01
Best overall pick
Kitchen in the Desert
Downtown Twentynine Palms • Caribbean-Inspired New American Kitchen • Destination For Date Night And Cocktails
A lush, lantern-lit courtyard serving creative Caribbean-leaning plates and serious cocktails right in the middle of the desert.
Tucked off the main drag, Kitchen in the Desert feels like a secret garden once you step past the gates. The menu leans bold and flavorful—think jerk-spiced meats, bright salads, and shareable small plates that pair well with their excellent tequila and rum cocktails. Go for a lingering evening under the string lights when you want something that feels special but still relaxed.
02
Most atmospheric setting
The Restaurant at the 29 Palms Inn
Oasis Of Mara Near Joshua Tree Np North Entrance • Historic Desert Inn Restaurant • Best For Relaxed Desert Resort Dining
Farm-driven American dishes served at a historic adobe inn overlooking an unexpected palm oasis.
Set inside the 29 Palms Inn, this restaurant is all about old-school desert charm and slow evenings by the pool and pond. Much of the produce comes from the inn’s own garden, so plates lean fresh and seasonal, from simple grilled fish to hearty pastas and salads. It’s where you book dinner when you want to unwind after a day in the park without giving up good food or a glass of wine under the stars.
03
Best for craft beer lovers
grnd sqrl
Adobe Road Corridor In Twentynine Palms • Modern Gastropub And Taproom • Best For Craft Beer And Elevated Bar Food
A lively, design-forward spot pouring local craft beers alongside creative burgers, bowls, and bar snacks.
grnd sqrl brings a more urban energy to Twentynine Palms with its polished interior, rotating taps, and from-scratch menu. Expect inventive takes on pub staples—juicy burgers, loaded fries, and vegetarian-friendly options that feel thought out rather than tacked on. It’s an easy choice for groups who want good beer, good playlists, and a casual night out that still feels current.
04
Best comfort-food feast
The Rib Co.
Twentynine Palms Highway Strip • Casual Smokehouse And Barbecue Joint • Go-To Spot For Hearty Family Dinners
Old-school barbecue with big portions, sticky ribs, and a friendly, no-fuss dining room.
The Rib Co. is the place you go when you’ve got dust on your boots and you’re craving something substantial. Ribs and steaks are the main draw, arriving smoky, saucy, and flanked by classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw. Service is straightforward and welcoming, making it an easy pick for families, hungry hikers, and anyone who wants to leave properly full.
05
Worth-the-drive roadhouse
Joshua Tree Saloon
Downtown Joshua Tree Village • Lively Western Roadhouse And Grill • Top Pick For Live Music And Late-Night Energy
A rowdy, memorabilia-lined saloon with hefty burgers, cold beer, and frequent live music a short drive from Twentynine Palms.
About 20 minutes down Highway 62, Joshua Tree Saloon is the classic high-desert hangout that visitors imagine: wood-paneled, a little dusty, and always buzzing. The food is straightforward—burgers, sandwiches, tacos—but portions are generous and the patio is a prime people-watching perch. Swing by when you want a looser, louder night, especially when there’s a band on the outdoor stage.