the Best restaurants & bars in Joshua Tree and Beyond: A Taste of the Basin
Welcome to Diamond Sky Retreat in Joshua Tree - a desert oasis that offers something for everyone, whether you're a road-tripping couple, solo traveler, remote worker, or adventurous explorer.
Beyond Joshua Tree, nearby areas like Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms also offer great places to explore and are only about twenty minutes away by car. Our personal favorites include hidden gems like Tiny Pony Tavern and trendy hangouts like The Copper Room.
Get ready to experience the best bars and restaurants in Joshua Tree.
Tiny Pony Tavern
A Laid-Back Dive Bar with Burgers and Beers on Tap
Tiny Pony Tavern is an old-school dive bar located in downtown Joshua Tree that offers up some of the best drinks and food around. The atmosphere here is laid back and inviting; perfect for kicking back after a long day exploring the park or just hanging out with friends. They boast an array of brews on tap and cocktails crafted with locally sourced components. As far as food goes, they have delicious burgers and sandwiches along with classic sides like fries and onion rings. If you're after a laid-back joint to grab some drinks or grub while in town, Tiny Pony Tavern is the place for you.
The Copper Room
A Can’t Miss Hot Spot that’s Veggie Friendly
The Copper Room is one of the most popular restaurants in town offering upscale dining options at reasonable prices. Located inside an historic building near downtown Joshua Tree, this restaurant serves up dishes inspired by global flavors using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their menu features everything from small plates like hummus platters to entrees such as grilled salmon served over quinoa salad or roasted chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms & spinach over creamy polenta. Plus they also offer vegetarian/vegan-friendly options too so everyone can find something they'll love here.
La Copine Kitchen
A SoCal Spin on French Cuisine
La Copine Kitchen is a must-try for those looking for something truly special during their visit to Joshua Tree National Park. This cozy bistro located near downtown offers an innovative take on French cuisine, incorporating California influences and utilizing top quality ingredients sourced from local farms when available. From Croque Monsieur (a classic French sandwich) to steak frites (steak & french fries) and crepes filled with sweet treats like Nutella & banana slices, La Copine Kitchen has something delicious for everyone.
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grnd sqrl
Artisanal Burgers in a Welcoming Atmosphere
Located in Twentynine Palms, grnd sqrl is a bar/restaurant that serves creative, sustainable, and delicious bites. Using high-quality organic ingredients, they focus on scratch made, elevated and delicious takes on long-time favorites. Their burger is ground fresh every day and they claim it to be the best one around. Maybe you can be the judge? The warm and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the commitment to eco-friendly and compostable packaging, have garnered a loyal following of locals and tourists alike. If you're in the mood for a cold pint of beer and a delicious meal, check out GRND SQRL – your taste buds will thank you.
Giant Rock Meeting Room
Pizza and Beer with a side of Live Music, Bingo, and Trivia
As a pizza shop and bar, the Giant Rock Meeting Room offers a range of delicious pizza options and beer & wine. But that's not all - this place is also known for its special pop-up events and live music nights that keep the vibe fresh and lively.
Whether you're looking to make new friends or just want to kick back and relax, the Giant Rock Meeting Room is the perfect spot to do just that. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home, and you'll leave with new memories of great food, drinks, and music. Don't miss out on bingo and trivia nights on Mondays!
Out There Bar
Dive Bar & Open-Air Patio under the Stars
Out There Bar has become a renowned destination amongst locals and visitors alike due to its vibrant live music scene, which draws people from all walks of life who come together each night beneath the twinkling lights strung across this open-air venue. This creates an atmosphere full of energy and good vibes no matter what genre you prefer listening to; with nightly performances by various bands and musicians playing anything ranging from country, blues, rock, reggae, hip hop etc. Additionally, they also serve tasty pub grub including burgers, tacos, wings, and nachos plus rotating beer specials and happy hour deals - so make sure to check them out if you ever get the chance to experience the true taste of what makes Joshua Tree such a special place to visit.
Kitchen In The Desert
Open Air Dining Under the Stars
Kitchen In The Desert has become a beloved destination for those journeying to Joshua Tree National Park, thanks to their dedication of serving wholesome fare made from locally-sourced ingredients when possible. They strive to create delicious yet nutritious dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized, ready to tackle whatever adventures await the next day ahead. Their menu features a variety of salads, wraps, bowls, smoothies, juices, snacks and desserts so whether you are vegan or vegetarian or omnivore or gluten free or dairy intolerant etc., there is sure to be a dish here that will please your palate and cravings without compromising on health ethics and values they strive maintain in each meal created at Kitchen In The Desert.
Red Dog Saloon
For a taste of Hollywood Western History and Delicious Tacos
Located in the heart of Pioneertown, the Red Dog Saloon is a must-visit for anyone looking for a true taste of the Old West. This historic saloon, which dates back to the 1940s, was originally built by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers when Pioneertown mainly operated as a film set.
But don't let its historic charm fool you – the Red Dog Saloon is still a happening spot for locals and visitors alike. With a rotating selection of craft beers, great cocktails, and delicious tacos, it's the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring the desert.
But perhaps the best part of the Red Dog Saloon is its atmosphere. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you enjoy a cold drink and chat with friendly locals and fellow travelers. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a cowboy or two riding by on horseback.
So saddle up and head on over to the Red Dog Saloon – it's a true gem of the Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and 29 Palms area.
Honorable Mentions
No food and drink guide to the Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and 29 Palms areas would be complete without mentioning some of the other notable spots worth exploring.
The Joshua Tree Saloon has been around since 1929. It's a staple in the area and is one of the closest spots to Diamond Sky Retreat. They offer up an old-school atmosphere with live music on weekends. The bar serves up classic cocktails like whiskey sours and Manhattans along with beer, wine, and spirits. The eatery has a variety of options, including hamburgers, subs, salads, tacos, and wings. Plus they have pool tables so you can challenge your friends or family members while you're there.
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is another must-visit spot just outside of Joshua Tree in Pioneertown. This historic area was built in 1946 as a movie set for western films, but now P&H hosts some of the best live music shows in town. They serve up delicious BBQ dishes such as pulled pork sandwiches and smoked ribs alongside classic sides like mac n cheese and coleslaw. At this renowned venue, they offer a range of tantalizing craft beers from nearby breweries as well as inventive libations like margaritas and mojitos crafted with ingredients freshly picked from their own garden.
If you're in the mood for some home-cooked goodness, look no further than the Country Kitchen, a local favorite that serves up hearty breakfast and lunch dishes with a side of small-town charm.
If you're in a hurry but still want something satisfying, Roadrunner Grab & Go is the perfect pit stop, with its grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options that won't leave you feeling guilty.
Meanwhile, for those with a hankering for healthy fare, Boo's Organic Cafe offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options that taste as good as they are for you.
For beer lovers, the Joshua Tree Brewery is the place to be, with its selection of unique, small-batch brews that will quench your thirst for something different. And if you have a sweet tooth, don't miss Luna Bakery, which features an array of delectable treats, from artisanal bread to indulgent pastries.
The restaurant at the 29 Palms Inn is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, often featuring locally-sourced fare and fresh ingredients from their own garden. Guests can enjoy poolside dining while being treated to live entertainment nightly. Reservations are highly recommended!
Each of these places brings something unique to the table, and we’re certain you’ll find your favorites just as we have during our time in Joshua Tree. So, whether you're in the mood for a classic diner breakfast, a creative cocktail, or a tasty vegan meal, be sure to check out these honorable mentions and discover some of the best local flavors the area has to offer.
Our Full Bar & Restaurant List
(In order of distance from Diamond Sky Retreat)
• Joshua Tree Saloon (6.3 miles) 10-minute drive
• Country Kitchen (6.3 miles) 11-minute drive
• Natural Sisters Café (6.4 miles) 11-minute drive
• Roadrunner Grab+Go (6.4 miles) 11-minute drive
• Boo's Organic Oven (6.5 miles) 11-minute drive
• Joshua Tree Brewery (6.6 miles) 11-minute drive
• Más o Menos (10.9 miles) 16-minute drive
• Giant Rock Meeting Room (12.7 miles) 17-minute drive
• Tiny Pony Tavern (12.3 miles) 20-minute drive
• Aki Sushi (12.6 miles) 20-minute drive
• La Copine (16.8 miles) 23-minute drive
• Awe Bar (13.7 miles) 23-minute drive
• Luna Bakery (14.1 miles) 23-minute drive
• grnd sqrl (18.4 miles) 25-minute drive
• Campbell Hill Bakery (18.4 miles) 25-minute drive
• Pappy & Harriets (18.5 miles) 26-minute drive
• Kitchen in the Desert (18.9 miles) 26-minute drive
• Out There Bar (19 miles) 26-minute drive
• Red Dog Saloon (19.7 miles) 28-minute drive
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