good eats around Joshua Tree/Palm Springs

I am spending a week around Joshua Tree and Palm Springs/Palm Desert. Any suggestions for out of the way, out of the ordinary food? The ethnic variety is less important than the quality/inventiveness, and if it's on the inexpensive side, all the better.

[jd in baltimore]

All American BBQ
Yucca Valley
760-365-1663

A few years ago I was in 29 Palms, and was told to try out this place. It is supposed to have great barbecue, but what sold me was the triple plate of kangaroo, alligator and rattlesnake. The rattlesnake truly DID taste like chicken, and was difficult to get at; the alligator was grainy the way it was prepared, and the kangaroo steak was delicious. I remember paying about $20 or so for it. I haven't been able to find anything on the internet about it dating later than November 2001. Try the phone to see if it's still there.

[sara simon]

Pappy and Harriets
It's the best and the food is good. www.pappyandharriets.com.

Pioneertown is about 130 miles east of Hollywood. Take Interstate 10 about 100 miles to Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway - Joshua Tree National Park). About 25 miles NE on Highway 62 to Yucca Valley. Look for the sign; 'Pioneer Town'. Then left (north) on Pioneertown Road (about 5 miles). First, you'll see the sign; 'Pioneertown 1946', then look for Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace on the right side. Come in and have some refreshment. The Pioneertown Motel is located just behind Pappy & Harriets. The Rimrock Ranch Cabins are just few miles up the road.

[phone]
61715 29 PALMS HWY,JOSHUA TREE,CA,92252
This is a rock climber's favorite, with stuff like portabello burgers, regular burgers, and a variety of casual but tasty food. I have only eaten there a couple times, but the food is good, and they have decent beers on tap (Sierra Nevada, etc.). Totally casual, don't dress up.

ROYAL SIAM THAI RESTAURANT
[phone]
61599 29 PALMS HWY,JOSHUA TREE,CA,92252
I have heard is pretty good, but once you visit J Tree, you will see that this town is not a fine-dining oasis.

My husband and I spent Thanksgiving in Twentynine Palms. The restaurant at the Twentynine Palms Inn is delicious, although it is not cheap. Most of the greens and veggies come from the garden on the grounds. The food was excellent. I watched eyes roll back with delight when eating the fish specialty. The ambiance even better--different live music nightly.

Link: http://www.29palmsinn.com/

Sorry, I think you haven't had any responses because people are burned out by this questions -- search for Palm Springs on both this and the California place and you'll turn up several recommendations. We went to El Mirasol on Palm Canyon Drive because of the board's rec and it was quite good. But this area isn't exactly known for real hound-type places. I don't know about Joshua Tree, I've had ok meals in the little mom and pop Mexican places around there.