This Desert Enclave Is the Perfect Place to Wine, Dine and Celebrate

Maybe we’re biased, but we’ll be the first to admit that dining in the desert offers an elevated approach to culinary innovation. With no shortage of esteemed dining establishments, the city La Quinta, specifically the charming village of Old Town La Quinta, has emerged as a bold and inventive foodie oasis with an unparalleled collection of bistros, cantinas and quirky cafes. It seems there’s always something to celebrate, and if you’re anything like us, food just happens to be the key to our hearts. Fortunately, Old Town La Quinta’s dining scene is home to several foodie destinations, perfect for celebrating life’s special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a cute and cozy nightlife vibe for dinner with the girls, a fool-proof date night spot or a place to celebrate Mom and Dad, this main street has you covered. Snag a table and raise a glass to desert dining at these seven oh-so-delicious restaurants in Old Town La Quinta!

 

For Mother’s Day Brunch

YES PLEASE Café & Dessert Shop

With the smell of freshly pressed beans and hot-out-of-the-oven buttermilk biscuits wafting out the window, this bright and breezy cafe will have you saying “yes, please” and “thank you,” indeed! If your Mother’s Day doesn’t start with the Brown Butter Waffles and end with a custom-made cake from YES PLEASE, we’ll be the first to say that you’re making a mistake. Life is so much sweeter with dessert in the mix, and the team at this adorable cafe and pastry shop couldn’t agree more! With Mother’s Day on the horizon, plan a few hours to brunch and munch your way through their breakfast items, ranging from eggs hollandaise and breakfast sandos to indulgent sweet treats like their French toast brulee—ooh la la! 

 

For Father’s Day

La Quinta Brewing Co.   

There’s a common trio that seems to be an innate realm of knowledge to dads. That would be basketball, barbecue and beer—especially beer! Why not toast to the occasion and treat your biggest supporter to a foodie-themed Father’s Day outing at La Quinta Brewing Co.? This award-winning brewery has secured more than one gold medal for their renowned bourbon and IPA at the World Beer Cup and US Open Beer Championships (Dad would approve)! The Old Town La Quinta location boasts a menu of tasty bites like BBQ pork sandwiches, jalapeño bread, nachos with smoked gouda Heatwave Amber cheese sauce and more. Chow down with Dad this Father’s Day and knock back a pinto their refreshing Poolside Blonde.

 

For Graduation Celebrations

RD RNNR Libations, Pints & Plates

All good things must come to an end—that includes the glory days of college. Cap off your senior year with a celebratory send-off at RD RNNR Libations, Pints & Plates. With vibrant murals and a sun-soaked patio, you and your family peck away at fan-favorite bites, such as Mexican street corn and huevos diablos. Saying goodbye to your college years and hello to full-time adulting is a tough transition, but there’s nothing a little Adult Mac and Cheese can’t help with. Topped with gouda, parmesan and house-special RNNR dust, this cheesy delight is all too perfect for your first “real adult” meal. And nothing quite compares to the craft cocktails at RD RNNR, each boasting cute, quirky monikers like Bear on the Beach and The Smokin’ Yote. 

 

For Summer Solstice

The Grill on Main

Wondering how to make the most of the longest day of the year? Keep your phone on hand because the outdoor dining deck at The Grill on Main will be calling your name! How could anyone resist an evening affair at this fun and fresh modern American grill? Their truffle tater tots, bronzed swordfish and tempura-battered cauliflower take desert dining to a whole new level. Summer solstice falls on a Thursday this year, but this bistro has something in store almost every day of the week—from Taco Tuesdays to Fresh Catch Fridays. The Grill on Main has no shortage of local reds and whites, along with a long list of cute and catchy cocktails to sip under the sun.

 

For a Romantic Date Night

DSRT Club

Looking for a lights-down-low type of ambiance to split a flirtatious starter or two with your beau? If kitschy cocktails and vintage vibes are your thing, we’ve got you covered. Step back in time to Hollywood’s Golden Age at DSRT Club, an iconic social club reminiscing on the city’s iconic era of the ‘30s and ‘40s. Designed to feel like an old-school supper club, this Old Town La Quinta restaurant’s tropical wallpaper and plush velvet seating create a carefully curated A-list star setting. Specializing in stylish, sophisticated plates, Twice Baked Octo and Hibiscus and Seared Scallops are what put this new hotspot on the map. Settle into an oversized booth, indulge in the perfect paring: the “Cutie” Chicken Pops and Fire-Kissed Broccolini.

 

For an Evening Out With the Girls

TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill

Nothing says girls night quite like the tacos from TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill. Fresh, fun and festive, spilling the tea over cocktails in a booth at this swanky cantina is the answer to your weekday blues. Gather the girls for a tequila tasting or two, as the rounds at TQLAS are muy bueno indeed. This modern Mexican grill embodies the colorful culture of Mexico with live music, vibrant frescoes and festoon lighting. What’s that you hear? It must be the sound of their sizzling fajitas making their way off of the grill and onto your plate. Then again, their short rib and pork belly tacos are house specialties if you find yourself fancying these tiny yet oh-so-tasty morsels.

 

For a Family Affair

Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill

This laid-back pizza joint is anything but typical, and thank goodness for that! Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill may not be the founder of the much-beloved stuffed-crust pizza, but they certainly know a thing or two about making dough. Its original branding as a traditional pizzeria has transcended into La Quinta’s favorite pizza spot to indulge in a fun family foodie outing. Today, it remains a neighborhood staple that’s moved beyond just pizza and expanded its menu to include a montage of Hot Stuff, Green Stuff and Stuff with Noodles and Bread. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic margherita pie or their Stuft Quesadilla, we guarantee this pizza restaurant in Old Town La Quinta will have the whole family feeling stuffed yet satisfied.