With so many restaurants in Palm Springs, it can be hard to decide where to eat. I’ll make it easy for you – have at least one meal at Eight4Nine. Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge features Modern American dishes in a casual chic, whimsical setting in the Uptown Design District.
After a long day of shopping, stop by Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge for a delightful dinner. The restaurant also serves breakfast so you can fortify yourself before you start your shopping adventure.
I spent a few days in Palm Springs earlier this month indulging in decadent meals expertly paired with sumptuous wine. Eight4Nine restaurant & lounge served our first dinner and set the bar for the rest of the trip. Find out more in this review of Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge.
Disclosure: As is common in the travel industry, my trip was provided for review purposes as part of a #IFWTWA press trip sponsored by the Palm Springs Association of Small Preferred Hotels #PSPSH #StayAuthentic. All opinions are 100% mine.
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge Review Delicious Food in a Chic Setting
Few people can walk into a furniture store and envision a restaurant. But that’s what Willie Rhine did six years ago when he discovered the Village Attic furniture consignment store. In 2015, Rhine and his business partner John Paschal transformed the space into Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge.
The name Eight4Nine is a creative play on the physical address and the 10 lounge dishes and 3 specialty cocktails priced at $9 or less. Allowing guests to say, “We ate for $9 (eight4nine).”
Chaise lounge to relax while waiting
The decor is a striking white with pops of color from the wall inserts, lamps, photographs, and some of the chairs.
Bright pink and red feature prominently at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
Each of the “private” rooms like the Michael Childers room has a single black wall that provides a focal point.
All photos on the wall were taken by photographer Michael Childers
Furniture is an eclectic mix of French farmhouse and contemporary decor. Depending on where you’re seated, you and your dining companion/s may have different chairs. The chairs look stiff but are so comfortable and encourage you to linger over your meal.
Mismatched chairs at tables
A large hookah and giant pepper shakers give an Alice in Wonderland whimsical feel.
This giant hookah will have you looking for the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland
Just a little pepper, please
Guests can bring their own wine subject to a $25 corkage fee per bottle.
Pro-tip: Eight4Nine offers a nightly four-course dinner for $48 per person.
Menu
Our three-course meal included wine pairings chosen by Eight4Nine’s wine expert Michelle. At the start of each course, Executive Chef Israel Jiminez and Pastry Chef Albert Gonzalez (Rhine’s life partner) described each dish.
from left to right Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge wine expert Michelle, Executive Chef Israel Jiminez, pastry chef Albert Gonzalez, and owner Willie Rhine
Executive Chef Israel Jiminez skillfully creates each dish using fresh ingredients, expertly highlighting the flavors while providing a delicate blend of textures.
Self-taught Pastry Chef Albert Gonzalez expresses his art through pastries that he describes as “homemade glorified desserts.”
Roasted Beets
Roasted beets salad
For the salad course, I chose the roasted beets with baby kale, toasted cumin, and goat cheese with honey vinaigrette. Guests can choose a gluten-free version.
The salad features both red and golden beets but I don’t like red beets so asked for only golden beets.
Both salads came paired with a 2017 Turnbull Sauvignon Blanc.
Grilled Scottish Steelhead
Grilled Scottish Steelhead in an orange sauce
There were four entree choices: Grilled Scottish Steelhead, Beef Tenderloin, Smoked Portabello Mushrooms Pappardelle, and Cauliflower Steak and Puree. Each came paired with a different wine.
Some restaurants balk at having to prepare gluten-free options but Eight4nine restaurant & lounge excels. Three of the four entree options were gluten-free.
I and everyone at my table picked the same entree: the Grilled Scottish Steelhead topped with fennel, on a bed of crispy rice cake, orange, basil, and Arbequina Olive oil.
Pro-tip: Save a piece of bread or two to soak up the citrus sauce. It was all I could do not to find a spoon and slurp it up!
The steelhead came paired with a 2014 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay.
Coachella Lime Pie
Coachella Lime Pie with fresh berries
Key Lime Pie better watch out. You haven’t had lime pie until you’ve had Coachella Lime Pie. Think custard pudding topped on a graham cracker crust with a hint of tanginess from candied limes.
This seemingly heavy, yet light dish is worth every bite!
The pie came paired with a 2017 Kobler Viognier.
Leave some room for cocktails at Seymour’s Speakeasy at Mr. Lyon’s Steakhouse.
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
849 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-325-8490
Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting Palm Springs for a short trip or a long vacation, a meal at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge is not to be missed.
This casual chic restaurant offers dishes that accommodate all dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
Selections sound ordinary but they are anything but. Flavors explode from the plate. You may find yourself licking your plate clean.
Diners on a budget will appreciate Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge’s lounge menu offering 10 dishes and 3 cocktails each priced at $9 or less. Be sure to stop for drinks at Mr. Lyon’s Steakhouse speakeasy.
Need somewhere to stay? Book a room at the Monkey Tree Hotel or stay for free at the Parker Palm Springs.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Palm Springs?
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