2 days ago
Where to take Dad for Father's Day: 7 Coachella Valley restaurants with dining specials
Father's Day is this weekend, and a good meal is one of the best ways to say thank you. The Coachella Valley is full of options, ranging from steakhouses to brunch spots.
This year, skip the neck ties and novelty gifts, and treat Dad to a brunch or dining experience that fits his flavor, from a pizza party to a Belgian-inspired brunch.
Here are seven spots in the local area offering comfort, quality and character to make Dad feel appreciated this Father's Day.
Three restaurants at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino — Bistro, POM and Fresh Grill Buffet — are offering Father's Day specials with menus curated by its culinary team and Executive Chef Freddy Rieger.
Bistro will feature a 16-ounce ribeye steak, loaded baked potato, grilled vegetables, pinot noir demi-glace and smoked bone marrow butter at $68 per person. If Dad has a craving for fruits of the sea, POM is the place to be with Maine lobster meat, shrimp, mussels, Manila clams, angel hair pasta in seafood tomato broth with a garlic crostini and soup of the day.
For dad and the rest of the family, sometimes love can be defined by "all you can eat." The Fresh Grill Buffet will have plenty to choose from during its brunch service with made-to-order omelets, eggs Benedict, chicken fried steak, country gravy, cheese blintzes, griddle favorites and traditional sides. The buffet also includes fresh salads, seafood, prime rib, maple-roasted turkey breast, honey-glazed Virginia ham and much more.
When: Bistro is open 5-10 p.m.; POM is open noon to 11 p.m. and The Fresh Grill Buffet is open 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for brunch and 3:30-9 p.m. for dinner on Sunday, June 15
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: $68 per person at Bistro; $38 per person at POM; and $52.99 adults, $39.99 for children 5-10 and free for kids 4 and under at The Fresh Grill Buffet
More info: Reservations are recommended and can be secured at
Treat dad to a hearty brunch at Porta Via Palm Desert this Sunday. Eggs Benedict, eggs royale, rigatoni with spicy vodka sauce, orange ginger stir fry, grilled ora king salmon, chicken paillard, and many more items are on the menu, and you can wash your dish down with your choice of a variety of juices, non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails.
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with brunch service until 2 p.m., on Sunday, June 15
Where: Porta Via, 73-100 El Paseo, Palm Desert
Cost: Varies
More info: Reservations are available at
If you're looking to splurge and treat Dad to a fine dining experience on his special day, Wally's Desert Turtle is a good choice. From Icelandic pan-seared salmon to a rack of lamb, this restaurant has various entrees to accommodate many tastes and preferences. Enjoy desserts such as baked Alaska, warm lava cake and more. Father's Day is also the restaurant's last day of the season before closing until the fall.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Wally's Desert Turtle, 71-775 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Varies
More info: Reservations are available at
The Southwest-meets-SoCal vibe at Jackalope Ranch is an ideal setting for a Father's Day meal, and the special menu of the day includes a chef's salad table featuring salmon, carne asada, fruit and more. Selections from the carvery feature roasted wagyu and prime meats.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Jackalope Ranch, 80-400 Highway 111, Indio
Cost: $55 per adult, $29 per child
More info:
If you've never tried this European bistro with Belgian-inspired dishes, the red cafe chairs and hand-painted murals will make for a tranquil meal. Si Bon's Father's Day brunch special features appetizer options such as a shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad with duck breast prosciutto, and chilled vichyssoise soup. Entrees include the restaurant's renowned Wiener Schnitzel, New York strip steak, sautéed chicken scallopini, and pan-fried branzino. As a bonus, try the baked apple tart for dessert.
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: 40-101 Monterey Ave., Suite E5, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Varies, see full menu at website listed below
More info: Reservations can be secured at
If you're feeling generous and want to treat dad to a ritzy Father's Day experience, Morton's is the place to go. The Father's Day Feature, valid June 13-15, is the 14-ounce, dry-aged ribeye or the 16-ounce "Proprietary" Cajun ribeye with thick-cut onion rings and black truffle aioli for $75. The featured cocktail will be the Morton's Godfather.
When: 4-10 p.m. Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14; 2-9 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Morton's The Steakhouse, 74-880 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $75
More info: Reservations are available at
Looking for a free option for Father's Day dining? The Shops is teaming up with Stuft Pizza and the Palm Desert YMCA to throw the ultimate Father's Day weekend kickoff party — and it's all family friendly and completely free. In addition to free pizza while supplies last, attendees can also enjoy giveaways, a live DJ, crafts, games and an Instagram contest to keep the memories alive.
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, June 13
Where: The Shops at Palm Desert, 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission
More info:
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs restaurants for Father's Day: 7 dining deals to consider
