MELVYN’S

I think most folks would say that Melvyn's is not going to pursue new culinary territory with their cuisine. But they sure know how to satisfy a customer. I think you go there for the nostalgia, the ambience and the perfectly poured cocktails.

We went one night for drinks and stayed for dinner. Service from behind the bar was first rate. We enjoyed a wedge salad, a risotto and a bottle of Napa Sauvignon Blanc.

Conversation around the bar was convivial and animated. There was a pianist playing show tunes and Tom Jones. Melvyn's is old school Palm Springs at its finest.

Wonderful staff and excellent food. I highly recommend.

Someone at our resort told us to go here - they really hyped it up “the rat pack use to hang out there, there’s live music - sit in Frank Sinatra’s old booth!”

It was good. Not great. But honestly the best we found in Palm Springs. I take it it’s not really a foodie town. The service was probably the best service I’ve ever had though. Really attentive and everyone was on top of it! My water never passed the half point. I mean on top of it.

The bananas foster was a cool “experience” but it was okay. Melty and just fine.

Steak was pretty good though and I think the best thing was the shrimp cocktail.

You will almost never hear me say a place was too dark but with carpet - YES CARPET - and black walls. It felt too dark. Like I could see just how old it was. If there was live music it was waaaay far away somehow else because we heard nothing.

Overall I just expected better food for the price (over $300 for two ppl). Not surprised that we could get a reservation only a day out.

From the beginning, the service was terse, even condescending at times, and inadequate. The food was mediocre at best. My partner and I shared a NY strip - and asked for it to be rare/medium rare. We received a decidedly MEDIUM/medium well steak with no pink to be seen. The "broccoli smoked cheddar fondue" was the equivalent of steamed broccoli with Velveeta. We noticed other tables had been served bread - so we asked about bread. The server callously laughed at our inquiry, telling us that we had to ORDER bread. After ordering a steak, multiple sides, and drinks, how silly of us to think bread at a premium restaurant like this would be served. The waiter never even SUGGESTED we order bread when we placed our entree and sides order. What a miss. In any case - spend your time and money elsewhere. We won't be returning.

Always one of our favorites when we're visiting Palm Springs. You can't beat the pot pie.