#1 The Red Dog Saloon

The Red Dog Saloon is an iconic Old Western bar and restaurant located in the heart of Pioneertown. The current owners renovated the bar to bring back it's original glory and re-opened in 2020. They offer some of the best craft cocktails and mocktails in the area, as well as a delicious Tex-Mex menu with vegan and vegetarian options. This is the place we take our friends to experience the full vibe of the high desert. 

We also love coming here for breakfast, the chilaquiles are amazing! 

Open Daily

#2 The Tiny Pony Tavern

Don’t let the exterior fool you, this place has some of the BEST food in Yucca Valley and a view of Shoe City!

The Tiny Pony not only has (arguably) the best food in town, it has a fun vibe which includes a pool table, a vintage-inspired bar, eclectic art and a patio for warmer days. They also have a photo booth which is always so fun with friends!

Our favorite items on their menu are the burger and loaded yucca fries. 

Open Daily

#3 Giant Rock Meeting Room

This local pizza place & bar is named after the Giant Rock in Landers and has giant vibes.

 Giant Rock Meeting Room is around the corner from The Seventh Ray House and is our favorite spot to have lunch or dinner. It has some of the yummiest pizza, beer & craft cocktails in the Flamingo Heights area and it's a great spot to catch live music. One of the best parts about Giant Rock: they're open year-round.

Our favorite pizza is the Flamingo Pig!

Closed Tuesdays 

#4 Kitchen In The Desert 

Kitchen In The Desert is located in Twentynine Palms, about a 40-minutes from The Seventh Ray House but is SO worth the drive for an amazing date night or brunching and exploring Joshua Tree National Park (FYI, there is a Twentynine Palms entrance). This mainly-outdoor-Caribbean/New American bar and restaurant's vibes are immaculate and it often has local artists, DJs, and bands playing as guests enjoy their meals. 

They also have in our humble opinion, the BEST dessert in the hi-des! DO NOT sleep on the deep-fried Oreos. You're welcome in advance. 

Open Daily

#5 Crossroads Cafe

This popular diner sits in the very heart of Joshua Tree. Crossroads Cafe is located near the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, and is a classic roadside diner serving 'better-than-classic' roadside meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner. They have a large selection of dishes which include vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options. They're famous for making everything from scratch, with love!

This is our favorite place to grab breakfast burritos before a day of exploring. 

Open Daily

#6 Pappy & Harriets

A CLASSIC! Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace is an iconic 1982 roadhouse restaurant located in Pioneertown, CA. Its signature mesquite barbecue, live music, dancing, and friendly service has you coming back every time you visit. They hold some amazing concerts and some of the biggest artists in the world have come through here -- so make sure to check their lineup while you're in town to catch a show!

This is our favorite place to come and get BBQ, plus drinks are served in giant mason jars. SO fun!

Open Thursday - Sunday

#7 The Copper Room

The Copper Room is a revived restaurant straight out of the 1950s with a modern flare. Sitting just off the runway of the Yucca Valley Airport (yes, there is an airport out here!), there are over 50 years of history at this landmark restaurant & lounge.

According to the history of the place, up until the early 1970s, the Copper Room was the place to be in the high desert. Frank Sinatra’s best friend, Jimmy Van Heusen was the Honorary Mayor of Yucca Valley at the time. The airport lounge was a beacon for seasoned pilots and heavy-hitting musicians like Gram Parsons, boasting continuous live music, cold martinis, and dancing under the stars.

With a 'nod to the high-flying pilots of the 1950s,' the current owners are making this restaurant the high desert’s new favorite gathering place! It is still known for its yummy ice-cold martinis.

The only reason this isn't higher up on the list is that they still haven't unveiled their full menu yet, but the old times feel and soul is there and the sunsets here are spectacular, especially while seated at the stunning bar which overlooks the runway.

Open Daily

Honorable Mention:

La Copine  

La Copine is the perfect spot for a more upscale lunch in the high desert. While their menu changes seasonally, they have some of the most amazing culinary creations in the area. One thing to note is that it gets very busy so make sure to snag a reservation before your visit -- or be ready to wait for a bit. Either way, the food is so worth it. 

This restaurant is an honorable mention because its hours are limited, so you have to plan ahead when visiting this culinary oasis. 

Open Thursday - Sunday (*seasonally) 
*Best to check website