PALM SPRINGS. A little more upscale than most coffee shops, Billy Reed's has a reputation for reasonable prices, good American basics, and all-day breakfast fare. Local folks especially favor it, not least of all for its generous portions and friendly waitresses. Scrumptious desserts get lots of buzz and are a delicious pick-me-up on their own; they also serve as a terrific cap to Billy's signature chicken pot pie.

DOWNTOWN. First opened in 1958, this family-run restaurant now has a handful of local siblings, but the original remains a casual favorite for well-prepared Mexican fare. Authentic recipes deliver plenty of flavor, and affordable prices and hefty servings mean the experience is that much better. Strolling mariachis add lively ambience to the scene, which includes groups, couples, and families alike. Enjoy your favorite enchiladas, tacos, and burritos, and make sure you accompany them with well-mixed margaritas.

PALM SPRINGS. Native Foods is a totally vegan restaurant that seeks to educate people about the benefits of meatless eating. It also proves to them that a vegetarian diet can be more varied and flavorful than what they remember from the 1960s. Dishes feature lots of fresh produce, along with made-from-scratch tempeh and seitan, high-protein meat substitutes. The menu features lots of tasty salads, veggie burgers, tacos, wraps, pizzas, and hot bowls, which combine rice, vegetables, and zesty sauces. Delicious!

PALM SPRINGS. You won't find pricey decor and a designer-clad clientele at this unassuming eatery, but you will be treated to some of the desert's best Thai cuisine. The family-owned place gets lots of repeat business from locals, who can't say enough good things about the kitchen's accomplished dishes. Choose from pad Thai, pla lard prik (deep-fried fish with sweet chili sauce), curries, and plenty of seafood options, including spicy variations on shrimp and scallops. Early-bird dinners from 4pm till 6:30pm up the ante on affordability.

RANCHO MIRAGE. This popular chain's New American menu features a broad array of dishes, from avocado egg rolls and Mexican chicken pizza to Jamaican shrimp and shepherd's pie. However, desserts really steal the show, and it's easy to see why once you've taken a gander at Linda's fudge cake, white chocolate raspberry truffle, chocolate mousse cheesecake, and coffee Heath Bar Crunch cheesecake. A perfect place for a late-afternoon respite, accompanied by gourmet coffee, good conversation, and, of course, one of 40 delectable cheesecakes.