The Palm Springs area, renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning desert landscapes, has quietly become a formidable destination for craft beer enthusiasts. No longer just a place for cocktails by the pool, the region now boasts a growing number of exceptional brewery restaurants in Palm Springs with craft beer menus that stand toe-to-toe with their culinary offerings. This guide dives deep into where you can savor both innovative brews and delicious food, creating a complete dining and drinking experience.
At a Glance
- Discover Dual Delights: Uncover Palm Springs' top brewery restaurants blending fresh craft beer with diverse menus.
- Match Your Mood: Find venues perfect for BBQ, upscale dining, casual bites, pizza, or unique farmhouse ales.
- Beyond the Brews: Understand the nuances of food service—from in-house kitchens to food trucks and BYOF policies.
- Plan Your Visit: Get practical tips on checking tap lists, hours, and amenities for a seamless experience.
- Expert Insights: Learn what makes each spot unique, helping you choose your next unforgettable outing.
Beyond the Taproom: Why Food Matters in Palm Springs Craft Beer Spots
The evolution of craft beer culture has brought with it an expectation for more than just a great pint. Today’s discerning visitor often seeks a holistic experience, where the brew complements the bite. In Palm Springs, this trend has blossomed, with many breweries recognizing the synergy between meticulously crafted beers and thoughtfully prepared food. It's about enhancing flavors, creating community, and offering a reason to linger longer.
The appeal of a brewery restaurant goes beyond simple convenience. When food is conceptualized alongside the beer, it allows for deliberate pairings that elevate both elements. Whether it's a smoky porter cutting through rich BBQ or a crisp lager cleansing the palate after a spicy taco, the culinary journey becomes as integral as the liquid one. This integration also transforms a quick beer stop into a full-fledged dining destination, perfect for groups with varied preferences or those simply looking to make an evening of it.
Spotlight on Palm Springs' Premier Brewery Restaurants
When searching for the best brewery restaurants in Palm Springs with craft beer, you're looking for places that excel in both departments. Here's a curated look at establishments where the kitchen and the brewhouse work in harmony, based on their unique offerings and atmosphere.
For the BBQ & Brews Enthusiast: Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern (Indio)
If your idea of paradise involves slow-smoked meats and award-winning beers, Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern is your culinary beacon. As the oldest craft beer microbrewery in Greater Palm Springs, Babe's has perfected the art of pairing robust BBQ with its diverse beer lineup. The setting itself is a nod to cowboy charm, creating an authentic backdrop for their six-time "Best of the Best" bar-b-que restaurant accolades.
Their taps pour 24 active beers, ranging from approachable 4.3% ABVs to more potent 10.0% options. Crowd favorites include the award-winning BlackFin Lager—a notably popular choice—alongside their Honey Blonde, Palm Springs IPA, and the intriguing Belgian Vanilla Blonde. On the food side, expect classic comfort done right: tender baby back ribs, hearty pulled pork sandwiches, and succulent boneless beef shorts. It’s a place where you can truly taste the heritage in both the food and the beer.
Upscale Dining Meets Craft Brews: 29 Brews at Taproom 29 (Coachella)
For those seeking a more refined experience that still celebrates the craft beer ethos, 29 Brews at Taproom 29 presents a compelling option. Tucked inside Spotlight 29 Casino, this brewery, launched in late 2020, offers an industrial-chic design coupled with an impressive menu. The bar itself is a spectacle, seating 26 and serving 29 craft and flavored beers (4.2-11.7% ABV) at a crisp 29 degrees on an ice rail. Beyond their extensive beer list, specialty cocktails, like the Taproom 29 Chavela, add another layer of sophistication.
What truly sets 29 Brews apart as a brewery restaurant is its high-caliber culinary program. Diners can indulge in everything from an impressive Tomahawk steak and fresh seafood to expertly handmade pasta. This fusion of a dedicated brewing facility with an upscale dining experience makes it an ideal spot for a celebratory meal or a special night out where craft beer is a central, yet elevated, player.
Casual Comfort & Creative Fare: Bubba’s Bones & Brews (Palm Springs & Palm Desert)
Bubba’s Bones & Brews offers a lively, unpretentious atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal and a solid craft beer. With locations in both Palm Springs and a newer venue in Palm Desert, Bubba's delivers classic pub fare alongside a respectable selection of 15 active beers (4.2-7.8% ABV). The Palm Springs location keeps it simple with daily evening hours, while the Palm Desert spot expands its offerings to include breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, complete with billiards and extended weekend hours.
The menu is a delightful mix of familiar favorites and intriguing twists. You'll find classic bar sandwiches, fresh salads, tacos, and juicy burgers. But don't miss unique appetizers like their Blue Cheese Chips or their savory Korean ribs, which pair surprisingly well with a diverse range of their brews. Bubba’s is the kind of place where you can unwind, enjoy good company, and reliably get both a satisfying meal and a quality beer.
Pizza & Pints Perfection: Desert Beer Company: Pizza & Pints (Indio)
Sometimes, the perfect pairing is as simple and satisfying as pizza and beer. Desert Beer Company’s separate Indio location, Pizza & Pints, specializes in this winning combination. Situated conveniently next to downtown Indio, it’s a casual, welcoming spot ideal for groups or families looking for an easygoing evening.
While the specific tap list for this location isn't detailed, you can expect the excellent craft beer quality synonymous with Desert Beer Company, founded by Devon Sanchez. Their core beers often include crowd-pleasers like PoPo’s Porter, Cream Ale, Mexican Candy Kettle, and Pepino Con Chile Cream Ale, alongside seasonal fruit offerings. Here, the focus is clear: enjoy delicious, freshly made pizza complemented by well-crafted, local beer in a laid-back setting.
Farmhouse Ales & Artisanal Bites: Las Palmas Brewing (Palm Springs)
For a unique take on the brewery restaurant concept, Las Palmas Brewing in Palm Springs stands out with its dedication to farmhouse ales, Saisons, and European-style lagers. They also venture into unfiltered IPAs and novel options like mint tea, ginger ale, and in-house hard seltzer, showcasing an inventive spirit. Their 15 active beers, notably lower in ABV (3.3-6.7%), utilize ambient fermentation with Kveik yeast, yielding distinct flavor profiles.
The atmosphere is often described as having a "cool coffee shop vibe," offering both streetside seating and a charming walled beer garden. But it's their food menu that firmly places them in the "brewery restaurant" category: delicious pizzas, authentic Cubans, and savory crepes. Recommended brews like their Farmhouse Ale, Fifty-four French Saison, and Schwarzbier provide excellent foils to their thoughtfully curated food options, making it a truly artisanal dining and drinking experience.
Taco Trucks & Taproom Vibes: Luchador Brewing Company (Cathedral City)
Luchador Brewing Company brings a vibrant, community-focused energy to Cathedral City. With a 5-barrel brewhouse feeding 20 taps and 25 active beers (4.0-7.9% ABV) that include their own cervezas and guest taps, there’s always something exciting pouring. The "restaurant" component here is cleverly integrated with an in-house Mexican-themed food truck, serving up fresh street tacos, chips, and guacamole.
This setup offers the best of both worlds: the consistency of a dedicated food provider deeply integrated with the brewery's brand, combined with the casual, fun nature of a food truck. The facility itself encourages lingering with community tables, a fire pit, TVs, and patio games. It’s a dynamic spot to enjoy fresh brews, excellent Mexican fare, and a lively atmosphere, particularly fitting for those who appreciate new and exciting can releases featuring various hops like Citra, El Dorado, Seabrook, and Galaxy.
Breweries That Welcome Your Feast (BYOF & Food Trucks)
While not traditional "brewery restaurants" with an in-house kitchen, several excellent Palm Springs craft beer spots actively encourage or facilitate dining through outside food or regular food truck rotations. These offer fantastic craft beer experiences where you can still enjoy a meal.
Coachella Valley Brewing Company (The Valley)
As the valley's first production brewery, launched in 2013, Coachella Valley Brewing Company is a cornerstone of the local craft beer scene. They pride themselves on using local ingredients like citrus, herbs, honey, and spices in their beers, which are brewed on a 17-barrel HEBS system. Their interior features a home theme, picnic tables, and an inviting backlot beer garden. An expansive tap system offers a staggering 55 active beers (4.0-9.6% ABV), including Hazy, Sours, Swarm, Phoenix, Coachella Hazy, Rye IPA, Desert Citrus Wheat, and Black Widow.
While they don't have an in-house restaurant, food is consistently available from rotating food trucks on-site. This means you get a diverse culinary experience that changes regularly, perfectly complementing their wide array of innovative brews. It’s a great spot to explore a vast tap list and enjoy a casual meal from local vendors.
La Quinta Brewing Company (Palm Desert & Palm Springs)
La Quinta Brewing Company is a local powerhouse, operating a 4,500-square-foot facility in Palm Desert with 15 brewhouses, producing around 5,000 barrels annually, plus a popular taproom in Palm Springs. With over 20 medals under their belt and products served in more than 200 restaurants, their reputation for quality is well-established. Their tasting rooms feature 24 taps pouring 32 active beers (4.5-8.4% ABV), including both their own award-winning selections and guest taps. Recommended brews include Koffi Porter (especially the bourbon-barrel-aged version), Par IPA, and Poolside Blonde.
La Quinta Brewing Company does not have an in-house kitchen, but they openly welcome outside food or delivery. This flexibility allows you to bring your favorite takeout or have it delivered directly to their taproom, letting you pair your chosen meal with their celebrated craft beers in a relaxed setting.
Joshua Tree Brewery (Joshua Tree)
Venturing slightly beyond Palm Springs but a crucial part of the Greater Palm Springs craft beer landscape, Joshua Tree Brewery offers a high-quality, locally owned brewing experience. Established in 2014, this home brewery-turned-commercial operation has garnered awards for its original recipe beers, often incorporating local produce. While they offer a smaller selection of 17 active beers (4.5-10.5% ABV), the emphasis is firmly on quality over quantity. Proper Bloke, Desert Dirty Blond, and their farmhouse Saison are highly recommended.
Joshua Tree Brewery does not sell food directly, but like La Quinta, they permit outside food or delivery. This means you can plan your visit, grab some local grub from Joshua Tree Village, and enjoy it with their distinctive brews. Note their specific operating hours: Fridays from 4-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-6 p.m.
Crafting Your Perfect Brewery Restaurant Experience
Finding the right brewery restaurant in Palm Springs with craft beer involves a bit more than just picking a name off a list. To truly enhance your experience, consider these practical tips. For a wider view of the region's diverse nightlife options, including many other spots to enjoy great drinks, you might want to Explore Fremont's nightlife guide.
Navigating Tap Lists & Pairings
Each brewery has its own philosophy and rotating tap list. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or samples. Consider the ABV of the beers—some are light and sessionable, while others are potent and best savored. When pairing with food, think about complementary flavors:
- Light Lagers/Blondes: Often good with lighter fare, salads, or spicy foods to cleanse the palate (e.g., Babe's Honey Blonde with BBQ chicken).
- IPAs: Can stand up to bold flavors, burgers, or even cut through rich, fatty dishes (e.g., Babe's Palm Springs IPA with pulled pork).
- Porters/Stouts: Excellent with grilled meats, BBQ, or chocolate desserts (e.g., La Quinta's Koffi Porter with ribs).
- Sours/Fruited Ales: Can be refreshing with lighter dishes, cheeses, or even certain desserts (e.g., Coachella Valley Brewing's Sours with a fresh salad).
Checking Before You Go
Tap lists and operating details can change frequently, especially for places that rely on food trucks. Always confirm current hours, food availability, and specific tap offerings before you head out.
- Websites & Social Media: Most breweries keep their online presence updated with current tap lists, food truck schedules, and any special events.
- Call Ahead: A quick phone call can save you a trip, especially if you have a specific beer or dish in mind.
- Seasonal Offerings: Many breweries rotate seasonal fruit beers or special releases. These can be highlights of your visit, so keep an eye out.
Beyond the Beer: Atmosphere & Amenities
The overall vibe contributes significantly to your experience. Consider what else you're looking for:
- Family-Friendly: Many brewery restaurants welcome families, but it’s always good to check for specific amenities like high chairs or kids' menus.
- Pet-Friendly: Patios and outdoor seating areas are often dog-friendly, but confirm policies.
- Entertainment: Some locations offer live music, trivia nights, or patio games (like Luchador Brewing Co.).
- Parking: Especially in busy areas of Palm Springs, knowing parking options beforehand can reduce stress.
Quick Answers: Your Brewery Restaurant FAQs
Are all breweries in Palm Springs also restaurants?
No, not all breweries in Palm Springs offer a full restaurant experience. Some, like Desert Beer Company in Palm Desert (their main location), primarily focus on their tasting room and brews, without an in-house kitchen. Others, such as La Quinta Brewing Company or Joshua Tree Brewery, allow or encourage outside food and delivery, providing a flexible dining option. Always check specific details if an in-house kitchen is a priority for you.
Can I bring my kids to brewery restaurants in Palm Springs?
Generally, yes. Most brewery restaurants are family-friendly, especially during daytime and early evening hours. Places like Bubba’s Bones & Brews or Desert Beer Company: Pizza & Pints are often great choices for families. However, it's always wise to confirm specific policies with the establishment beforehand, particularly if you're visiting later in the evening or if your group includes very young children.
How do I find out about special beer releases or events?
The best way to stay informed about new beer releases, food truck schedules, live music, or other special events is by checking the brewery's official website and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram). Many breweries actively post updates on their tap lists and event calendars, ensuring you have the latest information. Signing up for newsletters can also keep you in the loop.
What if someone in my group doesn't like craft beer?
Most brewery restaurants are well-equipped to accommodate non-beer drinkers. Many offer a selection of other beverages, including wine, ciders, hard seltzers, and specialty cocktails. For example, 29 Brews at Taproom 29 features specialty cocktails, while Las Palmas Brewing offers unique options like mint tea and ginger ale, alongside in-house hard seltzer. The culinary focus of these establishments also ensures that everyone can enjoy a great meal.
Your Next Sip and Bite Awaits
The landscape of brewery restaurants in Palm Springs with craft beer is rich and varied, offering something for every palate and preference. From the smoky, comforting embrace of Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern to the artisanal innovation of Las Palmas Brewing, and the upscale elegance of 29 Brews, the choices are compelling. Whether you're seeking a full culinary journey paired with local brews, or a relaxed spot where outside food is welcome, the Greater Palm Springs area delivers.
Take the initiative to explore these unique venues. Savor a meticulously crafted pint alongside a perfectly matched dish. The desert's brewing scene is vibrant, continually evolving, and promises a memorable experience that celebrates the best of both beer and food. Your next great meal, complemented by an exceptional craft beer, is ready and waiting to be discovered.