Elmer’s in Palm Springs on 3/19/25

Michala aka Mike:

Aramis and I were struggling to pick a place to eat while driving through Palm Springs because everything was giving upscale brunch and I was too hungry, personally. Elmer’s stood out because it’s a “Pacific Northwest establishment.” Upon walking in, the retro dotted booth captured me, and also the fake stone vibe they had on the walls. Then, on my walk to the bathroom I spotted an elderly couple sharing a German pancake and I knew I HAD TO HAVE IT. Turns out that’s the best decision I’ve made in my entire life. This pancake was unbelievable….when our server brought it out I thought there was no way I’d come close to finishing it but I sure did. It came with sausage and 2 eggs but those took a backseat because my heart was really with the pancake. Other highlights of this experience were that our server’s nails matched our coffee mugs perfectly and I also did the famous salt shaker balancing trick. Anyway here are my rankings from the experience:

Atmosphere: 7/10

Food: 8.5/10

Coffee: 8/10

I can’t wait to return to Elmer’s in a different city!

Aramis:

As Mike mentioned, until we saw Elmer’s, we were starting to think that there wasn’t a single establishment meant for us to eat at in Palm Springs. As much as I love being American, I hate that there's not more variety in what is considered “American Food.” When I think of “American Food”, I think of gastropub fried food and burgers. It seemed like that and boogie brunch spots were the only two options until we saw Elmer’s sitting alone in the desert. As a native Pacific northwesterner my first thought was, what is that doing here in Palm Springs, then I thought we have to go. I grew up going here with my best friend Chris’s family and remember that they always had the best French toast a boy could ask for so that's what I got. When we first entered there was a man in a baby blue polo holding down the fort. I love being in a busy but not too packed restaurant and that wasn't the vibe by the time we got there. We must have just missed the rush but there were still plenty of people littering the booths around the spot. There also was a picture of the owner right next to our booth which let you know you were with family. My french toast came and it was huge and delicious. They came with two eggs and some bacon. The bacon was perfect but I wish I had some hash browns for said eggs. Mike got the German pancake which she loved. She still won't shut up about it. I wish you could still get out of a spot like that for 30 bucks for two people but nonetheless it was perfect and I'd go at least once a month if they had one in LA. 

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here are my rankings from the experience:

Atmosphere: 7/10

Food: 9/10

Coffee: 6/10

We need and Elmer’s in LA