Kitchen in the Desert in 29 Palms—showcasing the rustic yet stylish interior and its inviting outdoor patio atmosphere.
Kitchen in the Desert — A High Desert Gem
Location & Ambiance
Kitchen in the Desert (often abbreviated as KITD) is located at 6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, just across from the east entrance to Joshua Tree National Park TripadvisorOpenTable. Established in 2015 by Chef Everton Gordon, the restaurant is housed in a vintage 1940s building that once served as Twentynine Palms’ first hotel. Its décor blends desert art, mining relics, murals, cacti, and open-air patios—creating a unique cultural and culinary ambiance KITCHEN IN THE DESERT.
Kitchen in the Desert is celebrated as a “cultural vortex in the heart of 29 Palms,” drawing artists, locals, and travelers with soulful Caribbean-inspired cuisine and a creative communal vibe KITCHEN IN THE DESERT.
Cuisine & Menu Highlights
- Fusion of flavors: The cuisine blends Caribbean and New American influences, offering a rotating menu of globally inspired, seasonally fresh dishes KITCHEN IN THE DESERTvisit29.org.
- Brunch & dinner service:
- Brunch served daily from 11 AM to 3 PM
- Dinner served nightly from 6 PM to 11 PM KITCHEN IN THE DESERT+2KITCHEN IN THE DESERT+2.
- Noteworthy dishes include jerk chicken, branzino, Brussels sprouts, pear pancakes, buckwheat pancakes, and crispy onion smash burgers. Dessert lovers rave about pie à la mode and the “Boo’s Pie” with seasonal fruit and crème fraîche OpenTable.
- Diet-friendly options: The menu also accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets TripadvisorYelp.
As per Alexandra Zee, a local artist and community member, the jerk chicken and Brussels sprouts are personal favorites—and she praises KITD’s “soulful and lush” vibe among high desert eateries Condé Nast Traveler.
Services & Features
- Reservation-friendly, especially for outdoor seating—recommended to dress for patio dining OpenTable.
- Amenities include a full bar (beer and wine), wheelchair access, outdoor fire pits, and mixed indoor/outdoor seating options—casual ambiance with a hint of elegant desert charm OpenTable.
- Dining style: Casual dining with a tad of refined flair, priced at $31–$50 per head OpenTable.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA, near Joshua Tree’s East Gate |
| Ambience | Rustic desert patio, vintage décor, artistic touches |
| Cuisine | Caribbean meets New American; innovative, seasonal menu |
| Open | Brunch daily 11 AM–3 PM; Dinner daily 6 PM–11 PM |
| Reservations | Encouraged, especially for outdoor seating |
| Highlights | Jerk chicken, Brussels sprouts, pecan–blackberry pancakes, pie desserts |
| Dietary Options | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free available |
| Vibe | “Soulful and lush,” celebrated local gathering spot |
Bottom Line: Kitchen in the Desert is a standout in Twentynine Palms—not just for its flavor-forward Caribbean-infused cuisine, but for its artsy, relaxed atmosphere that mirrors the high desert spirit. Whether you’re winding down after a day exploring the park, or seeking brunch in a sense-rich setting, KITD hits the mark.
Tags: Joshua Tree CA Restaurants, Joshua Tree Dining, Joshua Tree Restaurants, kitchen in the desert, places to eat in Joshua tree