Dining & Drinks at Caliente Tropics

From Tropical to South-of-the-Border

Caliente Tropics Resort is a retro-style hotel known for its Polynesian-themed decor. It offers a variety of accommodations, including guestrooms, suites, and bungalows, perfect for couples, families, or groups.

The resort also features three excellent on-site restaurants: the Sansho’s, La Fern, and The Reef. They are located next to the resort, so easy access to all. While La Fern and The Reef are more cocktail-forward, they all offer delicious food and drinks. In addition, they all have Happy Hour!

Meet Owner Rory Snyder

Rory was a popular mixologist at Trio Restaurant and Wang’s in the Desert, creating craft cocktails. While at Trio, he became friends with SHAG artist Josh Agle and his business partner Jay Nailor, owner of the SHAG store. The SHAG store is right next door to Trio. This helped drive his enthusiasm for midcentury modern and Tiki styles.

In 2008, Rory decided to share his love of all things Tiki by founding and hosting the annual “Tiki Caliente” at Caliente Tropics Resort, which takes place every May.

In 2013, he created another annual event, “Mod Palm Springs,” which celebrates midcentury style with a Tiki twist.

After collecting so much Polynesian artwork, artifacts and furnishings, he co-authored “The Cocktail Compendium” with SHAG in 2013.

He then came to Caliente Tropics Resorts to be their restaurant proprietor and continue to produce fun events. Since then, he has opened his restaurant and two tropical-themed bars.

Sancho’s

Sancho’s has the “bones” of the former Sambo’s Pancake House and plays off the 1964 history of the former coffee shop that operated there through the mid-80s. It’s similar to what the Ace Hotel did with King’s Highway, a prior midcentury-style Denny’s. Playing on the name, Sancho’s is now a popular Mexican restaurant.

It offers traditional Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. One dish you won’t find on other local Mexican menus is Queso Fondido, Mexico’s delicious version of fondue, which makes a great appetizer. There is also a large selection of soups and salads. You’ll find a veggie menu and a kid’s menu.

Sancho’s opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and 8 a.m. on the weekends for breakfast. Breakfast includes traditional dishes like breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, huevos con machaca, and enchiladas con huevos. They also have a kids’ breakfast menu.

The bar’s libations focus on tequilas, mescals, and beer collections. Happy Hour is 2 – 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

The Reef

The Reef has seen many changes over the years. It began as the Conga Room restaurant. It’s been reimagined with a tropical theme and Tiki elements. They don’t call it a Tiki bar but instead a tropical libation sanctuary. That’s because Tiki people are very particular about what Tiki is and is not. Either way, it will make you feel like you’re vacationing on some exotic island.

The Reef’s menu features an extensive selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s island-themed, with cocktails made with rum, including classics like Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian, and Zombie. They are famous for the Palm Springs Punch, which features Blackheart spiced rum, triple sec, crème de moyaux (almond-flavored liqueur), and pineapple juice. Ask the bartender about unique off-menu cocktails, too.

Happy Hour is Mon. – Thurs., Noon – 5 pm.

The food menu offers a variety of small plates, salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads, perfect for sharing or as a light meal. They also have an extensive menu, including their signature Caliente Burger, made with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce. Entrees include coconut shrimp, Kalua port with pineapple sauce, fish & chips, and beer battered shrimp.

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Bootlegger Tiki

The Hippest Tiki Hangouts

Polynesia Style at Toucans Tiki Lounge