Anyone who has been coming to the desert for any amount of time has likely dined at the Sandbar, or at the very least wanted to.
Owned by Bob and Tina Cunard since 1982, the Sandbar is an institution in La Quinta, and it’s not to be missed.
I’ve personally been friends with Bob and Tina since about 2005, having dined there many, many times and I’m friends with them outside the restaurant as well. Their hospitality cannot be beaten, and the entertainment is something you have to see to believe. Featuring Bill Baker at the grand piano, playing all the standards, it’s a hoot!
It’s one of those kinds of places where you know the staff by name, you know their kids, their pets, etc…and now, full disclosure, Kayla Cunard, one of my rock star agents, is married to their son. Regardless, if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t bother to review it.
Michael and I went about a week or so ago, and it was delightfully just the same as always. Comfort food in an old-school ambiance.
Michael had the BLT Wedge which is a wedge of crispy chilled iceberg, topped with Applewood smoked bacon, crumbled blue cheese, chopped tomatoes and creamy ranch dressing. As his entrée, he had the Filet Mignon, a Tender center cut 8 oz Midwest corn fed filet, presented with garlic herb butter. It was cooked perfectly medium rare.
As all entrees come with soup or salad (it’s that kind of a place), I had the salad with blue cheese crumbles. Then my favorite dish at Cunard’s, the Calamari Steak – Abalone Style, slightly pounded and breaded, served with lemon, butter, and capers.
We both had the baked potato, fully loaded, and fresh garden vegetables.
We’ll be back again soon!
78-120 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
• Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1265,
La Quinta, CA. 92247
• (760) 564-3660
• Open Tuesday – Saturday Serving
Dinners from 5:00 PM