Shields Date Garden

We stopped here to get date shakes and were not disappointed. It was our first taste of Shield's own Date Crystals which are put in the shakes. We visited on January 2, 2024 at lunch time. It was busy but there was parking available, and inside the store it wasn't busy. It seemed most people were enjoying lunch at the Shields Cafe. The date shakes were $9.95 for 21 oz, and we enjoyed them while watching the free informational video about the "romance and sex life of the date", Mr. Shield's title of his documentary. We also enjoyed the walk through the gardens, which not only included date palms but other citrus and flowering trees. The walk is shaded and has multiple areas to stop and rest.

The best date shake we’d had in the area for many years didn’t taste quite the same this time around. Instead of using old fashioned shake mixers they’ve changed to premade soft serve. The date shake we had this time didn’t have as much of that complex date flavor as we remembered. Still, it was better than others in the area which are too sweet.

This place is great for a few reasons, Date Shakes are number 1! But I highly recommend coming here for brunch or breakfast. Dates are complimented in their garden salad and just love the variety of fresh food. Service is good and after brunch go for a stroll through the “garden” behind. FYI it features the story of Jesus so if not Christian, it’s still a pretty walk to enjoy.

Premium prices. Good variety. Date syrup (not dates) was used for the 21 oz $9.95 shake -- meh. Much better at "Date Shakes" (google map) place in Desert Hotsprings, large with whole dates, ice cream & milk, for $7. They do charge 4% for using credit card. Ouch. Popular cafe/restaurant out back.

Awesome place to visit near palm springs. A date garden with all variety of dates on sale and an Awesome tasting date milk shake. Inside you can walk through the date garden take pictures and buy some dates for family and friends. They also have a shields cafe here for all time meals if you are hungry. Loved the date milk shake.👍🏻😍

The best besides the dates of course is the short film history of the date business called The Romance and Sex Life of a Date. A little humor, full of history and information. Don't miss it. Also try the Date Shake. Very good.

Shields is an iconic classic and possibly the longest operating Indio, California storefront business, established in the 1920's. It's always a pleasure to choose from an abundant variety of moist, fresh, flavorful and naturally wholesome dates and date products and other sundry goods. And of course, the date shake! Clearly a sweet, memorable experience in the Coachella Valley!

Pleasant outdoor dining area and friendly service. Service was slow, glass of Merlot was warm and not bold on taste. Main course items were fresh, well portion sized and delicious. Date shake was sweet.