Food & drink
PalmSpots keeps this list short on purpose — rooms we would send a friend to, with the patio and happy-hour details that matter in the desert.
American · Idyllwild · $$
Mountain brewpub with house beers, burgers and a big deck under the pines. Idyllwild Brewpub is an American spot in Idyllwild. Prices sit in the mid range. Worth knowing: craft beer, deck, mountain views. Served here: lunch, dinner, happy hour. Hours: Daily 11:30am-9pm. There is a patio. You get a view from the tables. Kids are comfortable here. Dogs are welcome on the patio. Best for lunch in the pines.
American · Bombay Beach · $
The lowest bar and grill in the western hemisphere, papered in dollar bills. Ski Inn is an American spot in Bombay Beach, Salton Sea. Prices sit in the budget range — easy for a quick, cheap meal. Worth knowing: dive bar, burgers. Served here: lunch, dinner, happy hour. Hours: Daily 11am-8pm. Dogs are welcome on the patio. Best for a salton sea landmark stop.