On a recent drive out to Indio, I did as I usually do and researched some recommendations for the area ahead of time. However, every article pointed me to Palm Springs, which is 25 minutes away in the other direction down I-10. So whether it’s delicious Chinese food, Mexican classics, or a memorable meal you're after, you don’t have to head back to the resorts and tourist traps of Palm Springs for food. You just pull over from the road, jump in, and jump out with a satisfied smile. Music festival or not this weekend, these are just a handful of the great spots to eat in the towns of Indio and Coachella that are worth checking out anytime.
TKB Bakery and Deli
TKB, or The Kid’s Business, originated in 1991 in the Rancho Mirage home of Athena and Paul Sippel. Their children Brandon, Nathan, and Melina, went door-to-door selling their mom’s baked goods. Now older, they operate one of the most successful sandwich shops in the United States (according to Yelp). It fun to order here, with dishes like the Mexican Marilyn Monroe, which has chicken salad, bacon, avocado, tomato, and pepper jack-chipotle sauce, all between homemade jalapeno focaccia bread; other sandwiches include chicken chipotle, pastrami, and the "Dirty Riverside" with roast beef, bacon, pepper jack, and avocado. You’ll have yourself questioning if it’s one of the better sandwiches you’ve ever had. They also serve breakfast (until 11 AM) and have a bakery section with various iced coffees. Get a chorizo con papas burrito or their breakfast sandwich between homemade English muffins. Plus a few tarts and eclairs for the drive home.
45334 Golf Center Parkway Indio, 92201. Closest transit line and stop: SunLine Transit Agency Route 1 EV - "Highway 111/Golf Center."