Restaurants at The River in Rancho Mirage: Ranked

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via Flickr
via Flickr

With the closing of Acqua Pazza this coming weekend, I felt it would be a good time to get things in order as far as dining goes at The River in Rancho Mirage.

This list ranks in descending order, from worst to best, the restaurants found on property at The River in Rancho Mirage (Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s, and movie theater popcorn not included – because I said so).

This list is final, no sharing & no substitutions

9) Sam’s Sushi

Be honest now, you totally forgot this place was even at The River….I know I did.

8) Baja Fresh

Can’t say anything bad about the place, but there really is nothing to rave about either.

7) Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Steak, wine, and a ton of old people everywhere. Gee, where else can you find that in The Coachella Valley?

6) P.F. Changs

We would never turn down orange peel chicken and their patio is probably the best on the property.

5) Five Guys Burgers & Fries

A tasty burger, made how I want it, and I get free peanuts while I wait?  Win!

4) Yard House

They have a million beers on tap (except for the one your beer-snob college buddy wants).  Food is solid and their late night happy hour is legit.

3) Cheesecake Factory

Maybe you wouldn’t have to wait so long for a table if anyone currently seated could make up their damn mind about what to order (a 35,000 page menu will do that).  The food is very good, though some of it is not-so-healthy.

2) Michael’s Pizzeria

This place has the best pizza in town.  Seriously.  Might be the best in SoCal.

1) Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse

They make their own beer, their bar-b-que is solid, they have an awesome happy hour – and there is way more parking on that side of The River (just do not tell the Snowbirds as amazingly, they have still not figured it out).