Best Casual Restaurants in La Quinta

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Palm Springs / Palm Desert

Neighborhoods

Indian WellsIndioLa QuintaPalm DesertRancho Mirage

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for craft beer

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

41 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Kiki's La Quinta

4.6

Exceptional(634)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Indian Wells

Booked 6 times today

Our restaurant prides its self in excellent food, wine, cocktails & experiences! Our Michelin trained chef has curated an amazing menu of modern Italian food, using quality ingredients you simply can't find in the valley! We can not wait to welcome you into our version of a New York Italian restaurant, brought to you from native New Yorker Italians!

2. Twenty6

4.2

Awesome(1006)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • La Quinta

Booked 6 times today

Imagine a place with the same level of food and drink one would find in a hip culinary destination like LA or New York, and have a vibrant ambience to accompany the experience. Now imagine finding that place in the relaxing destination of La Quinta.A modern American bistro where fresh food, great drinks and fabulous friends come together. Bar Twenty 6 is a lively spot where locals and visitors meet for appetizers, California wines by the glass, draft beer and signature drinks. Twenty 6 serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round and features a new bar/lounge, a redesigned dining area, and a semi-private dining room. A main attraction and place to socialize is the patio inviting guests to gather around over a drink or a meal - capturing fantastic desert weather.

A photo of RD RNNR Libations Pints & Plates restaurant

3. RD RNNR Libations Pints & Plates

4.6

Exceptional(1154)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Quinta

Booked 10 times today

RD RNNR Libations, Pints & Plates is here to bring a new experience to our locals! It is dedicated to specializing in Craft American fare with fresh ingredients, great value and an invigorating casual dining atmosphere.Our focus is warm and genuine service, local farm to table produce, creative cocktails and a well balanced selection of rotating taps! The RD RNNR vibe is hip and exciting and all right in the heart of our beloved Old Town La Quinta!*And yes, we are pronounced roadrunner !!

A photo of Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern restaurant

4. Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern

4.1

Excellent(1056)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Indio

Booked 10 times today

Welcome to Babe’s Smokehouse & TavernA sanctuary of refined indulgence, Babe’s blends rustic charm with country club elegance. Newly built from the ground up, Babe’s is more than a smokehouse—it’s an experience, steeped in the effortless beauty of the Coachella Valley.Indulge in a bold re-imagined menu, where time-honored smoking techniques meet modern culinary mastery. From exquisitely smoked delicacies to tallow-fried creations, every dish is a tribute to bold, elevated flavors. Sip on a handcrafted martini at our seamless indoor-outdoor bar, or bask in the allure of our shaded, heated, and misted patio.At Babe’s, dining is more than a meal—it’s an escape. We eagerly await the pleasure of your company.

5. The Grill on Main

4.5

Awesome(1309)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Quinta

Booked 5 times today

The Grill on Main in La Quinta! Come down to the Grill on Main for an exciting new approach to American fare, featuring fresh cuisine with a lively atmosphere. Our menu features traditional American favorites, seafood, steak, pasta and specialty sandwiches and burgers. We also offer microbrews, full bar and a great wine list. Dine inside or on our relaxing, pet-friendly patio.

6. Cork & Fork

4.4

Awesome(2928)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Indio

Booked 9 times today

A truly unique restaurant and bar , featuring the award winning signature cuisine of Executive Chef & Owner Andie Hubka. Cork & Fork has been a locals favorite since 2013.Cork & Fork was the Desert areas first wine bar & small plates kitchen, showcasing fabulous affordable wines from around the world and incredible dishes to go with them. In our new location we now also offer an expanded menu along with craft cocktails and a rotating Chef's tasting menu featuring eclectic ingredients and familiar foods done with a twist in Chef Hubka's signature style. This is a one of a kind, award winning spot for foodies , wine lovers and cocktail fans to come together in a sexy and stylish space with soaring floor to ceiling windows and indoor/outdoor dining to bring in that gorgeous Desert vibe.Please request patio seating when making your reservation if you prefer outdoor dining, and we will accommodate you when possible.

7. Jackalope Ranch

3.9

Excellent(744)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Indio

JACKALOPE RANCH RETURNS!!!Enjoy our mouth watering smokey meats with an ice cold refresher while escaping into The Jackalope Ranch. Amaze your gaze upon the lavish interior designs and relax with the palm breeze. Inspired by western culture with a Southwest Californian twist. Jackalope Ranch is a popular restaurant and event venue located in Indio, California. Known for its rustic and lively atmosphere, it offers a diverse menu featuring Southwestern and American cuisine. With its beautiful desert surroundings and extensive outdoor seating, Jackalope Ranch provides a memorable dining experience for locals and visitors alike.The rustic charm of the venue, adorned with beautiful southwestern decor, sets the stage for unforgettable celebrations. The expansive outdoor spaces, including lush gardens and stunning desert landscapes, create a picturesque backdrop to provide a memorable experience with its scenic ambiance, delectable catering options, and attentive service.

8. TQLAS

4.2

Awesome(150)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Quinta

Booked 4 times today

Looking for a Mexican delight? TQLAS (pronounced tequilas!) is where it's at! Step inside our vibrant, colorful spot, instantly feeling right at home. But it's not just the atmosphere that sets TQLAS apart – it's the food! Our menu blends traditional and modern Mexican dishes, bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients. Tacos, burritos, ceviche, guacamole – everything's here to tantalize your taste buds. And the drinks? TQLAS has the valley's largest Tequila collection and a great selection of margaritas and cocktails. Whether it's a fun night out or a casual family dinner, TQLAS is perfect. Friendly service and delicious food await. So why wait? Come experience TQLAS today!

A photo of Mélange Restaurant & Bar at the Chateau Lake La Quinta restaurant

9. Mélange Restaurant & Bar at the Chateau Lake La Quinta

4.2

Awesome(1365)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Quinta

Booked 1 time today

The only lakeside dining in the greater Palm Springs area, Mélange, located in the luxury boutique hotel, the Chateau at Lake La Quinta, offers exquisitely prepared food using only the finest ingredients procured from small California family farms. Classic dishes prepared with a contemporary flair with lighter more flavorful sauces infused with fresh herbs, grown in the herb garden at the Chateau, Mélange offers modern cuisine for those who enjoy eating and living well. A remarkable new desert experience!Reservations Recommended

10. The Local on 50th

4.3

Awesome(45)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Quinta

Booked 5 times today

Exciting News for Our Valued Guests! We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in our journey—our rebrand! We are proudly operating under our fresh, new name: The Local on 50th! This rebrand reflects our ever-growing vision and the expanded range of services we’re now offering, including the exciting news that we have our full liquor license. But don't worry—our commitment to delivering the exceptional quality and service you love is stronger than ever. Our new website www.thelocalon50th.com is up and being refined, but you can already reach us at local@thelocalon50th.com or give us a call at (760) 776-7030. Thank you for your continued support! We can’t wait to welcome you to The Local on 50th and continue serving you in style!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Vancouver / British Columbia •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great ambiance and fun, lively environment. Shared the Chicken Parm full order and Caesar salad and it was great! It is our new favorite spot and service was exceptional.
More info
Kiki's La QuintaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Indian Wells
•
4.6
M
murray
California Central Coast •22 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Waitress was helpful and thoughtful. The baby back ribs were a little dry for me, but the chicken was delicious. Next time I will try the Saint Louis Ribs. BTW..the summer side salad was excellent. Corn was good as well.
More info
Babe’s Smokehouse & TavernPrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Indio
•
4.1
M
MarisolVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
We got there as happy hour was ending. It was very loud and music up to high. The food was good.
More info
The Grill on MainPrice: Moderate• American• La Quinta
•
4.5
K
Kerry
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 16, 2025
Jacob, our server in the bar, was excellent. Great customer service and patient with my husband. We will ask for him from now on.
More info
RD RNNR Libations Pints & PlatesPrice: Moderate• American• La Quinta
•
4.6
V
Vincent
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 7, 2025
We ate outside and it was quite just the sound of the waterfall
More info
Twenty6Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• La Quinta
•
4.2

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