Lunch at Colony Club: A Midday Look at Uptown’s Michelin Gem

History & Legacy in Uptown Palm Springs

Colony Club has been on my bucket list for a while, so when a friend suggested lunch last week, there was no hesitation in my choice. As one of Palm Springs’ Michelin‑recognized restaurants, Colony Club sits high on the city’s list of essential dining destinations. With its boutique‑hotel setting and farm‑to‑table focus, it’s become part of the modernization that has defined Uptown Palm Springs over the past 15 years.

The property received an architectural refresh not long ago, but the Colony Palms Hotel’s roots run deep. Opened in 1936 as the Colonial House, it was built by reputed mobster and bootlegger Al Wertheimer, whose ties to the Purple Gang gave the hotel an early reputation for discreet nightlife, hidden card rooms, and Prohibition‑era indulgence. As Palm Springs evolved into Hollywood’s desert playground, the hotel drew Golden Era celebrities, socialites, and studio insiders seeking privacy and sunshine. Through mid‑century modernism and beyond, its intimate scale and distinctive architecture kept it woven into the city’s glamorous social fabric.

Today, the revitalized Colony Palms sits at the center of a transformed Uptown — a district shaped by boutique hotels, design‑driven retail, and a growing cluster of elevated dining rooms. Colony Club is a major part of that evolution. Its Michelin recognition, seasonal sourcing, and Golden Era‑inspired menu position it as one of the neighborhood’s culinary anchors, bridging past and present by honoring the hotel’s storied roots while contributing to Uptown’s modern identity as a hub for refined, chef‑driven cuisine.

A Setting That Defines the Boutique‑Hotel Experience

Colony Club’s aesthetic is one of its greatest strengths. You pass through the renovated lobby, cross the poolside oasis, and find the restaurant tucked into what feels almost like a private guest‑house retreat. Poolside dining is tempting, and the colorful patio has its own charm, but in the height of summer the cool intimacy of the dining room was the only sensible choice.

Inside, warm wood, marble, tile, and mid‑century lighting create a contemporary‑modern feel. The palette leans into muted greens and blues — colorful, but in a subdued way that feels calm rather than loud. The interior is small, with the patio serving as the visual centerpiece, but for a July lunch it was perfect: quiet, comfortable, and unhurried in that distinctly Palm Springs way.

Seasonal Cooking and Local Sourcing at Lunch

I came for one reason — to finally experience one of Palm Springs’ Michelin‑recognized restaurants. Colony Club describes its approach as a “sophisticated and whimsical interpretation of Modern American fare,” inspired by Golden Era opulence. The dinner menu certainly nods to that era with classics like Beef Wellington and Chicken Pot Pie, yet it also leans heavily into local produce, seasonal sourcing, and inventive touches. The menu highlights local partners such as Palm Springs Certified Farmer’s Market, Canyon Creek Mushrooms, Fresh Origins, Girl & Dug Farms, Valdivia Farms, Aspen Mills Bakery, and Perfect Pint Ice Cream — a commitment to sustainability and local agriculture that defines the restaurant’s identity.

Summer meant a more streamlined lunch menu, but there were still standout dishes. The Shrimp Tacos — consistently praised for their brightness and balance — immediately caught my eye, as did the Fried Chicken Sandwich, a banh‑mi‑inspired build with Mary’s Chicken Thigh, spicy Thai sauce, nuoc cham, and pickled vegetables. They’re exactly the kind of modern, flavor‑forward plates that show how Colony Club blends classic inspiration with contemporary style.

I had actually arrived determined to try the Secret Burger — a burger baked directly into the bun, the kind of curiosity I’m always eager to chase — but it wasn’t available during our visit. The burger I did order, though, was excellent: a juicy USDA Prime 8oz patty on a buttery brioche bun with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and onion, finished with a creamy, tangy house sauce that drips into the parmesan‑sprinkled fries. Clean execution, balanced flavors, and exactly what you’d hope for from a Michelin‑recognized kitchen.

My friend’s Cobb salad was equally impressive. Dark leafy greens replaced the classic iceberg rows, topped with a plump, juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breast — presumably the Mary’s chicken listed elsewhere on the menu. Avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and a hard‑boiled egg gave it a fresher, farmhouse feel, making for a modern, elevated take on a classic. We also shared the chips, salsa, and guacamole — freshly fried tortilla chips, a clean salsa roja, and house‑made guacamole that fit the patio vibe perfectly.

The Beverage Program: Classics, Craft, and Poolside Culture

The beverage program deserves mention. The back bar is thoughtfully curated, with an emphasis on small‑batch and single‑barrel bourbons and a concise, food‑friendly wine list. The cocktail program leans classic and spirit‑forward with seasonal touches, with a steady stream of Aperol Spritz orders heading out to the loungers.

Final Thoughts on a Michelin‑Recognized Uptown Staple

Colony Club has earned its reputation in Palm Springs for polished atmosphere and warm service. The menu excels as a balance between elevated Modern American cooking and nostalgic classics. The serene patio, stylish bar, seasonally focused menu, and beautifully plated dishes all contribute to that sense of occasion that fits the boutique‑hotel setting. It’s one of Uptown’s most reliable upscale dining rooms — a necessary stop for anyone mapping Palm Springs’ Michelin landscape. I’ll need to come back for the full dinner experience and, of course, to track down that Secret Burger.

Also Read: Palm Springs Michelin Guide 2026: Every Restaurant You Need to Know

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