By Denise Ortuno
For home-style favorites and Greek specialties, the Towne Center Café in Palm Desert will serve you well.
It’s our version of a diner here in the Coachella Valley. It has an old school feel, with a counter with immovable chairs, sensible booths, and well, a menu that incorporates American food staples and Greek favorites, something that is for whatever reason, indicative of many diners. The Towne Center Café delivers on all fronts, with friendly kitschy diner style service, and comforting food that sticks to your ribs.
The Towne Center Café is a sister restaurant to Johns restaurant’s, which has been providing tasty dishes to the Coachella Valley since the 80’s. I first started going to John’s way back when, and was surprised to find out that it also had a hand in the Towne Center Café, which has been in operation for 14 years.
The café is located right across the street from the Westfield Shopping Center, off Town Center Way, near Whole Foods and a new Ramen place that is set to open soon (a review will be coming soon!). It’s central Palm Desert location makes it easy for people to get a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner at the café.
Their menu offers an array of options, and also makes for a good read if you’re dining alone and forgot your book or newspaper (old school reference, sorry millennials). Although breakfast starts when they open at 6am, patrons can order up eggs all day if that’s their thing. Menu items range from sandwiches, salads, burgers and full dinners such as Meatloaf with mashed potatoes.
If it’s Greek that you’re craving, sink your teeth into some of their delicious Gyros (delicious meat with pita bread, onions, tomatoes and cucumber sauce), or perhaps their Souvlaki (pork or chicken skewers with onions, bell peppers and mushrooms), plus other Greek options.
On my visit, I went for a good old fashioned Patty Melt, and my boyfriend ordered up one of their huge omelets with bacon, tomatoes and avocado. My Patty Melt was indeed melty, and came with French fries. The dishes completed the comfort food component that we were seeking, and by looking around the restaurant, it was plain to see that there were other satisfied folks as well.
It’s nice to have a cozy spot to have a casual diner experience right in the middle of Palm Desert at the Towne Center Café. And hey, just think of how you can work off those collected calories by shopping at the mall right across the street, so convenient!
Towne Center Café is located at 44-491 Town Center Way. Palm Desert Ca 92260
