Best Breakfast in Palm Springs: Local Favorites Worth Waking Up For

Breakfast & Brunch, Featured, Food & Drink
By Published On: January 17, 2017Last Updated: January 7, 2026

Breakfast sets the tone for your entire day in Palm Springs. Get it right and you’re cruising. Get it wrong and you’re grumpy by 10:30am, wandering Palm Canyon wondering where it all went south.

Luckily, Palm Springs punches way above its weight when it comes to breakfast and brunch. From classic diners and Jewish delis to French cafés and buzzy brunch spots with lines out the door, these are the best places to start your day.

Listed in no particular order. All locations are in Palm Springs.

This guide is part of our larger roundup of the best breakfast and brunch spots across the Coachella Valley, covering where locals actually go for breakfast in each desert city.

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery — Downtown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Massive menu, classic Jewish deli breakfasts, generous portions.
  • Best for: Lox & bagels, omelets, no-nonsense comfort food.
  • Good to know: Always busy, but the kitchen moves fast.

Address: 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA
Website: shermansdeli.com

Wilma & Frieda’s Café — Downtown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Creative comfort food and some of the best breakfast scrambles in town.
  • Best for: Brunch lovers, out-of-towners, people who don’t mind a wait.
  • Good to know: One of the busiest breakfast spots in the city.

Address: 155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: wilmafrieda.com

Farm — La Plaza

  • Why it’s good: French-inspired breakfast with a beautiful courtyard setting.
  • Best for: Crepes, omelets, leisurely mornings.
  • Good to know: Hidden location, worth finding.

Address: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA
Website: farmpalmsprings.com

Pinocchio in the Desert — Downtown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Huge portions and famously boozy breakfast cocktails.
  • Best for: Bottomless champagne, indulgent brunch.
  • Good to know: Gets rowdy on weekends, by design.

Address: 134 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA
Website: pinocchiops.com

Cheeky’s — Uptown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Inventive breakfasts and legendary bacon flights.
  • Best for: Foodies, special-occasion breakfasts.
  • Good to know: Expect a wait almost every day.

Address: 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: cheekysps.com

L’Atelier Café — Downtown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Authentic French pastries and café classics.
  • Best for: Croissants, quiche, espresso breaks.
  • Good to know: More café than full brunch scene.

Address: 129 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA
Website: lateliercafeps.com

Loco Charlie’s — Sunrise Way

  • Why it’s good: Mexican breakfast classics done right.
  • Best for: Chilaquiles, machaca & eggs, micheladas.
  • Good to know: Casual, locals-first vibe.

Address: 1751 N Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA
Website: lococharlies.com

Broken Yolk Café — Downtown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Enormous menu with something for everyone.
  • Best for: Groups with mixed tastes.
  • Good to know: Portions are huge.

Address: 262 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: thebrokenyolkcafe.com

Grand Central — Downtown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Modern brunch menu with a full bar.
  • Best for: Upscale breakfast plates and cocktails.
  • Good to know: Popular with weekend brunch crowds.

Address: 160 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA
Website: grandcentralpalmsprings.com

Manhattan in the Desert — South Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Classic diner-style breakfast with bakery roots.
  • Best for: Bagels, omelets, simple breakfasts.
  • Good to know: Also great if breakfast isn’t your thing.

Address: 2665 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: manhattaninthedesert.com

Bit of Country — South Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Old-school diner breakfast done well.
  • Best for: Biscuits & gravy, pancakes, comfort food.
  • Good to know: Friendly, no-frills atmosphere.

Address: 418 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: Yelp listing

4 Paws Coffee Co. — North Palm Canyon

  • Why it’s good: Coffee, light breakfast, and a good cause.
  • Best for: Grab-and-go mornings.
  • Good to know: Supports animal charities.

Address: 2500 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: 4pawscoffeeco.com

Norma’s at The Parker — Sunrise Way

  • Why it’s good: Iconic Palm Springs breakfast experience.
  • Best for: Splurge breakfasts and visitors.
  • Good to know: Reservations strongly recommended.

Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: theparkerpalmsprings.com

Azur Café — Downtown Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: French bistro breakfast with outdoor seating.
  • Best for: Croissants, espresso, light breakfast plates.
  • Good to know: Calm, European café feel.

Address: 369 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: azurpalmsprings.com

Townie Bagels — North Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Legit bagels and strong coffee.
  • Best for: Quick, quality breakfast.
  • Good to know: Sells out early.

Address: 650 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: towniebagels.com

Elmer’s Restaurant — North Palm Springs

  • Why it’s good: Classic American breakfast with large portions.
  • Best for: Comfort food, reliable breakfast.
  • Good to know: Open early and very consistent.

Address: 1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Website: eatatelmers.com

Spencer’s — Palm Canyon Drive (Weekend Brunch)

  • Why it’s good: Upscale brunch with a Palm Springs feel.
  • Best for: Weekend brunch dates.
  • Good to know: Brunch only, not daily breakfast.

Address: 701 W Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA
Website: spencersrestaurant.com

Hours, menus, and vibes can change. If something looks off or deserves a spot on this list, let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast in Palm Springs

  • What is the best breakfast spot in Palm Springs?

    There’s no single winner, which is annoying but true. Sherman’s, Cheeky’s, FARM, and Wilma & Frieda’s are consistently at the top depending on whether you want classic diner, indulgent brunch, or something a little more polished.

  • Do I need reservations for breakfast in Palm Springs?

    Most breakfast spots do not take reservations. Popular places like Cheeky’s, FARM, and Pinocchio in the Desert almost always have a wait on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to stand around scrolling your phone.

  • What time do breakfast restaurants in Palm Springs get busy?

    Weekends get busy fast, usually between 8:30 and 10:30 AM. During peak season (November through April), even weekdays can feel crowded at popular spots.

  • Are there good breakfast options for visitors staying downtown?

    Yes. Downtown Palm Springs has several strong options within walking distance, including Sherman’s, Pinocchio in the Desert, Grand Central, L’Atelier Café, and Azur Café.

  • Are there good local breakfast spots that aren’t touristy?

    Absolutely. Bit of Country, Loco Charlie’s, Elmer’s Restaurant, and 4 Paws Coffee Company are more low-key and very popular with locals.

  • What’s the best place for a classic diner-style breakfast?

    Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, Elmer’s Restaurant, and Bit of Country are solid choices for traditional eggs, pancakes, omelets, and no-nonsense portions.

  • Where can I get a great brunch with cocktails?

    Cheeky’s, Pinocchio in the Desert, Wilma & Frieda’s, Grand Central, and Spencer’s (weekends) are all strong brunch options, especially if Bloody Marys or mimosas are part of the plan.

  • Are there good vegetarian or lighter breakfast options?

    Yes. FARM, L’Atelier Café, Azur Café, Native-friendly menus at several spots, and Koffi offer lighter fare, pastries, and vegetarian-friendly options.

  • Is breakfast available year-round in Palm Springs?

    Yes, but hours can change in the summer. Some restaurants shorten hours during extreme heat months, so it’s smart to check before heading out.

  • Is Palm Springs a good breakfast town overall?

    Shockingly good, actually. Between classic diners, brunch-heavy restaurants, bakeries, and cafés, Palm Springs punches well above its weight for breakfast options.

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Written by : Casey Dolan

Casey is the founder of Cactus Hugs and also works with local businesses on their websites and digital marketing. Learn more (and hire!) him here. Please, send him your news tips and your whiskey!