One of the worst dinners I've ever had!!! We ordered the "chef special" Chicken fried steak that was served with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies...The steak was way too thick cut lacking flavor and-topped with a gravy that tasted like canned sausage gravy! Definitely not what I'd expect from such a highly rated restaurant. We also ordered the server recommended and restaurant popular calamari which was also cut so thick that you might as well have been chewing on a rubber band! This negative experience was followed up by the server losing our credit card...All I can say is how very disappointed I am in you!!! read more

Great place for nightcaps too! Highly recommended! Been enjoying this little quaint place for years! Jack La Rue read more

Saturday night, man playing the guitar at a table while old couples sat and listened. Basically it's amazing and you should go. I'm 23, and it's the funniest thing ever in the most amazing way :) read more

Wow! What a great time we had. The food is fantastic. The comfy booths the rocking crowd. Loved it all. We split a chicken parmigiana. Our plates were platters loaded with steamed veggies and sweet potato fries. We finished with Lemon custard. Definitely will return. read more

First time there, although I've spent 11 seasons out here. Great dinner and service! Very friendly and attentive staff. Will return. Only issue was the noise level from the bar area. read more

Man, this was a very hard review. For food and entertainment this restaurant deserves a 5. And honestly out of the 6 times we've been service would be a 5 on 5 of those visits, but this 6th time....I'm a little shocked I even gave sandbar a 4. When we arrived at our reservation time we were seated immediately, nearly 20 minutes later our waitress took our drink order and luckily I asked to put in an appetizer since our food order wasn't taken for 45 minutes. While we were waiting (quite patiently) a table of 9 sat next to us and before they even literally were seated our waitress took their drink order and appetizers, not once looking in our direction. Finally some other waiter came over and took our order. Clearly we weren't worth our waitresses time. Honestly I was pretty disenchanted after the treatment. This is after coming here the past three years on our yearly vacation and insisting to others this is the BEST place to come in the desert...disappointing read more

This is a great old school dining spot where servers have worked for decades. There is a very intimate little bar with a piano player who knows every Sinatra song. The menu is very much American comfort foods, the portions are generous, and prices are not terribly high. This is a favorite with the affluent golfing, country club crowd, especially busy during the winter season. Go early. This crowd gets up early to hit the links and are not late night diners! Its a Palm Springs kind of experience! read more

Ok, headed out to explore La Quinta area and saw this place sitting in a gravel lot next to an Embassy Suite. While it looked down and out from the outside, the BMW's MB's and other luxury cars peaked our interest. Greeted like old friends upon entry. Old timer playing a white piano in the corner and a full bar area of diners. Ordered a couple of drinks and took in the scene, which I would say is 60 something locals who are obviously regulars. This could explain the low number of reviews since most of the guests probably don't use social networking sites or own computers. Still, a fun place and the drinks are poured with a heavy hand. Can't complain about that. Next time we might even try the food read more

My husband and I discovered this little gem by accident and it is thee coolest place to eat and listen to the awesome sounds of the local talent. Fun Fun Fun !!! Do not miss an opportunity to experience this place. read more

Great place. Lots of fun. Terrific music entertainment. Good food. Unfortunately they close for the summer. Can't wait for them to open again. read more

This a great place to eat, good menu and presentation. Service fantastic and great entertainment.

Food is always top notch! Seems like every time I come here it's either a steady crowd or packed. Live music from a solo piano/guitar is who could be Neil Diamonds voice double. You can tell the staff have been at this awhile & care about their costumers and the overall experience. I make it here about once every two weeks and am never disappointed. read more

It was my first time eating here and I was excited to take my future mother in law to a place that I had heard good things about. The atmosphere was nice and service was ok but the quality of the food was underwhelming for the price. Wish it would have lived up to its reputation. Maybe it was just one if those off nights but I don't see myself returning. read more

A very nice atmosphere and the service was very good. The food was fair at best. I had the salmon which was way over cooked. My husband had the seafood special which was also poorly cooked. The prices were steep for that kind of food. A nice piano bar, but definitely caters to the over 70 crowd. read more

Have been a total of 3 times, tonite being the 4th, first time was over 15 years ago, then a friend suggested stopping in for a nite cap after a "paintnite", totally impressed with piano bar, Bill Baker. My third visit was a party of 8, again, in the piano Bar, the owner knew my friend Murray, we had a great table, a few in our group got up and sang....food/service was wonderful, as was the energy......8 of us are going back tonite! read more

What a delightful evening! It had been 25 years since we had enjoyed a Cunards dinner. Nostalgically, the menu hadn't changed much if at all. Even the staff seemed the same, completely charming. If you want a true Palm Springs area experience, this is the place. Don't expect haute cuisine, but order something comfortable, enjoy the yummy included salad and save room for the Toll House pie. In another 25 years, may you return and reminisce as we did. read more

Great atmosphere (piano bar). Food was very tasty, but very small portions for the price.

This place is amazing. The piano bar, the service, the clientele and let's just say the food is amazing!!! Sand Dabs are my fav and they know how to make them perfectly! read more

Food was good, however, we paid an extra $12 to share a meal which was no problem. We were given salads on bread plates that were so small. When we complained, different waitresses kept coming over and doing nothing instead of rectifying the situation. We were 2 couples and they bought one drink, no one else wanted anymore to drink. They offered a desert to split 4 ways but we didn't want desert. The owner finally came over who was SO rude. He told us the $12 was for the tablecloths and the entertainment and that we got our monies worth. Owner is a creep--needs to learn customer service and to make customers happy. Will never go back. read more

This place is a throwback. If Frank S and the ratpack were still around, they would be hanging here. It doesn't look like anything from the outside but then in the season you see the expensive cars parked out front. This has been a favorite of the country club crowd for years and owner Bob Cunard keeps them coming back. Birds of a feather........ Merv Griffin used to eat here all the time and Arnold Palmer still does. Its that kind of crowd. The food is old school too - nothing trendy here- but its good ( though pricey) and the small bar and ancient piano player are classic. Don't go late and expect dinner. These people go to bed early and get up for golf! read more

Amazing !!! What a wonderful experience, the good was amazing the entertainment and atmosphere was rockin.... A must try!!

only been to the bar, always fun. bill baker is the man on the piano and guitar. mike the bartender is outstanding.

Best restaurant in the desert!! Pete and Bob are the best hosts. You can't find a better bartender around than Pete. Bob, the owner is the best host. The food is 5 star and the atmosphere is quaint and classy. Love, Love the place. I have taken alot of friends there and they all agree with me and partronize the place now even without me. Can't wait to go visit again. Hopefully, I can get there sooner than later. read more

Don't be put off by your first impressions. I certainly wouldn't give it 5 stars for its decor and architecture. I would generously describe it as comfortable and cozy in a homey kind of way. I wouldn't give it 5 stars for the food. You won't find haute cuisine here but then again it doesn't pretend to be. Lets call it good solid comfort food. After all fried chicken is one of the signature dishes. And you probably won't give the entertainment 5 stars either. As much as we love and enjoy Bill Baker's music in the bar area he won't be playing Carnegie Hall anytime soon. So why the 5 star rating. Put it all together and it's magic. I feel like Norm from the old tv series Cheers everytime I walk in. It's a local joint where everyone feels welcome. The owner is usually there keeping an eye on things often with a drink in his hand kibitzing with the locals. The foods solid and the service always top notch. Bill Baker avoids being the proverbial lounge lizard because he so obviously enjoys entertaining people and he certainly knows how to do it. It's open mike. You might be surprised by a terrific performance by someone sitting at the next table and maybe you'll be surprised by some who get up but isn't as talented but the atmosphere is infectious and everybody has fun with it. On different evenings out there we've witnessed half the restaurant performing a conga line, a Baker/Harpo the clown duet (Harpo was playing some kind of horn) and a smashing good blues performance by Baker and someone who goes by the name Big Mike (sadly I heard he passed away) on the harmonica. Bet you've never seen that in a Michelin starred restaurant!!! read more

My friends and I went to Cunard's Sand Bar over the weekend. Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing about our experience there. We sat at the bar and had some drinks which were fairly priced and not at all stingy! We had a hard time choosing from the great menu so we simply ordered a number of appetizers and passed them around. We had some roasted chili peppers which were amazing, a chop salad, some deep fried green beans and the best deviled eggs I've ever eaten! The place was better than half full late into the evening when we left. The owner, Bob, introduced himself to us and was very hospitable. We will definitely go back! read more

What an icon in la quinta. Great old school feel to it. Live music every night. Bill baker can really entertain. Happy hour is great but they are known for their dinners. Come later for dinner and you never know who will get up and sing, any number of old school jazz to celebrities. Bob Cunard runs a top notch joint. read more

I am reading these reviews and wonder if they are part of the same crowd that likes to meet in the bar. Does have a great bar scene, but go some place else for the food. We should have walked out at the terrible salad. Sole, their speciality, was good but not near as good as other places in the area for much less money. Bottom line, food is not worth the price and no special effort by the kitchen. They even wanted to charge us extra to substitute another vegetable for the unattractive carrots dripping in butter. I am giving it two stars and that is only because of the bar. read more

Ate in the bar on a Saturday night, lovely crowd, great piano by Johnny and the service was fantastic. The deviled eggs were delish. We split the King Crab legs and the chef made us a special side of garlicky pasta Alfredo which was not at all heavy and went nicely with the veggies that came with our meal. Harpo the Clown came by for a visit and gave us a red nose and posed for photos. Best part of all, one of my favorite actresses of all time, Gena Rowlands, was seated a table away. At 83, she still looks beautiful. We'll definitely be visiting again and again, I'm sorry we waited to hit this classic desert dining experience. If you are looking for the shi shi, contemporary, young hangout this place is not for you. It's classic Hollywood meets Palm Springs golden era. read more

A hidden gem in La Quinta that we stumbled onto via the internet yesterday so we decided to try it out after driving by it for the last 5 years. It is very reminiscent of Lord Fletchers in Rancho Mirage as to it's age and history, but the owner Bob and his staff go out of their way to welcome you to their restaurant. Service is impeccable yet not overdone. Food is outstanding and the wine list is good. The piano player is good, the music sets the tone and it's just a feel good place all around. You can go to a lot of places and get good food, but the Sandbar is a total experience and you feel like you've made a friend that you want to see again when you leave. You won't be disappointed with La Quinta's hidden gem. PS.. have reservations because it fills up quickly. read more

For those of you who have not visited Sandbar lately, or at all, I would highly recomend you give it a try. It is one the more charming establishments in the desert once you get in the door.The outside does not reflect the atmosphere that awaits; however it's obvious by the vehicles parked outside, that this requires further investigation. I noticed most of these posts were quite old and some might not be aware that this is the 30th anniversary for Sandbar, there's a new chef in town and he is FABULOUS! The soup was out of this world and the salmon was excellent. They now are offering a wonderful Happy Hour and the live music and generous cocktails truly made a memorable evening. I will be back sooner than later! read more

Disappointing experience. As we have been to the Sandbar on 2 other occassions. We made reservations to celebrate our 37th anniversary on the night of April 10th. The valet greeted us with delight as did the hostess. We were seated in a lovely booth. We ordered a cocktail & an overpriced wine but this was not a problem. We simply wished to relax with our cocktail before we ordered as the 2 different waitresses continued to ask if we were ready to order which made us feel rushed. 10 to 15 minutes into having our cocktails we felt compelled to hurry & order. On our previous visit to the Sandbar my husband enjoyed the roasted duck which he looked forward to savour again. He was then told the chef forgot to order the duck so there was none. We should been advised that there was a change on the menu. No DUCK! We would have ordered a different wine for dinner had he been advised early on that there was NO duck. We mentioned to the gal opening the wine he had his mouth set for duck! It should have been pointed out prior to ordering the wine. Hence we let it slide to not spoil our evening. Then the original waitress who uncorked our wine asked how are things? We mentioned how our choice of wine would have been different had we known there was no duck. Her response was unexpected. She begins to explain, if we made our request on our arrival she would have saved us a duck & not served it to 3 other patrons earlier. Our reservations were @ 6pm. There were only 3 ducks & all was served?? Making it our fault for not ordering sooner! Our fault for not ordering ahead of time etc.! All in all, it felt like a lie. The first waitress was more convincing. The 2nd gal made it to be our problem. The 2nd gal was also inept at opening a $40.00 bottle of wine. Leaving a tattered foil around the neck of the bottle. More training needed. In the past we took a group of out of town guests to the Sandbar & was quite happy with the food, wine & service. Our 3rd time there left us disappointed. It will be a long time before we return if ever to take anyone. Amazing how one server can make a difference or ruin an evening. Our 37th Anniversary was not what we had hoped! read more

Went on a whim. Loved the bartender!!! We ordered some appetizers and the food was dee-lish! They have live entertainment in the bar area which really added to our great experience. This will become one of our favs!!! read more

I rarely write yelp reviews anymore unless I feel really compelled, and this place compelled me. The service was particularly exceptional - truly - and the ambiance and mood were also 5 star worthy. Menu selections were great, had the main course and dessert been just a hair better it would no doubt have gotten 5 stars from me, but do know that I am visiting from a very 'food forward' city and hold places to a high standard. The dining here was still fabulous, and the restaurant was no doubt our favorite of every place we ate in Palm Springs the last 5 days. read more

Excellent service and sensational cuisine! Don't miss the 4 cheese stuffed chiles... And the chicken fried steak on Tuesday nights is the best I've ever had! read more

Loved this restaurant from the minute we had valet park our car. Very friendly and we were well taken care of. We will return again. Food was great and the atmosphere is like an old time meeting place. You'd expect the rat pack to walk thru the door. read more

Driving by for 5 months and never looking twice because of the exterior. I was guilty of judging, without interest. Our son took us to dinner there on Saturday night. Place was packed and live entertainment, that was fun, but the food was super. It is an old time hideaway, a throwback to sing along, great drinks, super food and patrons you might have as neighbors. I will be back. read more

We were vacation ending in La Quinta and heard about this restaurant in one of the reviews. It's essentially an old school Italian restaurant with a Twist. Let me talk about the food first we had the prime rib special and the meat was fabulous cooked exactly as we asked very tasty came with a salad baked potato. I know it's not Italian but it was a special that night and we tend to go for the specials. Diners around us we're getting other things more Italian and some fish entrees they all looked quite good. The unusual thing about the restaurant is that there is a Entertainer playing the piano I guess this gentleman bill baker has been around for some time I am not usually entertained by such things however he was very personable a wonderful musician and told stories about a variety of artists in the early years of rock and roll and other music genres. I know it may sound corny but it wasn't it was very very entertaining. Customer I suspect a friend of his got up and sang a song and strolled around the audience it was well done there were also a variety of customers that got up and danced in the aisles. Anyways it was a fun evening and a great way to start our vacation. The other thing they do is they have a deal where they will split an entree for $12 and provide a second serving of salad and potato and vegetable or whatever. I will also say the split entree size or like two portions of the same size entree. It was a great deal and the food was good and the entertainment was a lot of fun. read more

I've been going to the Sandbar for years. The service is great and the Bar Tender Pete is amazing. I don't know the owners, as I simply go to have a decent meal in a place where the food and service is good and the valet remembers me. I am very puzzled at the recent review by Gretchen K. who clearly is an uneducated racist. While Gretchen was supposedly waiting for her food, she certainly didn't seem to have a problem keeping the waitress busy listening to stories about the owners. As Judge Judy says, "if it doesn't make sense, it isn't true". I will admit that the place has changed over the years and it seems that there is less business, which could be the economy, but I doubt that. It wouldn't hurt to make some positive changes or advertise. All in all, the Sandbar has been a La Quinta hotspot for the older crowd for years and worth giving it a try. read more

Had dinner reservations at 7 on a Friday night; bar was lively with Bill Baker and friends as entertainment. Long wait for drinks, food order, salads, and food. Was 8:45 by the time our food arrived. Saw a clown while we were waiting which was a bit odd. Food eventually showed up and was really good. The server mentioned they were short 2 servers; which was painfully obvious. Although it was a long wait, the food was worth it; will try again during the week. read more