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Joshua Tree is most well-known for its national park and amazing natural beauty, but what many don’t know is that there is an amazing selection of restaurants and places to eat in Joshua Tree to really take your vacation experience to the next level. Here is a list of the best casual dining locations in Joshua Tree to help you plan your trip.

Pappy and Harriet’s

If you have a hankering for BBQ while visiting Joshua Tree, then you must include a stop at this Joshua Tree staple. Pappy and Harriet’s consistently ranks as a must-visit restaurant in Joshua Tree for good reason. This iconic restaurant is also a saloon and outdoor music venue with history dating back to the 1940s. During this time, Pappy and Harriet’s was the key building in the early Pioneertown and was designed to be a part of an 1800s frontier set for Hollywood movies. If the walls at Pappy and Harriet’s could talk, they would have some amazing stories to tell. Along with the rich history of this amazing building, the owners are serving up some amazing BBQ favorites to go along with the live music that frequents the establishment. You simply must experience a night at Pappy and Harriet’s during your Joshua Tree stay.

La Copine

Although Joshua Tree is a bit of a drive from major cities like Los Angeles, La Copine takes isolation to the next level. This daytime cafe is smack dab in the middle of the desert and serves up some amazing lunchtime options that make it well worth a visit. The menu is small but features robust flavors. Some of the best options include options like duck liver mousse, pork belly banh mi, and fried chicken. Their menu covers many different types and styles of food, but it makes for an amazing experience no matter what you choose to eat. Their food options tend to be a little more upscale, but the atmosphere is much more casual and will be a perfect option for your lunchtime meal in Joshua Tree. Seating is first come, first serve, and they are only open from 11 am to 4 pm daily, so make sure you get to this Joshua Tree favorite as soon as you can.

Check Out Our Top Area Restaurants

Natural Sisters

Many people flock to Joshua Tree to take in the natural beauty through hiking, but you need to make sure that you fuel up before your trip. One of the best places to fuel up before your hike is at Natural Sisters. This amazing restaurant is located right next to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park and caters to the various people looking to get a bite before venturing out into Joshua Tree. They specialize in fresh and natural ingredients for a wholistic approach to food. They have amazing vegetarian wraps, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies to help you fuel up. One of their favorite options is the vegan carrot cake that is to die for. This sweet treat is amazing, but you might want to wait to eat this until after your hike, since it is a bit on the indulgent side.

The Dez

In a remote location like Joshua Tree, there are not many new places to eat in Joshua Tree opening up on a yearly basis. However, The Dez is a new addition that is making a splash. This all-day eatery opened in late 2020 and is another excellent post-hike fuel up option in the downtown Joshua Tree area. The Dez is a small counter service space that opened up as takeaway only but appears to be expanding soon. Their large menu changes on a daily basis and provides you with plenty of options from which to choose. We recommend trying one of their fresh made sandwiches like the pesto BLT; you can also grab one of their pre-made lunch boxes to enjoy on your hike in Joshua Tree National Park. You really can’t go wrong with anything on this amazing menu.

Learn More About Local Restaurants

Joshua Tree Saloon

Another staple in the restaurant and entertainment scene in Joshua Tree is the Joshua Tree Saloon. This amazing saloon caters to both locals and visitors alike. As the name suggests, the Joshua Tree Saloon is a kitschy old west saloon that specializes in the Western motif. The menu is filled with traditional American favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and big plates of meat. This is the perfect spot to relax after a long day at the Joshua Tree National Park, since their portions are large and hearty. Although it has a funny theme, you will feel right at home immediately, and this saloon is the perfect spot to grab a pint and enjoy yourself.

There are many more exciting adventures to have in Joshua Tree, and Hi-Desert Dwellings can help you experience them all! Contact us today to book your rental property and enjoy a desert escape.

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