Elmer's Restaurant

1030 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264

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Hours

Open daily 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Phone(760) 327-8419
WebsiteVisit Website

About

Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs food awaits at the nostalgic Elmer's Restaurant in Palm Springs, California.

With deep roots in the community dating back to 1960, Elmer's has been a beloved dining spot, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Originally known as Elmer's Colonial Pancake House, the eatery gained popularity amidst a rising countercultural movement.

Fast forward six decades and Elmer's Restaurant has managed to maintain its charm and appeal. The restaurant is now a part of Thomason Hospitality Group, owned by seasoned restaurateur Dave Thomason.

Despite the change in ownership, the spirit of Elmer's remains intact, preserving the classic recipes that made it famous.

While the culinary experience at Elmer's is essential, the atmosphere is equally important. Walking in, you're greeted by friendly staff who are genuinely happy to see you. The interiors exude a cozy vibe, making you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Palm Springs is known for its vibrant dining scene, and Elmer's Restaurant stands out with its timeless appeal and consistently good food.

When exploring this desert oasis, drop by Elmer's Restaurant. The combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere is bound to make your dining experience memorable.

Vibe

Elmer's Restaurant in Palm Springs is a beloved local institution that has been serving the community since 1960. It exudes a quintessentially Palm Springs vibe, seamlessly blending a sense of nostalgia with an appealing contemporary charm.

Elmer's exterior is inviting, with its classic diner aesthetic harking back to the mid-century era when Palm Springs first became a hotspot for Hollywood's elite.

There's an airiness about the place that is typical of the desert city. With beautiful outdoor seating areas, patrons can enjoy the balmy weather and stunning mountain views while dining.

Inside, Elmer's continues to carry forward its nostalgic vibe with decor reminiscent of an old-school diner. However, it does so without feeling outdated.

The interior is bright and spacious, with large windows letting plenty of natural light and offering outdoor views.

Comfortable seating options range from booths to tables, accommodating intimate gatherings and larger groups. The walls are adorned with historic photographs and memorabilia that pay tribute to the restaurant's long-standing history and the city's illustrious past.

Elmer's Restaurant's vibe is nostalgic and charming, showcasing casual comfort and warm hospitality. A meal at Elmer's will surely be a memorable part of your Palm Springs experience.

Elmer's Restaurant: Menu & Drinks

While there are plenty of fine dining opportunities in Palm Springs, every now and then, there's nothing quite as satisfying as comfort food!

For breakfast, one can't pass up on the scrumptious German Pancakes. These decadent pancakes resemble Crater Lake in size and looks! They feature lemon wedges, whipped butter, and powdered sugar. Add strawberry or lingonberry butter for an additional cost and wow factor.

Moving on to entrees, one standout is the Pioneer Chicken-Fried Steak. This mouth-watering dish is served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and creamy country gravy. The chicken-fried steak is a classic comfort food, and Elmer's does not disappoint. The steak is tender, the batter crispy and the sauce brings it together in a symphony of flavors.

Another highlight is the Roasted Turkey Breast. The turkey is roasted to perfection, juicy, and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a lighter meat option.

The Beer-Battered Fish & Chips is a must-try for those who prefer seafood. The fish is fried golden brown, with the beer batter providing a distinctive flavor, setting it apart from other fish and chips dishes.

When it comes to specialty drinks, Elmer's offers a variety of options. Their Hot Chocolate is a comforting classic, perfect for those cooler Palm Springs evenings. Rich and creamy, it's the ideal beverage to end your meal.

Elmer's Restaurant has the perfect combo of delicious food, warm service, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a dining experience not to be missed.

Local Tips

  • Breakfast is served from opening to when they close.
  • They offer beer, wine, and mimosas; call Elmer's to learn what's available.
  • Their menu changes seasonally, so there's always something new to try.
  • Despite its popularity, the restaurant maintains a cozy ambiance, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed meal.
  • Don't forget to try their Stuffed Hash Browns, a traditional favorite among the regulars.

Location

1030 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264

Frequently Asked Questions

Fall, winter, and spring are the most popular times to visit Palm Springs due to mild temperatures, outdoor activities, pool season, and a strong calendar of festivals and cultural events.

October is, arguably, the best month to visit Palm Springs. The weather is sunny and warm (but not too hot). And because October is part of the shoulder season, large crowds have not yet descended upon the town. The cost of accommodations is also typically lower during this time than it is during the high season, which runs from January to May.

The average temperature in Palm Springs in the winter (December to February) is 40°F at night to about 75°F during the day.

The average Palm Springs temperature during the summer (July through September) is 101°F during the day and 70° degrees F at night.

In the summer months, you'll want to pack shorts, short-sleeves or tank tops, and of course bathing suits. It's also a good idea to bring a lightweight sweater or top for the evenings or for over-air-conditioned buildings. During the winter months, you may want to add a few long pants and long-sleeve shirts, as well as a jacket for the evenings. Deserts lose heat at night, and so Palm Springs can get surprisingly cool after dark - plus, you’ll want to bring along warmer clothes if venturing up to Mount San Jacinto Peak.


Palm Springs is only about 2 hours from L.A. or San Diego by car, or around 4 hours if driving from Phoenix or Las Vegas. This makes it a prime southwestern drive-to destination. For those flying to Palm Springs, you may opt to fly directly to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) or to the neighboring John Wayne Airport (JWA) in Orange County, or LAX. If flying in, consider renting a car as the desert has plenty of space to roam.

The closest hot springs to Palm Springs can actually be found in Desert Hot Springs, about 20 minutes north of downtown.

With near picture-perfect weather and temps throughout most of the year, Palm Springs is a terrific destination for extended stays, events, and festivals. Our Palm Springs vacation rentals offer a wide selection of long-term and snowbird options for longer stays in this sunny desert oasis. Golf aficionados will surely want to extend their swing and explore why Greater Palm Springs is known as the “Golf Capital of the West”.

Vacation rentals in Palm Springs range in location and size, from luxury condos to sprawling vacation villas, and from iconic mid-century modern homes to contemporary classics that can comfortably fit several families. Palm Springs is a driving town, with accessible routes to major attractions in and around the valley.

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