The Cliffhouse Grill and Bar in La Quinta changed ownership January 1st, 2012. This local favorite is now owned and operated by the longtime owners of Pacifica Seafood Restaurant in Palm Desert. On a recent visit to Cliffhouse, we checked out the changes since the new ownership took effect.
Driving up to the restaurant we found that valet parking is now mandatory. While seldom fans of valet parking, Cliffhouse’s small parking area is well suited for valet parking and the $1 service fee (tip not included) is reasonable.
Cactus Bar And Grill
My husband, Bill, and I have always preferred dining in the Cactus Grill and Bar (that includes a cliff-side patio) rather than the dining room. The bar menu hasn’t changed much and Cliffhouse continues their tradition of Happy Hour drink specials (3:30- 6:00 PM as of this writing), along with all night food promotions including Taco Tuesday and Burger and Beer Friday.
The dining room menu now offers more fish specialties, which makes sense with their Pacifica Seafood connection. On our recent visit, I enjoyed the in-season baked California artichoke and a roasted beet salad. Bill ordered the Salmon Creek Farms pork chop with roasted butternut squash puree, green beans and homemade apple butter. New additions to the dinner menu include Pacifica’s sugar-spiced salmon, blackened catfish, seafood stew, and steak and lobster.
From burgers to tacos and seafood to steaks, it appears that Cliffhouse will continue to host locals and visitors in style for many years to come.
Cliffhouse is located just south of Point Happy Center at 78250 Highway 111 in La Quinta (1/4 mile west of Washington Street). 360-5991.
Cliffhouse Photo: Bill Dettman