Went to a Sunday brunch on vacation. Had a party of 8 and had to wait about 15 minutes. Service was great and the food was decent. I had the French dip Sandwich and just wished for more taste. Can't complain otherwise! Busser and servers were constantly filling up my coffee/waters. read more

I eat here almost everyday with my client. I am a caregiver. This place does not disappoint. If it wasn't good I wouldn't eat here almost everyday nor would my client and the many regulars that are there every morning. I recently read in a prior review that this place has gone down since it's change of hands. Not at all. This place is great and will continue to be great as long as these owners keeps doing exactly what they are doing. Many of us love this place and the people that work there. Know ifs some buts about that. C'mon down and enjoy! read more

the food is great the service is great, your order comes very quickly the owner is on site and has a great attitude read more

Just picke d a corn beef sandwich and it was not very good. Bread was stale and not as much corn beef as the other owners. It was $18.00 and definitely not worth it. This was always a great restaurant but since changing hands a lot has changed. read more

So glad they are opened again! Breakfast here is so, so good. The absolute best bisquits and gravey - creamy, flavorful (just the right amount of black pepper). Love tater tots instead of hash browns - so crispy. The lox and bagels are to die for - this NY girl loves good lox and bagels. The staff is wonderful, attentive and happy. Service is quick. Fun place to eat breakfast. read more

Love! Love! Love this place! I can't say enough about the service and great food! Never had a bad meal over the years ... Marilyn Monroe motif with a splash of Elvis! Breakfast and lunch ... closes early read more

It is located in a small strip mall, next to a gym Definitely a locals joint. Most of the people that came in the waiters greeted by name. The place is decorated with fifties memorabilia mostly Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. The food is basic diner food but it's cooked really well. I would definitely come back here again and if i'm in read more

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

I love to come to Michael's Cafe for lunch whenever I make it out to the desert. The sandwiches are piled high with meat! My friend and I decided to split the French dip and the pastrami on rye. One served with fries, and the other with onion rings. Man, this was the way to go! I'm drooling with the thought of this delicious combo lunch. One of the best dip sandwiches and pastrami around. They give you a ton of fries! And the onion rings are so crisp and delish. Service is always friendly and attentive. I'll see you again on my next trip out to the desert! read more

Michael's is always good. I've been many times and have never gotten a bad meal here. I'm addicted to the sweet & sour cabbage soup. Tried it one day thinking I wouldn't care of it; boy, was I wrong! The portions are good sized. Highly recommend. read more

I eat here once or twice a week since moving to Cathdral City. the food, and service is the best. Their breakfast or lunch options are tastee, make Micheal Cafe your first choice read more

It was breakfast and delicious. For $10.95 2 eggs any way, bacon, hash brown or home fried potatoes or fruit, toast, butter and jam. Coffee $2.50 It's my once a week dining out and as enjoyable as finest dining. My good friend Frank has been eating there for 20 years, as have I and we've also been friendly with the busboy Alberto, who has always impressed us with his service, is still there but when they reopened after Labour Day all of the six Route 66 waitress-ladies, (all over 70 years with bleached hair and starched handkerchiefs-they were well known at this memorial to Marilyn Monroe) disappeared. Kinda like Atlantis. But Alberto is still there. And the waitresses replaced by young men. Our waiter, when I asked his name replied "Alberto Junior! And the others are his younger brothers! All five. When pressed, Alberto senior explained now he is the owner and his boys have put their shoulders to the wheel. I almost wept as I nearly choked on the silver spoon in my mouth. read more

Amazing service and great food!!! The environment feels very home like Definitely coming back read more

Service is excellent. With the new owners we are expecting great things as one is a chef and the other is Alberto who has been there as an employee for many years . Going to go from good food to great food. Give them a second chance if it's been a while read more

Well after reading several lame reviews desperately trying to blame others for their inability to eat in a REAL diner(learn what a diner is before you give managers advice) or blaming Apps for dropping orders(seriously just stop now), I decided to give MY review. This place is fantastic. Here's why: When we walked up we saw multiple tables outside. I got concerned there would only be outside seating. But there was plenty inside. Some just like it hot. A lovely lady greeted us with a quick 2 fingers in the air and we confirmed her hand gesture. She instructed us to enjoy a booth if we liked. We got a well partitioned both separated by plexiglass panels. Immediately we were brought clean menus and offered drinks by the busser. The coffee was so good it didn't need flavored creamer, which I tend to spoil myself with. Once seated I finally took in the place. Floor to ceiling homage to Marilyn Monroe! Who I personally adore. There were amazing Norma Jean shots and lovely posters of her with costars. What a delight! Something I've greatly missed. A true 50s themed diner and executed well. Fully casual. Like you should already know how it goes cuz it's old hat at this point. There's a U-shaped counter which I hope to sit at next time. They do roll silverware as I would assume they are utilizing their space and amount of employees on the floor wisely. Having people HIDE in the back is a very archaic style of restaurant management better suited for finer dining. So you keep on rolling your silverware where you can see your customers. The menu is an array of classic diner selections from an old fashion chili size to a self described favorite salami sandwich. I went with the special potato pancakes and an order of bacon. I am very happy to share they DO NOT deep fry their bacon. I can't stand that. I prefer oven cooked but a good old fashion grill cooked bacon is also where it's at. This bacon did not disappoint. I added sour cream only cuz I'm a glutton. lol. My husband enjoyed their salami sandwich which I mentioned. He said it was reminiscent of a capricola sandwich, and since he's Italian that's a good thing. The service was standard. But the chill vibe of the diner was lovely. The lovely lady at the door picked up our check as soon as I was ready and graciously told us about Michael's Passport. Smart move if you come with a group of people! I look forward to coming back and hopefully I'll make it to homemade bread pudding next time. There was no way today! Absolutely must try if you love 50s diner like Woody's Diner in HB or Johnny Rockets in Laguna. read more

I took my family here and they loved it. The decorations are really nice and the staff are great. The food was good a little pricey but worth it since there aren't many diners around. read more

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Great breakfast spot! Try their breakfast specials. Omelettes are great. The tuna is to die for! And their saladas are amazing. And the girls at the front are always cheerful and greeting with a big smile. read more

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Please play some music inside this place it's so uncomfortable to even talk I can hear everyone's conversation I'd probably come more often Food is ok read more

so glad friends took my husband & I there couple of years ago and now we take our friends, fell in love with it, we go there every time we head home after our stay in Palm Desert, everyone is pleasant and food is so good, nice that there are signs NOT to use phone, but of course there are some people that Can't read, then sit outside-- if you like Norm Jean- Marilyn Monroe then this is the place for you to spend time looking at her pictures and having a relaxing meal. Enjoy your meal. Lu German Corona, CA read more

We decided to just sit on the patio and watch the Packers this morning and have breakfast. My husband went over to Michael's and ordered the special of the day which was Eggs Florentine exactly what i wanted, coincidence, i think not We always ask for our potatoes to be well done, my husband had a side of bacon, also well done. When you order food to go you have to expect SOMETHING to be wrong, especially with an intricate meal as this. I mean poached eggs(easy to over cook), hollandaise sause (has come broken at another restaurant ) bacon well done(burnt), but today was PERFECTION! Every single bite was delicious. I felt the need and duty to call Michael's and tell them what a gem of a chef they have and how they have made my day. Yes, you read it correctly, this perfect breakfast has made my day and hopefully a few people at the restaurant as well. The man who answered the phone said "you have no idea how happy that makes me". Life has been difficult for everyone lately so if you can find a little bit of light to share, DO IT Always do your best, someone is watching and appreciates it read more

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

I've been going to Michael's for over 22 years. The last several times I've been there for breakfast or lunch, I have noticed that the portions are significantly smaller while the prices are a bit higher. I am aware that the new owners have worked in the restaurant for many years in a different capacity and I'm thrilled that they were able to buy the restaurant from the previous owners. What I don't understand is why they chosen to reduce the quantity of food for an accelerated price. I am clearly aware that all restaurants have raised their prices since the pandemic and understand their need to do so. What I don't understand is why the new owners would consciously make the portions smaller? They have wonderful servers and a great team that provides good service to their patrons. Unfortunately, I won't return as each time I leave, have a sense that I've been cheated. Perhaps new customers who don't have a long history with the restaurant might not be aware of what the season customers are used to. Wishing them the best of luck, but they won't be getting my dollars anymore. I'll actually miss going there. read more

Great place food service been going for over 20 years never a disappointment fresh home style cooking

I have not been in here for a very long time, but I went in today to have lunch with my grandmother and it was great. The staff were on it with everything they did. Thank you for a great lunch and pleasant experience. Keep up the great work! Try it out if you are in the area. read more

We have been long time supporters and frequent this restaurant weekly. We normally eat outside with our service dog but because of the heat we asked to eat inside. Our dog has all the credentials as well as the vest and we were informed today that going forward we are not welcome with our dog to come inside of the restaurant. Arie our dog has come with us for the past 10 years. We couldn't believe the treatment today knowing that our legal rights were not being accommodated and the dismissive attitude by the new owner. We are upset but also sad because we truly love the staff and never would have imagined that we would have to be writing this narrative today. read more

Very busy on a Sunday morning. Wait staff and hosts were very friendly. Unfortunately, the menu was not vegan friendly.

Best breakfast spot!!!!! corn beef hash is delicious. With their new chef there, the food has been top notch. My food comes out perfect each time. Amazing food at michaels cafe! read more

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

Live this place, great food, even during Covid when it's to go only! We had 2 breakfast specials and they were both great Just order by phone and when we got there we called them and they came out with the fresh hot food. Will go back soon!! read more

Good food, good prices, clean and it has pleasant staff. Great spot for breakfast or lunch.

So I usually LOVE this place.....but we went on October 1st and was very disappointed. My French Dip, the roast beef was dry and I mean chewy dry...the aujus was perfect. My hubby got the pastrami rueben and there was so much fat he couldn't chew it or swallow it....yes we have all if our teeth.. Anyway the waitress was fantastic, the atmosphere fantastic! We'll be back for sure but hope the new cook does better. read more

I'm a big fan of diners/cafes but didn't care too much for this one. First of all, how are you not going to allow cellphone usage?!? honesty that posted sign kind of offends me. It's 2016, if you're establishment does a goo job, then you would want people to use their phones and check in on social media, like yelp, and get the word out there. Plus if I can't be on my phone, that may force me to actually have a conversation with a real person. Heaven forbid I'm forced to do that. I was also offended by my order. In their defense, it's hard to make an amazing veggie omelet and make it amazing but it's been done. I came on Meatless Monday, and was disappointed by how flavorless my dish was, I ordered some yummy tasting salsa to give my dish some life but it didn't really help. Service was great and it should be noted that my mom enjoyed her bagel and lox plate. But overall, I found this place too pricy and don't really see myself returning here in the near future. read more

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Great spot for breakfast. Large menu with plenty of choices. Very nice people. Would definitely come here again.

They canceled our order from Uber Eats after waiting for the order to be filled for 30 minutes. Poof. Gone. Nope. Not gonna support that BS. read more

I had read about this place years ago, but never really had a reason to go. My dear friend wanted to take me to breakfast and he suggested this place. i jumped at the chance to try something new. I'm glad we did. The Marilyn decor is pervasive, including the bathroom. Some of it I really like. Some of it was a little much. The busboys at this place are in constant motion. I haven't guys work this hard, in a long time. The waitresses I've gotten have all been good and make great suggestions. The chili cheese omelet is just delicious. I need to remember to tell them to not put cheese on it. Eggs are not overdone. The chili has a good flavor. I like that it has beans in it. I get the tater tots, on the side. Crisp and tasty. Very mid-western. Good iced tea. You can pay at the table, but you'll wait. Just take your check up to the front. It has been pretty busy, the times I've gone, but people leave pretty quickly. read more

Michael's Cafe - Just a sampling of the Marilyn and Elvis memorabilia. It is everywhere! - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

Michael's is a go to for locals all year. It's like a mini Sherman's with breakfast and sandwiches. Their biscuits and gravy is seasoned with some spice??( tarragon, thyme)I don't care for in Country gravy, maybe chicken. On our to go order the corned beef was really sliced thick and over spiced with bay leaf, the LG soup $9. is in a sm/med. Styrofoam cup. Fish and chips are standard with lots of good fries. read more

Slow service average food offerings fairly good eggs benedict otherwise nothing special here .

The food was good. The service was good but being asked to leave when we were finishing our coffee was quite disappointing. The restaurant had several empty tables so we were very surprised. We have been going there for several years so we're disappointed being treated so poorly. Thank you. read more

Restaurant was very clean.Food was served warm and exactly what we ordered.Very quiet environment, fits perfectly with the coined term cafe. Service could have been a little better, as far as following up on refills or checking in on us. Definitely has the local family feel, and many items on the menu to try. We would like to come back a second time to try there lunch items. read more

Michael's Cafe - Veggie Omelette with Cottage Cheese - American Near Me - Cathedral City, California

Excellent food and service in a nice "cafe" setting. The new ownership has definitely tuned it around.

This place is THE PLACE. Great food and great service and an even greater story. The story is a Frank Capra, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, story. Ask the owner, Alberto, Sr. Alberto, Sr has worked there for 20 plus years as a bus boy/runner. He has worked and worked and saved and saved. He now owns the business. Is this a great "feel-good" story Or What? Please make time and give Michael's a visit. One visit will result in a lifetime of great dining and even greater friendships. read more

I love this place!!!!!! Great environment, great food, huge portions and great theme. I will keep coming back!!!! The club sandwich is one of my favorites! I love the fries and the ambiance of the whole place is a lot of fun! read more

Something definitely off about the patty in the patty melt sandwich. Taster like it was cooked in a microwave not grilled 9n the grill. Very disappointing. Cold slaw tasted like it had been prepared a few days before. Not up to the original quality you could always expect from the original Michael's owners. read more