My stepfather has always told me that ground squirrels weren't good eatin' but this place proves…read morehim wrong! My husband and I came here while on vacation (after spending the day in Joshua Tree National Park). We chose it based on the good reviews and it lived up to expectations. We started with the fries, which stayed nice and crispy (I suggest you follow the server's recommendation and get the habanero sauce so you can double dip in that and the ketchup). I had the delicious Dank House salad. It sounded like an odd combination of flavors (with Brussels sprouts, beets, apples, blue cheese and horseradish dressing) but it all works! Genius! My husband had the rotating chicken sando which was Korean bbq inspired and had amazing flavor! We also had a couple of the local beers on tap. It's kind of a quirky place. Has a little bit of a diner feel on the inside but had a DJ playing music on Saturday evening, which provided some good background music and added to the ambiance without being too loud. The bartender and servers were all very friendly and helpful. If we lived here, this would be a weekly hang out spot for us!

We've been to GRND SQRL a few times now and it's easily our favorite burger spot in 29. The…read moreSquirrel Burger and truffle fries are SO good and have been consistently great every time. The atmosphere is definitely more bar-style and the seating isn't my favorite, but it's clean, casual, and the food more than makes up for it. Service is friendly. We'll definitely keep coming back!

We tripped over this place on a random trip to Joshua Tree. We are so glad we did!…read moreGreat dive bar. Locals were friendly, bartenders were professional and efficient. Wifey was dressed to impress. Not only was she accepted but was encouraged! Really a fun evening, we'll be back!

I went to this place on a recent mini vacation to Joshua Tree. I wanted some local color, and I did…read morenot want to visit the spots for tourists. I wanted to clink glasses with locals who could tell me about the fun and flaw of growing up in a small town. And I figured that local dive bars would allow me to check off my hopes. Plus, the word on the street was that the Virginian was a local haunt for marines. I wanted to party with marines. Spoiler alert: I did--and it added an extra layer of crisp and pop to my night. On my first night, I went there, by my lonesome, and I was surprised to know that it was a cash-only establishment. This worked to my favor because I did not want to drink too much and then go to my hotel. I did not aim to get a DUI, I just wanted to have fun. When I go alone to a bar, I have a primary objective: to find friends to drink with and talk to. Especially on vacation, I wanted to find an experience that would lead me to a "hangover-like night." I know it might be impossible, for sure, but that does not impede me from trying. And when one tries, one might be successful. I was. I went to put my name on the chalkboard to eventually play pool. I gathered around the others who were waiting for pool. I quickly made friends with a marine. He was not the marine I had my eye on, but he was the one who entertained my advances. Soon after, we went to the bar to get him a drink. One for me too. We were getting shots. The wait was long-loving for it gave him and me the opportunity to connect. Let's call him Lalo. He told me about life as a marine. I told him about my life. He told me that he had found a girl--now his fiancée--on an app called Chispa. Basically, a dating app for Latinx people. I did not think he had found a fiancée, but rather a person he could fall in love with. He was young, you see, and love for marriage seems to be a long game best played by those who are at least in their mid-twenties. Regardless, I will root for those two crazy kids. As we drank and grew closer, Lalo and I just became friendlier and friendlier, which led to friendly hugs. On one particular long and gripping hug, I uttered, "This feels so nice, Lalo." His reply was, "I am glad, Frankie, I am glad." My chosen name is Frankie. His words comforted me because they sounded sincere, and words I had not heard before, within this context. Here in the middle of a desert, I had found comfort in the arms of a marine. I never thought I would, but like I said, I tried, and I was happy to be successful. Soon one of his friends came and requested to leave. Lalo did. I was irked. I wanted him to stay with me for a few more drinks at the Virginian. It did not happen. I got lucky, but my luck did not extend the night. But I did get lucky the next night. I went again after my day at Joshua Tree. It was a Saturday night. The place was full but not so full that it was overwhelming. I saw three young men sitting. There was a stool next to one. They had the build and essence of marines. So, I sat next to one. And again, I made a quick friend. He was from South Dakota. I can't remember his name, so let's call him James. James introduced me to his two friends. One was from the same town I grew up in. Happy coincidence. James and I spoke. He was kind enough to get me a glass of water. The service of the armed forces rings high and small. They were taking shots, one after the other, without restraint. One of James's friends stepped outside and puked. The bartender reprimanded them. He gave them a mop to clean their own mess. Wow, this would not happen in an LA bar, I thought. The marines were put to work. James took the mop and finished for his friend. The bartender inspected the mess and green-lit for them to go. Again, I wanted a marine to stay for my own selfish needs. He did not. He grew and gave me a smile as he went. This bar is a local haunt, but great for visitors. So, if you go to Joshua Tree or a nearby town, don't be shy and stop in here for local color. I got to see small-town vibes at play. It was great, and I met my own personal goal of partying with marines. The Virginian may not be sophisticated, but it is a place to have fun and engage in a way that feels homey yet exciting. Please remember it is cash only but it has ATMs. If you use credit cards, to get by at times, then skip this place.

Stephen, the owner was very informative and friendly regarding inquiry of the selections at the…read moreshop. The shop was pristine and clean Lots of great cd options, tons of great vinyl with many different genres and a lot more cassette tapes than I expected with very affordable price points. I will definitely be back!

White Label has some of the best selections in the desert, lots of options for a beginner collector…read moreto a niche music nerd. I stop here any chance I get! They're always so friendly and helpful. Prices are super fair also! Thanks for keeping analog alive

Rasta Rita was the perfect place for our 70-person wedding reception! Who doesn't love…read moreall-you-can-eat tacos and margaritas? The food was absolutely fantastic, the atmosphere was fun and lively, and it was the perfect place to celebrate, dance, and party with all of our family and friends. The staff was incredibly welcoming and made everyone feel right at home. TJ, one of the bartenders, was amazing, and working with Mario throughout the planning process was seamless. He was so accommodating, easy to communicate with, and helped bring our vision to life. Everything came together exactly as we had hoped. The only thing I would mention is to make sure your contract and invoices clearly outlines all fees, especially the 20% administration fee. It wasn't reflected on our invoices until the day after the event, so it came as an unexpected surprise. It didn't take away from what was an incredible celebration, but it's definitely something future couples should clarify upfront. Overall, we had an amazing experience and would absolutely recommend Rasta Rita to anyone looking for a fun, relaxed, and unforgettable wedding reception venue!

We had the best experience here! The food was amazing--our guests are still talking about it…read more Mario, Ken, and TJ were absolutely incredible and made everything feel so easy and stress-free. Communication was super smooth from start to finish, and the whole day ran perfectly. We couldn't be happier with how everything turned out! I would do it over and over again!

I stumbled upon this beauty on accident. Driving past Joshua tree, I saw the sign that read "BOOKS"…read moreon the side of the road and had to make an immediate U-turn. I am so glad I went in! It was way more than what I had expected! At first glance it seems like it's the tiniest thing, but once you start wandering through you'll notice that there are so many sections with tons and tons of all sorts of books, new and used! I only had a limited amount of time so I had to rush through but I was still able to find 3 books for myself... all used but in GREAT condition. $15 for all 3! The owner of the shop was also amazing... super warm and welcoming! This will definitely not be my last time visiting the store because I plan to return on my next trip back to Joshua tree :)

Stacked to the rafters with used books. Especially strong on science fiction, mysteries, and…read morethrillers.

The only DJ spin in 29 Palms, there's a outdoor patio, I think they used to have pizza catering on…read moreFriday, I'm not sure if they're still doing that. There's Sunday brunch all you can eat taco.

Very friendly staff, great service, yummy drinks, and such a cool vibe! I love that there is an…read moreoutdoor patio as well.

I love me some good pizza that have different options! I love the garlic butter sauce instead of…read moreregular tomatoe sauce. I always get the artichoke, mushroom and ricotta cheese pizza! Great customer service!

Surprisingly delish! Stopped in to beat the heat with low expectations, but our socks were sure…read moreknocked off! Great pizza, the cheese and sauce had great flavor. Polite and quick service, and the first pizza parlor on a Friday night to ever be... quiet? It was a really refreshing experience to just enjoy the soft music and great pie! I would be back if my boyfriend wasn't getting out of the military. I would give 5 stars but I had to purchase a side a ranch for a cost. Stop by and you won't be disappointed!

Didn't have the chance to try any food, but the beers on tap are a great selection. All workers…read morewere so kind and helpful but also full of personality. This place definitely has some years on it, not too many lanes but we came two nights in a row because we enjoyed our time so much. No sock vending machine, but you can purchase some for $3 where you get your shoes. Great music, good vibes, and just happy people everywhere you turn.

Great little place and Dan is awesome. If you need your balls drilled or anything like that, he's…read morethe man! We had couple of balls drilled at Empire Bowl in Redlands. We had to take them to Danny to fix because the guy at Empire drooled both thumb holes 2 sizes too big. Danny took the time to measure and make it just perfect. We will only go to Bowladium from now on!!

The ambiance of this place is truly unmatched with its photo booth, lounge, and surrounding stores…read moreof clothes and trinkets. I would definitely recommend dining here outside during dinner to enjoy the sunset as well as the cooler weather. The food and drinks were delicious, especially from the Caribbean influence of the chef, but the portions were small and not as sharable as recommended by the server - something to keep in mind if you plan to go with a larger party. Nonetheless, the service was great and our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu. Definitely a unique dining experience overall.

This is such a unique place to dine at, gorgeous combination of incorporating the desert feel with…read morea cozy restaurant. We came for drinks and a desert and it was such a lovely night. Perfect for a date or celebrations, it's a must-try when coming to the area. Highly recommend!

Fresh and fantastic. Cute spot…read more Friendly staff Everything was delicious. Lots of great salads and veg options

After a long day desert wandering, we spent an evening at 29 Palms Inn Restaurant, and the whole…read moreplace carries this calm, grounded energy that makes you instinctively lower your voice a notch and settle in. The restaurant itself is simple and inviting, understated in the best way. We didn't have reservations, so we sat at the bar, despite several empty tables giving us that "maybe we could have gambled" feeling. Still, the bar turned out to be a good perch for the evening. Kristin, if I caught her name correctly, was running the universe behind that bar. Mixing drinks, serving dinner, managing patrons, and somehow still staying friendly through it all. Watching bartenders during dinner rushes always feels a little like witnessing Olympic-level multitasking. I was especially excited to order the hearts of palm cakes because hearts of palm were a staple in my childhood home. Sadly, they were out of them. A small heartbreak occurred. I survived bravely. Roadtrip mode had fully turned us into tapas people by then, so we ordered a spread of appetizers and a salad to share. The Inn's famous sautéed mushrooms absolutely deserved their reputation, buttery, garlicky, lemony little flavor bombs. The toasted ravioli with house marinara disappeared quickly, the beet and orange salad was fresh and balanced, and the falafel bites were tasty, though I personally would have loved them just a bit crispier. I enjoyed a couple of Old Fashioneds, and the live music that evening was genuinely excellent. The woman performing had one of those voices that makes you stop mid-bite for a second just to listen. Not bad company for dinner. The only thing I wish they'd improve is accessibility. The atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful, but a bit more consideration for guests with mobility challenges would go a long way in making that peace more inclusive. Overall, we really enjoyed our evening. Good food, good music, strong cocktails, desert night air, and that slow-roadtrip feeling where nobody's in a hurry anymore.