Best Food & Drinks at the BNP Paribas Open | Indian Wells Tennis Garden Guide

By Published On: December 16, 2025Last Updated: January 2, 2026

One of the most underrated parts of the BNP Paribas Open is that eating well is no longer a side quest.

What used to be standard stadium food has quietly evolved into a genuinely solid dining lineup. Over the years, the BNP Paribas Open has leaned into local favorites, respected regional brands, and just enough indulgence to justify a long day in the sun.

Food vendors and menus rotate year to year, but a few types of dishes consistently stand out. If you’re trying to eat well, stay cool, and avoid regret between matches, these are the items and styles worth seeking out when the tournament rolls around.


Light, Cool & Easy Between Matches

An ahi tuna poke bowl from Pokehana

Poke Bowls

On warm afternoons, poke bowls are one of the smartest lunches you can grab. You’ll typically find fresh ahi tuna, salmon, or tofu options paired with rice, greens, and bold sauces.

Local favorite Pokehana has made appearances at the tournament in the past, and dishes like this tend to reappear in some form most years. Light, filling, and not a nap sentence.

Fresh Salads & Cold Treats

For something lighter, keep an eye out for fresh fruit, tossed-to-order salads, and frozen desserts. Pineapple whip–style treats regularly show up and are both refreshing and dangerously easy to eat too fast.


Comfort Food Worth the Splurge

Classic Deli Sandwiches

Hot Corned Beef from Sherman’s Deli at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells

When you want something hearty, hot deli sandwiches are hard to beat. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
has previously brought its famous hot corned beef into Stadium One, and similar premium sandwich options tend to rotate through the lower-bowl concessions.

If you see a legit deli counter on the map, don’t overthink it. This is your fuel.

Burgers, Fries & Onion Rings

Cheeseburger, fries, onion rings, and shakes from Casell’s at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells

Yes, burgers still matter here, and not the sad kind. Los Angeles staple Cassell’s Hamburgers has appeared inside Stadium One in past years, serving proper cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes.

If a recognizable burger brand is on the vendor list, that’s usually a safe bet for a filling meal that won’t disappoint.


Tacos & Pizza (Because Obviously)

Tacos with Actual Flavor

Tournament tacos have come a long way. Vendors inspired by places like B.S. Taqueria have served carnitas, tostadas, and nachos built with real ingredients instead of mystery meat.

Look for tacos featuring slow-cooked pork, avocado salsa, pico de gallo, and fresh tortillas. These are usually found near Stadium One or central food zones.

Wood-Fired & Artisan Pizza

Bubba Bubba Pizza from Piero’s Pizza Vino at the BNP Paribas Open

Pizza vendors rotate, but quality pizza has become a consistent part of the food lineup. Piero’s PizzaVino
has previously made the trip from El Paseo with crowd-pleasing pies topped with sausage, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and white sauce.

If you see a local pizza name you recognize, it’s usually worth the line.


Drinks Worth Tracking Down

Champagne & Specialty Cocktails

Yes, it’s tennis, but it’s also Indian Wells. Champagne lounges and cocktail tents are a real thing here.

Past tournaments have featured Moët & Chandon pop-ups offering specialty cocktails made with champagne, tequila, citrus, and honey syrups. They aren’t cheap, but they are very on brand for Tennis Paradise.

If you want more detail on where and how to drink smart at the event, this pairs well with our 
guide to drinking at the BNP Paribas Open
.


Final Tips Before You Order

  • Eat early: Lines spike between sessions.
  • Hydrate: Even mild days add up fast.
  • Balance heavy and light: One indulgent meal, one sensible one.
  • Check the daily vendor list: Offerings change each year.

For broader planning help, parking tips, and what to expect beyond food, check out our full

BNP Paribas Open guide
.

Eat well, drink responsibly, and enjoy one of the best two-week stretches the Coachella Valley has to offer.

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!