Ruben and Ozzy's Oyster Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Palm Springs

So….. we were visiting and hunting and hunting for a seafood place. We had a hankering for oysters and the like and were unsure.

We have visited before and have walked by this place - probably 100 times and had not noticed.

Well. Let me tell you something.

The quality of this food is absolutely top notch. They get fresh seafood delivered DAILY and it shows. The owner operator actually is in the back being the chef- making sure everything is cooked to perfection.

As you may have noticed I’m not a very generous reviewer unless I feel it’s earned and well deserved.

I am almost hesitant to share this place as it’s the favorite of the locals and the vibe is uber laid back and chill.

Even the wait staff are awesome.

We ordered 2 orders of oysters on the half shell. Surprise surprises there is fresh grated horseradish- if you know you know.

We had an order of fried shrimp. Lawdhavemercy- it was done perfect. Shrimp were perfectly done. The breading was great. 👍🏼. And the seasoning made it pare perfectly with the cocktail sauce

Now those oysters…. 🦪. I rarely eat half shells because I’m - picky. These were top notch, they were super fresh and absolutely lovely.

I’m kinda sad I don’t live there because I could just eat these all of the time.

Here are some secrets. Do NOT share.

Their clamshowda’ is fresh made and you can enjoy its fresh savory aroma while you enter.

They also have a rare and limited homemade lobster bisque- ONLY ON FRIDAY.

They have the most lovely outdoor seating…..

The bar makes excellent drinks…. The pour is absolutely not stingy. 😍

We even had the rare opportunity to meet the owner/chef and just those few moments underscored just how special this place is.

It’s a secret, quiet, chill hole in the wall place that is deserving its customers to be the same.

If you demand the fancy fru fru seafood with attitude and bland seafood- this is not the place for you.

If however you are a discerning connoisseur of seafood- THIS is the place for you.

I have not ever had a full 100% exceptional service and seafood place and I’ve eaten up and down the west coast.

Love this place and you will...

Long wait, incompetent service, salty dishes. They need more workers, better trained personnel to give better service and organizations. Food overall is average and inconsistent.

My 5 friends & I heard this place was good from a local waitress. So we went. Initially we were told the wait to be 20 - 30 mins. It was an hour after we were able to get a table. This was because they had 4 tables to accommodate 5 - 6 people. We said it was ok for us to sit at separate smaller tables or saw available two smaller tables and put it together and they said no. They obviously were not accommodating.

It took a while to get the waitress to say hi and 15 mins to get water to the table.

Appetizers came out in good time for artichoke stuffed with crab, Mexican Poke and seafood sampler. The clam topped with bacon didn't taste fresh.

However main dishes didn't come out until 30 mins after appetizers and only 4/6 dishes. The other 2 dishes came out 10 mins after!! Then those two dishes ended up being extremely salty and one of the dishes was reheated. (Shrimp was over cooked noodles were very soft (not al dente)). They offered to replace one of the dishes Rubens special and it came within 5 mins and it was glossy however same saltiness. So having loss in faith of competence and I didn't want to wait longer; I didn't order more food

The waitress said our order were forgotten. People who sat down after us gotten their appetizers and main dishes.

The waitress never offered any accommodations while waiting or having salty food.

We all had beer and drinks. But there was no offer of them or waitress asking if we wanted another one.

In the end the manager gave a discount, however I have lost faith in their ability to...

Best Place to be found in Palm Springs....from the inviting atmosphere, heated patio, pleasant staff..... wasn't enough.

Then you get to the food... every bite of our dinner and our appetizers were mouth watering....we both had house Favorites...The Ruben Special and the Crab Enchiladas...

I am speechless and would default to the food network style of critique..."The Ruben Special

Picture this: a generous swirl of perfectly al dente fettuccine, glistening under a perfect White Wine sauce infused with the briny essence of the sea. Tender morsels of Mussels, shrimp, and scallops are delicately sautéed in a kiss of white wine and butter, their natural sweetness enhanced by the faintest whisper of cracked black pepper. The dish is crowned with fresh herbs—vivid parsley and fragrant dill—while a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cascades like snow over this decadent masterpiece. A hint of zesty lemon zest brightens every bite, ensuring a harmonious balance that dances on the palate. Ruben's Special is more than a meal—it's an invitation to indulge.

Crab Enchiladas

Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavors. Soft, golden corn tortillas cradle a succulent filling of tender, sweet crab meat tossed with a delicate blend of smoked sharp aged cheddar. The enchiladas are lovingly smothered in a house-made roasted tomatillo sauce, its tangy brightness tempered by a touch of heat. On top, a blanket of melted Monterey Jack cheese bubbles enticingly. Each bite delivers a fiesta of flavors, with the ocean’s finest taking center stage. A side of fluffy, cilantro-lime rice completes this unforgettable...