Roadrunner Grab+Go — Restaurant in Joshua Tree

While I have eaten here more times than I can count, and give it the deserved 5 stars for their coffee drinks, vegan chocolate chip cookies, spinach dip, and more; this review pertains to their amazing catering.

I was in deserpate need for someone to cater an event with 70-80 people coming to JTNP for a field trip from a conference. The original catering option had fallen through, and I needed 2 meals that could be taken around the park with us for the day. Meredith and the team went above and beyond to help me tailor the menu and design the meals to just exactly what I was looking for, and did it with little advanced notice (granted I am not suggesting short notice is a good idea for their sanity).The diversity in options and the thoughtful and simple recipies were a big hit. Some people even commented it was the best food they had over the course of their time at the conference. We even were able to set out a table of family style options under the stars and have a starlight picnic of sorts. I don't know what I would have done without Roadrunner's catering. I cannot recommend...

Sweet Little Spot. With that, I have mixed emotions about my experience. Space itself is very sweet and the (paid) staff were friendly and helpful. Food was marginal and under seasoned. Beverage offerings were spot on and there are all manner of little goodies to pick up before heading into the park. Sweet t shirts!

Normally, I would be all over a venue like this. In this case, I can't quite decide where I fall. I definitely would go back, but it might require a little a little nudging. Not sure the Principals fully understand the nature of guest making and there is definitely a little So Cal, desert attitude. That, combined with the lack of seasoning in the breakfast burritos has me in a bind. I'm not trying to be irreverent, but there is another option just down the road.

Also, they need a Date Shake in Joshua, can't believe there isn't one to be had. Not their problem,...

Positives- Cafe had snacks & coffee when we desperately needed them. It’s a small space next to the visitors center. Quick grab and go!

Hummus Wrap- tasty but the spinach needed to be cut up more and the hummus spread out so you can get some in every bite. If you don’t like olives like me ask for them to be removed. I forgot to ask and had a surprise bite and fought the kid urge to spit out my bite. Thankfully I had a delicious mocha latte on hand to wash my bite down.

Yogurt with granola- so nice my daughter bought it twice!

Fruit mix- a large variety of fruit that was fresh and delicious.

Considerations- the prices were high, but to be expected directly outside of the National park. Not a huge variety but some unique options and cute gift options too. No seating available, but there was space outside on a...