Blackberry custard French toast is a favorite at Wilma & Frieda.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY WILMA & FRIEDA
PALM SPRINGS
Spencer’s Restaurant: Set at the historic Palm Springs Tennis Club with a whimsically lit patio, Spencer’s offers an elegant yet comfortable place to nosh on everything from a Black Angus filet mignon for dinner to a loaded Benedict for brunch.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
The Cottage Too: Locals love the fluffy pancake stacks and biscuits and gravy at this charming, old-school brunch spot. Expect home-cooked diner classics, heaping portions, and service with a smile.
CATHEDRAL CITY
Brunch 101: Newly opened this year, the buzzy eatery doles out brunch six days a week. The menu spotlights omelets, Benedicts, avocado toast, spiked coffee, and, of course, mimosas.
RANCHO MIRAGE
Si Bon: Carboholics, rejoice! There are myriad waffles, pancakes, crêpes, and French toasts to choose from on this menu created by a Belgian chef. Egg dishes, sandwiches, and pastas round out the decadent European offerings.
PALM DESERT (TIED)
Cups Café: Indulge in an inventive selection of pancakes, hearty egg dishes, or spicy Spanish chorizo, and top it off with a cup of organic Colombian coffee.
Wilma & Frieda: A staple for comfort classics, this El Paseo hotspot is known for decadent brunch options like griddled meatloaf and eggs, churro waffles, and housemade pop tarts.
INDIAN WELLS
Sands Hotel & Spa: Mixing mid-mod cool with Moroccan flair, the 46-room hotel and its Pink Cabana restaurant provide an Instagram-worthy aesthetic alongside genuinely stellar service. A robust brunch lineup includes tartines, quiches, and other yummy morning staples.
LA QUINTA
Chúla Artisan Eatery: Inspired by the farmers market and owner Katherine Gonzalez’s Spanish and Mexican roots, the brunch spot serves locally sourced, made-from-scratch plates like huevos rancheros, brioche French toast with charred strawberry jam, and red chile chilaquiles.
INDIO
The Café at Shields: The expansive patio at this restaurant at Shields Date Garden is always buzzing with families and happy diners. A Mexican-influenced menu of California cuisine features gluten-free, vegetarian, and date-centric delights. After your meal, enjoy a stroll through the statue garden and date palms.
COACHELLA
Augustine Casino: Experience the excitement of gaming at Augustine Casino, a favorite among locals for loose slots. Sip signature cocktails at Ayily Bar and savor delicious eats all day (including popular brunch, burgers, and dessert) at Café 54.