Saloons, Restaurants, Taverns, & Bars
Our favorite Grub, Vibes, and Feels...
The second most important part of any adventure is finding the best FOOD! Where do we go to eat? What is this area famous and most known for? Where do the locals eat? Not only do we have the “adventure” side of your trip covered, but we also have the Best Places To Eat in Joshua Tree California as well. Sprinkling in some of the local fare makes a HUGE difference on the type of experience you are going to have when you are here! It will also help you plan out where you should eat while you venture out to the furthest eastern, western, and northern sections of the Joshua Tree area. Take a look at our MAP below and get started! Be forewarned, we do not drink alcohol… so we share our favorite Nonnies at each restaurant. If you do drink, almost all of the food slingers are bars and saloons, so you can try their signature drinks… just please be responsible and safe and healthy and happy. PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE share your reviews and pics and overall feels that you have at each place. We will share you, your thoughts, and your pics on our social media and tag you! And while you are planning your stay, you should be planning an equally spectacular series of adventures. After you lock in where you will eat, go to our TOURS page and peek around.
#1 Snake Bite Roadhouse
Snake Bite Roadhouse
55405 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-820-1515
https://www.snakebiteroadhouse.com
Open 7-days a week
Tuesday – Thursday 4pm – 11pm
Saturday 12am – 12pm
Sunday 12pm – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @snakebite_roadhouse
YELP: Snake Bite Roadhouse 136+ reviews
Although this is “all the way” in Yucca Valley, it is worth the drive. All of the famous locals call this place home! The owners are “REALLY” plugged in to the VIP and Celebrity world too! Great food, great atmosphere(s), and you have the possibility of seeing someone from Hollywood makes this the place to be in the Y-V and the J-T.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“The Snake Bite”, and “Pork Belly Tacos”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Muddled Strawberry Lemonade
#2 Red Dog Saloon
Red Dog Saloon
53539 Mane Street
Pioneertown, CA 92268
760-228-9047
https://www.reddogpioneertown.com/
Open 7-days a week
Monday – Friday 10am – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 9am – 12am
INSTAGRAM: @reddogpioneertown
YELP: Red Dog Saloon 230+ reviews
How can you come all the way to the high desert and “not” eat in an actual saloon that was used in Hollywood Western movies from the 1940’s? The whole area is an active movie set to this day and will blow your mind. You are going to love the food and will definitely love the backdrops. Roy Rogers himself broke ground here and dedicated this whole site!
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Chips & Queso & Carnitas”, “Beef Brisket Tacos”, and “Street Corn”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: (Jury is still out)
#3 Giant Rock Meeting Room
Giant Rock Meeting Room
1141 Old Woman Springs Road (State Route 247)
Landers, CA 92284
442-272-1472
https://www.giantrockmeetingroom.com/
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday – Sunday 4pm – 12am
INSTAGRAM: @giantrockmeetingroom
YELP: Giant Rock Meeting Room 159+ reviews
A quick drive up State Route 247 will take you toward a lot of fun adventures including the Integratron and Giant Rock… but you need to stop in and fill up on the ‘Za at Giant Rock Meeting Room. Their pizza is insanely good and the atmosphere is stellar. Lots of fun music events and open mic nights make this place a constant blast! Can you ever have enough pizza?
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Spicy Bee Boy Pizza”, and “Jalapeño BawkBa-Q Pizza”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Mexican Coke in a bottle
#4 The Tiny Pony Tavern
The Tiny Pony Tavern
57205 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
442-205-0163
https://www.thetinypony.com/
Open 7-days a week
Monday – Friday 11am – 2am
Saturday – Sunday 9am – 2am
INSTAGRAM: @the.tiny.pony
YELP: The Tiny Pony Tavern 373+ reviews
The Tiny Pony Tavern is one of those local dive bars that sells high end insanely good food. It’s not even a “dive” bar to be honest, but they would probably love to be considered one. The Tiny Pony feels like a locals only spot but is packed with people from all walks of life and all addresses of life (LACA). Definitely get the Yucca Fries with ANYTHING else you get on the menu.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Tiny Pony Burger”, “Duck Confit Nachos”, and “Yucca Fries”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Blue Lotus Spritz
#5 Joshua Tree Saloon
Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-366-2250
https://www.joshuatreesaloon.com/
Open 7-days a week
Sunday – Thursday 10am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday 10am – 12am
INSTAGRAM: @jt_saloon
YELP: The Joshua Tree Saloon 1335+ reviews
Literally smack dab in the exact center of “Joshua Tree” on the corner of State Route 62 and Park Boulevard, the Joshua Tree Saloon has been dominating the four corners since 1984. The food is great, the bar atmosphere is what you expect, and SO MUCH has happened here. We just had Post Malone and Morgan Wallen film their music video “Had Some Help” here while they were also performing at Coachella in 2024! We would know, we were on set! The Saloon has continued to grow and expand the outside area so it really has an awesome flow! Definitely stop in and eat here and watch some live music… and recreate scenes from “Had Some Help”.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Coyote Chipotle 1/2 Pound Burger”, “Baby Back Ribs”, “Sweet Potato Fires”, and “Funnel Cake Fries”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Sarsaparilla
#6 Pappy & Harriet's Palace
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
63333 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-228-2222
https://pappyandharriets.com/
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday – Frida 11am – 11pm
Saturday – Sunday 11am – 11pm
INSTAGRAM: @pappyandharriets
YELP: Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace 2302+ reviews
Pappy’s has been rocking since 1982… and arguably has held “THE” most globally iconic concert that has ever happened anywhere ever. We might be partial because we were there and were also back stage… and shook his hand. On October 13, 2016, the one, the only, Paul McCartney held a secret concert here for (300) lucky people! Tickets were first come first serve for $50! INSANE! We were literally four feet away watching him play and sing and AMAZE a packed house. Watch the YouTube video that we shared above. The food here is great and made to order on huge BBQ pits. Make sure you walk all around the entire property and look for that famous backdrop that countless rock stars have had behind them, even the (one) Beatles. Queens of the Stone Age. Robert Plant. The list is endless. And hey, don’t choose between Red Dog Saloon and Pappy’s… make sure you go to BOTH!
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Bison Burger”, “Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs”, “Bacon Cheese Fries”, “Mac & Cheese”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Sarsaparilla
#7 GRND SQRL
GRND SQRL
73471 Twentynine Palms Highway
Twentynine Palms, CA 92284
760-800-1275
https://www.grndsqrl29p.com/
Sunday CLOSED
Monday – Tuesday 5pm – 10pm
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday – Friday 5pm – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @grnd.sqrl
YELP: GRND SQRL 350+ reviews
Yes, it is “way out” in 29 Palms… but it is worth the 10-minute drive. Haha! Everywhere you drive in the desert feels WAY further than it actually is because the roads are so wide open and the views are as far as the eyes can see. The backstory on how this restaurant, their chef, and their crew is stellar. Go read the short article in the Joshua Tree Voice and you’ll agree… the story alone makes you want to eat there. The menu is equally fun and tasty.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“The Stumps”, “East End Grilled Cheese with Bacon”, and “Chocolate Drop Brownie”
Chocolate Drop is the name of a nearby hillside.
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: (Jury is still out)
#8 Kitchen in the Desert
Kitchen In The Desert
6427 Mesquite Avenue
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
760-865-0245
https://www.kitd29.com/
Open 7-days a week
10am – 3pm and again from 5pm – 11pm
INSTAGRAM: @kitcheninthedesert29
YELP: Kitchen in the Desert 1098+ reviews
Dogs Welcome… had us at hello. Overall the experience is awesome and there is plenty of seating for huge groups and dogs are welcome! “Dogs Welcome” literally overrides any negatives at any restaurant if you ask us. You can treat me terrible if you treat my dog awesome. 🙂 The owners are well connected in the area and lots of fun and famous people pop in.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Jerk Fried Rice”, “Sliders”, and the “Fried Twinkie”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Cucumber Cilantro Lemonade
#9 La Copine
La Copine
848 Old Woman Springs Road (State Route 247)
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-289-8537
https://www.lacopinekitchen.com/
See Below for the hours and schedule… its’s odd
INSTAGRAM: @lacopinekitchen
YELP: La Copine French Restaurant 571+ reviews
La Copine is just an oddity… that’s about as straight forward as we can be. This is a REALLY famous and award-winning restaurant in the middle of Landers! You’ll see it on your way out to Giant Rock and The Integratron… and you might miss it if you blink. How famous? Check out their articles in the New York Times, the LA Times, Vogue, Desert magazine, and Eater magazine. La Copine is a celebrated FRENCH CUISINE restaurant that seems out of place on one hand, and then gloriously right where it belongs on the other. One zillion percent EAT HERE if you can. Be forewarned, La Copine is just as famous for their funky schedule as they are for their food. They are generally open from Thursday – Sunday, but you never know. You have to go to their website and check it often. They close for the summer as well so just make sure you deep dive their website. They’re so good they open for business when they feel the desire to create.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Steak Sando”, “Socarrat”, and “Key Lime Panna Cotta”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Spritzer
#10 The 29 Palms Inn
The 29 Palms Inn
73950 Inn Avenue
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
760-367-3505
https://29palmsinn.com/
Monday – Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday – Sunday 2pm 4pm and then again from 5pm – 8pm
INSTAGRAM: @29palmsinn
YELP: The 29 Palms Inn 399+ reviews
History-History-History. This place has been serving the public since 1928! Walking the grounds is a must to see the Oasis of Mara, trees, and overall oddity as a starter! The restaurant itself is situated alongside the pool and you cannot even imagine how many famous people have been here… and even played music here. They have also filmed movies here (Sky) and the food is just an added bonus. The menu will have so many enticing options that you’ll have to eat here a few times to find out which one is your favorite. You’ll have to ask the staff to share all of the secrets and stories. They grow a LOT of the food you are eating on site in their famous garden! You’ll see it when you “Roam If You Want To.”
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Roasted Yam and Chipotle Hummus”, “Lime Scampi”, and “Mesquite Curry”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Strawberry Lemonade
#11 The Copper Room
The Copper Room
56360 Aviation Drive
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-228-0607
https://thecopperroom1957.com/
Open 7-days a week
Monday – Friday 4pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @thecopperroom1957
YELP: The Copper Room 175+ reviews
It is hard to believe that this place has been serving it up since 1957 to the likes of Gram Parsons, Frank Sinatra, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Jimmy Van Heusen, the Rat Pack, and just about anyone else you can imagine. And how can you “not” love getting some food and drinks on the edge of an active airport! Plus guess what… they own the Red Dog Saloon as well! That’s why we love it. The interior is literally to die for if you’re looking for that old vibe and the food and drinks will not disappoint. This is where Gram Parsons likely had his last drink back on September 19, 1973… before his fateful trip to LAX and back again to Cap Rock (Beaver Boulder). Gloriously odd history!
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Crispy Chicken Lettuce Wraps”, “Char Siu Pork Belly”, and “Broccolini”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Sicilian Lemon Soda
#12 Sam's Indian Restaurant
Sam’s Indian Restaurant
61380 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-366-9511
https://samsindianfood.com/index.php/joshua-tree-california/
Open 7-days a week
Monday – Saturday 11am – 3pm and then again from 4:30pm – 10pm
Sunday 3pm – 9pm
INSTAGRAM: @samsindianfood
YELP: Sam’s Indian Restaurant 689+ reviews
As locals of 25+ years, we will honestly say that we eat here at least once a month if not 6 times a month. There is just something special about Indian food that we can’t shake! We love it! Give me two orders of Garlic Naan and an order of Butter Chicken and come check on me in an hour. They have EXCELLENT pizza too! You will have to order every single thing on the menu once a day for the next 60 days to find your favorites, and you’ll come back again and again just like we do.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Butter Chicken”, “Shrimp Tikka Masala”, and “Garlic Naan”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: N/A
#13 Spaghetti Western
Spaghetti Western
50048 Twentynine Palms Highway
Morongo Valley, CA 92256
760-363-7444
https://www.spaghettiwesternsaloon.com/
Monday – Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday – Sunday 4pm – 9pm
INSTAGRAM: @spaghettiwesternmorongovalley
YELP: Spaghetti Western 139+ reviews
You definitely passed this one on your way up to Joshua Tree “way back” in Morongo Valley. This saloon has that perfect “old western” look and feel you’re looking for when you stroll out to the desert. Cool historical fact, this place used to be called Willie Boy’s which is a reference to the true story of “Willie Boy”. It was such a wild story it was just remade by Jason Momoa in the movie titled, “The Last Manhunt.” You can go deep dive that if you like. Back to the food… excellent. People… excellent. Service… wonderful. Lots of live music… always!
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Tartufo Flatbread”, “Spaghetti Western”, “Lasagna Alla Bolognese”, and “Warm Apple Cobbler”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: (Jury is still out)
#14 The Dez Fine Foods
The Dez Fine Foods
63333 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-974-9747
https://thedezfinefood.com/
The smaller location is open 7-days a week 6:30am – 5pm
The larger “BIG DEZ” restaurant spot is open Friday – Tuesday 8am – 6pm
INSTAGRAM: @dezfinefood
YELP: The Dez Fine Foods 195+ reviews
Having two locations in the heart of the Joshua Tree Village within a stone’s throw of each other lets you know how well this place is doing! Stellar! Everything they have is high-class high-taste wonderful-goodness from entrees to sandwiches to desserts. Make sure to pop your head in to both locations.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Turkey Pesto”, “Bacon Turkey Wrap”, and “Almond Joy Date Balls”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: N/A
#15 Country Kitchen
The Country Kitchen
61768 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-366-8988
https://jtcountrykitchen.com/
Open 7-days a week 7am – 3pm
INSTAGRAM: @jtcountrykitchen
YELP: The Country Kitchen 793+ reviews
This place wins the award for smallest restaurant in the world… but you know how there is always that “one” spot you know you should go to for breakfast? This is it in Joshua Tree. There are only five small tables inside… but they have outside seating as well. Tiny little awesomeness meets diner meets the Wild West.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Breakfast Everything”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: N/A
#16 Yucca Tree Eatery
Yucca Tree Eatery
57754 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-853-0222
No website created just yet…
But they allow online ordering HERE?
Sunday CLOSED
Monday – Saturday 8am – 3pm
INSTAGRAM: @yuccatreeeatery
YELP: Yucca Tree Eatery 165+ reviews
Yucca Tree is a fun play on words… it is in Yucca Valley, but also serves Joshua Tree… and tis’ an eatery… so that’s that. The food here is healthy and vibrant and fun and delicious. The hours are a bit daunting closing at 3pm… that’s pretty early so if you want to try them out, make sure to get here early. We have been eating here since the original owner opened her doors… and the new owners kept the spirit alive. We love how we feel after eating their healthy and delicious food!
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Avocado Sprout Chicken” and “Sweet Potatoes with Honey”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: N/A
#17 Crossroads Cafe
Crossroads Cafe
61715 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-366-5415
https://crossroadscafejtree.com/
Open 7-days a week from 7am – 8pm
INSTAGRAM: @crossroadscafe_joshuatree
YELP: Crossroads Cafe 1608+ reviews
The Crossroads Cafe is packed all weekend long… it is insane. Their location is perfection right in the heart of the Joshua Tree Village and on the right (south) side of the highway making it much easier to stop in and park on your way into JTCA.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Hamburger Heaven”, “Piggy Pancakes”, and “Banana Bread”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: (Jury is still out)
#18 Royal Siam Thai Restaurant
Royal Siam Thai Restaurant
61599 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-366-2923
https://royalsiamcuisine.com/
Open 7-days a week
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday – Tuesday 10am – 7:30pm
INSTAGRAM: n/a
YELP: Royal Siam Thai Restaurant 360+ reviews
The one and only Thai food restaurant in all the land… and it is stellar. Their website is awesome and lays out like Instagram. The location itself is humble and very minimalist in a strip mall setting… but it is “the” strip mall of the JT Village and this is where the weekly farmer’s markets are held. Lots to see and do here… and end it with a Thai lunch or dinner.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Pad Thai”, “Spicy Basil”, “BBQ Pork Fried Rice add Pineapple”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: N/A
#19 Frontier Cafe
Frontier Cafe
55844 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-820-1360
http://www.cafefrontier.com/
Open 7-days a week
INSTAGRAM: @cafefrontier
YELP: Frontier Cafe 599+ reviews
This awesome historical building site right on the corner of State Route 62 and Pioneertown Road… the road that leads up to Pioneertown. This was originally a pharmacy back in the “olden days.” The interior is gloriously hip and trendy and beautiful and historic. The food is absolutely wonderful.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Roasted Beet & Arugula Salad”, “Avocado Tartine”,
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Prickly Pear Palmer
#20 Sky High Pie
Sky High Pie
61740 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
760-974-1050
The website below shares their menu… but is not their official site:
https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/sky-high-pie/
Monday – Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday – Thursday 3pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday 12pm – 10pm
Sunday 12pm – 9pm
INSTAGRAM: @skyhighpiejt
YELP: Sky High Pie 267+ Reviews
Lots o’Pizza options here and soft serve ice cream! You are going to LOVE the pizza and it is centrally located in the JT Village so you feel like you have your finger on the pulse of what is going on. You can also pop in next door to the Joshua Tree Coffee Company.
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Double Pepperoni”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: N/A
#21 Luna Sourdough Bakery
Luna Sourdough Bakery
55700 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
442-599-5444
https://lunasourdough.com/
Open 7-days a week from 8am – 2pm
INSTAGRAM: @lunasourdough
YELP: Luna Sourdough Bakery 148+ reviews
Every city has that semi-secret bakery that makes fresh bread and wildly additive food that you just can’t live without… and this is ours. Luna seems super low key even though it is right on the main drag, State Route 62, in downtown Yucca Valley. You’ll stop in daily, like we do, to get your bread fix! They’ll be your new Bread Plug… and Sweets Plug. 🙂
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
BREAD, “Prosciutto Goat Cheese with Arugula and Fig Jam on Ciabatta”, “Castelvetrano Flatbread”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: N/A
#22 La Caguama Go Grande
La Caguama Go Grande Mexican Restaurant
55315 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-820-1555
No website created just yet…
Open 7-days a week
Sunday 9am – 8PM
Monday – Wednesday 9am – 9PM
Thursday – Saturday 9am – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @lacaguamagogrande
YELP: La Caguama 44+ reviews
There are a LOT of Mexican restaurants in the Joshua Tree area. We have Mexican heritage on our team and we make sure we hit Mexican restaurants everywhere we go so we like to think we have a pretty solid background to say, “This place is excellent.” The people and food and environment are perfect. It is a little bit tough to get into the parking lot, but once you’re in, you’re in!
WHAT WE ORDER:
FOOD:
“Carnitas-Cheese-Sour Cream Only Burrito”, “Quesabirria Tacos”, “A La Diablo Tacos”
DRINKS:
Mocktail Virgin Nonny: Cucumber and Lime
The Wrap-up:
THANK YOU FOR GIVING US A CHANCE TO SHARE OUR KNOWLEDGE! We made it all the way through all of our favorite places to eat in Joshua Tree! Yes! Spectacular dedication to your taste buds and your best buds! Where you eat in Joshua Tree is just as important as where you sleep in Joshua Tree. We hope our Top 10 Guide gave you plenty of ideas where you should grab some grub and down some drinks. We have lived here for over 25+ years so we have had plenty of time to find the best of the best. We have also seen a lot of restaurants come and go so we tried to share the most awesome local spots that have been and will remain open to serve you. If they close, we will remove them! Send us your thoughts to our email at thesecrettours@gmail.com and we will share them! When you eat at these awesome eateries, let them know The Secret Tours sent you their way. We would love to let them know we are supporting them.
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime! We share all of the wildest history and secret locations with you as you complete your very own movie-worthy adventure! Your minds will literally be blown and you will be a Joshua Tree Subject Matter Expert (SME) just like us once you are done! Go deep dive our TOURS page. Now that you will know where to eat, please consider creating lifetime memories on our three self-guided adventure tours in Joshua Tree:
The Village Walking Tour: “Inside the Village”
The National Park Tour: “Inside the Park”
The Secret Tour: “Outside the Park”
Respectfully & Yours Truly,
-The Secret Tours Team
