Larkspur Grill - Palm Desert, California

Nancy W.

Celebrated a friend’s birthday! It was amazing once our food order came out correctly. Music was amazing, love the band and dancing!! Atmosphere was perfect!

No M. N. G. F.

We didn't know Hotel Paseo existed until we parked in front of Larkspur Grill. Instead of heading towards our target restaurant, we checked out the Larkspur Grill. They have an interesting menu with vegan friendly, gluten free, and dairy free items clearly marked. I was very tempted to try the Jackfruit Tacos, but was a bit worried about the chipotle crema. The Larkspur Grill bowl interested me and it was marked as dairy free, so I forgot to ensure that the grana padano was the non-dairy version. My main aim was to make sure that garlic was not part of the ingredients. The server said something that was music to my ears and made me want to come back, he said: "just tell us what you like and what you want to eat and we will make sure that it will work for you". I took that to mean that they have real chefs on-site! We ended up with Buttermilk Pancakes, and Larkspur Grill Bowl. When the food arrived though, I could smell the grana padano and it was definitely cows milk based. They apologized for the mistake on the menu and offered to make me another one. Since it was not an allergy but a diet restriction, I decided to pick through my salad instead – why waste food? While we were there, we saw other interesting bowls being served, but there weren't that many bowl options on the menu. We came back for another two meals. I tried that Plant Based Breakfast Bowl featuring plant-based eggs+cheese. The eggs+cheese on top of the bowl was amazing, I had to ask the server again just to make sure no real eggs were involved as I found out that eggs cause my eczema to flair up. But I thought that the stuff at the bottom like the tofu, and sweet potatoes was a bit too spicy for me. Since the 'eggs' were already plant based, there was too much tofu content in this bowl. When we came back a third time, I wanted to have the eggs+cheese on top of a Mixed Green Salad, but the server suggested scrambled vegan eggs which is not what I really wanted. We also ordered Steal Cut Oatmeal and that was exceptional. Well, if this restaurant was local to us, we'd mostly likely be eating there every weekend. The hotel interior was very modern and artistic, very nice.

SheldonH

I rated Larkspur 2 stars cause I always give food primary importance. It was mediocre at best. We ordered sliders to start. They were overdone, tough and grainy. Not good quality at all. My wife ordered the 3 meatballs that must have been made of same chopped meat as the sliders - same comment. HOwever we ordered a very simple dish to split, the hummus and cut vegetables, like carrots, celery etc. This dish was ok.

The place itself, physically is very nice. We sat on the patio and the chairs were very comfortable and the wine was good.

Our French waiter was attentive and very helpful. Of course he does not control the kitchen.

Hannah M.

We were very impressed by the service and food at Larkspur Grill. The food quality and quantity exceeded our expectations and our server, Lady, was wonderful with great recommendations and concentrated on making our night great. We sat outside and had fantastic views of the mountains.

Would definitely come back to try more of the food on the menu.

Barb

Tonight we had a very negative experience. This restaurant is charging an entertainment fee of $6 per person. You are not forewarned and it is in the fine print at bottom of menu.
We shared a burger which ended up costing us $36 for one burger & fries. When asked they had charged an EXTRA $5 to upgrade to truffle fries and $5 to split the burger. We had a sweet waitress but communication in i general is lacking! We were never told about this our bill came. They did agree to take off the entertainment fee as we were very upset.

David D.

I've probably dined here at least a dozen times. Nice atmosphere, decent food, and good drinks. It's usually a small group of friends on a Sunday. We are locals at least during season...so it's nice to have regular dining spots. However, not sure if the management changed over the past few months, but I suggest alternative restaurants on El Paseo for groups. I know most restaurants don't love getting multiple credit cards to pay the bill, but we requested an even split to make it as easy as possible. The manager returned, placed the cards on the table, and said "you have to figure it out, only 2 cards". We all thought it was a joke...considering how rude he was. (apparently he was fired from Melvyns in PS?) but then realized there was zero discussion... he walked away. Even after explaining we've split the check many times and after expressing our disappointment , the manager refused to engage - other then say our "system doesn't allow it" (But oddly their "system" allowed it a few weeks ago when he wasn't there...) . We all dine out several nights a week... there is no system that doesn't allow multiple cards. Its an internal policy out of laziness. BTW, I've never seen the restaurant more then 30% full at best. Unfortunately because of the manager... I will never return and warn others to stay away if you plan on splitting the bill.

Wendy C.

My husband and I had a fun time at the Larkspur Grill the other night where they had amazing live music presented by the popular Brad Mercer Band, playing all our favorite hits including a medley of Beatles songs, which was outstanding! The food was delicious, the service very attentive and the overall experience was wonderful! We have been there several times already and will be back again!

Totally T.

This place is for a much older crowd. It felt more like a cafeteria to me and the young hostess was so busy having a lengthy discussion with an older gentleman who worked there that she neglected to even acknowledge us.

That is a HUGE “no bueno” to this girl. Even if you are busy you always acknowledge your customer. All it takes is “I’ll be right with you!”

When I finally did get her attention by saying “excuse me,” she had the audacity to say she would be right back. Well, she didn’t come right back which gave us the perfect escape!!!! We left and would definitely never go back.

Sorry, until this hostess learns restaurant etiquette, we will not be back. And even then I think I will not be back. Just saying