Melvyn's at the Ingleside Estate

"Beyond the entrance to the Ingleside Inn, itself a Palm Springs local landmark, you’ll spot the iconic arched awning of Melvyn's. Enter to find a classic dining room, the kind Frank Sinatra liked, with white tablecloths, bow-tied servers, and furnishings comfy enough to keep you around all evening. It's a romantic place for a date, and it's romantic in that old-timey way, with atmospheric coolness and debonair charm. Solo time here is fine too for an evening at the Casablanca Lounge, where nightly live jazz and piano music complements the velvety-smooth ambience. That mid-century sensation infuses the Palm Springs air, and even though Melvyn’s opening in 1975, its vibes suit the contextual mod tempo. Come here to time-travel in spirit and to taste what made fine-dining restaurants famous once upon a time—and what’s made Melvyn’s a nouveau-classic institution for our own era." - Kelsy Chauvin

"Melvyn's Since the 1970s, Melvyn’s has hosted a string of famous guests—most notably Frank Sinatra, who held court from corner booth #53 whenever he was in town. The Rat Pack spirit endures here. Old standards play nightly (except Mondays) at the piano bar, while tuxedo-clad waiters serve up Manhattans and martinis. A 2017 face lift spruced up the chandelier-strewn dining room and returned the bar to its former pale pink–tufted glory. Melvyn’s was and still is one of few places in Palm Springs with a dress code—it once famously turned away Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw for showing up in motorcycle ensembles—although diners are now allowed to dress more casually if they’re eating under the striped awning of the patio. Call ahead to reserve a table (yes, Sinatra’s booth is still available) and then give in to nostalgia. For lunch, try the Monte Cristo sandwich; after dark, follow jumbo prawn cocktails and oysters Rockefeller with tableside-prepared steak Diane and cherries jubilee. Insider’s tip: Ask maître d’ Brian Ellis, hired when Melvyn’s first opened, about the night the FBI stopped by."

"Located within the historic Ingleside Inn, Melvyn’s was the go-to spot for Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and other Hollywood royalty back in the 50’s—luckily, the space has held up over the years. This is the sort of throwback establishment that insists waiters wear linen jackets and hosts live music and dancing nightly at the adjoining piano lounge. The menu is heavy on the classics (Oysters Rockefeller, pork loin medallions, filet mignon) and is not for everyone, but having a drink—the wine list is plentiful and the cocktails are potent—is worth it just for the ambiance."

"We also like Ingleside because Melvyn’s, the classic Palm Springs restaurant, is there. We had Friday night dinner in one of the private rooms, which can seats dozens. We had a prix-fixe menu, but the thing about Melvyn’s, though, is it’s a steakhouse — just get yourself a martini and a porterhouse. Dessert was delicious though, a molten chocolate cake."

Steal My Vacation: Roanne Adams

"Not so much a throwback as it is a perfectly-preserved relic, Melvyn’s was a favorite of Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack. Stay on the staff’s good side (not an easy task), and they’ll treat you to some carefully-practiced banter as they prepare their famous Steak Diane (pan-fried beefsteak with pan juices) tableside. Put away your iPhone, tuck in your shirt, and enjoy a classic dinner from a different era." - Brant Cox