Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace

Visited Pappy & Harriet’s this past Friday (6÷24÷16) for the very first time. After pitching our tent in the most uninspiring campsite ever, my friends and I walked over to Pappy & Harriet’s for some dinner before the John Doe show. I ordered the tri-​tip and mac n cheese. We also ordered a slab of ribs for everyone to share. The tri tip and ribs were delicious! Ribs were very tender! BBQ sauce was great too. I ordered a margarita with my meal, which was perfect for the warm evening. It was quite strong! Had a nice buzz as we headed in for the show. We ate outside which was pleasant. This place is a fantastic place to catch a gig. Really cool vibe being out in the middle of the desert and rockin’ out. I am really looking for a good reason to return. I would have 2^nd thoughts about camping in Pioneertown, though.

Rode out with a large group of 20 people from the I.E. to Pappy & Harriet’s. When we arrived we were thirsty and hungry!
3 – 4 stars:
The manager (3-​stars) saw that we rode in with a large group and tried to seat us outside, but we were not having it. We found a spot large enough for our group near the bar, pool tables and A/​C and ignored the manager trying to push us outside in the warm weather. The manager proceeded to lecture us that we would not be served food unless we had a seat at the bar or a table. I understand that they probably do this to keep track of orders (bringing it back up to 4-​stars). Or maybe she’s just biased and thought we were a bunch of bikers here to cause trouble? ha ha!
5 stars:
The food was delicious! $ 33 = 2 hearty lunches + 2 pitchers of cold beer. Reasonable.
Other positives:
I’d love to come back in the evening to check out their outdoor music venue. It would be beautiful outside at night under the desert sky!
There’s a hotel within walking distance to the bar that you can stumble back to!
They allow dogs (maybe even inside when it’s not as busy?)

Yeh, this place is cool. BBQ foods, good beer, lots of bands to check out, and interesting people watching. No need to go into too much detail about this spot. It’s just cool!

Pappy and Harriet’s is overrated. The concept is unique, its remote location sucks you away from the world for a moment but everything else just gets in the way.
Hospitality (+/​-​)
The hostess was rude, the bartender warmed up to us after every round. LA service in the middle of the nowhere, go figure.
Food and Drinks (–1)
They do one thing right here, they give you a free beer upon check-​in.
I was amped to try their ribs but what I got were ribs with a taste that had me thinking they had been driven over from Applebee’s. Their sides were so forgettable that I forgot which ones I had.
Their drinks were just well drinks with an average beer selection. They had some premium bottles, nothing special. I was hoping that they would of had a drink menu that fit this «Pioneertown» thing they have going for them, but no. The bartender had a generous pour at least.
The Concert +3.5
It was a concert night for a sold out show. I’ll admit that it was the perfect place to listen to Miike Snow. It is outdoor, under the stars, with a warm light wind serving as a reminder of where you are. The audio system was okay, I’ve been around better. The best part is the intimacy of the venue once the show goes on. At most it feels like you are with just 100 people, it is definitely more, but you don’t feel that.
The people that came here on this night sucked for the most part. Coachella weekends 1 and 2 fell in between this concert so that might explain it. It was hipster central, with a bunch of locals that make bracelets or paint on their free time. I can count the awesome people there that night with one hand, shout out to the OVO that made a patron toast possible.
Pappy and Harriet’s is cool to come to once in your life if a band you love is playing here. Or if you’re Harley touring across the country. It could be more but the lack of attention to detail derails that possibility.

There’s something very magical and surreal about Pioneertown. And this restaurant plays into the whole surrealness of it. First of all, this place is in the middle of nowhere. If you love the desert, the sights of Joshua trees and the rocky landscape. It makes sense why this use to be a set for Westerns back in the 40s. Pappy’s totally plays into the amazing landscape and faux-​town. The inside is tiny. There are a couple of pool tables, tables to eat, a bar and a stage for the band that’s playing. Outside you have large table for groups. The food here is good. It’s all bbq’d to order so be super patient. While you wait make sure you get their cocktails which are amazing. I ordered the half rack of ribs with asparagus and coleslaw and it was super good. What I really wanted was some more BBQ sauce cuz that sauce was delicious to me. My friend got the pork chop which was phenomenal. Make sure to ask for extra BBQ if possible cuz it’s delicious.
Now on the reservations, make sure to make them! The space isn’t big so you will wait. We had a party of 7 and were late by 15min and had to wait till the next available table was open for our group. Once the band plays the wait time gets longer. If you buy tickets to see the band you’re assured a table.

This is a magical place hidden in the hills. I went once to see a band play and have been back almost every weekend since. Imagine the movie set of tombstone with an indoor/​outdoor bbq venue at the end of the street. Great selection of beers and booze all served in mason jars. The age dynamic ranges from 5 to 85. I can’t say enough about the food. Oh my god the bbq… The ribs and macaroni are to DIE for and you will def need to split the meal with someone. Sit inside and enjoy a meal while watching a bluegrass band play or sit outside under the desert sky. Pure magic.
The staff is salty but it goes with the Territory. They are incredibly busy and work hard. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You can camp there as well. Please go visit pioneer town and thank me later

The wait to be seated was long. The wait for our food was long. But was it worth it? Absolutely, 100%!! There was not a single thing we didn’t like about our experience here and everyone, starting with the gal who took our name and kept checking to make sure we were still there waiting, the young man clearing the tables, the eagle eyed server who saw us change tables and made sure we weren’t sneaking in out of turn (lol!) and especially Angelina, our incredible server, had a huge part in making a long wait not so bad. I’m usually a little weird and uncomfortable about sharing space with strangers at a restaurant (communal tables make me break out in a sweat, lol) but it’s so crowded and busy here, you really don’t have a choice if you want to eat. We were at a table pushed up against another table of 4 and after a minute, it wasn’t an issue at all.
And the food… wow! You can tell everything is grilled outside, which is why it takes a bit longer. I had baby back ribs, hubby had the enormous ribeye. I was totally shocked to hear him say that not only was it one of the best steaks he ever had, but that it was better than Ruths Chris… say what? But he was serious. He even asked if we could move to Pioneertown so he could have the ribeye whenever he wanted. The steak fries were pretty much perfection as was the cole slaw and gigantic mug of ice tea that lasted me the entire meal and then some.
There is plenty of interesting stuff to look at while you wait, the patio in back is shady and has plenty of tables and benches to wait with the a cold beer and the 30 minutes we waited just seem to fly by. I think we’re already to plan out next day trip specially around lunch at Pappy & Harriet’s! Thanks again Angelina!

This food is monster big servings, and delicious. Don’t expect a quick meal here, but it’s totally worth it. So if you’re in a hurry or impatient, don’t bother coming here.
I had the salmon and it was seriously a beautiful, large salmon filet, grilled perfectly outside over oak wood open grill. You can see the chef grilling all the meat out there and it smells so good!
Hubby had the bison burger with the cheese fries. Those cheese fries can change you l your life!!! The salad was lovely too, spring greens with rainbow carrot sheds!

I wanted to like this place. The weekend evening were sold out so we came for lunch. The service for drinks was fast. The service for food? VEEEEEEEEEERRRRYYYYY SLLLLLOOOOOW.
I ordered a medium-​rare bacon cheeseburger with blue cheese (She said blue instead of cheddar was fine). The burger came out without bacon and without my side of cheese fries. It also came out a medium-​well, flavorless hockey puck. I asked for the fries, but just ate the burger as is. well, half of it. The salad with blue cheese, pecans and apples was the very best part.
My son’s steak didn’t look like a very good cut of ribeye and my husband’s catfish sandwich was over fried. The mac n’ cheese tasted good, but was extremely greasy.
The review should be two stars, but the waitress was friendly and the places was interesting. I don’t know who dropped the ball. but it was not up to expectations.

This review is only for the food.
Do not come here and think you will be getting high quality steaks or tri tip. It all came out dark grey – a dead giveaway that the meat is not fresh. The tri tip was tough, and the porterhouse was an utter joke in terms of quality (see my pics – does that look like a quality steak to you?) and taste (totally bland).
The only reason I’m even giving two stars is for the free chips and salsa and the cheese fries, which were both really good. The BBQ pork ribs, while meaty and at least somewhat seasoned with a glaze, was definitely not falling off the bone or remotely tender.
Save your money and your stomach by ordering just basic bar food when you’re here, and eat elsewhere for a full meal. $ 25 – 30 for a steak is definitely not worth it!

An oasis in the desert, literally is the best way to describe Pappy and Harriet’s. It sits front and center once you head up the hill into Pioneertown.
You made it!
?
Eclectic and cool and just plain out of the ordinary is what is happening at Pappy and Harriet’s. On any given day you will be rubbing elbows from people ebb and flowing from Joshua Tree, snowbirds from all places cold in the winter and even the Coachella peeps on those particular weekends not to mention the local folks. They have layers of uniqueness sewn into the fabric of this place and it’s remote so
your cell may not work. Translation is don’t count on Über or Lyft coming to the rescue here.
Part Knott’s Berry Farm and part Sagebrush Cantina this place is fun even at lunch time.
Patience is key here. Expect a wait even at lunch during the week. Don’t say they didn’t warn you!
Sitting at the bar saves some time and they stay up with the crowd pretty well.
Bar area
Hearty vittles with more than enough choices.
I opted for the Bison Burger which was great, a bit dry but overall a great lunch sized portion.
I would order it again for sure.
My buddy ordered the Tri Tip Salad and was pretty pleased too.
Outdoor stage and patio area where plenty is going on just about every evening.
Nightly entertainment
Swag-​for those so inclined.
They have odd hours for sure so make sure and phone ahead to make sure they are open. If you want something with lots of nooks and crannies then this place is for you. I’m looking forward to heading back to check out the live music and have a proper BBQ dinner. See ya all soon, ya hear!

This is my second review on P&H’s. In my first review I stated I had mixed feelings for this venue. Well it’s official… I no longer have mixed feelings. This place just flat out has a freaken good steak sandwich and blueberry ala mode desert!
You have to try this place.

Phenomenal Eating, Entertainment, Hard Liquor establishment.
Came for western themed b-​day with oodles of friends for my 40^th Birthday.
Lake Street Dive was the band playing that night. They AMAZED, I’ve been following their musical genius ever since.
Hidden, off the beaten path, known in LA circles place. Food is hearty meat GRUB, but good.
Totally love the vibe of P & H.

Something I’ve only heard about from the lucky few that made it here.
It’s something of a mecca from music lovers, desert lovers, foodies, and anybody who just loves life and all.
Pappy & Harriet’s isn’t a place to come for a quick meal. Oh, no. Take cues from the road and sloooooow way down. You’ll find yourself in a much better state of mind and might even enjoy yourself.
Find yourself a parking spot and pony up to the merch. bar area and get your names on the list. This Sunday at about 1pm we were looking at a 90 minute wait. And they weren’t kidding…
We spent the time walking around the town checking out some of the various vendors and items that lined their shelves. The baby pygmy goats were kind of amazing, and had they not a huge line gathered to hold them I would have been right there at the front.
After about an hour we headed back and chilled at the busy bar. Two bartenders zoomed around the counter making their job look easy. Did I mention one of the bartenders was pregnant? Yeah — who rule the world? Damn straight.
Over 90 minutes later we were seated and handed menus. While the food was good, it wasn’t super memorable either. But you’re not coming to P&H’s for the food it’s everything else!
So come here if you’re wanting a different experience, or to listen to really good music.

The food here is amazing. Came here for dinner and had the Santa Maria, which is 10 ounces of sliced tri tip with barbeque sauce on the side for dipping. I also had the small salad and cheese fries as my sides.
The tri tip was cooked perfectly and the side of barbeque sauce was a good balance of sweet and tangy. The «small» salad was almost entrée sized. The cheese fries were incredible, a mound of steak fries that were covered in cheese, bacon, green onions and then smothered in ranch dressing.
The down side was that service was underwhelming and less than enthusiastic. My soda also sat empty for most of my meal and I wasn’t offered a refill until I was pretty much done eating.

I’ve been here a couple of times. Once for my birthday and another time with some family members and relatives. Since it’s in Pioneeretown, it has a very rickety feeling. The exterior/​interior is all wood and gives you a sense like you’ve stepped right into Frontierland in Disneyland. The price for the food is pretty hair for it being a tourist-​ish spot. I feel like there are a lot of locals here (kind of their House of Blues), micro-​tourists, and families trying to eat at nice spot. All the food I’ve tried has failed to disappoint. I’m a big fan of the Bison Burger, it must be the sauce because it was delicious. They cook the ribs and their steak (which I order medium rare) perfectly and all the juices hold into the meat #drool.
For someone who doesn’t have any heritage in a western/​cowboy civilization it was pretty easy for me to feel out of place here (let’s just say we were what seemed to be the only people there with a little brown on our skin lol) but it was fairly welcoming. It’s a great place to have a couple of beers and have a good meal. From what i’ve been seeing on the internet, they are having a lot of big acts roll through since they have a stage. Wanda Jackson was on the bill one night. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner. No reservations for lunch so show up really early if you are hungry.

P&H is a saloon style restaurant at the edge of an old western movie set that has been maintained as a tourist attraction and home to many of the desert’s resident artists and equine enthusiast. The restaurant has a decent sized stage that has hosted both small acts and impromptu guests that are headliners. The combination of large stocks of alcohol, decent food, and music make this a cultural hub in the desert. You’ll find bikers, Marines, travelers, and folks from all over roosting here during the weekends. Come on the right night and its a great spot to meet people, dance, and socialize.
The food is pretty darn good too — they operate a large spit bbq out back that churns out classic dishes. One favorite is the nachos Von Rabbit. The salads are pretty good too, so there’s something for everyone on the menu.
The service is very friendly and accommodating (if its not packed to the gills). The only warning I would put out there is that while the staff works hard at making sure this is a fun place, there are occasional a-​holes that drop in like any bar scene. So, just keep that in mind when you’re planning to check their website to see what’s going on as some nights may be a bit too rowdy for ‘all ages’ and they will check IDs at the door.

4.5 rounding up. This place is worth a stop, for sure! We were staying in Morongo Valley (halfway between JTNP and Palm Springs for ease of access) and when searching for a place to grab dinner stumbled across the great Unilocal reviews for Pappy & Harriet’s. Even though it was day-​of, we called for a reservation and got lucky — someone else had just cancelled! Definitely make your rez way in advance if you have any designs on visiting this place.
We were seated at a two-​top right in front of the sound guy and right on the dance floor — awesome when the band came out, but a little tight when people were milling around and kind of hovering over your shoulder — the bouncer had our back though, and kept things more or less clear.
Hit up the mac and cheese per reccommendations and the Santa Maria tri-​tip — both were delicious, with a couple caveats. The rare slices of meat were excellent, the slices that were a little more well done were less so. The mac and cheese tasted delicious but the texture was off for me — a little grainy — that being said the flavors were so good I still enjoyed it. Husband got ribs which were charred and awesome.
The atmosphere makes up for minor quibbles — great service, good beer prices and selection, fun music. It was too chilly for the beer garden but I’m looking forward to coming back when it’s warmer to take advantage of it!

Pappy and Harriet’s is a must visit if you find yourself in Pioneertown, and is totally worth the drive from Palm Springs or Joshua Tree. I’ve been countless times — for lunch, dinner, and even New Year’s Eve, and it never disappoints.
Check the schedule to see who’s playing if you come after 8pm, but if it’s a weekend be sure to make a reservation well in advance if you don’t want to wait forever. There’s outdoor seating in the warmer months, but once it gets chilly the interior tables fill up fast, even though there are plenty of them. Food wise, the BBQ is the easy option and you can’t go wrong — the ribs are incredible and the pulled pork is great if you want to make less of a financial (and caloric) commitment. Mac and cheese is a must-​get. It’s greasy and creamy in all the right ways. The catfish sandwich is also awesome.
If you come at night, hit the dance floor and talk to strangers, you’ll meet all kinds of people. Oh and if you come for New Year’s, there’s a different menu (no BBQ), but the prime rib is just as excellent.

Two of my hero’s ate and drank here which of course means I had too as well.
Anthony Bourdain and Josh Homme came here during an episode of, «No Reservations» when Mr. Bourdain was getting the 4−1−1 on the high desert. This episode includes multiple weird restaurants, bars, and old alien hangouts, a must watch if you haven’t already. Naturally, when I made my way through the high desert I had to stop in for a quick bite and drink.
Pappi and Harriet’s is up a hill hidden in a former old Hollywood celebrity hangout and movie set. When you pull in you’ll see houses, saloons, motels and old wooden banks. These all used to be background pieces for movies, now they are just cool touristy after thoughts where a few people actually still live. Connecting all these ancient relics together is Pappi and Harriet’s, which is basically a western dive bar. Not themed, «Western» pure old school western.
I sat down and immediately checked-​in on the Unilocal App and received a free draft beer. Amazing check-​in offer by the way. I ordered the «Sausage of the Day» and a side of mac n’ cheese, the sausage of the day turned out to be a house made Italian sausage. This came split and placed on a super soft hoagie roll covered in sautéed onions. Pure happiness on a bun and the mac n’ cheese was the best compliment to the meal.
I then headed to the bar and ordered a whiskey and chatted it up with the bartender who had amazingly high hair and a Nick 13 t-​shirt on. She had stories for days about the bar’s history, the original owners (Pappi & Harriet) and the surrounding Pioneer town. I could have stayed here and hung out all day, but unfortunately I was headed west.
Pappi and Harriet’s has everything you’ll need from an old school honky tonk. Tattoos, animal heads on the walls, multiple cocktails offerings and live music in the evenings. Come here now!