This fast-food diner, near the entrance to Palm Springs International Airport, draws hungry locals on a budget. Don’t look for a pleasant ambience: lights are bright, tables are uncomfortable, and you may be seated next to an ATM. But portions are huge, prices are right and food is authentic. Combination plates range from $6.75 to $9.85.
440 S. El Cielo Road, Palm Springs; (760) 323-7544 (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The fish at this small, family-owned chain tastes fresh enough to have just come off the boat in San Pedro. That’s because the owner is a fishing fanatic who was so passionate about his sport that he went into business. There’s not much ambience here — and many entrees are pricey — but you can get fish tacos for less than $10 and there’s a value lunch menu for $7.99. The early-bird dinner (3-5:30 p.m.) is $10.95. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
235 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 327-1766 (other locations in Palm Desert, La Quinta and Banning), http://www.fishermans.com. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
New York deli fans can find lox, gefilte fish, cabbage soup and other favorites at Sherman’s Deli, which has been serving Palm Springs residents since 1953. The downtown restaurant hasn’t changed much over the years, except for its prices, many of which are now out of our price range. But budget travelers can still find a substantial selection of breakfasts and sandwiches for less than $10. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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401 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; (760) 325-1199 (another location in Palm Desert), http://www.shermansdeli.com/lunch.html(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Ask almost anyone in Palm Springs where to get a great burger and the answer most probably is Tyler’s, a landmark for 16 years. The octagonal-shaped building once was the city’s Greyhound depot; now it serves up fat, juicy burgers and other simple foods. (The addictive potato salad sells out each day.) This chic indoor-outdoor café, in the downtown Plaza, is so popular it can make its own rules: cash only; open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sundays. Burgers from $6.75. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
149 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; (760) 325-2990, http://www.tylersburgers.com. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)