Best Drag Show
Creatures of the Night at Bart Lounge
If you’re as obsessed with drag as I am, you have to check out the Creatures of the Night alt-drag Show at Bart Lounge (67555 E Palm Canyon Drive, No. 124, in Cathedral City) on Wednesday nights. The show starts around 10:30 p.m., and let me tell you—it’s not your typical drag performance. This is some of the most creative, jaw-dropping drag you’ll see in the desert.
Picture this: AFAB queens belly-dancing with live snakes. Diva Plavalaguna (from The Fifth Element) serenading the crowd with a violin while lip-syncing to Chinese opera. A full-on lizard person leading an aerobics class. You never know what to expect, but one thing’s for sure: It’s going to blow your mind.
The crowd tends to be younger and queerer than attendees of many shows in the Coachella Valley, probably because of the late start time. But trust me: This show is totally worth it—even if it means you’ll need an extra cup of coffee to get through Thursday. Learn more at www.instagram.com/creaturesofthenightdrag. —Charles Drabkin
Best Thai Vegetable Preparations
Blue Orchid Thai Bistro
Sitting snugly in the little shopping center on the southwest corner of Highway 111 and Highway 74 in Palm Desert (but with the official address of 73030 El Paseo), Blue Orchid Thai Bistro is my go-to when I get a Thai food craving. I’ve been going for years and have yet to try anything that was less than stellar.
The true beauty of the food at Blue Orchid, however, is their vegetables: They are always fresh and perfectly cooked so that they’re still crunchy and/or juicy when they should be.
My recommendations are almost as numerous as the items on the entire menu, but if I had to make only a few, I’d go with the drunken noodles, prik king or any of the six delicious curries, The spicy eggplant is a slam dunk, too.
Blue Orchid saved me during the COVID-19 lockdowns with their well-run online ordering system. A word of caution is in order, though: Don’t go higher than a three on their one-to-five spice scale. That scale is exponential, and you will pay for your hubris. —Brett Newton
Best Minty Sweet Treat
The Mint Cacao Nib at Carmela Ice Cream
The Coachella Valley is home to lots of great ice cream joints, thanks to our 350-plus sunny days a year—and my current favorite sweet treat is the Mint Cacao Nib at Carmela Ice Cream, at 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive, inside the Flannery Exchange.
I know that mint can be a controversial ice cream flavor, but it doesn’t have to be. The mint here is light and refreshing—not overpowering or toothpaste-like. The cocoa nibs add a nice crunch and a deep, chocolaty, almost nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of mint ice cream, don’t worry; Carmela has plenty of other flavors to choose from, like Pear Champagne, Candied Pecan and Rocky Road.
For me, the texture of ice cream is almost as important as the flavor, and Carmela’s is smooth, with no ice crystals and no gumminess. Since the flavors change with the seasons, there’s always something new to try, so you’re sure to find a flavor you love! Learn more at carmelaicecream.com. —Charles Drabkin
Best Takeout Sushi
Hibachi2Go
If you’re a serious sushi fan like me, but you’re not fond of high price tags on your favorite nigiri or cut roll choice, try ordering some nicely prepared and extremely fresh seafood and fish from Hibachi2Go, at 77920 Country Club Drive, in Palm Desert.
The interior of the restaurant is small, but the takeout offerings are nicely presented, generous in serving size and great-tasting. If you’re not a sushi aficionado, there are extensive hibachi and appetizer options to enjoy as well. Learn more at hibachi-2go.com. —Kevin Fitzgerald
Best Tacos
Tacos El Viejon
Tacos, you say? They’re ubiquitous in the Coachella Valley—but the fare at Tacos El Viejon is a step above.
Tucked into a strip mall at 51697 Harrison St. in Coachella, the homestyle restaurant is a tasty find in a veritable taco town. Set your GPS, and resist distraction. (The area is lousy with tacos, I’m just saying.) Don’t pass on the crunchy ceviche tostada as an appetizer, or the sumptuous shrimp cocktail, both piled high with avocado. The menu includes chilaquiles, pozole, machaca and huaraches. And then there are the mouth-watering tacos—with 16 fillings including birria, shrimp, fish, tripa and lengua, pollo, pastor and more, all on house-made corn or flour tortillas.
Tacos El Viejon serves breakfast, starting at 8:30 a.m. on weekends and 10 a.m. on weekdays. You can have huevos almost any way you like. (I counted seven.) They’re open until 9 p.m. every night. Most patrons come for takeout, but if want to sit down, there are micheladas and chavelas to be had. A couple of big screens are always on, and there’s plenty of space. The staff is warm and helpful, making Tacos El Viejon a great place for a not-so-late-night wind down. Find them on Facebook to get more information. —Haleemon Anderson
Best Weiner Dog-Themed Retail
Beans Goods
Flannery Exchange, at 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive in uptown Palm Springs, has a number of delightful stop-offs, from the satisfying concoctions of Cafe La Jefa to the quiet luxury of jewelry store Covet PS. But it’s the candy-colored and utterly hilarious collections at Beans Goods that gave me the most joy of any place I’ve visited in the valley this year.
Bean Goods sells dachshund-themed merch for people and pups, including apparel, housewares and—of course—chew toys. It celebrates the “wiener dog” in all its goofy glory, and bills itself as a place for “rad goods for doxie lovers.”
It’s an unexpected and hilarious store for visitors of all ages—particularly for those who aren’t too self-serious. The items on sale are emblazoned with cheeky turns of phrase (Weenies and Martinis), pop culture references (Hold Me Closer, Tiny Dachshund) and not-so-subtle innuendo (Swingin’ Wieners Golf Club). One of the most recent drops pays homage to pop-star Chappell Roan with The Pink Weenie Club. There’s also a nice range of goods that reference Palm Springs for travelers looking to commemorate their stay.
Beyond the singular style, Bean Goods is also really good at being a business. Items are hand-printed and made to order, so there’s no excess inventory floating around. There are frequently new collections dropping to keep the stock rotating, including seasonal themes (The Night Before Weenmas or Dach the Halls, for instance). And they give a portion of every purchase to dachshund-rescue organizations.
The brand has been around since 2011 as an e-commerce operation, and its brick and mortar spot in Flannery Exchange celebrated its first anniversary this November. We can only estimate how many visitors have been delighted by its presence since then, whether on two legs or four. Visit beangoods.com. —Melissa Daniels
Best All-Day Mexican Breakfast
El Rodeo Cafe
Let’s be honest: When you think of the cities in the desert with the best, most-authentic Mexican cuisine, I doubt the words “Palm Desert” come to mind—but perhaps they should, thanks to El Rodeo Café, at 44820 San Pablo Ave.
I’ve been going for more than a decade, and the quality has always been high. What makes this place really special, though, is that they do breakfast all day. Feeling like killer chilaquiles con huevos at 3 p.m.? El Rodeo has you covered. Same with their amazing breakfast burritos. (I recommend either the pollo asado or the breakfast sausage.) El Rodeo Café is also where I was introduced to tlacoyos, a traditional Mexican dish. I’d describe it, but no words will match the experience.
The restaurant recently expanded, adding more seating and a bar, but the important stuff is the same. Oh, and keep an eye out for the specials as well. When I see albondigas on the board, I’m a happy boy. Go and enjoy. —Brett Newton
Best Brewery Vibe
Las Palmas Brewing
Sam Gill and Rey Romero have managed to do something that is quite difficult: They started a brewery, and they did it the right way.
At Las Palmas Brewing (at 461 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs), you won’t find the murkiest of hazy IPAs or the most viscous, adjunct-laden imperial pastry stouts. You’ll find lighter beers like their grisette (traditionally a beer made for Belgian miners) or their saison, with hints of white pepper and bubble gum from the yeast.
Yes, they’ll have an IPA on tap as well, and it’s also tasty, but that’s not why I make the trek to downtown Palm Springs. They have a strong following for not just their beer, but also the natural wine selection that is curated by co-owner Rey. They also often have interesting food pop-ups on their back patio. I had a cacio e pepe pizza there a couple of years ago that I still think about from time to time.
Do other breweries do similar things? Maybe. But the results vary, and as someone who actively seeks out craft-beer experiences throughout Southern California and beyond, not a single one does it with the consistent quality and charm of Las Palmas. Learn more at www.laspalmasbrewing.com. —Brett Newton
Best Scene Supporter
Hot Stuff Booking
The local hardcore scene has exploded in a big way this past year, and while thanks is due to the bands, venues and supporters, a large chunk of the growth couldn’t have happened without Hot Stuff Booking.
The concert-planning project of local hardcore vocalist Sage Jackson has been responsible for 25 shows and counting in 2024. Through his connections within the Coachella Valley, and thanks to his past as a music superfan, Jackson has been able to craft lineups of diverse, hard-hitting bands spanning sounds and state lines, all in the desert. Whether it’s a couple hundred people at a warehouse, or several dozen in a backyard, Hot Stuff Booking’s shows have enthralled many younger people in the Coachella Valley, and have grown the popularity of this heavy genre.
It’s also impressive to note that every Hot Stuff booking show has been embracing a straight-edge lifestyle—no alcohol, no drugs. Find out more at www.instagram.com/hotstuffbooking. —Matt King
Best Desert-Themed New Song
“Desert Rat” by Beverly Bomber
More than a few musicians have used the Coachella Valley as subject matter for a song, but I don’t know of any who have done so with the same wit and garage pop-charm as Beverly Bomber.
Beverly Bomber released “Desert Rat” earlier this year, and it’s a 3 1/2-minute banger about frontman Nick Spalding’s experience moving to the desert. Observational humor forms through pointed, short lyrical phrases. Spalding, during a podcast, said the song calls out “those dudes who are flying down the road, putting everyone’s life in danger, leaving their baby momma at home to go drink at a bar in downtown Palm Springs.”
The fuzz-filled guitar tones craft a washy, reverb-soaked musical bed, making this song feel like a mirage, as Spalding’s critical lyrics bring the fun instrumental to reality. It’s super-catchy, featuring blistering guitar solos that echo the chorus’ melody—and Spalding’s vocal delivery on the line, “I think it’s wack,” is superb. Get more info at www.instagram.com/beverlybomber. —Matt King
Best Post-Show Catering
CoVal Catering
At long last, Coachella Valley residents can regularly enjoy that post-concert staple from Los Angeles or San Diego: a badass hotdog.
Local musicians Nick Hales and Esther Sanchez turned their love of food into CoVal Catering, a food pop-up that can be seen almost every weekend at a local brewery, bar or backyard show. CoVal makes irresistible bacon-wrapped hot dogs with all the toppings you can think of, as well as mouth-watering elote cups. The duo recently upped their game to include fantastic chicken wings and chili on the menu.
Oftentimes, the duo will take a break from their cooking duties to hop on stage and perform as Desert Moons, firing through acoustic originals and covers. They can rock as amazingly as they cook—and whether it’s hot jams or hot dogs, everything from Hales and Sanchez is served with a smile. Learn more at www.instagram.com/coval_catering. —Matt King
Best Guitar Makeovers
World Famous Repairland
Jayce Levi, the mind behind World Famous Repairland, is truly a wizard. He takes guitars that have been blasted by decades of desert sand, dropped from huge heights, corroded, broken and virtually destroyed, and transforms them into axes that look and feel brand-new. His experience in the music industry, and what must be a little magic, have helped him become the go-to guy for getting gear fixed.
Levi’s repair skills, complete with his unique charm, deadpan humor and monotone voice, caused the shop to go viral this year. On Instagram, World Famous Repairland sits at more than 145,000 followers, with millions of views on his videos. Just recently, Levi started accepting mail-in repairs, and has taken in busted guitars from all around the world.
The same charm from his videos comes across in real life, and his shop in Indio (at 45250 Smurr St.), complete with fuzzy, colorful sights, has become a cool hangout spot to talk music—and to learn a thing or two from someone who is out to uplift musicians in the Coachella Valley. Find out more at www.repairland.co. —Matt King
Best French Onion Soup
Freddie’s Kitchen at the Cole
Near the northwestern edge of Palm Springs, at 2323 N. Palm Canyon Drive, sits a little restaurant inside a small hotel—and it’s serving up some of the best cuisine in the Coachella Valley.
Freddie’s Kitchen at the Cole offers “French California cuisine,” lovingly prepared by chef Frederic Pierrel, who, according to the restaurant’s website, “was born in the Alsace region of France and graduated with honors from Lycée Hôtelier et Culinairer in Gerardmer, France.” His menu is fairly small, but it includes some unexpected items—how often do you find elk on menus?—and they’re consistently delicious.
The one dish we I stop thinking about, however, is something you’ll find on numerous menus: French onion soup. But no other local version, at least that I’ve found, compares to Freddie’s version. A perfectly seasoned broth, with cooked-through onions retaining just a hint of firmness, is topped with gruyere cheese that’s a mixture of creamy and toasted-crispy. It’s so, so good. Get more information at freddieskitchenatthecole.com. —Jimmy Boegle