. John Taylor, KGAY 106.5
3. Bill Feingold, KNews 94.3 FM/104.7
4. Don Wardell, 107.3 Mod FM
Best Retail Music/Video
Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
Runners up:
2. Record Alley
3. Guitar Center
4. Music Heals
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Game Stop
3. Comic Asylum
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. The Saguaro Palm Springs
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Renaissance Palm Springs
5. Kimpton Rowan
Best Indoor Fun/Activity
Escape Room Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Get Air Trampoline Park
3. Glitch Palm Springs
4. Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym
Best Marijuana Dispensary
Joy of Life Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. The Leaf El Paseo
3. Atomic Budz
4. Palm Springs Safe Access
5. Mother Earth’s Farmacy
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Maria Gopez
Runners up:
2. Dr. Bruce Ferguson
3. Gennady “Henry” Nosovitsky, PA
4. Dr. David Morris
5. Dr. Michael Jardula
Best Eye Care
Milauskas Eye Institute
Runners up:
2. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
3. Dr. Greg Evans (Evans Eyecare)
4. Dr. Wallace Goldban (Desert Ophthalmology)
5. Dr. John K. Schofield
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Scott Shepherd (Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry)
Runners up:
2. Hospitality Dental and Orthodontics
3. Dr. Frank Hernandez (Hernandez Dental)
4. Dr. Gerald Chang
5. Vineyard Family Dental Office
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Sofonio
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Scott Aaronson
4. Dr. Bruce Chisholm
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Barbara Barrett
3. Christopher Heritage
4. Brad Faber
5. Michael Knighten
Best Air Conditioning Service
Comfort Air
Runners up:
2. Timo’s Air Conditioning and Heating
3. Esser Air Conditioning and Heating
4. General Air Conditioning
5. Simmons Air
Best Personal Trainer
Jaime Jimenez
Runners up:
2. Ryann McMillon
3. Brian Guzman
4. Brandon Wertz
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Gina Davis
Runners up:
2. Dr. Jim Cox
3. Dr. Susan Brennan
4. Dr. Navid Nazemi
5. Dr. Stephen Krupey
Best Real Estate Agent
TIE
Barbara Carpenter
Paul Zapala
Runners up:
3. Shann Carr
4. Paula LaBellarti
5. Jason Allen
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
3. Sheriff Chad Bianco
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Desert City Councilman Sabby Jonathan
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Trina Turk
Runners up:
2. R&R Menswear
3. Wil Stiles
4. Kimbals
5. Division
Best Local Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. H3K Design
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Bob’s Discount Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
Misty’s Consignments
Runners up:
2. Sunny Dunes Antiques Mall
3. The Estate Sale Co.
4. Victoria’s Attic
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. The Fine Jewelry Bar
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Heads Up Hair Designs
3. 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon
4. Turquoise Salon
5. Dishwater Blonde Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente
Runners up:
2. Spa at the Ritz Carlton
3. Spa La Quinta at the La Quinta Resort
4. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
5. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Massage Envy
Runners up:
2. Studio M Salon and Spa
3. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Cathedral City Floral Designs
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
Runners up:
2. Bloodline Tattoo and Body Piercing
3. Blue Rose Tattoo
4. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Ooh La La De Paris Eyewear
4. LensCrafters
5. One Price Optical
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. TIE
Moorten Botanical Garden
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
5. Wellness Park at Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place for Bicycling
CV Link
Runners up:
2. Joshua Tree
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Tahquitz Creek Loop
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Whitewater Preserve
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
5. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon Trail
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
5. The Cross Trail Loop
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. La Quinta Civic Center 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
4. Nomad Ventures
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs/Palm Desert Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Tri-A-Bike
3. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
4. BikeMan
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
Runners up
2. Desert Willow Golf Resort
3. Eagle Falls Golf Course
4. Classic Club Golf
5. Mission Lakes Country Club
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
Best Place to Buy Toys
Mr. G’s Toys and Expressions
Runners up:
2. Target
3. Walmart
4. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Target
Runners up:
2. Old Navy
3. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
4. Carter’s
5. The Children’s Place
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Old Spaghetti Factory
4. Shakey’s Pizza
5. Billy Q’s
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Boomers
3. Escape Room Palm Springs
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Chuck E. Cheese’s
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Fantasy Lanes Bowling Alley
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
3. Get Air Trampoline Park
4. Chuck E. Cheese’s
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Kitchen 86 + Bar
5. Billy Q’s
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. Dash and a Handful
4. Lynn Hammond
5. Fusion Flair
Best Diner
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Bongo Johnny’s
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. Rick’s Restaurant
5. John’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Runners up:
2. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
3. Whole Foods
4. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
5. Harvest Health Foods
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Real Italian Deli
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Jensen’s Foods
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Nothing Bundt Cakes
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Billy Reed’s
6. Jensen’s Foods
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Brandini Toffee
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Coco Freeze
5. Kreem
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
4. Oasis Date Gardens
5. Windmill Market
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
Runners up:
2. Jus Chillin’
3. Tutti Frutti
4. Beach House
Best Bakery
Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Aspen Mills
4. Frankie’s Italian Bakery, Café and Supper Club
5. Carousel Bakery
Best Barbecue
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
Runners up:
2. Smoke Tree BBQ
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burger
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Tyler’s Burgers
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. Tony’s Burgers
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Grand Central Palm Springs
Best Sandwich
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. The Sandwich Spot
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. The Lunchbox
6. Billy Q’s
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Upper Crust Pizza
5. Billy Q’s
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Wingstop
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Billy Q’s
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Panera Bread
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Koffi
4. Coco Freeze
5. Big Juice Bar
Best Buffet
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantast Springs
4. Emperor Buffet
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Joshua Tree Coffee Company
3. Coachella Valley Coffee Company
Best Coffee Shop
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Gre Coffeehouse and Art Gallery
3. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
4. IW Coffee
5. Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. Grand Central Palm Springs
4. Starbucks
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. POM California Cuisine at Fantasy Springs
4. Acqua California Bistro
5. Bellatrix at the Classic Club
Best Breakfast
TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
3. Elmer’s
4. Broken Yolk Café
5. Bongo Johnny’s
6. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Brunch
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. The Tropicale
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. Palm Tree Palace
4. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
5. Soul of China
Best Greek
Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
Runners up:
2. Athena Gyro
3. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Yianni’s Taverna
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. French Corner Cafe
3. L’Atelier Café
4. Cuistot Restaurant
5. Si Bon
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
Best Italian
Mario’s Italian Café
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante
4. Il Giardino
5. Il Corso
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Shabu Shabu Zen
3. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
4. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
5. Taka Shin
Best Korean
JOY at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
3. Umami Seoul
4. You Grill Korean BBQ
Best Sushi
Dragon Sushi
Runners up:
2. Misaki Sushi and Griill
3. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
4. Joyce’s Sushi
5. Taka Shin
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. Mariscoco's Culiacan
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente
3. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
5. Outback Steakhouse
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. My Thai
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Thai House
5. Le Basil
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. 533 Viet Fusion
3. Rooster and the Pig
4. JOY at Fantasy Springs
5. Pho of the Desert
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
Runners up:
2. Native Foods Café
3. Palm Greens Café
4. Luscious Lorraine’s
5. The Sandbox Kitchen
Best Upscale Dining
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. The Tropicale
4. Johannes
5. Jillian’s
Best Outdoor Seating
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Jackalope Ranch
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. Bellatrix at the Classic Club
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Paul Bar/Food
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Pueblo Viejo Grill
3. Tac/Quila
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Rincon Norteño
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Tac/Quila
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. El Mirasol
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Loco Charlie’s
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Draughtsman
4. The Beer Hunter
5. Eureka!
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Desert Beer Company
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Henry’s Sports Bar and Grill
5. Bart Lounge
Best Cocktail Menu
TRIO Restaurant
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Tonga Hut
4. Workshop Kitchen + Bar
5. Seymour’s
Best Craft Cocktails
Paul Bar/Food
Runners up:
2. Seymour’s
3. Truss and Twine
4. Libation Room
5. Del Rey at the Villa Royale
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Hunters
Runners up:
2. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
3. Blackbook
4. Chill Bar Palm Springs
5. The Roost
6. Streetbar
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. The Tropicale
4. TIE
Il Corso
Kitchen 86 + Bar
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Tool Shed
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Desert Fox
5. Club 5
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas Terraza
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. El Mirasol
5. Tac/Quila
Best Martini
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. TIE
Del Rey at the Villa Royale
Zin American Bistro
Best Nightclub
Copa Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Hunters
3. Chill Bar Palm Springs
4. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
5. Bart Lounge
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Big Rock Pub
3. AMP Sports Lounge
4. Revel Public House
5. Billy Q’s
6. Henry’s Sports Bar and Grill
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. V Wine Lounge
3. TIE
Dead or Alive
Twelve Cocktails Above at Fantasy Springs
5. La Fe Wine Bar
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. Desert Wine Shop on 111
4. Bouschet
5. Larry’s Wine and Spirits
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Paul Bar/Food
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. Stacy’s Palm Springs
5. Del Rey at the Villa Royale
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
Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018: Readers' Picks
November 27 2017At long last … here are the results of the fourth annual Best of Coachella Valley readers' poll!
From all of us here at the Coachella Valley Independent, we’d like to thank the many, many readers who voted this year. The results, as you’ll see below, represent the amazing diversity of the Coachella Valley, with winners coming from all parts of the valley.
We’d also like you to come and celebrate with us! The Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018 Awards Show and Celebration takes place Friday, Dec. 15, at The Hood Bar in Pizza in Palm Desert—this year’s winner for Best Dive Bar! The awards start at 6:30, and will be followed by a performance from Best Local Band winners The Flusters. The event will be followed by an after-party featuring Herbert, Sunday Funeral and Black Water Gospel.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018!
—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. Shag
3. Melissa Morgan Fine Art
4. Hohmann Fine Art
5. J. Willott Gallery
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Show at Agua Caliente
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. The Date Shed
5. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
Best Outdoor Venue
Empire Polo Club
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Indian Wells Tennis Garden
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
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
The Flusters
Runners up:
2. John Stanley King Band
3. Sunday Funeral
4. Drop Mob
5. The Hellions
Best Local DJ
DJ PWee
Runners up:
2. Jesika Von Rabbit
3. Alex Harrington
4. Alf Alpha
5. DJ Chub Jim
Best Local Musician
John Stanley King
Runners up:
2. Lisa Lynn Morgan
3. Dan Dillinger
4. Michael Keeth
5. Dave Burk
Best Local Visual Artist
TIE
Sofia Enriquez
Shag
Runners up:
3. Ryan Campbell
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. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
5. Camelot Theatres
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Air Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
5. La Quinta Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Dezart Performs
5. Coyote StageWorks
Life in the Valley
Best Farmers’ Market
College of the Desert Street Fair
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Village Fest
3. Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market
4. Old Town La Quinta Certified Farmers’ Market
5. Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Project
3. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
4. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
5. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
6. AAP-Food Samaritans
Best Gym
World Gym
Runners up:
2. EOS Fitness
3. Planet Fitness
4. Palm Springs Fitness Center
5. In-Shape
Best Yoga Studio
Bikram Yoga Plus
Runners up:
2. Urban Yoga
3. Yoga Bliss
4. Power Yoga Palm Springs
5. Yoga Central
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Yucca Bowl
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Q Trading Co.
5. Sensuality a Store for Her
Best Auto Repair
Andy’s Auto Repair
Runners up:
2. European Auto Service
3. Cam Stone’s Automotive
4. Singh’s Automotive Repair
5. OMAG Automotive
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Airport Quick Car Wash
4. Indio Car Wash
5. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Vintage Nursery
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Pet Supplies
Bones ’n’ Scones
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. PetSmart
4. Pet Oasis
5. Miriam’s Poochella Grooming
Best Annual Charity Event
Desert AIDS Walk (Desert AIDS Project)
Runners up:
2. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. A Miracle on El Paseo (Bighorn Behind a Miracle)
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 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. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
3. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Gino Lamont, KMIR Channel 6
5. Bryan Gallo, KMIR Channel 6
Best Radio Station
Q 102.3 Classic Rock
Runners up:
2. Mix 100.5
3. Jammin 99.5 FM
4. Mod FM 107.3
5. K-News 94.3 FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Q 102.3/KPLM 106.1
3. Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald, CV 104.3 FM
4. Joey English, KGX 99.1 FM/920 AM
5. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3 FM
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. Just Fabulous
3. Rancho Mirage Library Book Nook
4. The Book Rack La Quinta
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectables
3. Best Buy
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Game Stop
3. HooDoo!
Best Hotel Pool
Riviera Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
3. Ace Hotel and Swim Club
4. Arrive
5. The Saguaro
Best Urgent Care
Eisenhower Medical Center Urgent Care
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Healthcare Immediate Care
3. VIP Urgent Care
4. MedPost Urgent Care (Desert Regional)
5. Premier Urgent Care
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Amanda Curnock
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Michael Hughes
4. Dr. Michael Jardula
Best Eye Doctor
Dr. Albert Milauskas
Runners up:
2. Dr. Camille Harrison
3. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
4. Dr. Athena Brasfield (CV Optometry)
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Larry Kunkle (Palm Desert Dental Center)
Runners up:
2. TIE
Dr. Rene Dell’Acqua
Dr. Frank Hernandez
4. Dr. Maria Aguilar (Mirage Lane Dentistry)
5. Dr. Duane Nishikubo
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Timothy Jochen
Runners up:
2. Dr. Mark Sofonio
3. Dr. Scott Aaronson
4. Dr. Bruce Chisholm
5. Dr. Suzanne Quardt
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Brian Harnik
3. David Humphrey
4. Christopher Heritage
5. J. John Anderholt III
Best Air Conditioner Repair
Comfort Air
Runners up:
2. Esser
3. General
4. All Seasons
5. Priority One
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Jim Cox
Runners up:
2. Nazemi Chiropractic
3. Dr. Kristen Bohnet
4. Dr. Paul Ross
Best Real Estate Agent
TIE
Barbara Carpenter
Brady Sandahl
Runners up:
3. Valery Neuman
4. Deirdre Coit
Best Electrician
Desert Pro Electrical
Runners up:
2. Electric Man
3. So-Cal Electric
4. Wired Up Electric
5. DCH Electric and Lighting
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik
3. Palm Springs Mayor Rob 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. Trina Turk
3. Grayse
4. Blonde Clothing Boutique
5. Wil Stiles
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
5. The Fine Art of Design
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. West Elm
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Erik’s Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectibles
The Estate Sale Co.
Runners up:
2. Misty’s Consignments
3. Victoria’s Attic
4. Sunny Dunes Antique Mall
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Robann’s Jewelers
5. B. Alsohns Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Dishwater Blonde Salon
3. Alankara, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon
4. Josef Saliba
5. Jake Turner Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Two Bunch Palms
Runners up:
2. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
3. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
4. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
5. Well Spa (Miramonte)
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
TIE
Revive Wellness Center
Studio M Salon and Spa
Runners up:
3. Bighorn Golf Club
4. Massage Rx
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Jensen’s Foods
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Palm Springs Florist
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
Bloodline Tattoo
Runners up:
2. Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
3. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
4. Iron Palm Tattoo Parlour
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. LensCrafters
4. Panache Optical Gallery
5. CV Optometry
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. El Paseo
4. Moorten’s Botanical Garden
5. Desert Healthcare District Wellness Park
Best Place for Bicycling
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Highway 74
Best Recreation Area
Tahquitz Canyon
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Ladder Canyon
3. The Cross Trail
4. South Lykken Trail
5. Art Smith Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. Rancho Mirage Community Park
4. La Quinta Civic Center Park
5. Ironwood Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Tri-A-Bike
3. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
4. BikeMan
5. Velo Bum Elite Cyclery
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons Golf Resort
3. Indian Springs Golf Club
4. SilverRock Resort
5. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. La Quinta Civic Center Park
4. Ironwood Park
5. Dateland Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys R Us
Runners up:
2. Uncle Don’s Hobbies
3. Mr. G’s for Kids
4. The Lumpy Bunny
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Children’s Place
3. The Lumpy Bunny
4. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
5. Janie and Jack
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Old Spaghetti Factory
4. Shakey’s Pizza
5. Billy Reed’s
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Wet ’n’ Wild
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Boomers
5. Laser Oasis
Best Place for a Birthday Party
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Chuck E. Cheese’s
3. Boomers
4. Laser Oasis
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
5. Blaze Pizza
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. TRIO/Liquid Catering
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. John’s
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Whole Foods
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Clark’s Nutrition
5. Bristol Farms
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. TKB Bakery and Deli
4. Real Italian Deli
5. Bristol Farms
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Jake’s Palm Springs
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Cold Stone Creamery
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Creamistry
5. Ice Cream and Shop(pe) at Arrive
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
TIE
Beach House
Jus Chillin’
Runners up:
3. Yogurtland
4. Tutti Frutti
5. Yogurt Island
Best Bakery
Aspen Mills
Runners up:
2. French Corner Café
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Frankie’s Italian Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Smoke Tree BBQ
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burger
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Tyler’s Burgers
5. Grill A Burger
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
5. TRIO Restaurant
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Upper Crust Pizza
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Smokin’ Burgers
3. Wingstop
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Kaiser Grille
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels
Runners up:
2. Bagel Bistro
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Luscious Lorraine’s
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 Coffee Shop for Coffee
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Ernest Coffee
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Koffi
4. Teavana
5. Panera Bread
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Elmer’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Cheeky’s
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Jake’s Palm Springs
4. Kaiser Grille
5. Acqua California Bistro
Best Brunch
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. The Tropicale
5. TRIO Restaurant
6. Jackalope Ranch
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. City Wok
4. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
5. China King
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
3. Athena Gyro
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. Cuistot Restaurant
4. L’Atelier Café
5. Café des Beaux Arts
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runner up:
2. India Oven
Best Italian
Ristorante Mamma Gina
Runners up:
2. Mario’s Italian Café
3. Castelli’s
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Gyoro Gyoro Isakaya Japonaise
4. Joyce’s Sushi
5. Shabu Shabu Zen
Best Korean
JOY at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
3. Umami Seoul
4. Domo Sushi
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
2. Dragon Sushi
3. The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Edoko Sushi
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. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
5. Suillivan’s Steakhouse
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
3. Blue Orchid
4. My Thai
5. Thai House
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. TIE
533 Viet Fusion
Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
5. Fuzion Five
Best Vegetarian
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Luscious Lorraine’s
3. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
Best Upscale Restaurant
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Le Vallauris Restaurant
3. Wally’s Desert Turtle
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Johannes
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Alicante
Best Mexican
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Loco Charlie’s
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Blue Coyote Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Taqueria Tlaquepaque
4. Casa Mendoza
5. La Perlita Mexican Food
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Burgers and Beer
4. Draughtsman
5. Eureka!
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. The Hood Bar and Pizza
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Red Barn
Best Cocktail Menu
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Eureka!
4. Dish Creative Cuisine
5. Seymour’s
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. Hunters
4. Streetbar
5. Blackbook
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. The Tropicale
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. The Nest
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Red Barn
5. Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails
Best Margarita
Blue Coyote Grill
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Armando’s Dakota Bar and Grill
5. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Kaiser Grille
Best Nightclub
The Nest
Runners up:
2. Copa
3. Hunters
4. Zeldas
5. Bart Lounge
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Playoffs Sports Bar
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. Mastro’s Steakhouse
3. The Wine Emporium
4. Dead or Alive
5. La Rue Wine Bar
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. Costco
3. BevMo!
4. Desert Wines and Spirits (Go Deli)
5. The Wine Emporium
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Big Rock Pub
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
The Beer Goddess: Raise Your Glass to Toast Stout Beers—and Get Ready to Celebrate International Stout Day
September 02 2017India pale ales—you know them as IPAs—may still be the best-selling beer style, but many of us prefer the darker side of things.
Yes, stouts are perfect as the nights begin to get just a little longer; it’s a great time to enjoy oatmeal-y, chocolate-y, coffee-flavored deliciousness in a glass.
For my money, here are some of the best stouts in the world right now:
Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout: With more than 12,000 votes and a 4.5 rating (out of 5) on BeerAdvocate.com, this is arguably the best stout in the world. Coming in at 12.8 percent alcohol by volume, the beer offers hints of caramel, bourbon and dried fruit on the nose. This is a full-bodied, smooth stout with flavors of vanilla, oak and yet more bourbon. It’s the epitome of the imperial stout style—a beautifully crafted beer.
Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout: Of the most widely known stouts in America, “KBS” is also one of the best, with a 100 BeerAdvocate.com score. This world-class imperial stout is brewed with a hint of coffee and vanilla, then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year. KBS shines with bold flavors throughout—and the flavors ramp up a couple of notches as the beer warms.
“You put the right beer in the right barrel, and you’re going to create some pretty interesting flavors,” says Founders brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki, according to the Founders website.
Firestone Walker Parabola: This barrel-aged beast also has a world-class 100 score from BeerAdvocate.com, and is also aged for a full year in bourbon barrels. With this 14 percent ABV Russian imperial stout, prepare for flavors of sweet, dark berries; oak-y cask vanilla; and malt complexity. The licorice and molasses notes help create a perfectly balanced and amazingly flavorful stout. This is a fantastic nightcap!
While we’re talking about stouts, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you to mark your calendars for Nov. 2, when stout-lovers across the world will celebrate the delicious, dark beer on the Seventh Annual International Stout Day. Full disclosure: I created the day!
Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy stouts, as well as a few of my favorite stouts to enjoy, in and around the Coachella Valley:
Coachella Valley Brewing Co. (30640 Gunther St., Thousand Palms) will be celebrating Stout Day with a newly released stout; the details will be announced soon.
La Quinta Brewing Co.’s Koffi Porter is a 6.3 percent ABV beer brewed with dark-roasted, chocolate and crystal malts. After fermentation, brewmasters add coffee beans from Rancho Mirage’s Koffi. This renowned beer has taken home the bronze in both the 2014 World Beer Championships and the 2016 Los Angeles International Beer Competition. It will be on tap at both locations (77917 Wildcat Drive, Palm Desert; and 78065 Main St., No.100, La Quinta) for Stout Day.
King Harbor Brewing Summer Stout: Redondo Beach’s King Harbor is known for its Swirly stout, and the brewery occasionally releases an imperial stout in the winter, but this year, Tom Dunbabin and his brewing team decided they wanted to develop a Summer Stout—with a chocolate and roasted-malt profile, a subtle refreshing character, a lower alcohol by volume and a clean finish. Expect to see this beer and other King Harbor brews around the Coachella Valley this fall and winter—and if you’re feeling like a road trip, King Harbor will be hosting a Stout Day event at the brewery on Nov. 2.
The Beer Hunter (78483 Highway 111, La Quinta) is not to be confused with the beer writer named Michael Jackson, who used the moniker The Beer Hunter, and was the best beer writer the world has known; he passed away in 2007. I am talking about the sports bar in La Quinta that is stepping up its game with new and bigger selections, as well as its own white-label beers that are brewed locally. Stop in on Nov. 2 to celebrate Stout Day!
Want to stay in to celebrate stouts? I have found the selections of craft beer at Total Wine and More, Whole Foods, Jensen’s Foods and Bristol Farms to all be fantastic. Pour your own stout flights, and have guests pick their favorites!
International Stout Day gives stouts their day in the spotlight, which they so rightly deserve. On Nov. 2, be sure to login and rate your stouts, and check in where you’re celebrating, on Untappd! Every year, the app offers up special badges for celebrating the holiday.
Enjoy!
The Blueskye Report, January 2017: Vanessa Williams, Steven Tyler, Kathy Griffin—and Tons More!
January 03 2017It’s time to wind down after the busy holiday season—and January is filled with some great shows to help you do just that.
The McCallum Theatre has some fine post-holiday events. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, Broadway and Hollywood icon Vanessa Williams will be appearing. Williams had the No. 1 single in 1992, “Save the Best for Last,” and went on to create other hits, such as “Love Is,” “Colors of the Wind” and “Where Do We Go From Here?” She’s also had a successful film career. Tickets are $57 to $97. At 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, another actor/singer will be performing: Rick Springfield. Springfield is best remembered for his run on General Hospital, and for his hit tune “Jessie’s Girl.” Springfield has fought alcoholism and depression, but has found sobriety and a healthy mindset within the last few years. Tickets are $37 to $87. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, author Garrison Keillor will be returning to the McCallum to share stories about his life growing up in the Midwest. Tickets are $47 to $97. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com.
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has a big show booked: At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler (right) will be performing with The Loving Mary Band. It’s been said that Aerosmith might be bowing out of the game soon, and Tyler seems to enjoy performing solo, so it might just happen. Tickets are $165 to $215. The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www.hotwatercasino.com.
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is hosting some great comedy and music that’ll help you snap out of those holiday blues. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Kathy Griffin will be appearing. The comedienne, actress and best-selling humor writer is guaranteed to make you laugh. Tickets are $39 to $69. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, it’ll be a double Motown bill when The Temptations and the Four Tops stop by. While the groups are only touring with one original member each, the show should still be a good time. Tickets are $39 to $59. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, Terry Fator will be bringing his comedy-based puppet show to Fantasy Springs. Fator can be hilarious; one of my favorite puppets is an Elvis impersonator. In my own opinion, he’s funnier than Jeff Dunham. Tickets are $39 to $79. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
Spotlight 29 has an event in January you won’t want to miss. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, jazz guitarist George Benson will be performing. While Benson is classified as a jazz guitarist, his music also includes funk and soul. He’s won 10 Grammy Awards throughout his career. Tickets are $55 to $75. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; www.spotlight29.com.
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace has some fun shows on the docket. At 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, Los Angeles psychedelic-pop band Haunted Summer (below) will be returning—with local favorite The Flusters on the bill as well. Haunted Summer did some recording at Rancho de la Luna in 2015; hopefully we’ll see a new album soon. Admission is free. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, Los Angeles-based Americana band Moonsville Collective will be stopping by. Moonsville Collective has shared the stage with Old Crow Medicine Show, The White Buffalo, Wanda Jackson and Donavon Frankenreiter. Tickets are $10. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com.
The Date Shed has a couple of events about which you should take note. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, there will be a performance from Pato Banton. Banton, a London-based Reggae singer and DJ, has worked with Ranking Roger, UB40 and the Mad Professor. This should be a great show for reggae-lovers. Tickets are $15 to $20. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, West Covina-based rapper Mr. Capone-E will take the stage. He’s known for his collaboration in 2006 with Twista on the song “Don’t Get It Twisted.” Tickets are $25. The Date Shed, 50725 Monroe St., Indio; 760-775-6699; www.dateshedmusic.com.
The Purple Room has a busy schedule of events. At 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 6, check out The Buddy Holly Review. As a big fan of Buddy Holly myself, I’m excited about this one. It’s been said that this tribute band does not disappoint. Tickets are $25 to $30. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, Charles Herrera will be performing a show titled “There’s Always Room for Cello,” which will include guest Keisha D—as well as some of the best string musicians in the Coachella Valley! Tickets are $25 to $30. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com.
The local folks behind New W8ve Entertainment are kicking off a new night at The Beer Hunter. Symara Stone and Hannah Mills will perform on the patio at the first #W8vyWednesdays, starting at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11. Admission is free. The Beer Hunter, 78483 Highway 111, La Quinta; 760-564-7442; www.laquintabeerhunter.com.
Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017: Readers' Picks
November 28 2016Here are the results of the third annual Best of Coachella Valley readers' poll!
An all-time-high number of people voted in both rounds this year—and the slate of winners and finalists represent all parts of the valley.
Come celebrate the winners with us during the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017 Awards Show and Celebration, presented by Renova Solar. It will take place at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Copa Nightclub—this year's Best Nightclub winner.
Thanks to all of you who voted in this year's poll!
Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017.
—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. CODA
3. Heather James
4. Melissa Morgan
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
5. The Date Shed
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. McCallum Theatre
4. La Quinta Arts Foundation
5. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
Best Local Band
Venus and the Traps
Runners up:
2. The Flusters
3. Brightener
4. The Myx
5. War Drum
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. DJ Day
3. Alex Harrington
4. DJ Pwee
5. Tommy Locust
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika Von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Nico Flores
3. Keisha D
4. Kal David
5. EeVaan Tre
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Elena Bulatova
3. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
4. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Camelot Theatres
3 TIE
Regal Palm Springs Stadium 9
Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
5. Century Theatres at the River
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Coachella Valley History Museum
4. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
5. La Quinta Museum
Best Outdoor Venue
Empire Polo Club
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Coyote StageWorks
5. Dezart Performs
LIFE IN THE VALLEY
Best Alternative Health Center
La Quinta Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Healing Center
3. Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center
Best Farmers’ Market
College of the Desert Street Fair Farmers’ Market
Runners up:
2. Certified Farmers’ Market Old Town La Quinta
3. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Springs
4. Palm Springs VillageFest
5. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Desert
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter
3. Desert AIDS Project
4. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
5. Shelter From the Storm
Best Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Runners up:
2. World Gym
3. EOS Fitness
4. In-Shape
5. Planet Fitness
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans
3. Palm Springs Mayor Rob Moon
4. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Bikram Yoga Palm Desert-El Paseo
3. TIE
Evolve Yoga
Yoga Central
5. Bikram Yoga University Village
Best Bowling
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes Bowling at Morongo
Best Auto Repair
Palms to Pines Automotive
Runners up:
2. Desert Classic Cars
3. Desert Lexus
4. L&L Automotive
5. Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Indio Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Vintage Nursery
4. Bob Williams Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
Petco
Runners up:
2. Bones ’n’ Scones
3. PetSmart
4. Miriam’s Poochella Grooming
5. Desert Feed Bag
Best Annual Charity Event
Evening Under the Stars (AIDS Assistance Program)
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
3. Ramblin’ and Gamblin’ (Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert)
4. Dinner in the Canyons (Agua Caliente Cultural Museum)
5. Center Stage (LGBT Community Center of the Desert)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Spa Resort Casino
4. Fantasy Springs 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
Ginger Jeffries, KMIR Channel 6
Runners up:
2. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
3. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
Best Local Radio Station
Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. 93.7 KCLB
3. Jammin 99.5 FM
4. K-News 94.3
5. La Ponderosa 96.7 FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald, CV 104.3 FM
Runners up:
2. Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
3. Mozingo, Mix 100.5
4. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
5. Dan McGrath, Sunny 103.1 FM
Best Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Runners up:
2. Rancho Mirage Public Library Booknook
3. Revivals
4. The Book Rack
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Best Buy
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Comics/Games Shop
Game Stop
2. Desert Oasis
3. Interstellar Comic Books and Collectables
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. The Riviera
5. The Saguaro
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Spencer’s Gifts
4. GayMart
FASHION AND STYLE
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
2. Wil Stiles
3. Glossy
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Angel View
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Gypsyland
4. Penny Lane Boutique
5. Plato’s Closet
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Ashley Furniture Homestore
4. Mor Furniture for Less
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
TIE
The Estate Sale Co
Victoria’s Attic
Runners up:
3. Misty’s Consignments
4. Classic Consignment
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
El Paseo Jewelers
Runners up:
Leeds and Son
Hephaestus
Daniel’s Jewelers
Robann’s Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Salon 119 and Spa
3. Dishwater Blonde Salon
4. Revive Salon and Spa
5. Read Brown
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Spa La Quinta (La Quinta Resort)
Runners up:
2. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
3. Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente
4. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
5. Well Spa at Miramonte
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Massage Envy
Runners up:
2. Desert Zen
3. Studio M Salon and Spa
4. Revive Wellness Center
5. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Palm Springs Florist
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
TIE
Art and Ink Tattoo Studio
The Tattoo Gallery
Runners up:
3. Flagship Tattoo
4. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Milauskas Eye Institute
4. Walmart
5. Old Town Optometry
OUTSIDE!
Best Urban Landscaping
El Paseo
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Downtown Palm Springs
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Sunnylands
4. El Paseo
5. Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place for Bicycling
La Quinta
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs
3. Palm Desert
4. Highway 74
5. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon
3. Whitewater Preserve
4. Lake Cahuilla
5. Coachella Valley Preserve
Best Hike
Bump and Grind
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Tahquitz Canyon
4. Palm Springs Museum Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. TIE
Freedom Park (Palm Desert)
Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Las Flores (Coachella)
5. Demuth Park (Palm Springs)
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Desert Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Cyclery
3. Tri-A-Bike
4. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
5. PGA Tour Superstore
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. PGA West
3. Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs
4. The Golf Club at Terra Lago
5. The Lights at Indio Golf Course
FOR THE KIDS
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Mirage Community Park
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys “R” Us
Runners up:
2. Mr. G’s for Kids
3. Target
4. Walmart
5. Big Lots
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Childrens Place
3. Tillys
4. Fallas
5. Revivals
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Shakey’s Pizza
3. Red Robin
4. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
5. Old Spaghetti Factory
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Boomers
4. Chuck E. Cheese
5. Desert Ice Castle
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Boomers
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Desert Ice Castle
FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. In-n-Out Burger
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Eureka!
5. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Jennifer’s Kitchen and Catering
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Cello’s Pantry
Best Diner
Keedy’s Fountain Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
3. Elmer’s
4. John’s
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Trader Joe’s
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Whole Foods
4. Harvest Health Foods
5. Clark’s Nutrition
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Real Italian Deli
5. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace
Best Custom Cakes
TIE
Over the Rainbow
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. French Corner Café
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Ben and Jerry’s
4. Brandini Toffee
5. Creamistry
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
2. Beach House
3. Golden Spoon
4. Jus Chillin
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
French Corner Café
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Best Burger
In-n-Out Burger
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Tyler’s Burgers
4. Eureka!
5. Smokin’ Burgers and Lounge
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Palm Greens Café
4. Trio
5. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Bill’s Pizza
3. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
4. Piero’s PizzaVino
5. Blaze Pizza
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Wingstop
4. Neil’s Lounge
5. Billy Q’s
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels
Runners up:
2. Panera Bread
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Einstein Bros. Bagels
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Juice It Up
4. Beach House Yogurt
Best Buffet
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
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
Starbucks
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. IW Coffee
4. Vintage Coffee House
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Old Town Coffee
4. IW Coffee
5. Ernst Coffee
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Teavana
4. Koffi
5. Ristretto
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s Café
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Sunshine Cafe
5. John’s
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Cliffhouse
3. Zin American Bistro
4. Spencer’s Restaurant
5. Trio
Best Brunch
Pinocchio in the Desert
Runners up:
2. Wilma and Frieda’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Louise’s Pantry
5. The Tropicale
Best Chinese
PF Chang’s
Runners up:
2. City Wok
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. JOY at Fantasy Springs
5. New Fortune
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Miro’s Restaurant
3. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Athena Gyro
Best French
La Brasserie
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. Le Vallauris
4. Cuistot
5. Chez Pierre
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. JOY at Fantasy Springs
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Shogun Restaurant
Best Italian
Mario’s Italian Cafe
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Castelli’s
4. Trilussa
5. Livreri’s Palm Springs
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
Shogun Restaurant
Dragon Sushi
Edoko Sushi
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4. TIE
Morgan’s in the Desert
Steakhouse at the Spa
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai House
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Le Basil
5. Blue Orchid
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Pho 533
3. Rooster and the Pig
4. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
5. Pho Na
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
4. Luscious Lorraine’s
5. Café Jasmin
Best Upscale Cuisine
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Wally’s Desert Turtle
3. Le Vallauris
4. Johannes
5. Jillian’s
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
4. Lavender Bistro
5. The Tropicale
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Alicante
4. Smokin’ Burgers
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Mexican
La Casita
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill’
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Las Casuelas Quinta
5. Felipe’s
Best Burrito
Taqueria Guerrero
Runners up:
2. Castaneda’s Mexican Food
3. Chipotle
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
SPIRITS AND NIGHTLIFE
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Eureka!
5. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hunters
4. Bart Lounge
5. Score the Game Bar
Best Cocktail Menu
Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Eureka!
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Trio
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. Hunters
4. The Tropicale
5. Spurline
Best Happy Hour
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Applebee’s
3. The Tropicale
4. La Quinta Cliffhouse
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hair of the Dog
4. Red Barn
5. Score
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Martini
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Mitch’s on El Paseo
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. The Tropicale
5. Trio
Best Nightclub
Copa
Runners up:
2. Zelda’s
3. Hunter’s
4. Bart Lounge
5. Chill Bar
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Buffalo Wild Wings
4. Alicante
5. Village Pub
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. La Rue Wine Bar
4. Vue Grille and Bar
5. Dead or Alive
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. Costco
4. Trader Joe’s
5. Fame Lounge
Best Bar Ambiance
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. The Tropicale
4. Matchbox
5. Workshop Kitchen+Bar
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
The land of martinis and honey is undergoing a seismic shift toward summery saisons, infused IPAs, savory stouts and bourbon-barreled beers.
So, where in the Coachella Valley can you go to find these intoxicating craft creations?
With locations in New York, Los Angeles, London, Seattle, Portland and, of course, Palm Springs, the Ace Hotel (701 E. Palm Canyon Drive) keeps up with trends in music, art, food and drink. The boutique hotel boasts a nice selection of craft beer in the Amigo Room. In fact, the ever-changing craft-beer variety gets its own chalkboard near the bar. Ace is also home to the popular “Craft Beer Weekend,” a pool party complete with music, grub and beer—perfect for craft connoisseurs and beer beginners alike.
Up Palm Canyon Drive to the north lies a restaurant offering a farm-to-concrete-table dining experience that’s industrial chic and progressive. While the menus at Workshop Kitchen + Bar (800 N. Palm Canyon Drive) are heavy with cocktails and duck fat, the spot also offers a nice selection of beers in their downtown-L.A.-esque bar.
As stated on Workshop’s liquid menu, this is a carefully chosen, opinionated mix of products. The beer bottles are sectioned by “crisp,” “yeasty,” “malty,” “strong or dark’ish” and “hoppy.” The tap list rotates, but offers a nice selection of lighter brews. Available as of this writing are Abita Lemon Wheat, hailing from Louisiana; Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, from Colorado; Stiegl Goldbrau Märzen, all the way from Salzburg, Austria; and our own local brew, the Belgian-Style Vanilla Blonde Ale from Babe’s. The rotating menu calls attention to Southern California seasonal products, from lemon cucumber and dates to pattypan squash.
Located down the street several blocks is Bar (340 N. Palm Canyon Drive). I’m enamored with Bar’s beer cocktails, its dark and seductive surroundings, the DJ parties and the Picnic Eggs—deviled eggs with Sriracha and wasabi. Pair them with the War Gin (gin and lemon honey pale ale) beer cocktail. If you favor bourbon, order the Burning Bush, made with bourbon, lemon, house grenadine and pilsner. Not daring enough for the beer-and-cocktail blends? The small selection of craft beers will satisfy.
The Purple Room is the swanky new kid at 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive. In bottles, you can enjoy San Diego beers like Ballast Point Longfin Lager and Stone Pale Ale. On tap, enjoy what the Coachella Valley has to offer with brews from Coachella Valley Brewing Co. and Babe’s.
In the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Fame Lounge (155 S. Palm Canyon Drive) is an upscale cigar, wine and microbrew lounge. At the bar, you’ll find a rotation of beers on tap. Recent finds: Ommegang’s Hennepin, Stone 17th Anniversary Götterdämmerung IPA, and New Belgium’s Lips of Faith Coconut Curry Hefeweizen.
Heading east, the aforementioned Coachella Valley Brewing Co. (30640 Gunther St., Thousand Palms) is brewing up some one-off specialty beers perfect for the cooler nights that have arrived. Their Fall Harvest Saison is a 7.3-percent-alcohol, Belgian ale brewed with pumpkin, sweet potatoes and Lance Davis’ 100 percent pure desert gourmet honey. Only two kegs were brewed, so if it’s not already gone, hurry! The Volstead India Pale Lager is a light yet flavorful 7 percent alcohol pre-Prohibition pilsner made with hops from the Czech Republic, as well as lively Motueka hops from New Zealand. Coming up in Coachella Valley’s brewing rotation is Oasis, a hard apple medley—brewed with fresh Julian apples. Look for this release around mid-December. The guys at CVB also just brewed a saison with Torulaspora delbrueckii, a strain of wild yeast isolated from an apple orchard on a deserted island in Denmark. Brewed with rye and spelt, the release is as of yet unnamed, but keep an eye out for this beauty.
Their first collaboration beer has been a tasting-room success. Coriolis is a 9.5-percent-alcohol, 120 IBU, wet-hop imperial IPA. Brewed along with Rocks Brewing in Sydney, Australia, with hops from New Zealand and Australia, this is a mouthwatering hop bomb. It’s down to the final keg, so visit their tasting room to check it out. Their brand new Framboysenberry is a raspberry and boysenberry sour wild ale made with Pedio, Brett and Lacto yeasts. This won the peoples’ choice award in Redlands recently and is now on tap for tasters and glasses. Crave more spice in your life? The Monument on Fire, just released, is a double IPA is infused with habañero and hatch chiles, papaya and mango. The Conquistador Quadruple ale will be available in early December, and watch for a special treat: They are stashing some in bourbon barrels.
The appropriately named Burgers and Beer (79815 Highway 111, La Quinta, and 72773 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage) has a list of more than 50 bottled beers, like Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA. On draft, you'll find local brews like Babe's Honey Blonde Ale and CV Brewing’s Monumentous, a West-Coast rye double IPA.
Neighboring Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse (71800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage)—the granddaddy of local brewers—is Southern California-started chain Yard House. Each Yard House features 100 to 250 tap handles, depending on the location. The Rancho Mirage tap room has 155 beers on tap, ranging from Allagash White and Lost Coast Apricot Wheat to Bootlegger's Black Phoenix and Port Brewing Shark Attack Red. Also rotating in are seasonal drafts, which are displayed electronically above the bar. Currently tapped are IPAs like Firestone Wookey Jack and Green Flash Hop Head Red, joining Belgians like The Bruery Autumn Maple and Gulden Draak 9000 Quad. Of course, if you’re really thirsty, you can order a draft in 3-foot-tall glass container. Make it a yard!
Schmidy’s Tavern (72286 Highway 111) is a relaxed (unless there’s live music!) craft-beer bar in Palm Desert, with rotating selections like Stone Enjoy By 12-13-13, CV Brewing’s Volstead and Game of Thrones: Take the Black Stout. Enjoy learning more about the craft-beer revolution at their beer school, hosted the last Wednesday of most months. (Beer School is on hiatus during holidays, but the popular class will return on Jan. 29.)
The Beer Hunter (78483 Highway 111, La Quinta) offers a great choice and selection in their sports-themed “Hall of Foam.” Enjoy the game while drinking an Alaskan Amber Ale, Firestone Pale Ale or Ranger IPA from Fort Collins, and log your drinks in the Hall of Foam to eventually have your name emblazoned on the beer plaque. You’ll find local beers from brand-new La Quinta Brewing and CV Brewing.
So Cal chain Eureka! Burger (74985 Highway 111) is helping Indian Wells discover American craft, one burger, whiskey and beer at a time. The craft-beer selection is carefully selected by beverage director, sommelier and company ambassador Jonny Barr. Currently, the selection boasts 20 taps ranging from Drake’s Brewing Bavarian-Style Hefeweizen and Eagle Rock’s Manifesto Wit to Stone Brewing’s Smoked Porter and Great Divide’s Yeti Imperial Stout. All of their bartenders are certified beer servers, which is the first level of a cicerone—the craft-beer equivalent of a sommelier. Artisan recipes and fresh, organic ingredients accompany their signature hand-cut fries and gourmet salads.
Despite the gorgeous display of fermented grain mash available at Eureka!, the suds are not to be overlooked. Even a couple of the whiskeys on offer are made by—you guessed it—breweries. Check out what Anchor has to offer with their Anchor Distilling Old Potrero, single malt 19th-century straight rye whiskey. This is distilled with 100 percent rye malt mash and aged in new charred oak barrels—and is a silver medal winner!
It’s exciting to see restaurants and bars in the valley getting in on the craft-beer revolution, serving a varied choice of beer alongside aperitifs and main courses.
Choice matters. Taste matters. Check out what the Coachella Valley has to offer.
Below: The Coachella Valley Brewing Co.'s Fall Harvest Saison.