Tucked away at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in Palm Springs, California, Spencer’s Restaurant is one of those rare places that stops you in your tracks the moment you arrive. Giant trees stretch overhead, lush greenery surrounds every table, and the whole setting feels more like an enchanted forest than a restaurant patio.
Whether you’re visiting for brunch, lunch, or a romantic dinner, Spencer’s delivers a dining experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With a 4.5-star rating and thousands of happy guests, this spot has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination in the desert.
A Patio That Feels Like a Forest Hideaway
Step outside at Spencer’s and you might forget you’re in the middle of the California desert. The patio is shaded by enormous, mature trees that create a canopy so thick it feels like you’ve wandered into a secret woodland clearing.
String lights and candles add a magical glow as the evening settles in.
Guests consistently rave about this outdoor space, calling it the best restaurant patio in the entire Palm Springs area. One reviewer described it as “beautiful and great to be in nature.” Whether you visit on a sunny afternoon or a cool desert evening, the greenery makes every moment feel calm and dreamy.
Sitting beneath those massive trees with a cocktail in hand is an experience that’s hard to put into words. Reviewers suggest asking to sit by or under the tree for the most immersive, forest-like atmosphere the restaurant has to offer.
Rich History Rooted in Old Hollywood Glamour
Before Spencer’s became the beloved restaurant it is today, this very location was the famous Palm Springs Tennis Club, founded in 1937. Pearl “Auntie Pearl” McManus originally built two tennis courts and a small outdoor pool beneath her cliffside mansion, attracting elite athletes and Hollywood royalty alike.
Legends like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Marilyn Monroe were among the glamorous guests who once walked these very grounds. That rich history adds a layer of magic to every visit, making the meal feel like more than just dinner — it’s a step back in time.
Harold Matzner opened Spencer’s in February 2000 and named it after his 110-pound Siberian Husky, which is a fun and charming detail that gives the place a warm, personal character. Knowing that backstory makes the experience feel even more special when you sit down to eat.
The Beef Wellington Sandwich Worth Every Bite
Some dishes are good. Others are unforgettable.
The Beef Wellington sandwich at Spencer’s falls firmly into that second category. Thinly sliced beef layered with liver pate and mushrooms, it’s the kind of lunch item that makes you pause mid-bite and wonder why you haven’t been eating this your entire life.
One five-star reviewer called it “out of this world” and paired it with the restaurant’s legendary onion rings, describing the combo as an “edible masterpiece.” That’s high praise, and based on the sheer number of guests who echo the sentiment, it’s completely deserved.
Spencer’s manages to take a classic concept and elevate it into something genuinely luxurious without making it feel pretentious. The sandwich strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and fine dining — approachable enough to order at lunch, impressive enough to talk about for weeks afterward.
Crab Cake Benedict That Redefines Brunch
Brunch lovers, pay close attention. The crab cake benedict at Spencer’s has earned a reputation so strong that one reviewer’s wife — described as a “true benedict snob” — declared it the best crab benedict she had ever tasted.
That kind of endorsement carries serious weight in the food world.
Two incredibly light crab cakes are topped with eggs so airy and delicate that the reviewer compared them to clouds. The hollandaise ties everything together in a way that feels indulgent without being heavy, which is a genuinely difficult balance to strike.
Spencer’s brunch menu is the kind that makes you want to linger at the table long after the plates are cleared. Combined with the forest-like patio setting and attentive service, it transforms a simple Sunday morning into something that feels like a special occasion worth repeating every single weekend.
Prix Fixe Menu That Delivers Serious Value
Fine dining doesn’t always have to break the bank, and Spencer’s prix fixe menu is proof of that. Guests can enjoy a curated multi-course meal that includes a choice of soup or salad, a main course of fish or steak, and a dessert — all presented with the same care and quality as the full a la carte menu.
Multiple reviewers highlighted the prix fixe as an excellent value, noting that the food quality never dips despite the more accessible price point. One guest described a sunny lunch through the prix fixe as “a perfect way to spend the afternoon,” and it’s easy to see why that sentiment is so common.
For visitors who want to experience Spencer’s full charm without committing to an extensive order, the prix fixe is a smart and satisfying entry point. Standard portions mean you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
Braised Short Rib That Melts in Your Mouth
A great braised short rib is a thing of beauty, and Spencer’s nails it with impressive consistency. The meat is tender without falling apart into mush, which is exactly the texture you want — firm enough to cut, soft enough to practically dissolve on your tongue.
The reduction sauce served alongside is perfectly seasoned, and the mushrooms have that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes every forkful feel like a reward. One reviewer loved the dish so much they wished there were even more mushrooms on the plate — which is the most relatable food complaint imaginable.
Creamy mashed potatoes round out the plate, soaking up that gorgeous sauce in the best possible way. Multiple guests have singled out the short rib as a highlight of their visit, making it one of the most recommended dishes on Spencer’s dinner menu for first-time visitors.
Cocktails and Drinks Done the Right Way
At Spencer’s, the bar takes its job seriously. Martinis arrive in generously sized glasses filled practically to the brim, and wine pours are described by guests as “healthy” — meaning nobody walks away feeling shortchanged.
One guest specifically called out the cocktails as a highlight of the entire evening.
The bartender has earned praise for being friendly and genuinely skilled, mixing drinks that complement the upscale atmosphere without feeling stuffy or overly complicated. A virgin watermelon mojito was described by one visitor as “quite good,” proving that the non-alcoholic options are equally thoughtful.
Strong cocktails, attentive service, and a dreamy outdoor setting make the bar experience at Spencer’s stand on its own. Even if you only came for drinks, you’d leave impressed.
Several reviewers actually recommend starting with a cocktail and the trio appetizer as the perfect way to experience what this place does best.
The Trio Appetizer Worth Ordering Every Time
Some appetizers are forgettable. Spencer’s trio is not.
Featuring a crab cake, coconut fried shrimp, and calamari all on one plate, it’s the kind of starter that makes everyone at the table lean in with excitement the moment it arrives. Each component holds its own while also working beautifully together.
The sweet chili calamari has been called out specifically for its generous portion size and bold flavor. Reviewers appreciate that the kitchen doesn’t cut corners on the starters just because they’re not the main event — every dish gets the same level of care and attention.
Whether you’re ordering a full meal or just stopping in for drinks and a bite, the trio appetizer is consistently recommended as a must-order. It captures Spencer’s culinary philosophy perfectly: familiar ingredients elevated with skill, plated beautifully, and served in a setting that makes everything taste just a little bit better.
Wild Mushroom Risotto That’s Pure Comfort
Risotto is one of those dishes that reveals a kitchen’s true skill level. Get it wrong and it’s gluey or bland.
Get it right and it’s one of the most satisfying things you can eat. Spencer’s wild mushroom risotto lands firmly in the “get it right” category, drawing consistent praise from guests who order it again and again.
One visitor paired theirs with grilled shrimp, describing both as cooked to perfection — a combination that sounds simple but requires real technique to execute properly. Another guest’s dining companion loved his risotto so much he said he’d absolutely order it again without hesitation.
The earthy richness of wild mushrooms paired with that perfectly cooked, creamy rice is deeply satisfying in a way that feels both rustic and refined. For guests who want something comforting yet elevated, the risotto is an easy, crowd-pleasing choice that rarely disappoints anyone at the table.
Desserts That Deserve Their Own Standing Ovation
Saving room for dessert at Spencer’s is not optional — it’s a necessity. The tiramisu and creme brulee are served with the freshest fruit and a whipped cream so light it practically floats off the plate.
One reviewer used the word “heavenly,” and after reading the description, it’s hard to argue with that choice.
The molten chocolate cake is another standout, arriving in a perfectly portioned size that feels indulgent without being overwhelming after a full meal. One guest described it as a “small dessert with big taste” — which is honestly the ideal dessert experience in a nutshell.
Carrot cake rounds out the dessert menu with a version that one visitor called “better than good,” which is the kind of understated praise that somehow says everything. Spencer’s treats dessert as a genuine final chapter of the meal, not an afterthought, and that philosophy shows in every single bite.
Service That Goes Above and Beyond
Great food means little if the service falls flat, and Spencer’s staff understands that completely. From waiters who check with the chef multiple times to accommodate food allergies to servers who seem to anticipate your needs before you voice them, the team here operates at a level that guests notice and appreciate deeply.
One reviewer described their server Michelle as having “borderline psychic” attentiveness, appearing with a fresh drink the moment the thought crossed their mind. Another guest was so moved by the staff’s care that they called the experience akin to being treated like a celebrity.
Those are not small compliments.
Water glasses are kept nearly full at all times, dogs on the patio receive bowls of water from attentive waiters, and the overall energy of the staff is warm without being intrusive. Spencer’s has built a service culture that turns first-time visitors into loyal, returning guests who plan their trips back before they even leave.
A Romantic Atmosphere Unlike Anything Nearby
Romance and Palm Springs already go hand in hand, but Spencer’s takes that connection to a whole new level. Candles flicker on tables as the sun dips behind the mountains, the trees overhead create a natural cocoon of privacy, and occasional piano music drifts through the air on certain evenings.
It’s the kind of setting that makes conversations feel more meaningful.
Reviewers consistently recommend Spencer’s for anniversaries, date nights, and birthday celebrations, noting that the atmosphere does half the work of making the evening feel special. Warm, soft lighting keeps things intimate without making it difficult to see the menu, which is a detail that surprisingly few restaurants manage to get right.
Whether you’re celebrating something specific or simply want a night that feels elevated and memorable, Spencer’s delivers an ambiance that lingers in your memory long after the meal ends. Few places in the desert can match it.
Dog-Friendly Dining in a Beautiful Setting
Not every upscale restaurant rolls out the welcome mat for four-legged guests, but Spencer’s does — and does it with genuine warmth. The patio is dog-friendly, and well-behaved pups are a regular part of the dining scene.
One guest even spotted a waiter bringing a dog its own bowl of water, which says everything about the kind of place this is.
For pet owners who hate leaving their dogs behind on a night out, Spencer’s offers a rare combination: sophisticated food, a stunning outdoor setting, and a staff that treats animals with the same care as their human guests. It adds a relaxed, joyful energy to the patio that makes the whole experience feel even more welcoming.
Named after owner Harold Matzner’s own beloved Siberian Husky, Spencer’s has dogs baked right into its DNA. Bringing yours along feels less like a compromise and more like the whole point of choosing this particular restaurant for your evening out.
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