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New American restaurant in Twentynine Palms, California
What should I order at Kitchen in the Desert?
What to order
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🥇
Jerk Chicken
Recommended multiple times for being tender, nicely smoked, well seasoned, and very flavorful; several reviewers specifically said to get it.
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🥈
Pear Pancakes
Called out as a standout brunch item and even a reason to come back, with reviewers highlighting them as a highlight and something they were craving again.
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🥉
Branzino
Explicitly recommended by a reviewer who said it was delicious and urged others to order it.
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4
Olive Oil Cake
Praised as delicious and made locally, and another reviewer finished with it and described it as wonderful.
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5
Lamb Pops
Mentioned as incredibly flavorful and perfectly prepared, with one reviewer saying they demolished every bite.
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6
Coconut Rice
Repeatedly praised as a great pairing with other dishes and described as nicely seasoned, flavorful, and a strong side choice.
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7
Smash Burger
Described as perfectly prepared with cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and jalapeños, making it a well-liked burger option.
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8
Dutch Apple Pie
Called wonderful by one reviewer and paired with other dessert favorites, making it a recommended sweet finish.
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9
Puttanesca Pasta
Praised for its lovely fresh sauce and beautiful blend of flavors, with another reviewer including it among dishes that were all amazing.
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10
Shiitake Mushroom Toast
Described as a generous portion and delicious, standing out even as a main course for one reviewer.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM to 3 PM, 6 PM to 12 AM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM |
| Thursday | 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM |
| Friday | 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM |
| Saturday | 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM |
| Sunday | 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 12 AM |
About Kitchen in the Desert
Charming cafe preparing New American fare with a Caribbean influence, plus juices & smoothies.
Amenities
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is Kitchen in the Desert known for?
It is best known for jerk chicken, which is mentioned often in reviews and praised for being well seasoned and tender. Guests also call out the creative menu and the desert dining setting, especially the cocktails and sunset views from the outdoor space.
What dishes are most recommended at Kitchen in the Desert?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the jerk chicken, dan dan noodles, lamb pops, branzino, smash burger, and desserts like olive oil cake and fried Oreos. Other specific favorites mentioned include coconut rice, broccolini, pear pancakes, and patata, which show up in praise for the fresh, flavorful combinations.
What is the atmosphere like at Kitchen in the Desert?
The vibe is described as casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, with fun decor, low lighting, a fireplace, and both indoor and courtyard seating. It works well for date nights, groups, and solo dining, and several reviews mention the peaceful desert sunset setting and live music.
Is Kitchen in the Desert good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is about $20 to $70, and reviewers say the food and drinks can add up, but the quality makes it worth the splurge. People describe the portions as well sized and the meal as a special experience, especially for dinner in Twentynine Palms.
Do you need a reservation at Kitchen in the Desert?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended, and reviews say the restaurant is often busy with a wait even when a reservation is booked. Going right at opening can make parking easier and the experience feel calmer, especially if you want a table for food rather than just drinks.
Is parking available at Kitchen in the Desert?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Kitchen in the Desert have vegetarian options?
Yes, Kitchen in the Desert offers vegan options.
