Power Trip 2023: Indio must-eat spots for burgers, pizza, sandwiches and more
Power Trip festivalgoers are bound to work up an appetite head banging the weekend away come October. Lucky for them, their host city, Indio, has plenty of options to satisfy their cravings.
Like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts and Stagecoach country music festivals, food vendors will be serving up a variety of cuisines on the Empire Polo Club grounds the weekend of Oct. 6 through 8. But beyond the confines of the festival, Indio has an endless selection of restaurants that serve everything from Mexican food and deli items to pastries and date shakes.
Here's just a few spots you can sink your teeth into during Power Trip weekend.
If you're hungry for more, check out The Desert Sun's expanded Indio restaurant guide.
For a filling lunch: TKB Bakery & Deli
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Location: 45-334 Golf Center Parkway
Website: www.tkbbakery.com
Many places like to boast that they're the best, but TKB (The Kid's Business) Bakery & Deli has evidence to back that — it was ranked the No. 1 business on the 2018 Yelp Top 100 Places To Eat List. After a day of rocking out to your favorite bands, biting into one of TKB's sandwiches will perk you right back up. Choose from a variety of favorites, such as the pesto chicken ranch club with crispy Italian chicken, or the hangover, with all the turkey, salami and bacon your heart desires. The bakery portion of the restaurant offers cookies, brownies, cakes and more.
For a quick caffeine fix: Everbloom Coffee
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Location: 81-730 Highway 111, Suite 14
Website: www.everbloom.coffee
Everbloom Coffee has made its presence known in town for being people's go-to coffee shop for all their latte, matcha and, during the fall, pumpkin spice needs. If you're feeling exhausted and depleted after late-night jam sessions, head over to this Indio staple for a caffeine boost.
For the carnivores: CV BBQ
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Location: 83-214 Requa Ave.
Website: www.cvbbq.com
What's better than listening to heavy metal music? Sinking your teeth into barbecue. CV BBQ has all the meats and sides you love, from pulled pork and tri-tip to a deviled egg potato salad and chipotle mac and cheese. A trip to CV BBQ will satisfy all your cravings and recharge your batteries for another fun night of rocking out.
For authentic Mexican: El Mexicali Cafe
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Location: 82-720 Indio Blvd.
Website: www.elmexicalicafe.com
If you're looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant, El Mexicali Cafe is the spot for you. Choose from an all-day breakfast menu, which includes huevos rancheros, or dive into a wide assortment of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and house specials. The restaurant also has plenty of seafood delights, such as ceviche and shrimp tostadas. If you're in town before Power Trip begins, stop by for happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For an iconic date shake: Shields Date Garden
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Cafe at Shields is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
Location: 80-225 US Highway 111, Indio
Website: www.shieldsdategarden.com
If you don't get a date shake while visiting the Coachella Valley, did you even go to the Coachella Valley? This sweet treat is a favorite in the area, and Shields Date Garden is one of the best to do it. The shakes are made with Shields Date Crystals, which are tiny bits of dried dates, along with ice cream and milk. Sip on one of these shakes at the site's 1960s original shake counter, or walk through the 17-acre date grove and botanical garden. If you're looking for more than just a sweet dessert, the Cafe at Shields serves breakfast and lunch items, such as chicken and waffles and French dip.
For the full rock experience: Big Rock Pub
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Location: 79-940 Westward Ho Drive
Website: www.bigrockgolfandpub.com
If you want to keep the Power Trip vibes going strong off of the Empire Polo Club grounds, head over to Big Rock Pub. Not only can you load up on wings, burgers, fries and tacos, but you might also be able to see some live music in this rock-'n'-roll-themed spot. The pub will be hosting an Oktoberfest party in the Beer Garden every Thursday night for the month of October if you're in town before the festival begins.
For timeless Mexican: Rincón Norteño Mexican Restaurant
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Location: 83-011 Indio Blvd.
Website: www.rinconnorteno.com
The Flores family has been serving up delicious Mexican dishes for more than 50 years, and they're not stopping any time soon. Grab a seat and take some time with this menu, which has everything from nachos and enchiladas to tacos de camarón (shrimp tacos) and fajitas. Breakfast enthusiasts can also grab huevos rancheros and chilaquiles for a morning fill up.
For a quick slice: Your Pie
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Location: 42-250 Jackson St.
Website: https://yourpie.com/locations/indio/
Top off your Power Trip weekend with a pizza slice, or several, at Your Pie. You can choose from a number of favorites, such as BBQ chicken bacon ranch or hot honey pepperoni, or make your own concoction. If you want some pasta instead, you can craft your own dish or choose from the menu as well.
For when the group can't decide: IDK Restaurant
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Location: 82-485 Indio Blvd.
Website: www.idkrestaurant-catering.com
Hungry for both American and Mexican cuisine? IDK Restaurant has all the flavors you're craving. If you desperately want a quesadilla and also a BLT sandwich, no one would judge you for getting both. Also available are pupusas, quesabirria tacos, chicken alfredo, ceviche tostadas and a cheeseburger.
For a juicy burger: Burger Box
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (according to Tripadvisor)
Location: 81-201 Indio Blvd.
Website: www.facebook.com/TheVintageCoffeeHouse
Indio's Burger Box has been serving up burgers, fries, milkshakes and more since 1954, and the second you walk up to its order window you'll feel like you've been transported to the past. It's a true hole-in-the-wall spot, but you won't be disappointed. On top of some of your favorite 1950s diner staples, you can also order chicken, pastrami, box o' fish, date shakes and burritos.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Power Trip 2023: Where to get burgers, pizza and more in Indio
