Where to find the Best Burgers in Palm Desert
May is National Burger Month! Hamburgers in all their variations—beef, turkey, veggie—can be found on many menus, but not all burgers are created equal. If you’re a burger connoisseur, you’re probably always on the hunt for that perfect patty. Fortunately, if you’re in Palm Desert, you’re in luck! If you want a burger worthy of sinking your teeth into, you’ll find them at burger joints and elegant eateries alike all across town. We’ve listed some of our favorites below, but for the complete list of dining options in Palm Desert, be sure to check out our online Dining Guide.
BaBaLoo Lounge
73833 Highway 111, Palm Desert, (760) 636-1331
With one of the most eclectic menus in town, this is the place to go for a burger if you’re hoping to start your meal with escargot, frog’s legs or duck-fat fries. The BaBaLoo Burger is a favorite, or try their twist on a Western burger with crispy fried shallots.
CJ’s Diner
74894 Lennon Place, Ste. H1, Palm Desert, (760) 837-9650
You may feel like you deserve an award for finding this place, tucked into a commercial complex off Cook Street. The reward will be a variety of burgers to choose from—from the CJ’s Burger with pastrami to the new Volcano Burger with grilled pineapple chunks and jalapeno slices—not just your usual diner basics.
Cups Café
77912 Country Club Dr, Unit 3, Palm Desert, (760) 200-0333
This breakfast hotspot also delivers at lunchtime! Don’t miss Marco’s Burger with bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, and sautéed mushrooms on brioche bun with mixed-berry jam.
The Daily Grill
73061 El Paseo, Palm Desert, (760) 779-9911
Want a fried egg on that? The Daily Grill’s Chop House Burger comes with the usual toppings, but feel free to customize it with add-ons like avocado, bacon, mushrooms and more. Vegetarians can swap in an Impossible patty.
Gastro Grind Burgers
73850 Highway 111, Palm Desert, (760) 404-0300
Two different beef blends—Standard and Deluxe with chuck, short rib, sirloin, and strip loin. You’ll also find a Bison Burger and The Asada on the menu, made with a blend of carne asada and chuck meat.
Grill-a-Burger
73091 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert (760) 346-8170
Thirty different hamburgers on the menu! And that’s not counting ones made from chicken, turkey or veggie patties. From the “Buddha Burger” to “Devil’s Revenge,” you’re going to have a blast working your way through their menu. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, come see what Guy Fieri raved about.
Islands
72353 Highway 111, Palm Desert, (760) 346-4007
A family favorite, with a dozen different tropically inspired and traditional grilled burger choices on the menu, all served with endless fries. The Maui with guacamole or the Hawaiian with fresh pineapple are hard to beat.
JT’s Diner
37011 Cook St, Palm Desert, (760) 674-7600
Bringing a blast from the past to modern day, JT’s Diner keeps traditional diner style alive! Why not keep it classic with the JT’s ½ Pound Burger, or try the California Avocado Cheeseburger, where a pop of jalapeno heat elevates this local favorite.
Karen’s Café
77682 Country Club Dr., Ste. L, Palm Desert, (760) 772-2800
Really tucked away off the street in a retail and office complex, but you’ll love it once you find it! If you’re looking for something just a bit different, you’ll appreciate that they keep things lively by serving up a Patty Melt on rye as well as the San Franciscan on sourdough.
Keedy’s Fountain & Grill
73633 Highway 111, Palm Desert, (760) 346-6492
It’s called a “Keedy’s Fix” for a reason. Operating in the same location since 1957 (!), generations of local residents have been raised on these diner-style burgers served with your favorite sides plus a whole complement of fountain specialties including shakes, floats and malts.
Kitchen 86 + Bar
73130 El Paseo, Ste. I, Palm Desert, (760) 890-1586
While primarily known as a continental restaurant with fun, shareable small plate, you bet this dining hot spot has a burger to boot. Theirs features grass fed beef, gouda, and chili aioli on a brioche bun.
Larkspur Grill
45400 Larkspur Lane, Palm Desert, (760) 340-6069
Starting with a great patty and topping it with heirloom tomatoes, chef’s sauce and more, the Waygu Burger on a brioche bun is the rockstar on Larkspur Grill’s menu.
Little Bar
73560 Highway 111, Ste. B, Palm Desert, (760) 565-1965
Are you hoping to have your cheeseburger with special sauce, grilled onions, tater tots, and a craft cocktail? Little Bar is the place.
Paradise Cove Cafe
44150 Town Center Way, Palm Desert, (760) 779-1617
Tucked in-between Trader Joe’s and Michael’s, it’s worth the effort to find this hidden gem! Choose from a super selection of fresh and juicy burgers, including Heath’s Late Night Luau, and the Valley of Fire Burger with grilled Serrano chili and breaded onion twigs.
Rockwood Grill
74855 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, (760) 341-2211
Located lakeside at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, Rockwood Grill aims to please by offering all the American classics with an elevated twist. Their Angus Burger, with both aged cheddar and smoked bacon, will delight anyone who calls themself a burger connoisseur.
Wilma & Frieda
73575 El Paseo, Palm Deserts (760) 773-2807
Why does Wilma & Frieda show up on every restaurant list we write up? Because they’re that good. (Here’s another spot that Guy Fieri visited for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, so it’s not just our opinion.) The burgers? Ridiculously amazing, with a patty made from chopped chuck and short ribs, served up on a fresh-baked bun.
Updated May 2023