Ristretto — Restaurant in Palm Springs

I had never been to this place before because I don’t drink fancy coffees. I inquired if they had any vegan pastries because I was attending a board meeting in their building the following morning. Was told YES. I got there the next morning and asked about any vegan pastries. The guy said, “We have gluten-free options”. Not the same!! They didn’t have any vegan pastries so I just ordered an everything bagel toasted. I brought vegan cream cheese from home. I also ordered a black coffee. The coffee was HORRIBLE. Tasted like hot water. This is supposed to be one of the top notch coffee shops in the Palm Springs area. I then waited and waited and waited for my toasted bagel. I inquired about it twice and the kid had to go check on it. Now, you can see into the kitchen a little bit and I swear it looked like there were 3 or 4 people working on my bagel while talking with each other in an animated manner (looked like they were performing surgery the way they were huddled around my little bagel). I finally got it. Went to my Board meeting. Put some cream cheese on it, took a bite and thought, “This is the worst bagel I’ve ever had!” The texture and consistency were way off and the outside was more of a french bread consistency. While waiting for my bagel, I did notice that they had a vegan burrito. I had a hair appt. next door 2 weeks later. I was early so decided to try the vegan burrito (potatoes, tomatoes, spinach and avocado). This was 12:05 pm. Other than two women who were already seated enjoying coffees, it was just me and a woman who came in right after me. I ordered the vegan burrito. The kid had to run to the back to ask the two men just hanging around in the kitchen if they could make that for me. He then could not find the price on the register. He called over some woman and she also could not find the price then she says, “Just find something else on the menu that is similar and charge that”. I pointed to the wall menu and said, “The price is $12.95.” He looked baffled. The woman behind me – still waiting to order – is getting impatient. I paid, sat down and waited. I waved to the kid and said, “Hey, how much longer”. He scrambled to the kitchen and I see him talking with 3 other people! He says, “They are just wrapping it up”. I waited. The woman who was behind me was sitting out in her car, she comes in and was miffed because it was taking so long. She asked about her albacore tuna sandwich. I then said, “Yeah, me too. This is ridiculous. It’s been over 15 minutes”. He finally brought me my burrito. It was more of a panini but that was fine with me. The burrito came with two little containers – one of salsa and one of mayo. Why would you bring out mayo for a vegan burrito. I didn’t even bother asking if it was vegan. I quickly ate half and wrapped the other half and went to my appt. As I was walking out, I reread the menu and it shows, “all wraps come with cheese, spinach and tomatoes. They also come with choice of potato salad, macaroni salad or chips”. I did not taste cheese so was not worried about it since I ordered the VEGAN burrito but was not offered a side. I got not one, “Thanks, come again” or nothing. Everyone back on their phones and did not look up as I left.

The kicker is that I ate the other half on the way home. I took a photo to post in my vegan group and noticed in the photo the cheese! I did not taste it at all but I did use a lot of the salsa. Why the hell would you put cheese on an item clearly...

I was looking for an independent coffee shop where I could get a well-made espresso drink This place met the challenge. I only ordered an Americano to experience the flavor of their espresso and if they are good at their craft.

It wasn't the best Americano I've ever had, but definitely better than many I have tried in the valley area. The crema was good, the temp was spot on, and the coffee had good flavor notes. I will definitely come back again.

Its located in what looks like an office building so you will need to look closely for it- it's right on the corner of...

I recently stayed a week in Palm Springs and found Ristretto a few days in. It's on Palm Canyon Drive but out of the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown area. I loved it and wished I had found it sooner. Everyone who works there (that I was able to meet) is full of light and delightful to engage with. I loved the coffee, and if you get a drip in a for here mug you can sit outside and people watch or read with endless refills, for better or for worse. If you have the opportunity, Ristretto is an excellent way to start an...