By Dan Paris
Long a popular vendor at the Thursday Night Village Fest, The Heydey has finally gone brick and mortar in a space inside the Palm Springs Hilton’s lobby. Brad and Crystal Reihl are staying true to their roots with a one-page menu featuring their infamous Smash Burger with fresh grass-fed organic ground beef with fried onions “smashed” into the beef on the flattop and topped with fresh lettuce and their signature sauce all cradled in a Martin’s potato roll imported from Chambersburg in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The beef patty has crispy caramelized edges that provide intense meat flavor. I love to patronize family-run restaurants that consistently do their signature dishes well.
I happened to drop in during the White Party weekend and the restaurant was packed with loud, demanding clientele. The waitstaff handled the deluge of orders with calm businesslike navigation. The space is cozy with a leftover hotel lounge atmosphere for now. There is a full bar staffed by a talented mixologist. The Smash Burger has an adequate supporting cast including the requisite chicken sandwich, a vegan mushroom burger, wings, salads, and lengthy crinkle fries options where you have free reign to customize your order. My advice is to start with the Smash Burger and branch out from there.
The Heydey
400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
(760) 297-6937
