6 Places to Meet for Breakfast or Lunch in Desert Hot Springs

Azure Palm Café

The café at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis serves scratch-made fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on seasonal, plant-forward recipes. Mornings might mean avocado toast brightened with beet-pickled egg or a delicate spinach and feta quiche alongside golden milk lattes or matcha. Midday, bowls and burgers hit the spot, whether you prefer your patty made with tender Angus beef or black beans and walnuts. As the sun drops, locally brewed beers and entrées like grilled pesto chicken with spaghetti squash or sesame-seared wild-caught tuna set the pace for an easy evening. Even the packaging keeps the mission clear: Everything is recyclable and compostable.

67589 Hacienda Ave., Desert Hot Springs
760-251-2005

The Spread

Looking for a quick and easy lunch at a price that won’t break the bank? This colorful counter-service spot serves saucy sub sandwiches, chopped salads, and build-your-own personal pizzas made with locally sourced produce. The flavors are big, the vibe is homey, and the pinball machine will keep you entertained if there happens to be a wait.

66184 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs
442-484-8881

Espresso Self

Co-owners Stephanie Wright and Andrea Buie — who debuted their café in January 2024 with the goal of creating “a space for all walks of life to come and enjoy a beverage” — say they are already hoping to open a second location due to the response to their welcoming vibe. Patrons can relax with an iced latte, matcha, or seasonal treat such as blue raspberry lemonade. Wright and Buie proudly work with local vendors whenever possible, sourcing everything from coffee beans to fruit juices from the Coachella Valley’s “growing, vibrant” community.

66169 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs
760-671-5447

The Village Donut

Doughnut devotees may come for the maple chocolate cake or classic glazed rings, but regulars return for the breakfast sandwiches and lunchtime paninis with melty cheese on pressed ciabatta. It’s the sweet-savory balance that has kept the place buzzing since 1982. Pair either with a hot coffee or Thai iced tea, and you’ll understand the loyal following.

13160 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
760-329-9977

Dillon’s Burgers & Beers

There’s desert modern, and then there’s desert authentic — the kind of dusty, no-nonsense joints with dark walls and hay barrels that specialize in ice-cold beer and hearty roadside-style burgers. Dillon’s falls into the latter category and, known for late-night live music, has been a fixture on the scene since 1946. In addition to traditional burgers, they offer chicken and veggie options. Order the onion petals to share.

64647 Dillon Road, Desert Hot Springs
760-774-7131