Escape to a Tiki Hideaway
📍 Restaurant Name & Website: The Reef
🌟 Must-Try Dish: Uni (Sea Urchin) with Quail Egg & Fresh Wasabi
💰 Price Range: Affordable
🏝️Atmosphere: Tiki Bar
🗺️ Location: 411 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
🔥 Insider Tip: Grab a patio seat for a view of the pool!
Inside the Caliente Tropics Hotel, The Reef is a retro tiki bar where kitsch reigns supreme. Think bamboo walls, colorful décor, and an easygoing crowd sipping Mai Tais with little paper umbrellas. I snagged a shaded patio spot, to soak up Gilligan’s Island vibes while people-watching.
Crunch, Crisp, and Everything Fried
🐟 Fish and Chips: Crispy golden batter, light and shattering with every bite, reveals flaky, tender fish. A dunk in tangy tartar sauce? Perfect.
🍟 Salty Fries – Simple, classic, no gimmicks—just hot, crispy goodness.
🥗 Creamy Coleslaw – Cool, tangy, and just sweet enough to balance the fried perfection.
Tiki Drinks Done Right 🍹
There are those that say you don’t go to a tiki bar without ordering a cocktail. I went for lunch and had to get back to work though so no Mai Tais for me. Their cocktail menu has all the classics.
🔥 The Zombie – Citrus, rum, and spice (not for the faint of heart!)
🍍 Painkiller – Pineapple, coconut, dark rum—like a piña colada with a kick.
🍊 Navy Grog – A citrusy, boozy throwback to classic tiki culture.
A Bold Stand: Drinks That Align with Values
Beyond the great food and cocktails, The Reef is putting its money where its mouth is. with a major policy shift.
Owner Rory Snyder announced that The Reef and its sister restaurant, Sancho’s, will only serve alcohol from states and regions that align with their community’s values. That means no more Kentucky Bourbon.
For many diners, supporting businesses that align with their values matters—and The Reef is walking the talk. It’s a bold move and one that may come with some blowback. Which is part of the reason I am spending my queer dollars there.
So, raise a tiki mug to great food, strong drinks, and businesses that stand for something. 🌊🍹
What Do You Think? Let’s Talk!
💬 Should more restaurants make values-based sourcing decisions? Sound off in the comments!
📢 Tag a friend who needs a tiki lunch escape!
📩 For more delicious finds, subscribe or follow me on Bluesky: @cdrabkin.bsky.social
Dish The Desert 