What: The Reuben
Where: Wexler’s Deli at Arrive Palm Springs, 1551 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
How much: $17
Contact: 760-507-1640; wexlersdeli.com/wexlers-arrive-palm-springs
Why: It’s a top-notch sandwich.
When it was announced that Wexler’s—a Jewish-style deli with three popular Los Angeles-area locations—would be taking over the main restaurant space at the Arrive Hotel, I was excited. After all, there’s a serious demand here for the type of food served at Wexler’s
Since the fall 2018 opening, however, I have neither seen nor heard much about Wexler’s. Therefore, I decided to go in for lunch one recent day to check things out—and I found a restaurant that’s wasting a ton of potential.
The food at Wexler’s is not the problem—hence its inclusion in this column. While the menu is much more limited than what you’ll find at Sherman’s or Manhattan in the Desert, the Jewish-deli staples are all there, and the Reuben sandwich I had was excellent all around, from the delicious and thick slices of corned beef, to the perfectly toasted rye bread, to the tasty potato salad and pickles on the side.
However … the sandwich costs $17. That’s about what you’ll pay elsewhere in town—but elsewhere, you can get fries, whereas at Wexler’s, if you want fries instead of coleslaw or potato salad, you’ll have to get a side for $5. And strangely enough, the Wexler’s locations in L.A. charge $2 or $3 less for this Rueben.
Also: As I mentioned, I haven’t seen or heard much about Wexler’s since it opened, and it seems to be out of mind for many locals. Advertising and/or community involvement is needed here.
I say this, because despite a gorgeous space at Arrive, and despite great food, Wexler’s was basically dead during my weekday lunch visit. When I drove by Sherman’s on my way home—after the “lunch rush,” about 1:30 p.m.—there was a throng of people waiting outside.
Part of the reason more local don’t dine there may be that once you’ve eaten what you want to eat, that’s it. Maybe I feel like a Reuben four times a year. Go a few blocks south to Cheeky’s and you’ll see they’re always busy. Part of the reason for locals to dine there is that they offer changing specials every week. That is why I have breakfast/ lunch there at least twice a month. The next time I’ll eat at Wexler’s will either be 1) August when Cheeky’s is closed, 2) a tourist in town HAS to have deli food or 3) next year when I need a smog check done at the station kitty-corner from the Arrive. Despite what hotels here in Palm Springs say, they don’t really cater to locals.