Cactus Jack's Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Palm Desert

I'm one of those folks who thought chained operated "theme" restaurants were cool when they started replacing all the owner operated places 20 years ago. Then I learned they weren't was cool after all. More just high-speed, high-cost "experiences"; a 2 minute Disney ride after waiting in line for 45 minutes.

These days I try hard seek out owner operated restaurants where quality, service and value are the goal rather than just high turnover and profit. I confess that I'm often disappointed. But Cactus Jack's did not disappoint.

For us the surprises started at the bar, which was crowded when we arrived a few minutes early for our reservation. Why was it so crowded at 7 PM? We soon found out why. The best brands of liquors with generous servings, well prepared. Remember when marguaritas we're made from scratch without that disgusting sugarly syrup? Served in a chilled martini glass, just right amount of margarita salt on the rim, and sold at reasonable prices? Whoa! This sure wasn't a mega-chain operation!

I walked around going to and from the restroom and found the place was well decorated, and somehow both quiet though and busy at the same time. All the other patrons seemed to be having a wonderful time. Something just had to be amiss. But it wasn't.

When we went into the dining room we discovered art on the walls, white linen table clothes, leather seating, and other patrons that were not packed in like a can of sardines. Tables far enough away from each other so that conversations won't overlap. Our waitress was just wonderful too. Always seeming to be there at exactly the right time. The food was excellent (I had halibut) so we also had desert and then coffee. We must have stayed another 50-60 minutes just talking after the check had been paid. From time to time our water glasses were quietly refilled and we were offered more coffee. It honestly felt like we were guests more than customers, and the waitress really wanted us to stay and enjoy ourselves.

As I say, Cactus Jacks is not the cutsey-themed, quasi-fast-food chain owned outfit (with big prices to boot) that I find be pretty much the norm these days, even in the Palm Desert.

Do try them and then...

I'm giving this 2 stars based on the total experience - including masking policy (unenforced). .First time here for lunch today. Arrived about 11:30 a.m. 3 tables in the restaurant portion were already seated and we were the 4th. Waters came quickly, service itself was slower. We waited over a half hour for our food, watching people who had come in behind us get served before us. Your server doesn't bring your food......someone else does.......so don't know what the issue was there.

The Club sandwich was good but I've never had it with cheese. Odd......DH had the French Dip which he said was good except the beef was very crumbly and hard to eat or dip. The Horseradish dip was spot on! I will try a salad instead of fries next time but I did see two full bowls of cole slaw go back....so not sure what the deal is there.

Almost everyone seemed to be enjoying a mixed drink so they must be good. There draft beer selection is pitiful, however.

When we left, the bar was completely full including AT the bar and at the dreaded seated raised tables........Ugh.......

Masks are NOT required for anyone here contrary to what it may say online. You should be aware that we were the only people who entered with a mask. None of the staff - not the hostess, not the water people not the servers, NO One On Staff was wearing a mask and no one else eating or drinking there had masks on. I put mine on to go to the bathroom - no one else did. There were probably close to 100 people here when we were here. Ugh.......again......... NOTE the other reviews about masking and vaccination.......so be careful of these super spreader places.

And, in addition, bottles of ketchup are just given to the next table without a wipe down. Don't feel good about that.....as there is ketchup, mustard, salt and peppers, etc.

It took more than 5 minutes to get someone, our server, to come take our money. Guess they're not too concerned about getting...

I have been a customer since 2000 when this place was Chicago Freddie’s and Michael was the lead bartender. I’ve been a loyal customer since the change of ownership to Cactus Jacks. My review has nothing to do with the bar/restaurant and their food, that never disappoints and is the reason I and my friends continue to come back again and again. My complaint is about one particular bartender. My favorite bartenders are Kevin & Christina who go out of their way to provide great service with a smile. They both know how to make a customer happy and welcome. I have always had a problem with Mel , the other bartender. She rarely smiles or greets me, I always have to wait for service, sometimes more than 15 minutes and I must flag her down like a taxi . Mel is forgetful, I have to ask twice for a menu and she prefers giving me the lunch menu (for some reason) I then have to ask for the dinner menu. My problem with her escalated last night. She alway’s want to interrupt me during my dining experience to inform me she’s clocking out and wants me to pay before I’m finished. I don’t agree with this policy and find it to be rude and I find her to be rude. When I didn’t comply with her request she got nasty with me when I refused to stop what I was doing, get my purse, immediately grab a credit card before I finished my meal she then said “ I’ll get you kicked out”. WOW! I can’t find a reason why any restaurant owner would tolerate this behavior or agree with this kind of conduct from any bartender, including Mel. I will be writing a letter to the owner, there were several other patrons who witnessed this incident in complete surprise. It needs to...