The Thirsty Palms

About

Switzerland is far removed from Palm Springs, yet you'll find a taste of Europe at The Thirsty Palms.

Founded by Urs and Alja, the restaurant reflects Urs's skills honed under Switzerland's top chefs since 1988. Together, they bring a depth of European culinary tradition to California.

The Thirsty Palms is easily accessible and promises an inviting dining experience. The restaurant's setting is designed to cater to various preferences, offering outdoor seating, private dining options, and even a full bar with a selection of wine and beer.

This versatility makes it ideal for different occasions, whether casual brunch or a more formal private gathering.

It opens its doors from 8 am to 10 pm from Thursday to Monday, offering a full day of culinary delights. Tuesdays are reserved for early risers and lunch-goers, with opening hours from 8 am to 2 pm. Notably, the restaurant remains closed on Wednesdays, allowing for a brief respite before it welcomes guests again with its enticing flavors.

Vibe

As you step into The Thirsty Palms, you are greeted by an ambiance that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Palm Springs - a seamless blend of sophistication and relaxation.

The restaurant's interior exudes a rustic café charm, characterized by cozy and inviting décor.

The seating arrangements are thoughtfully designed to cater to different preferences, offering a comfortable and engaging dining environment. Whether you sit close to the door, where the boundary between inside and outside blurs, or prefer the more intimate indoor seating, the restaurant ensures a pleasant and welcoming experience.

The Thirsty Palms extends its inviting vibe with outdoor seating options. This allows diners to enjoy the beautiful Palm Springs weather, adding an element of al fresco dining to their experience. The outdoor area is perfect for those who appreciate a meal under the open sky, be it a sunny brunch or a starlit dinner.

The Thirsty Palms: Menu & Drinks

The Thirsty Palms, the menu blends refreshing choices that tantalize the taste buds. Start with the Watermelon Salad, a delightful combination of juicy watermelon, crisp baby spinach, and grape tomatoes, complemented by the sharpness of blue cheese crumbles and dressed in a house-smoked vinaigrette.

The Saffron Salmon stands out for the main course. It's a perfectly pan-seared salmon filet with delicate saffron sauce and rice. Alternatively, the Spaghetti Al Pesto Verde offers a heartier choice with homemade pesto, broccoli, red bell peppers, champignon, garlic, and Parmesan, creating a symphony of flavors.

To accompany your meal, The Thirsty Palms presents a selection of classic and unique cocktails. The Old Fashioned is timeless, blending bourbon with bitters and demerara for a smooth and sophisticated sip. And for a tropical twist, the Lime in the Coconut combines rum with lime juice and coconut cream, topped with coconut flakes, transporting you to a beachside paradise with every sip.

For elegant European fare in an inviting ambiance, dine at The Thirsty Palms. It will transport your Palm Springs getaway to the top of the Alps!

Local Tips

The Thirsty Palms offers a relaxed dining experience with a blend of Italian, Swiss, and American cuisines.
The restaurant provides a Swiss fondue experience on Thursdays and Fridays.
Check out Happy Hour daily from 2–6 pm for deals on drinks and small bites.
Be sure to savor breakfast or brunch at The Thirsty Palms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs?

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.

What's the weather like in Palm Springs?

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.

What's the best way to get to Palm Springs?

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.

Are there hot springs in Palm Springs?

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

Is Palm Springs a good destination for events and longer stays?

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”.

Are vacation rentals in Palm Springs close to downtown and major attractions?

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.