Tucked away in Palm Springs, California, Spencer’s Restaurant offers one of the most magical outdoor dining experiences in the entire state. Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, this beloved spot lets you eat under a gorgeous canopy of mature trees that shade a stunning patio.
With a 4.5-star rating and thousands of happy diners, it is easy to see why Spencer’s has become a must-visit destination. Whether you are planning a romantic date night or a special celebration, this place delivers food, atmosphere, and memories all in one.
A Patio Like No Other in Palm Springs
Some restaurants have good food. Some have great views.
Spencer’s has both, wrapped inside one of the most jaw-dropping patios you will ever sit on. Towering trees stretch overhead, creating a natural canopy that feels like dining inside a living painting.
The patio sits at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, giving guests a stunning backdrop that no interior dining room could ever match. Strings of soft lighting weave through the branches as the sun goes down, turning the whole space into something straight out of a movie set.
Reviewers consistently call it the best restaurant patio in the Palm Springs area, and it is easy to see why. Whether you visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner, the outdoor setting at Spencer’s makes every single meal feel like a celebration worth remembering.
Rich History Rooted in Hollywood Glamour
Before it became Spencer’s, this address had a legendary past. The site originally opened as the Palm Springs Tennis Club back in 1937, founded by Pearl McManus below her cliffside mansion.
It quickly became a playground for the elite, drawing world-class tennis players and A-list celebrities alike.
Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe all passed through those gates. Just letting that sink in for a second — you are eating where icons once walked.
That kind of history adds a layer of magic to every visit that no amount of interior decorating can manufacture.
Harold Matzner eventually opened Spencer’s in February 2000, naming it after his 110-pound Siberian Husky. From Hollywood royalty to beloved neighborhood gem, this restaurant carries decades of glamour and charm in every corner of its storied grounds.
New American Cuisine That Earns Its Reputation
Spencer’s serves what chefs call New American cuisine — a style that takes classic comfort food and elevates it with bold flavors, quality ingredients, and creative presentation. The menu changes with the seasons, keeping things fresh and exciting no matter how many times you visit.
Standout dishes that guests rave about include the braised short rib, which arrives fork-tender with a deeply seasoned reduction, and the double breast of chicken that loyal regulars order every single time. The mushroom risotto has also earned serious fans, with one diner saying he would absolutely order it again without hesitation.
Even the sides get attention — creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly roasted vegetables, and mushrooms that practically melt in your mouth. At Spencer’s, the kitchen treats every plate like it matters, because it genuinely does to the people sitting at those beautiful outdoor tables.
Breakfast and Brunch Worth Waking Up For
Not every fine dining spot does breakfast well, but Spencer’s absolutely nails it. Open from 8 AM on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the morning menu gives early risers plenty of reasons to show up hungry and ready to indulge.
The crab cake benedict is the stuff of legend. One reviewer described it as the best crab benedict ever — two incredibly light crab cakes topped with eggs so airy they could only be called cloudlike.
High-quality sausage patties and perfectly poached eggs round out the breakfast experience beautifully.
Brunch at Spencer’s under that shaded tree canopy, with the morning desert air still cool and fresh, is genuinely one of life’s simple pleasures. If you are visiting Palm Springs on a weekend morning, skipping this meal would be a decision you would regret for a very long time.
The Prix Fixe Menu Offers Incredible Value
Fine dining can feel intimidating when you are staring at a menu full of individual prices that keep adding up in your head. Spencer’s prix fixe menu solves that problem in the most delicious way possible.
For a set price, you get a full multi-course experience that feels genuinely luxurious.
Guests have raved about the chef’s prix fixe lunch, which typically includes a choice of soup or salad, a main of fish or steak, and a dessert like rich chocolate mousse. One couple described it as a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon, noting that everything was high quality from start to finish.
The dinner prix fixe earns similar praise, with reviewers saying the portion sizes are generous and the overall value is hard to beat for a restaurant of this caliber. It is smart dining at its most satisfying and stress-free best.
Desserts That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
Saving room for dessert at Spencer’s is not just a suggestion — it is practically a requirement. The pastry program here matches the ambition of every other course on the menu, delivering sweets that feel like a grand finale to an already spectacular meal.
The tiramisu and creme brulee arrive dressed with the freshest fruit and an impossibly light whipped cream that one reviewer called heavenly. The molten lava cake has also won hearts, described by a date-night visitor as very good and the perfect romantic ending to a special evening.
For chocolate lovers, the chocolate mousse served as part of the prix fixe menu has drawn consistent applause. Dessert at Spencer’s is never an afterthought — it is a carefully crafted experience that sends you home with a smile and a very full, very happy stomach.
Cocktails Crafted With Personality and Flair
A great meal deserves an equally great drink to go alongside it, and Spencer’s bar program delivers on that front with confidence. The cocktail list features creative, well-balanced drinks that complement the food menu without overshadowing it.
The Basil Faulty cocktail has developed a loyal following, with one regular visitor calling it a winner every single time. The Desert Sunrise is another crowd favorite — a date-night visitor and his wife both enjoyed it thoroughly as part of their romantic evening out.
For beer lovers, a cold Stella Artois pairs beautifully with the patio atmosphere.
The bartender has also been praised for being super friendly and mixing some genuinely amazing cocktails on demand. Even non-drinkers are covered — a virgin watermelon mojito earned a thumbs-up from one guest who called it quite good and refreshing under the warm Palm Springs sky.
Service That Goes the Extra Mile
Great service can turn a good meal into an unforgettable one, and Spencer’s staff has earned genuine praise for going above and beyond on a regular basis. From the moment guests sit down, the attentiveness is noticeable and appreciated across the board.
One standout story involves a large business dinner where a guest had a serious food allergy. The waiter went to the kitchen three times to check on ingredients, and eventually brought out the full menu so she could find something safe to enjoy.
That kind of thoughtfulness is rare and remarkable in any restaurant setting.
Multiple reviewers also mention that servers seem to remember returning guests, making each visit feel personal rather than transactional. One loyal customer noted that if you come back the next day, the staff usually recognizes you — a small touch that makes a surprisingly big difference.
A Dog-Friendly Patio That Welcomes Four-Legged Guests
Spencer’s has a charming and somewhat unexpected policy that sets it apart from most upscale restaurants — dogs are not just tolerated here, they are genuinely welcomed. The outdoor patio regularly hosts well-behaved pups alongside their equally well-dressed owners.
One reviewer spotted a waiter bring a bowl of fresh water to a dog sitting patiently beside its owner. That single moment says a lot about the culture at Spencer’s — thoughtful, warm, and inclusive in a way that feels completely natural rather than forced or performative.
Interestingly, while dogs of all ages are welcome, children under 12 are not permitted. It gives the patio a uniquely relaxed, grown-up energy that pairs perfectly with the elegant setting and unhurried pace of dining.
If your furry companion loves the outdoors as much as you do, Spencer’s is basically their dream restaurant too.
The Romantic Atmosphere Sets the Perfect Mood
Romance is baked into every inch of Spencer’s atmosphere. The soft, warm lighting filters through the tree canopy overhead, the San Jacinto Mountains loom beautifully in the background, and the gentle desert breeze keeps everything feeling alive and magical throughout the evening.
Reviewers consistently recommend Spencer’s for date nights, anniversaries, and birthday dinners. One guest described it as having perfect lighting — warm and soft, not too bright — making it just right for a romantic night out.
Another called it an amazing experience for a date with his wife, one he would absolutely repeat.
Occasional live piano music drifts through the air during certain evenings, adding yet another layer of elegance to an already enchanting setting. If you are planning a special occasion and want a place that practically does the romantic work for you, Spencer’s is the obvious choice in Palm Springs.
Smart Reservation Tips to Secure Your Spot
Spencer’s popularity is not a secret, and getting a table without planning ahead can be a real challenge. The restaurant books up quickly, especially on weekends and during the busy Palm Springs winter season when visitors flood the city from across the country.
The smartest move is to make your reservation online through OpenTable as early as possible. One reviewer noted that it is a little hard to get reservations because the place is hugely popular, urging guests to plan well in advance.
Another tried to return on a whim one evening and simply could not get a table at all.
Valet parking is available for just three dollars, which is a genuine bargain for a restaurant of this caliber. Street parking is also usually available nearby.
Arriving a few minutes early is always a good idea and sets the whole evening off on a relaxed, stress-free note.
Hours, Pricing, and What to Expect Before You Go
Planning your visit to Spencer’s requires a little homework, but it is absolutely worth the effort. The restaurant is open Thursday through Monday from 8 AM to 10 PM, giving you options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across most of the week.
Tuesday and Wednesday are the only days the kitchen goes dark.
Pricing falls in the moderate-to-upscale range, marked as double dollar signs on most review platforms. Expect to spend more than a casual chain restaurant but receive significantly more in return — both in food quality and overall experience.
The prix fixe lunch option around $31 per person offers one of the best deals on the menu.
Spencer’s also allows guests to bring their own wine for a $30 corkage fee, which can help manage costs for wine lovers. Calling ahead at 760-327-3446 or visiting spencersrestaurant.com makes planning your perfect visit smooth and straightforward.
Why Spencer’s Keeps Guests Coming Back Again and Again
Loyalty is earned, not given, and Spencer’s has built a fiercely devoted following over its more than two decades of operation. Guests do not just visit once — they return for Mother’s Day every year, bring friends from out of town, and count on the restaurant to deliver a consistently excellent experience.
One regular customer brings her mother every May without fail, cherishing the outdoor patio and the warm, celebrity-like treatment from the waitstaff. Another calls it a go-to restaurant every time they visit Palm Springs, always ordering the same beloved dishes and always leaving satisfied.
That kind of repeat loyalty speaks louder than any single five-star review. Spencer’s has crafted something genuinely rare in the restaurant world — a place where the food, the setting, the service, and the memories all combine into something that simply makes people want to return as soon as possible.