Palm Springs Outdoor Dining Guide: Best Patios and Restaurants

With sunshine that never quits, incredible mountains that command the utmost attention, and gentle breezes that go hand-in-hand with a morning mimosa, dining al fresco in Palm Springs is as essential as a desert hike, shopping downtown, or taking a dip in a glittering pool. From brunches that stretch into the late afternoon to cocktails served with some of the tastiest cuisine you’ll ever experience, dining on a Palm Springs patio turns every meal into an event. Whether you’re interested in a filling breakfast, a casual lunch, or fine dining, there’s a patio for that, and here are just a few of our favorites!

Brunch with a View

You can’t really say you’ve done Palm Springs until you’ve brunched your way through at least one afternoon on a sun-drenched patio with an Aperol Spritz in hand. And with so many colorful patios, palm tree backdrops, and delectable dishes, it’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less. 

At Cheeky’s, the bacon flight is legendary (yes, a flight of bacon), and their made-from-scratch menu brings people in droves (expect a little wait here, but oh so worth it). Wilma & Frieda serves comfort food the likes of something your grandma might have made when you were growing up—if she were a culinary rockstar. At Lulu California Bistro, the energy is as bright as the California sun, with sprawling patios perfect for people-watching your way through the morning. In short: brunch in Palm Springs comes with unbeatable views, unforgettable flavors, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments!

Lulu California Bistro

Patio Dining for Foodies

If you’re a foodie, consider Palm Springs a new playground to explore. Here, chefs flex their culinary muscles, using locally sourced ingredients in elevated dishes, and every plate is as much a work of art as it is a flavor bomb.

At Workshop Kitchen + Bar, expect seasonal farm-to-table cuisine paired with a sleek, modern patio vibe. Birba serves up inventive pizzas and small plates that somehow feel both casual and luxe—perfect for sipping with cocktails under the palms. And Copley’s on Palm Canyon Drive? The outdoor courtyard sets the scene for California classics with a twist, from cocktails done right to signature dishes that are as bold as the desert sun. The bottom line? These are just a few of the best places to eat in Palm Springs, but any foodie would definitely be missing out if they overlooked them.

Copley’s

Cocktails and Happy Hour Under the Stars

When the desert sun begins to dip below the mountains, the patios in Palm Springs come alive with lively crowds, craft cocktails, frozen elixirs, and good vibes. These outdoor locales make it easy to unwind, sip something delicious, and enjoy the evening breeze. Classic cocktails like a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned or a tangy Paloma share the stage with playful frozen elixirs and boozy creations that are almost too pretty to drink (note we said almost), offering the perfect complement to happy hour shareable plates and handhelds. 

Popular hangouts like Bootlegger Tiki serve up tropical sensations with shareable bites, Trio pairs sleek outdoor seating with inventive cocktails, and boutique hotel rooftops like the Palm Canyon Swim & Social offer views as spectacular as their menus. Add the perfect desert evening, live music, and your favorite company; that’s happy hour done right, Palm Springs style!

Trio

Casual and Family-Friendly Outdoor Dining

While Palm Springs is a popular vacation destination for couples, groups, and solo travelers, families find plenty of places to pull up a patio chair. Restaurants like El Mirasol, Bill’s Pizza, and The Tropicale offer large, breezy patios perfect for spreading out and menus that keep everyone happy, from build-your-own tacos to kid-approved pizzas. Al fresco family dining has never been so effortless!

Coming straight from the pool, a quick hike, or a morning exploring Palm Springs? You’ll feel right at home at Sherman’s Deli and Bakery, featuring hearty sandwiches and incredible desserts. Take it up a notch and enjoy delicious American fare at Jake’s, a quaint restaurant in the Uptown Design District.

Jake’s

Hidden Treasures and Local Standouts

If you want to feel like a true Palm Springs insider, skip the obvious choices where everyone else is heading and find something unique, like a cozy cafe tucked in a sunlit courtyard. Often places like these offer the most memorable experiences and some of the best food around. Clandestino is a perfect example. Its literal translation is ‘secret,’ and it’s definitely worth opting for the road less traveled in this instance. The stylish cantina features an outdoor patio for sharing elevated takes on traditional Mexican dishes like roasted cauliflower tacos and octopus ceviche (and the drink menu is over-the-top).

Of course, Palm Springs has plenty of beloved outdoor dining favorites that never disappoint, like FARM, with its French-inspired menu, or Eight4Nine, where superb cuisine and a stylish patio marry seamlessly. Tac/Quila brings authentic Mexican cuisine to a casual yet sophisticated outdoor setting you’ll want to revisit time and again. These are the kinds of places where locals linger over a drink, catch up with friends over lunch, or savor every bite over a leisurely dinner, proving that in Palm Springs, outdoor dining is a full-on experience.

FARM

The Final Bite: Dining Al Fresco in Palm Springs

We hope you plan at least one meal on an outdoor patio in Palm Springs! Remember that some of these hotspots fill up fast, so check to see if they take reservations before you go. And, if you really want to live the Palm Springs lifestyle, stay just steps away from your favorite restaurants in an ACME House Company vacation home or condo. Many of our mid-century modern retreats feature private pools, upscale amenities, and seamless indoor/outdoor living. You’ll also find plenty of outdoor patios, so you can even dine alfresco in your vacation rental morning, noon, and night! 

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: ACME manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit ACME’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rental Homes.

Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs & Visit Palm Springs

Published by Matthew Bruce
Friday, September 5, 2025