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Rockwood Grill and Blue Star Lounge, Palm Desert, CA

Rockwood Grill and Blue Star Lounge

4.6
4.6
1279 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
The elegant dinning experience at the Rockwood Grill in the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is a fantastic representation of American cuisine. Come enjoy our menu full of local ingredients and flavorful fare.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 6:30 am–11:30 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (760) 341-1788
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Eric Theiss
  • Neighborhood
    Palm Desert
  • Cross street
    Cook and Country Club
  • Parking details
    Valet is available for a fee. Self parking is complementary for restaurant guest.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

What 1,279 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

1,279 Reviews
  1. Loreo

    St. Louis

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious from the salmon to the steaks, dessert was also fantastic! Service was spot on and the atmosphere amazing. The black swans were hanging out in the water close to our table..beautiful.

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  2. Jeffer

    Portland

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service and excellent food. The focaccia bread was exceptional. Nice wine list and generous pour? 🤗

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  3. BrianL

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Nice but very over priced for what you get offered at the Buffet . Salad in a 10 oz. water glass , and selection of food was limited . Just paying for the atmosphere ,

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  4. JanetK

    Orange County

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience2
    Very disappointed with the quality and value of the food. There wasn't much difference from the continental vs. full breakfast buffet in terms of food. With inflation one would think the quality for the price you're paying would match. Also, the server, Brayan (Bryan) was only around in the beginning and disappeared for a while so we had to ask another server to help with our bill.

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  5. Tiger

    Calgary

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Booked Thanksgiving dinner-a buffet. Our reservation was 7.30pm, and while certain dishes on offer were still available others were not. This was particularly true of the desserts. The turkey and roast beef were delicious, as were the sage gravy and the mashed potatoes. However many of the side dishes seemed to have been sitting around for some time and as such were not as palatable as one would’ve hoped. This was not a cheap evening, particularly for us, visiting from Canada with the exchange rate definitely not in our favour. None of which would have mattered if we felt the food was worth what we paid. The surroundings are quite lovely, no question and the black swans are a nice touch- alive and swimming in the restaurant side lagoon. Overall experience was a little disappointing in truth. We will know for next time. Maybe an earlier reservation would’ve helped.

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  6. JeffH

    Los Angeles

    66 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best buffets I’ve ever been to The variety and quality of the different items made for a real dining pleasure

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  7. JeannineG

    Phoenix

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Thanksgiving buffet is now $130 per person with an 18% gratuity tacked on. While there was LOTS of variety, I think that’s a ridiculously high price.

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  8. WaltT

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    My family and I decided to have Thanksgiving dinner at the restaurant. The diversity and general quantity of the food was good but the quality just wasn’t there. For the price I expected higher quality than what you can get at a Las Vegas buffet but alas it came up short. Was particularly disappointed that they ran out of items even though we had a 3PM reservation and the buffet went until after 7pm. I’m a Marriott Titanium Elite member with thousands of nights and dinners at their properties across the country but have to say the quality of Marriott offerings both in terms of rooms and food has slipped considerably post Covid. Would have been better if I just had a burger by the pool.

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  9. Gabbie

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our 3rd year attending this Thanksgiving Day buffet because we enjoy it so much. It is expensive to be sure but we have decided that a splurge every now and then is ok. The variety and quality of food is excellent. In the past they have always had a large selection of sushi but this year changed to a poke station. I hope they bring back the sushi!

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great way to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family. Outstanding selection of well prepared food in a spectacular setting.

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  11. FromMinnesota

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a fabulous place to have Thanksgiving dinner(buffet). We are from Minnesota and it was soooo nice to be able to sit outside and enjoy the ambience of being on the patio. What a bonus!!!

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was perfect - didn’t realize live music and champagne were part of it- thanks so much!! Service was outstanding- thank you again-

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  13. AdamM

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The Thanksgiving buffet was extremely expensive compared to previous years. It's an amazing buffet but not worth $130 per person.

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  14. girlsniteout

    Portland

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Quantity, not quality, for Thanksgiving buffet. Ridiculously expensive ($130!) for cold fish and soggy vegetables, measly out of the box desserts, so-so service. Honestly - shame to see the continued decline of this hotel restaurant.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rockwood Grill is THE place for the Thanksgiving feast! We lived sitting outside, in the water. Rooms full of delicious food. Attentive service. A boat ride after the meal at the resort. Yum!

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  16. JonF

    Portland

    172 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    172 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were promptly seated in a nice locale on the outdoor terrace, and both the service and food were excellent. This is our third time eating at the restaurant and we will be back next time we’re in town. 

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  17. MarkL

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Great ambiance on the lake. Black swans swimming around. Excellent food.

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  18. LindaP

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Food was great, service was very slow. There were a number of employees working at the time we were there, but no one seemed to know what they were doing. Dirty tables the entire time we had lunch.

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  19. JeffH

    Los Angeles

    66 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    An excellent buffet. Between the four of us we tried virtually everything and everything was delicious I only missed the guava pastries I had there several years ago (pre-covid.

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  20. catherinem

    Los Angeles

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, the view was spectacular and the service was amazing!

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  21. BethB

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great. The Brussel sprouts had an amazing flavor. Any place that serves halibut, cooked perfectly is a place I will return to again. The staff was very attentive and our table by the water was very relaxing.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very unhappy with the fact their is a valet charge. In fact we had scheduled spa services for Monday for my sister and I. We cancelled our services because of this.

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  23. Vicheinz

    New York Area

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rockwood Grill is a must every time we come to Palm Desert. The steaks are excellent, cooked to perfection. The scallops are also prepared perfectly. The wait staff are very attentive! Perfect restaurant for a special occasion!

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  24. MikeH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food quality and service was even better!! Our server, Nick, was so friendly, had great knowledge of the menu and he truly made this a great dining experience. Can’t beat the outside view!

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Elena was our server - but that term does not describe the role she played in our evening. Originally from Verona Italy, Elena single handedly curated a comforting meal into the most memorable experience of our vacation to Palm Desert. She elevated service to an art-form and should teach a master class. Spettacolar!

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  26. AllisonJ

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The evening was wonderful, food was delicious and the service was excellent.

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  27. LynnetteW

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Disappointed in the food. Filet mignon was tough- special cocktails bland. Scallops so so. Risotto was cold Don’t think we’ll be going back. Ambience on patio at night nice with the water, lights and black swans.

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  28. Mari

    Central Coast

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food and ambience was great as always. But we could smell gas fumes coming from the fire pit

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  29. kevink

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bryan was awesome server. The staff was amazingly helpful, kind and attentive.

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  30. MiamiDoll

    San Diego

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Absolutely fabulous atmosphere! It’s a resort style hotel in the desert with amazing views. The Outdoor dining area is lakeside. We enjoyed dinner and drinks while watching black swans and ducks meander through the water fountains and throughout the lake. It was absolutely beautiful! Our waiter Lance was nothing short of perfection. I’d like to commend the management at Rockwood Grill for hiring such a personality. For dinner I had the caprese salad, lamb and a side of spinach. My husband had the wedge salad, filet mignon and garlic mashed potatoes. We shared the grilled artichoke appetizer which is a must when you visit. The surrounding lounges made me want to stop and take it all in. Definitely a spot to bring out of town guests or whatever the occasion may be. In my humble opinion one would be hard pressed to find an all around more enjoyable location for a restaurant.

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  31. Thomas

    Tahoe

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Always a good choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner

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  32. LenPS

    Los Angeles

    49 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Victor is an awesome server - very attentive, friendly, etc. I dined at Rockwood three times during my stay . Twice, the hostess - I didn't catch her name - long dark hair in a ponytail - was on the phone ignoring the line of customers - smiling, laughing, talking - not paying attention. At one point, there were 7 people in line. Ridiculous. If she has a job answering the phone, put her somewhere other than at the host stand. That was a very poor reflection on the entire resort. Other than her, the rest of the team was great - the food and atmosphere was great as usual. I've dined at Rockwood MANY times over the years.

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  33. RitaA

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server (I forgot her name) she is from Italy, she was very attentive, friendly & helpful. Next time we dine there we will definitely request her!

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  34. FactoryKitchenFan

    Los Angeles

    110 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    110 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful location; outstanding service, delicious menu choices and cocktails and wine.

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  35. Valsquared

    Calgary

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A quiet, intimate setting with unobtrusive and attentive service. Gourmet cuisine charmingly presented. A true taste experience. Unforgettable.

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  36. RobertC

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful decor. Great wine list. The food from the appetisers to the dessert were outstanding. All the servers were courteous and professional! Bravo Rockwood!

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  37. BDWillinois

    Chicago

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I ordered the filet and it was cooked perfectly. It was tender and melt in the mouth good. My wife and mother both had the scallops. They were seared perfectly and delicious. I would highly recommend Rockwood Grill.

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  38. MikeSue

    San Francisco

    92 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Very tasty food with good portions. We had Ethan for our server who was fantastic! Evening view over the water with lights was perfect! We’ll be back again and again😎🍷

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  39. MaryL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was perfect. They let us split meal because I don't eat that much, it made it perfect for both of us! Food was delicious and service was great!

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  40. Richard

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Our dinners were excellent...the salmon and steak. Natalie was our server and was a pro at handling our food allergies. Great experience and strongly recommend the Rockwood Grill!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Rockwood Grill and Blue Star Lounge is rated 4.6 stars by 1279 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today
Google Map for Rockwood Grill and Blue Star Lounge

74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Cook and Country Club
  • Neighborhood
    Palm Desert
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 6:30 am–11:30 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet is available for a fee. Self parking is complementary for restaurant guest.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Eric Theiss
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine
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