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Palm Springs › Palm Springs › Elmer's Restaurant (Palm Springs, CA)
Elmer's Restaurant (Palm Springs, CA)A-Worth Trying
1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
· Breakfast restaurant, American restaurant, Brunch restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (6934 reviews)
Outdoor seating
A beloved Palm Springs breakfast-and-brunch institution with generous portions, fast friendly service, and famous German pancakes; expect waits at peak times and occasional service inconsistencies.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Elmer's Restaurant delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by signature German pancakes and consistent execution, paired with strong service attentiveness that keeps coffee cups full and tables turning efficiently. Reliable consistency and established local institution status position it competitively with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though occasional service lapses and mixed recent management feedback prevent advancement to grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a classic diner vibe where coffee cups never seem to sit empty. Guests talk about “that perfect Dutch baby” and quick, friendly servers even when the line snakes outside. However, expect busy weekend waits and the occasional hiccup with policies or service pacing. The cooking leans comfort-first and generous rather than experimental: German pancakes, cinnamon roll pancakes, potato cakes, steak and eggs, and a capable lineup of sandwiches and seafood. Plates arrive hot and hearty, with many diners sharing. Prices land a bit above small-town diners but feel fair given portion size and consistency. Families are clearly welcome. Kids gravitate to pancakes and waffles, while adults can keep it simple with eggs, bacon, and hash browns. There is no dedicated kids menu noted, but the menu is naturally kid-friendly with familiar breakfast staples and flexible sides. Expect crowds at peak brunch; weekdays are easier.
At a Glance
- Signature German pancake and cinnamon roll pancakes are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Big portions and fast table service deliver solid value
- Peak-hour waits and parking can be challenging
- Mixed reports on management policy handling and large-group seating
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- signature_german_pancake
- large_shareable_portions
- consistently_fast_breakfast_service
What People Love
- Nostalgic diner charm with modern efficiency
- That oven-baked German pancake ritual
- Endless coffee refills and quick ticket times
- Hearty plates that are easy to share
- Consistent experience across multiple visits
Points of Concern
- Waits of 20–35 minutes common on weekends; arrive early or try weekdays
- Large parties may be split; multiple complaints about group seating and auto-gratuity handling
- Isolated reports of food safety/pest and credit card errors; management responses vary
- Pricing is higher than a small-town diner (many breakfast mains $18–21); add drinks and it climbs
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (high five-star share, some marketing-style language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-$44 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For light eaters: Split Famous Buttermilk Pancakes ($16.49) and add a side of eggs
- Savory lovers: Oregon Trail Steak & Eggs ($26.99) or Bacon Avocado Omelet ($20.79)
- Seafood fans: Wild Pacific Salmon ($25.29) as a non-fried option
- Budget-conscious: Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.79) with included side
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with visiting friends
- Comfort-food breakfast before a day in the desert
- Casual family meals with shareable plates
- Solo weekday breakfast at a relaxed pace
Location Insights
Area: Resort corridor along E Palm Canyon Dr with mid-century charm, popular for brunch and tourist traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, busy arterial with steady foot and car traffic; typical daylight comfort for resort area.
Nearby: Near hotels, boutiques, and other eateries; convenient for visitors exploring south Palm Canyon.
Palm SpringsThe dining scene in Palm Springs is diverse, ranging from casual diners and family-friendly spots to upscale restaurants and trendy cafes. The atmosphere is generally laid-back and welcoming, catering to both visitors and residents seeking comfort food as well as innovative cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday06:00–21:00
Tuesday06:00–21:00
Wednesday06:00–21:00
Thursday06:00–21:00
Friday06:00–21:00
Saturday06:00–21:00
Sunday06:00–21:00
Available: Outdoor seating
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