The Nest — Restaurant in Indian Wells

Quite literally the most disrespectful experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant.

Our group of 3 had never been to Nest before but it was recommended to us as a fun nightlife spot. We booked a table for 9:30pm, and our plan was to get cocktails, small plates and dessert. We enter at 9:32 and the hostess informs us that it will be a 10-15 minute wait. My friend, trying to be nice and accommodating, said that it’s no biggie, as we were mainly coming for cocktails and dessert. The hostess’s demeanor immediately changed and she said how the reservations were for dinner service. We didn’t know that there was a dinner requirement, as it was late and the reservations were available. Additionally when we made the reservation there was no mention of a food/beverage minimum.

The hostess seemed frustrated and said how there was a line outside for the bar (we didn’t want the bar, we wanted to sit, have drinks and some small plates + dessert) and started guilting us about skipping the line (there’s a line to get into the bar part) and having a really negative attitude towards us. Nevertheless the hostess told us to wait so we did, but with a bit of a bad taste in our mouths. After about 15 minutes, the hostess went to seat another table and she had a rude countenance and physically pushed my friend aside with her hand to get to the other people.

We were so confused at what was going on, but a couple minutes later, a new older woman (later learned it was the owner, Dodi) came up to us to further back up the hostess and tell us how the dining room was for dinner only. I said how we weren’t just here to buy waters and that it wasn’t like it was a rule when we made a reservation that we had to purchase an entree. It made me wonder- would they have made a stink if two people in a party shared an entree? Or had multiple small plates for their dinner? Also they would have never known our plans if we didn’t mention it, so would they have kicked us out after we ordered our cocktails/small plates once they knew we weren’t going to have entrees?

She further guilted us about skipping the line, being extremely rude and patronizing and saying how they plan for the amount of entrees each night. At this point I really just wanted to leave. Still, they didn’t kick us out, and the owner flipped and told us how she will try to get us seated (maybe? at this point it was 30 minutes past our reservation.) We then just decided to leave because it was clear they only cared about how much we were going to spend. If they were going to do this, I’m unsure why they wouldn’t have listed a minimum spend rule. I’ve never felt so disrespected at a restaurant. Funnily enough, by the time we walked out, the line had moved enough that we would have been let in if we had waited in line anyway.

Also, after seeing the vibes, the menu and prices, I think that the food would have been overpriced but take that with a grain of salt since we didn’t actually eat or drink anything there.

Go to Tropicale, Bootlegger, Tac/Quila, The Tonga Hut, Casuelas Cafe or really anywhere else.

Also, there was a weird clown outside which just added to the...

I have to admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first walked into The Nest for dinner last night. With its elongated bar along the back wall and bright purple lights, I felt like I had walked into some kind of bizarre lounge club, not the delicious dinner place that had been recommended to me by a friend that I just HAD to try before returning to Portland. But never one to be deterred by first impressions as they can often be deceiving, I decided to press on. And I am oh so glad that I did.

We were seated outside at a small little private corner both that faces directly east, so we were able to see the moon rise over the course of our dinner. Super romantic. If you’re going here on a date, this is definitely the table to ask for.

We ordered two different drinks, the Old Fashioned and the Spicy Paloma, and both were equally delicious. And just as a heads up, the bartender definitely seems to have a heavy hand with the liquor, so just know that you’ve been warned. At least they don’t jink ya like they do at so many other restaurants these days. ;)

For a starter, we ordered the calamari which was perfectly cooked and crispy, just the way I liked it. The Caesar salads were good, but nothing super special. Not bad though. But the meals were spectacular! I had the veal piccata (one of my faves when it’s done right, which they did), and also the chicken parmesan. I have to say that it was quite possibly the best chicken parmesan that I have ever tasted in my whole life. It was breaded just the right amount, and cooked to perfection! Not overdone or even soggy like it can be at some restaurants, but nice and crispy on the outside. I HIGHLY recommend it. The veal piccata was also delicious, but the chicken parm was so good, that I have to say that it was the clear winner in this situation.

We ended our meal with the chocolate mousse which doesn’t look like much at first glance, but remember when I said how looks can be deceiving? Well, this definitely falls into that category because it was heavenly. I couldn’t stop eating it and savored every last drop.

All in all, definite 5 out of 5 stars. Different vibe? Sure. Amazing restaurant? Definitely! Will we be back? As long as Palm Springs...

“The Nest: Fine Dining, Wild Nights, and Clown Sightings!” 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

If you’ve never been to The Nest, let me tell you: this place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a portal to another dimension where martinis flow like rivers, the band plays your life’s soundtrack, and, yes, there’s a clown named Harpo.

We came for a quiet dinner, but by the end of the night, we were part of what can only be described as a Cirque du Soleil afterparty. Harpo the Clown (yes, this is real life) was there, holding court at the piano bar like the lovable wildcard of a sitcom. Between pulling flowers out of thin air and cracking jokes sharper than a steak knife, he somehow convinced a table of strangers to join him in a conga line. Naturally, I led the charge.

The food? Forget about it. The veal Marsala was so good I briefly considered proposing to the chef. My friend ordered the Adriatic sausage, which she said was “life-changing” in ways she’s still figuring out. And let’s talk about the drinks—they’re mixed so perfectly, it’s like they’ve studied mixology under a wizard. After two cocktails, you’re serenading your waiter; after three, you’re in a dance battle with Harpo himself. Spoiler: He always wins.

By the time the live band kicked into “Piano Man,” the place turned into a musical wonderland. Harpo grabbed a tambourine, a couple in matching sequins performed a dance routine that belonged on Broadway, and I was roped into karaoke with a group of women who may or may not have been on a bachelorette party.

Harpo isn’t just a clown—he’s the unofficial mascot of The Nest, a walking, honking symbol of the good vibes this place is all about. Whether he’s juggling breadsticks or pulling pranks on the bartender, he somehow makes this whirlwind of a night even more unforgettable.

The Nest is like a fever dream, but in the best way possible. You come for the food and leave with a story you’ll be telling for years. Don’t just bring your appetite—bring your sense of adventure. And if you see Harpo, tell him the conga line leader says hi.

P.S. I’m 85% sure Harpo read my tarot cards at the bar, but I’ll have to go...