Ambiance was casual. This place is like the TARDIS. It's bigger on the inside. Busy on a Sunday, seems like a locals favorite. Service was outstanding. Quick coffee refills, friendly staff. Food was good breakfast noms. Ernie had Steak and Eggs and enjoyed it. I had oatmeal, side of bananas was plentiful. And the OMELETTES that I saw them serving looked really good! I'm having one next time. We got seated quickly and our beverages. Taking our order took a few minutes but they were very busy and the coffee pot stopped by frequently. We would definitely come back. read more

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Good food and good service, prices are reasonable. I come here after nearby AA meetings and several friends accompany me. It is nutty in that there are pictures of Marilyn Monroe all over the place (including an interesting photo in the men's room). jD's special is a huge breakfast that I frequently order. Not fancy, but I don't do fancy. Jimmy M., Indio Ca. read more

Michael's Diner in Cathedral City is a charming little spot tucked into a strip mall, and it truly exceeded our expectations. The place is spotless--from the dining area to the restrooms--and the staff couldn't be friendlier or more welcoming. The menu has plenty of great options, and everything we ordered for breakfast was cooked perfectly. There may not be one single thing that sets them apart, but that's also part of the appeal: it's simply a consistently good, clean, comfortable place to enjoy breakfast or lunch. We haven't tried lunch yet, but after such a great breakfast, we'll definitely be back. BTW, we can see you from Oasis Palm Springs and an easy walk over! Thanks to the team at Michael's Diner for a wonderful start to the day! read more

Barbara was the best of all experiences here. I loved her energy and her beautiful smile. I think place was cute, decorated pretty fun, but I don't know how they could screw up my breakfast as bad as they did! I ordered eggs over medium because I hate, what I call phlegm and I even told the waitress I don't want any of that white runny stuff. But I got the white runny stuff. My pancakes were really tough, they had skins on them and they were very chewy which tells me they overbeat the mix. My two strips of bacon was OK. This place came highly recommended by the staff where we were staying, but I'm one and done... we sat there for a long time, and I finally had to get up to find the waitress and get our check. I JUST CAN'T read more

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Best restaurant i've been in a while. This Marilyn Monroe themed restaurant has great ambience friendly service and amazing food! read more

Michael's Cafe - #7 Chilaquiles with Steak - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

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In here quite a few more times and the food is always excellent and the waiter or waitress. I've gotten has always been fun and cheerful. If you haven't been here, it's definitely worth a shot. Everything I've had on the menu has been delicious! read more

Michael's Cafe - Avocado Benedict 8.9/10 - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

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Always consistent. Good food at reasonable prices. Fast and friendly staff. This is our go o place for breakfast or brunch.

Good service, good food, reasonable prices, casual setting. I will go back. Patio seating out front isn't great...but it's okay.

Horrible service, servers are not attentive nor friendly, dont even come around. I was sitting down for 5minutes no server greeted us nor drinks were taken. A couple that got there after us got their drinks and food before we did. Food quality was terrible looks like potatoes looked like the frozen bag not fresh. read more

Michael's Cafe - Bread was overly toasted couldnt cut it! - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

This is a great breakfast spot. Very busy on the weekends. Generous portions. Very friendly and attentive staff. I've yet to have something I didn't like. They also have a great variety of lunch choices. Only breakfast & lunch are served. They close at 2:00 p.m. Highly recommend. read more

Michael's is a neighborhood diner, that has ensconced its interior with Marilyn Monroe, everything! Rafael and Alberto are regular staff there and always in good humor, even as they are first opening. Coffee keeps coming and the food is good. My favorites are the Nova Lox Benedict and French Omelette. Michael's is in a strip mall, but worth seeking it out, if you have the chance. It's good food, great company and great atmosphere. read more

Good place for lunch and breakfast lots to choose from. Thx for being there for us been coming here for years but I do miss all the old ladies who were the waitresses read more

The food was fine. This isn't really much to talk about. It seemed busy. The service was okay. It's near the Hampton Inn so if you don't want to get the hotel breakfast or want something fresher than microwaved eggs and sausage, this is the place. read more

This place was recommended by our friends who live in Cathedral City for breakfast. We are glad to have come here - probably one of the best road trip breakfasts we've had ever. There is a lot of food to choose from, including omelletes, sandwiches, salads, pancakes, and deli food like chicken salad or tuna salad. My husband got the Breakfast special #5, which has 2 eggs any style, hash browns, 2 sausages and toast. I got the California chicken sandwich which has grilled chicken on a bun (I substituted for sourdough bread), with bacon, avocado, onions, tomato and lettuce, and a side (I got cole slaw). The atmosphere is old school diner with the diner counter in the center of the room. Parking is super easy and plentiful. The space isn't too loud, but pretty full on a Sunday morning. The service is fantastic. Friendly and calm. The price is very reasonable. Would come back here! read more

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Food is very good. Service is excellent. Blah. Blah. Blah. Good. Good good 85 characters. Now post this read more

The food is average, at best, and the prices are a little steep for diner food, but they are about the same as nearby comparable restaurants. So given all that, what they can do is build loyalty. I moved to the neighborhood a year and a half ago, and I've been a regular. Even promoted it among friends as a place to meet. I'm an easy customer, I tip well (former waiter), and I overlook mistakes when my order is wrong (which Michael's Cafe does about 25% of the time). I recently went there one hour before their 2 pm closing time (so the lunch rush was over). I greeted friends at a table on my way in. The place was half empty. When I told them "One" the hostess and the manager (?) got looks. "You can sit at the counter." I held up my computer bag and said, "I need to get some work done, so I'd prefer a table." The manager-woman's sour look got more sour, the hostess looked more worried. "We don't give tables to single people any more. You could take a place outside if you want, or sit at the counter." I said, "No thank you. I can spend my money somewhere else." I went somewhere else, which was much busier. They were thrilled to accommodate me and even gave me a quiet table away from other customers. I said, "If I'm here too long and you need to flip the table, just let me know and I can wrap up." "Oh no," the hostess said, "You'll be fine. We're glad you're here." So, Michael's Cafe, see how easy that could have been? Did your restaurant suddenly fill up after 1 pm on a Monday, or did that table I would have occupied sit empty, along with half the other open tables that were available? You lost an easy-going, well-tipping regular. And I don't think that's something you can afford to do often in this current restaurant economy. Was it worth it? read more

This is my first time at Michael's and I enjoyed it very much. Seems like a local favor. Had to wait a few minutes for a table. The service was then fast and friendly. I like the Marilyn Monroe and other nostalgic decorations of the restaurant. I had two eggs, two pieces of French toast and two bacon. The bacon was cooked crispy like I like it and the French toast was tasty I would definitely recommend Michael's for a breakfast or lunch stop as they close at 2 o'clock. read more

Michael's Cafe - The number nine French toast, eggs, and bacon - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

Very quick service. Clean and inviting. No coffee this morning. Breakfast was a 3.5. Good toast, eggs and bacon. Extra crispy hashbrowns looked tasty but were burnt. Corned beef hash underwhelming, fresh but really more like minced, soft corned beef. Will try again but get hash browns, not extra crispy and definitely not the hash. Quantity and prices excellent. Recommend. ~EG Eats read more

Michael's Cafe - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

Sadly, not the great place it was .... $50 without tip, for two. Food was ok. The only positive was the young man constantly making sure my guest had coffee... Might be awhile before I return . read more

If you're a fan of classics, you absolutely need to try the Old Country Steak at this local diner. Also, we saw a lot of regulars when we went there. I think that's a green light for a great diner. When you see folks coming back again and again, you know you've stumbled upon something special. Also, the vibe has an inviting and warm atmosphere despite the summer heat. Service was kinda slow when we came in, and parking was pretty easy as they have their own lot read more

Michael's Cafe - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

Service is terrible. Food was overcooked and poor quality. Waiter totally inattentive. read more

Usually yummy but I crave consistency. Order something once. Delicious. Order it again. It isn't even the same thing. I just ordered an eggs Benedict and I didn't even get the biscuit. It was egg sitting in sauce. It's so good sometimes but other times, I wonder if the kitchen staff is drunk. read more

I've been coming here off and on for years. This is one of our favorite hometown/down home restaurants. Michael's Cafe consistently provides a clean restaurant, friendly staff, excellent service and delicious food. We didn't wait long for seating, to order, for mimosas to be provided, food to table and dirty plates removed. I heard it is under new ownership by one of the longtime employees. Still - a great experience! I wish I could've shaken the new owner's hand. Well done! read more

Michael's Cafe - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

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Great little neighborhood bar/restaurant. We had pizza at the bar! Lots of TV's and sports games. Fun, nice crowd and excellent staff! Pizza was good. Not great. But it was a fun time! Local gem. read more

3.5 Stars is about right. Michael must really have a thing for Marilyn...Monroe that is. This cute, Marilyn Monroe themed restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch. On both visits, we sat in the same booth and had the same service providers, Lulu and Donna. They were busy both times, but the service didn't suffer. Plenty of parking in the shopping center's lot. DRINKS: Of course the usual, coffee/hot chocolate, juice, soda, but they also have adult breakfast and lunch drinks (Champagne, Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Margarita, Screwdriver, Wine/Beer, etc.). We tried a couple Bloody Marys ($8/ea.), with Clamato, but found them to be a little on the lite side, and lacking many of the accoutrements found in an upscale Bloody Mary. FOOD: It's typical diner food, some things stand out more than others. My go-to breakfast is Chicken Fried Steak ($13.75) with country gravy. Their steak was very good, but the gravy was lacking in flavor. The Texas Chili & Cheese 3-egg Omelet ($14.75) was really good, as are their Tator Tots and Hash Browns. The Corned Beef Hash ($13.75) was flavorful, but ground down finer than in most places (textural preference, I guess). We've also tried the French Toast, and it was okay. Overall, a good place and I'm sure we'll be back. Definitely need to try some lunch menu items and report back. Stay tuned. read more

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We had a fantastic breakfast this morning. We were invited by a family friend, and I wasn't expecting much from a theme resturaunt and fully expected the food to be mediocre. However, the food was fantastic. I got the JD Original and LOVED the gravy and the eggs, sausage, biscuits. My wife got the chicken fried steak which was cooked perfect when many we've had can be overcooked very easily. The chili fries were delicious, and we shared them amongst the table. The staff expertly handled a party of 8 walk in, constant drink refills and a staff that was very accommodating of us asking for pictures. Were from out of town but my wife and I agreed this place would be a weekly go to if we were local. read more

Holy Smokes! This place is amazing. It took me a moment to notice or maybe realize that absolutely everything was great. The attention to detail is impressive. So, every food item was as good as it could be. The atmosphere feels "right." The server and workers were attentive. They could have changed more, but prices are reasonable. Good job all around read more

Good breakfast place in Cathedral City. The restaurant has a Marilyn Monroe theme throughout and there are some very interesting pictures from a young Norm Jean on the walls. I loved that there are signs on the walls asking customers not to make phone call while in the restaurant. You would think that is common courtesy, but sadly, this type of signs are necessary nowadays. Food came out as requested and both our server and the other assistants were really polite and fast. Food is tasty and this is a no frill, good American breakfast/lunch place to check out on any weekend. read more

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Just had breakfast at Michael's Cafe in cathedral city ca. It's a gem in the desert. Food is outstanding. The staff very friendly and attentive. Decor is impressive A tribute to Marilyn Monroe. read more

A friend & I were looking for a new place for breakfast just happened to find Michaels next to the place were were going to try .... an OK find. A little pricy, smallish portions, decent selection if you are on regular diet, If you are a Marlyn Monroe fan you will be entertained with the over abundance of pictures of her. We briefly looked to some sort of information as to why all the MM pics but found nothing. we shared eggs, toast, country potatoes, 2 sausage links. Potatoes were SMALL pieces and hard/burnt. Service, ok. read more

Michaels used to be wonderful place, I still like the atomosphere, but the food has taken a dive into the tank. Three weeks ago we had breakfast. My friend ordered Corned Beef Hash and Eggs. The corned beef had HASH BROWNS MIXED IN IT! My friend was like, WTF??? The waiter comes over, smaller guy, and says it's a new recipe. LOL. I laughed and said, you mean they're using hash browns as a filler now? ? He repeated himself by saying it was a new recipe. I hope that isn't really the case. The breakfast has gotten worse, the home fries are frozen potatos, not too long ago they were fresh. The prices shot up, yes, like everywhere else, but the quality at Michael's Cafe has gone downhill within the past few years and with their current prices, it's no longer worth it. Lunch is too expensive, no cheeseburger w/fries and a drink is worth 20 + bucks. I have been going to Michael's since they were at Cathedral Canyon and 111, however, I'm done with them, especially since the "We use hashbrowns a as filler" episode. Can anyone from Michael's shed some light on this? read more

Great Bfast and excellent service! A definite hidden gem and must do for Bfast while in Cathedral!

Service is great they greed the moment they see you breakfast is great very clean I highly recommend MICHAEL'S

We came to eat at the neighboring restaurant but they were not open. Lucky for us cause Micheals was. They had outdoor seating so we could bring our pup. We order a steak fajita omelette and a side of sausage ( for pup). They brought our water for all of us and took our order. The timing was perfect. The food very good. The service was friendly. The amount of food (one order). Fed both of us til we were full. All in all a very excellent breakfast. The ambiance was nice felt like a local hang out. There was plenty of parking especially since we had a boat in tow. Will come back read more

I'm a another restaurant discover In side restaurant every where Marilyn Monroe pic Cute restaurant &very clean Service is very good Food is good too read more

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Haven't had a bad meal yet. Great breakfasts to choose from. Highly recommend. Indoor/Outdoor seating. Give it a try!

Great family cafe.....The food is sooo good and bountiful.....I think they need bigger plates... my first time here.... Lots of Marilyn on the walls Parking is a premium so be prepared to walk.... But it's worth it.... Staff is very efficient and friendly..... We will be back .... read more

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If your idea of good food is overly processed 'dead' food that gets unloaded from the back of a food distribution truck, and warmed, then this is a retro restaurant you'd enjoy. It's crowded by people who don't know good, fresh and tasty food. There's probably not a good cook in the place, including the kitchen. I've been taken there twice and the seven people I've eaten there with didn't like their food. This place isn't cheap, the service is forgetful, indifferent and sloppy and it's a mystery to me how Michael's continues to attract the senior citizen crowd. I was there yesterday, ordered what the waiter said was popular, and it ranks as the worst restaurant meal I've had in a year. We had to ask for coffee three times, with no server apologies offered, because that's how it goes here. Try the MUCH better food at Tony's burger place in the same strip mall. read more

Haven't been to Michael's since before the Covid pandemic. Decided, out of convenience, to take a visiting friend there for lunch yesterday. Ended up going back again today for lunch because the friend fell in love with the Huevos Ranchero (red sauce). I had had a pastrami on rye with the most delicious French fries and husband had loved the Huevos Ranchero with green sauce. And today they each ordered the same in addition to an order of French toast, an additional success. As for me, having spied a hot turkey plate going by the table yesterday, I opted for that to see if it were as delicious as it appeared then -- and it was. We are anticipating another visit in the near future to test the menu further, but so far, we can be counted as committed fans. Caution: our server advised that Michael's is only open until 2:00 pm, so don't plan on any late lunches! read more

We've loved this restaurant for decades. Sadly, when it was sold, it went so downhill. There is no love or ownership of quality any longer. Once they did their first close for summer vacation, they came back with lesser quality, smaller menu, and higher prices. We used to love the serving staff and now they are gone. My husband got the huevos rancheros off the specials board and was sick within 30 minutes. He's been sick all day. They've kept the decor the same but it doesn't feel special any longer like it used to. Sadly, off our go to list. read more