Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern
Food and drink · Indio ·

Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern

Food and drink · Indio ·

Bold flavors, time-honored smoking techniques, modern culinary mastery

bbq
brisket
pulled pork
baby back ribs
cornbread
mac and cheese
baked beans
cocktails
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by Eater - Lists + Maps
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern by null

Information

49870 Jefferson St Suites 100, Indio, CA 92201 Get directions

$$

Order delivery
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Free Wi-Fi
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Information

Static Map

49870 Jefferson St Suites 100, Indio, CA 92201 Get directions

+1 760 289 4040
babestavern.com
@babessmokehousetavern

$$

Features

•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Free Wi-Fi
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 29, 2026

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The Best Restaurants in Palm Springs, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"Come hungry and with a group to Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern in Indio. The serving sizes are generous, with equally gargantuan-sized cocktails. Every meat is beautifully smoked in the rear. If one can’t decide which meat to feast on (brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, sausages, or short ribs, to name a few), select two with multiple sides that range from mac and cheese, baked beans, or a half yam with honey butter. If sitting outside, misters help battle the heat." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-palm-springs-restaurants-bars-indio-coachella
Eater - Lists + Maps
Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern

Kirsti D.

Google
Absolutely amazing experience at Babes Tavern! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel so welcome- everyone was genuinely friendly, attentive, and on top of their game. The service was fast without ever feeling rushed, and every recommendation they gave was spot-on. As for the food, don’t get me started!! The perfectly smoked BBQ with rich flavor, tender meats that fell right off the bone, and sides that were just as impressive (the mac and cheese and cornbread were next-level). Pair that with their local craft brews and you’ve got the perfect combo!! Whether you’re coming for a casual meal, drinks with friends, or a weekend hangout, Babes Brewery & BBQ was a great find and we will be back!!

Beth K.

Google
Five star food and five star waitstaff at Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern in Indio, CA. The pulled pork and ribs were so tender and juicy! The house sausage had just the right amount of kick and smokiness. The skillet cornbread is sweet and delicious, with enough for four servings. We are going to enjoy the rest of our food in the next couple days as the portions were very generous! By the way, the building and outside seating was very pretty! Congratulations Lucky and all the crew!

A P

Google
Hats off to the chef! Delicious, fall off the bone smoked ribs! Great side dishes like the sweet corn and goat cheese tamales! Let’s not forget the gooey Mac and cheese! Yummy pie for dessert! Great menu and a great place to enjoy with family, friends, and bring the kids!

Jasmine 9.

Google
To begin, our server was great, but the food wasn’t so great. For a $25 brisket sandwich I would have expected the bread to at least be toasted with some butter and for there to be more bbq sauce. The brisket was pretty dry and didn’t have much flavor. For how quick our food came out I expected it to be hot but it was maybe room temp. The pulled pork wasn’t bad but wasn’t the best either. But the onion rings and were fries were delicious. Not sure I’d be back, I expected better for what the prices are.

Kirstie C.

Google
We loved Babes at The River Walk and are glad a new location has finally opened. The same great food, vibes, and service! The new space is very small but has plenty of outdoor seating pending weather. Some reviews claimed food prices were too high and I’d remind folks that the original Babe’s was open long before the pandemic and recent economic events — inflation is not their fault. Please support a local favorite on its new journey!

melina C.

Google
It was good, but my ribs were more tender than my husband's. It was the exact same order, so I'd say that food quality is now inconsistent, unlike before. The taste is still the same, so that's good.

Carly B.

Google
I’m so impressed with the transformation at Babes Smokehouse and Tavern! The new design is absolutely stunning—modern, warm, and welcoming while still keeping the spirit of the original space alive. You can really tell how much thought and effort went into revitalizing the old, worn-down interior. It feels like a whole new experience while still honoring its roots. The atmosphere is perfect for everything from casual drinks to a night out with friends. Love what they’ve done with the place!

Kay M.

Google
Smaller than the original location but the taste is still huge. We'll worth a visit if you are in the Palm Desert. Glad it's still open because on my list every visit.

Evan P.

Yelp
Great service and even better food! The brisket was delicious! The bartender Mark was excellent and even gave me recommendations for golf in the area. Cant wait to bring my wife and kids back again!
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Chris H.

Yelp
Babe's BBQ is a great little offshoot of the larger franchise, and it absolutely stands on its own. Smaller footprint, but big on flavor and atmosphere. The patio is fantastic--relaxed, inviting, and perfect for enjoying good BBQ while watching the world go by. Yes, prices run a bit high, but the quality makes it worth it. The food is well prepared, flavorful, and clearly done with care. Pro tip: hit their happy hour--it's a great way to enjoy their menu at a better value. Solid BBQ, great outdoor seating, and a fun neighborhood vibe. Definitely worth the stop.
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Mark S.

Yelp
I am glad some people like this because this location is confusing as hell. There are a total of 4 tables inside. Yes, I said 4. 99% of the seating is outside. We made a reservation on open table and selected standard. Once we arrived we were told standard actually means outside. Open table has outside listed but you cannot select it. We went to this location when it was raining and 55° out. The hostess said "the heaters make it warm". I said, "do the heaters prevent the rain from contacting my food?" She said "we have umbrellas!" I said, "you know that rain doesn't always come straight down right?" I also asked here if she saw that all the tables were wet. Her eyes got real big. Suffice to say we left. We ended up going to Longhorn's to sit inside and be warm and dry. The ribs were delicious.
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Mike S.

Yelp
Best BBQ ever! So glad to finally get a good BBQ place on this side of town. Great food, love the bar. Waiter was great *****!
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Rick J.

Yelp
YELP SHORT ANSWER: Yes UPDATED review and well worth it. I will try and just give updated info. LOCATION: Excellent location located in Canopy in Citrus Center off of Jefferson and 50th. Easy to find and easy to park. FACILITY: Quality Building, nothing but the best. MENU: Now limited, toned down and I feel prefect for the location and demographic of guests. Glad to see they added, and then modified their HAPPY HOUR which is well worth the visit itself - 3:30pm to 5:30pm every day. FOOD PREP: Professional, quality showing they know everyone eats with their eyes first... it shows here. FOOD QUALITY: I was blown away by their HAPPY HOUR offerings. While the plating was top notch, the aroma, texture and taste were amazing and we ordered way too much. LIBATIONS: Again, Happy Hour/s had very fair deals on beer and well drinks. I took a photo of the Happy Hour menu, bottom right short and sweet. WAITSTAFF: On this visit, everyone was great and our server was very kind, fun and attentive so perfect. OVERALL VALUE: HAPPY HOUR has made me want to come back and now recommend Babe's without a caveat of options and price. Oh, prices off the regular menu are expensive, $25 for a tavern hamburger and everything goes up from there, but wait a tick. I could never finish a Babe's tavern burger so we'd split it maybe with a salad so not too bad. They did not seem to dis the sharing idea, I feel they should encourage it. TIP: If you've visited this new Indio / La Quinta location and were turned off by whatever, I feel Lucky and team have now found a really good spot that is now welcoming to all wallet sizes. Sure many tabs here will surpass what I consider reasonable for food but to many of my neighbors simply don't care about cost, they will pay way up for fun, service, quality of food, and the entire dining experience. Go Visit but MAKE RESERVATIONS, maybe a bar drop in at 3:30pm will work.
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Terry H.

Yelp
This place moved from Hwy 111 to Indio. The new place was nice but small. The service was good and the waitress was very attentive. The food was good and the portion was good.
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Chase R.

Yelp
Food and service is really great, ambience was nice, it's a great space. I'm deducting one star because the pricing is high. I understand it's expensive to go out to dinner but the prices are high. The good thing is the portions are large so we had leftovers and got to eat it again the next day. But I could use a smaller portion at a lower price point.

Osugradinca S.

Yelp
First time at this location . Great location and environment, indoor and outdoor. Hostess was pleasant upon entering. Picked up takeout order for NYE. Wedge salad, cornbread and yam with honey butter was excellent. Unfortunately, the St. Louis Ribs was overcooked, mostly charred/ burnt and tough to chew/ eat. Glad we had other protein items to serve the family.

Erin H.

Yelp
Excellent BBQ, always great service! One of our new favs. Very nice to eat outside too with the fire pit and heaters.

Doodoinks10 ..

Yelp
Celebrated me and my wifes anniversary here, our hostess/waiter/bartender(same person, his name was Tom) was amazing, very attentive and very nice, the food was great, onion rings, mac&cheese, baby back ribs and wedges was delicious, the brisket was just ok, but overall i would recommend eating here
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Sheryl L.

Yelp
I'm sorry to say that the food was not the same as we had on 4 July. Please check your bag before you leave because they forgot to put the pie in the bag which they were nice enough to take off our charge when I called however, the chicken and the ribs were dry, and the sausage was horrible inedible and extremely dry. The cornbread and the coleslaw and the beans were still delicious. I just don't know how it was perfect before and dry now that's why I'm giving this review hoping management can iron this out.
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Jess T.

Yelp
Finally visited the new location after the original one in Rancho La Quinta was closed. I Was a bit disappointed the place looks like an ordinary restaurant nothing like the original one so when you're in there, you don't even know you're at babes, unless you notice the pig by the door. I ordered the brisket sandwich, I was disappointed because iit came with ordinary Texas toast. The food was salty. I don't know if it was the brisket or it was a barbecue sauce. The place only had about 10 people, maybe for being a Wednesday.there was a guy standing in front of the restaurant, then circling the restaurant, we asked our server who that guy was and she said it was the owner, it would've been nice if he would've asked us how we were doing or can he get us anything?
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John P.

Yelp
This is not the Babes you remember! If you know Babes from The River in Rancho Mirage forget everything you knew. This tiny location in Indio is acting like its related to the classic Callender family restaurant, but let me warn you it is not. If you know this family of restaurant owners you might recall how they messed up Jackalope Ranch too. I think Yelp should make them create a new profile for this location, seriously. Most of the reviews and pictures are for the Rancho Mirage location which is nothing like this place... Indio has no brewery, but it has crazy prices, and weak food. All that stuff and reputation of the true Babes location built up over the years is long gone. The food portions are tiny, the original location was generous. The food is now overpriced from a very small menu. While the prices at The River were never cheap, they were more inline with you a get what you play for quality. This feels like a new owner that thinks you have money to burn. Want a 2 meat BBQ plate? You're looking at $48!!! How about a potpie like you might see here on Yelp, nope that's long gone. The location is small with a weird design. A small bar and few split chair/booth seats and a small outdoor section. Forget this as any sort of family friendly birthday dinner spot. The front door doesn't even look like a restaurant, it looks like you're going into an employee back entrance. Then a server that looks bored and annoyed will offer you 1 of a few tables, or the bar to sit at. My advice to you is if you feel like gambling... order a few drinks and maybe an appetizer. See how you like it, don't commit to any entrees. Let the server know you're still deciding. If you enjoy what you are served for the prices they are asking, more power to you. Now if on the other hand I saved you from a $100+ check for a mediocre restaurant calling itself Babes, please come back and comment below. Just looking out for others like I hope they would look out for me. This is not the Babes you remember, just a sad imitation.
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John D.

Yelp
Solid offering barbecue for the Coachella Valley. Fall off the bone ribs with the St. Louis being my favorite. Tasty sauces, large servings and some quality pies for dessert make this worth the extra money they charge.
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Monika T.

Yelp
Food 10/10. I made a reservation. Got there was seated immersion. We tried the chicken hush puppies and I tried the trip-tip-'it was melt in the mouth tips. So good. My two sides, I got onion rings and roaster veggies. Service was amazing. If I can come back i'll be the first there! Ambiance is quiet when I went. It was quiet and enjoyable..
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Richard R.

Yelp
The food is very tasty as was expected from Babes. The service is very helpful and always points out some good things to try. The only issue is the size of the place. It would be nice if there was more room. But, it is very clean and nice.
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Kim K.

Yelp
Hooray, the wait is over! Babe's new location has opened!! The space is very nice with plentiful outdoor seating. The big window from the patio to the bar is pretty cool. Yes, it is smaller than the previous location, but I actually like this new contemporary vibe better. The service was very good and the food was even better. It's been so long so, we had to go straight for the old BBQ faves and they did not disappoint (pulled pork sammie, ribs). What surprised me was all the other great options on the menu! Looking forward to (eventually) trying all the non-BBQ items too! We will be returning very soon!

Tony B.

Yelp
Bad food bad service they sit us outside without a heater.I ordered a sandwich it was cold.

Josh L.

Yelp
We had a wonderful New Year's Eve dinner at Babes. The cornbread was delicious and ribs were fall-off-the-bone good! We sat on the side patio which had heaters and plenty of TV's. We will definitely stop in when we are visiting the area again and recommend to all our friends.
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Gina V.

Yelp
I've been meaning to share our positive experiences with Babe's in Indio. Since it opened, we have dined there 3-4 times and have been 100% pleased with the service and food. In fact, Babe's is on our "sure thing" list! The cost of doing business in today's climate is tough so we appreciate the quality of food they serve. 100% worth every morsel. The restaurant is clean with a nice open feel and good energy. In fact, I do believe I have just convinced myself to return sooner than later :)
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McQuin B.

Yelp
Decided to check out the new Babes for dinner tonight and was very impressed! I had the brisket sandwich on Texas toast, and it was everything I wanted -- smoky, tender brisket piled high between thick, buttery slices of toast. Total comfort food, done right. I also tried the goat cheese tamale, and it blew me away. Creamy, rich goat cheese wrapped in soft, flavorful masa with just the right hint of smoke. Unique, satisfying, and a great twist on a classic. Babes keeps finding ways to surprise me with bold flavors and quality ingredients. Can't wait to come back!
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Keith J.

Yelp
Staff was amazing, extremely attentive. The room and patio - - intimate and warm. The food? Good, but not the greatest bbq. The baby backs were both tender and tough and without any pronounced smoke flavor. The brisket? Lean brisket, but not that flavorful. Onion rings were excellent, and the tamale was wonderful. It scratched my itch for bbq, but I just don't know if I'd drive all the way down to Indio for this again. There's better BBQ near me, although without the beautful space and wonderful service and nice booze. Pricing? Everything is expensive today but a tamale, 2 protein meal with half rack of baby balls and a few slices of brisket, onion ring upgrade and two drinks..... And no bread... Over $120 before tip. That's rough.
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Jozlyn H.

Yelp
I was visiting for the weekend and looked up the best place to have BBQ meat. Found this place had great reviews on their food.. mixed reviews on their beers. I decided to give it a try because I was here for the food. I was staying in Palm Dessert and this place isn't too far from where we were staying. The restaurant had outdoor and indoor seating options. I noticed the outdoor seating had water mist spraying for the hot days. We chose to stay indoors. We were sat right away and were greeted by our server Caesar! He suggested great meal options as well as tourist spots we needed to visit. I choose the ribs and meat option plate. For this plate I chose the St Louis rib and brisket. For my sides I upgraded the Mac and cheese to lobster Mac and cheese and chose the yams as my other side. Everything was delicious! Ribs were fall off the bone cooked to perfection and their brisket was nice and tender. The service here is awesome! The food here is delicious! The location and restaurant is clean. Definitely a must visit when in town.
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Michael P.

Yelp
Wonderful pork ribs, fork tender brisket, wine, never beer, baked beans, good sides (mac & cheese a little heavy), sum slaw is best. Full bar, smaller than the old location, too far from P,S. A little pricey but good.
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Mary G.

Yelp
I have been taking vacations to Palm Springs my whole life. This restaurant is a staple they have moved locations but the food is so good that you can't stop eating it. I even brought some home to my sister and she said she wanted more! The servers are amazing they make special accommodations for our wedding anniversary having the food paid for over the phone by my parents as a gift. The restaurant has a high class feel with a smaller menu definitely upgraded feeling ambiance. Love this place will always come back!
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Matt D.

Yelp
I'm not sure why the reviews are so rough for this place. We loved our meal! We shared the cornbread, followed by the "Pick 2 Proteins" with the Baby Back Ribs & Pulled Pork - topped with the classic BBQ sauce. It came with two sides, of which we chose the Babe's Coleslaw & Baked Beans. All delicious!! Only mention is to probably stick to beer here, as the cocktail prices were insanely steep - but don't believe the bad reviews here... great bbq spot!

vicente f.

Yelp
loved my experience at this new location. They did a great job with the fine details here. everything is such great quality from the decor to the meat quality. its 2025, this is a new Babe's, and I appreciate it!
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Zach M.

Yelp
Great service at the bar. Drinks were great. Karen has a ton of knowledge and suggested the deviled eggs. Bbq twist on the deviled eggs is amazing, ambiance is bright, would be better if they turned the lights down. Only negative, go dodgers.
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Rose H.

Yelp
Great food and custom brews. I love the specialty cocktails. Theres a lively atmosphere with live music and fun crowd!!

Marty B.

Yelp
*This review is for their new location The only thing that is the same between their new location and their old location is the name and the big bronze pigs out front. The actual restaurant is nice but very small. Wife wanted a salad but the only dressing they have is ranch or blue cheese. I knew it was going to be a problem when our food came out only minutes after ordering it. Ribs were kind of dry and luke warm, but the brisket was pretty good. Half a rack of ribs DEFINITELY not worth $38. The brisket I would say was ok for $40. Overall disappointing because of how great it used to be. They said it was the same owner and chef but things have obviously changed.
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Scott K.

Yelp
*Not the Babe Ruth of BBQ* As a kid I absolutely LOVED Marie Callender's and it progressed throughout my life (in case you didn't know, Babes was founded by the Callender family) I once even celebrated Thanksgiving at Callender's Grill in LA (next to the La Brea Tar Pits & LACA Museum) with my grandmother for our Thanksgiving dinner date. Went to Babes at the River when they first opened and was decent. But as much as I love great BBQ (tho a previous vegan for 10+ years) I've always preferred other restaurants at The River (without mentioning names) For a belated Bday my Dad told me to pick any restaurant in the desert I wanted for dinner with him, my wife and my little brother. Narrowed it down to a few but two are closed for Summer. Then remembered how much my big brother enjoyed Babes for his bday so I pivoted to BBQ and keeping his heavenly spirit alive. In addition, Dad is a major BBQ dude and was happy I chose Babes. But was completely shocked lol My heart was in the right place choosing this place but in hindsight, I wish we could do it all over again. Because bday dinners occur only once a year. Our early Saturday evening din din started off well -- warmly greeted & seated in a nice big booth as requested with my OpenTable resy. Our waiter began with an award winning personality...but warped into a waiter with serious attitude. But for good reason I guess: The A/C broke down and the restaurant was swealtering hot while still 110 degrees outside. He was obviously short-handed on a Saturday Night in a section all by his lonesome, with lots of large groups & parties. I was even watching him in action because I have the utmost respect for the restaurant industry. He forgot Dad's Corn Bread appetizer. He did apologize when it was brought to his attention. While eating dinner he brought a corn bread skillet to the table, said "it's on the house" and abruptly walked away. We felt like walking away too because the cornbread was absolutely awful and undercooked (Marie's had THE best) He forgot my little bro's 2nd beer and when it was nicely brought to his attention he brought one to the table and did an amazing impersonation of a silent movie star as he placed the beer on the table and skirted off without a word. There were 2 mistakes with my dinner which he tried to blame on the kitchen -- I was served short rib meat (combo meal) which was very chewy -- instead of brisket and the sweet pot fries weren't served the way I ordered. Btw/fyi: our waiter didn't write down one single thing when he took our order so you be judge who's at fault here. Team players don't pass the blame on others when they're not present to defend themselves. Next time just say you're sorry, sympathize and simply resolve because you already committed 3 other errors. All 3 of our of babybacks were mediocre at best. They all looked different but all slightly burnt. None were tender and all dry & chewy and difficult to cut with a knife -- nothing fallin' off the bone here. It's obvious they were precooked then reheated -- especially how they arrived to our table in record time. He forgot we were celebrating a birthday -- at least that's the excuse I was given by the Manager when it was addressed as well as the broken AC. My Dad ended up wanting pie and wanted peach but they only serve apple nowadays...but he didn't care -- Dad loves pie period. But the apple pie was underwhelming and undercooked just like the cornbread. Everyone had one bite and ended it. Seldomly does my Dad ever refuse any pie. Another major disappointment. And no happy birthday candle wish for me to blow out. It's pretty sad when 4 people agree the best thing about their dinners was the coleslaw. Wifey had fish & chips which were "just okay" but she enjoyed the slaw too. Yelp forces one star as their default. I added a star for how the Manager handled everything by "comping (my) the birthday boy's dinner and Dad's corn bread and pie." But at the end of the day that doesn't really cut it because a small family bday dinner was ruined & tainted by and with all the above. My Dad drove in from Newport Beach (just for the day) my little bro drove in from LA to stay the night...and this was the first time just the 4 us shared a celebratory dinner together. I've refrained from publishing this review, considered contacting Mr Callender personally and emailing him this review instead. But after a few weeks of contemplation and reflection, I decided to express myself to the Yelpshere...and hopefully Mr C see's this too. But I'm their 1,811th review so not too certain any of this really matters to him & them (and you) Recently found out Babes is relocating to Indio from Rancho Mirage due to landlord/lease issues. I hope they flourish. YMMV but I/we have no desire to dine at Babe's again. Times & meals like these remind me how much I miss Tony Roma's. Strike 4 Game Over
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Jim W.

Yelp
So, had reservations for 5:30 for bar area. Hostess seated us outside bar. Then realized it'd not open yet. Asked if we wanted table in front, accepted that reluctantly. Server Karen was great but food was sub par, had St.Louis ribs & BABY BACK. Should be the signature dishes for Babes. NOT. DRY TOUGH NO FLAVOR. DO NOT RECOMMEND.
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Steven P.

Yelp
I don't expect perfection--but I do expect basic competence, especially at this price point. What we experienced at Babe's was, frankly, unacceptable. Let's start with the cornbread. The first round was rubbery and dense, like it had been microwaved from frozen or sat under a heat lamp for hours. When we flagged it, our server--who was friendly and honest--admitted they'd had a lot of complaints about it. We were brought a second one that, bizarrely, tasted like fish. Cornbread shouldn't have an aftertaste like fried tilapia. Either there's cross-contamination in the kitchen or something seriously wrong with their prep. The mains didn't redeem the meal. Two of us ordered different entrees and both were overcooked, under-seasoned, and somehow still managed to be greasy in the worst way. Nothing balanced, nothing fresh. It was the kind of meal that makes you feel heavy and sick afterward--and not in the comforting Southern way. Just badly executed food. The final bill was $160 for two people. No appetizers, no dessert, no cocktails. Just two entrees, a side or two, and iced tea. That's $80 per person for food that should've never left the pass. There are too many good restaurants in the Coachella Valley--locally owned, chef-driven spots doing honest, flavorful cooking. Babes is not one of them. Skip it.
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Heather S.

Yelp
The new location although small has a lot of character and I love the indoor outdoor concept of the bar. We sat outside on the patio but could still watch the TV's and feel apart of the restaurant. We started with the Creole Shrimp, it had a bit of spice but more tomato flavor, and the Cast Iron Cornbread. The cornbread was very good. My son ordered the chicken strips on the hidden kids menu and enjoyed them. My husband and I ordered The "Pig 2" and got Brisket and Pulled Pork then 2 sides being the baked beans and Mac n cheese. All very good! Ask for all the different BBQ sauces to try. We also ordered the Short Rib Pappardelle and I wouldn't order that again, strange combo and honestly not sure why we even ordered it lol Our server was very attentive, he offered suggestions and even brought us a little bit of sorbet for free at the end of our meal :) All in all very good and we will be back.
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Noemi ..

Yelp
Was looking forward to this spot opening up on this side of the valley. First time we tried them we made a reservation for inside and unfortunately were seated outside. Opening week. Server seemed super busy. Second time, we called in to order some food to pick up and were told that was not an available option. Shocked and again disappointed. Third time, today we walked in at 4:45pm, 2 people seated at the bar and nobody seated in the inside tables. Mind you, pretty much empty. We were told they had no inside seating available because they had reservations booked for 5:40. The only option was sit outside in 110 degree weather. Place is too small and in my experience they did not accommodate my first reservation or a walk in so not giving them another chance. Too bad that they're in an area that has flourished with many places to eat and they're the only place we've had a bad experience with or without a reservation. All the other restaurants around them have always accommodated us just fine.

Mary S.

Yelp
My family and I were regulars when they came to visit me. We recently went to the new location and were VERY DISAPPOINTED at the new location. My son made a comment that the pig outside was bigger than the restaurant. The new location is Very small. My family would take up half the tables inside. They no longer have the brewery, the menu is only 2 pages. We will not be going back. Very sad it was reduced to this SMALL place.

Deborah H.

Yelp
Although in a very new lovely area of La Quinta I don't think this spot is a big improvement for Babes. The venue is small and extremely cold. Inside is verrry small and has a handful of tables. The window in the bar was open and it was only around 60F outside so the inside was not pleasant to sit in. We asked to go out to one of the 2 patios because they had heaters but I don't think the heaters were keeping up. The patios are wide open with no enclosure and I can't imagine how that will be through the winter months. The menu is paired down and the prices are up. We ordered the 1/2 rack of St. Louis ribs which are normally quite moist but these were dry. Because it was so cold outside the meal cooled off too fast and was just ok. I wouldn't go back nor would I recommend to anyone..
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Kenny K.

Yelp
This new location is nice. But it's significantly smaller. The menu is MORE than cut in half. The meat is NOT the same as what it used to be. I LOVED babes at the river. This is not it. We unfortunately won't be returning :(
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Angel C.

Yelp
The service was great the location and decoration was really nice Sat inside to avoid the heat but they opened the bar window and the whole place just got hot. The cornbread was fantastic ... Sadly that's was what filled me up. That was the only positive, the serving size of the brisket was abysmal to say the least ($40) plate. The sweet potatoes were a little over cooked, the macaroni was bland and seemed watery, not what I saw in the advertising on instagram. I got a lot of fat in the thin slices that were hiding under that sauce, They had zero "Smokey," flavor.. the sauce was the whole smoke. The tiny slabs were cold when they arrived at my my table idk if it was because they placed ice cold bbq sauce on it, but when I got it I was just so disappointed I didn't even bother to say anything I just wanted to get out of there. While I was sitting I overheard one of the hostess on the phone apologizing to someone about the food quality, wasn't really pleasant as my food hadn't arrived, not something you want to hear before they disappoint you in real time. Wasn't going to bother leaving a review until my $100 bill Showed up, for that price I expect what I paid for and I have to let it be known.

Matt S.

Yelp
Babes Smokehouse and Tavern never disappoints. The chicken tamale came in a nice bowl, was soft, flavorful, and packed with tender, smoky chicken -- really comforting and delicious. I also had the pulled chicken sandwich with their sweet house coleslaw, and it was fantastic. The chicken was juicy, and the slaw added just the right crunch and sweetness. Everything tasted fresh and made with care. Great food, great vibes -- I'll definitely be back!

Harrison G.

Yelp
Mom really wanted to try their new location and it was fantastic. I had the brisket dinner with veggies and house-made sausage, and everything was spot on. The brisket was smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, and the sausage had that perfect snap with just the right amount of spice. The veggies were fresh and well-seasoned -- a great balance to the rich meats. My mom ordered the BBQ chicken salad, and she loved it. The greens were crisp, the smoked chicken was juicy, and the whole dish felt fresh and satisfying. The BBQ ranch dressing added a nice smoky kick. Babes does a great job combining bold BBQ with lighter options. Great food, great service -- we'll definitely be back!
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Roger W.

Yelp
The food was good, not great. The portions were adequate, not big. The prices seemed relatively high for that combination. But we do love outdoor dining, and the patio was a fantastic experience. Our server was fabulous, so all in all a pretty good meal. I would offer this suggestion. For the kind of money that I paid for St. Louis style ribs, I should at least get 1/2 rack. To pay that price for 1/4 rack of ribs makes no sense. I'm from Iowa, that pork is really inexpensive to buy. Sorry, just my two cents.

Duke D.

Yelp
Had an amazing meal at Babes Smokehouse and Tavern. I got the baby back ribs -- super tender, smoky, and full of flavor. They came with a vinegar-style summer slaw that was crisp, refreshing, and balanced the richness perfectly. The half baked yam was a nice touch -- soft, naturally sweet, and comforting. My wife had the pulled chicken sandwich, and she loved it. The chicken was juicy and packed with flavor, and the bun held up great without getting soggy. Everything tasted homemade and thoughtfully prepared. Babes is definitely one of our go-to spots now!

Nick L.

Yelp
Mom really wanted to try their new location and it was fantastic. I had the brisket dinner with veggies and house-made sausage, and everything was spot on. The brisket was smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, and the sausage had that perfect snap with just the right amount of spice. The veggies were fresh and well-seasoned -- a great balance to the rich meats. My mom ordered the BBQ chicken salad, and she loved it. The greens were crisp, the smoked chicken was juicy, and the whole dish felt fresh and satisfying. The BBQ ranch dressing added a nice smoky kick. Babes does a great job combining bold BBQ with lighter options. Great food, great service -- we'll definitely be back!
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Jose M.

Yelp
Came in with no reservation and sat at the bar. Tom made me their famous "John Dately" and it was amazing. My lady ordered a blonde ale and it was super cold. We ordered garlic parm wings and the burnt end deviled eggs. 10/10 Wings are the best I have ever had. No exaggeration. Deviled egg as are explosive with flavor. Had a couple more beers and the cornbread. 10/10. Overall, 11/10 experience, service and food. Side note. Music choice was amazing.

Blake

Yelp
This place is amazing. If you're complaining about the prices thats because you know nothing about real estate. One of 2 places in town with the best bbq. Staff are nice. Nice little chill spot to grab a beer or glass of wine with some pulled pork. This is my joint!
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Martha K.

Yelp
The food was excellent and Mark, the bartender, was second to none! It was a great, very casual, evening out!
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Marie D.

Yelp
This restaurant will never see me or anyone in my party of six again. Also on Monday a friend of mine told me that him and his wife would never go back. Reasons: Food was not good my ribs were dry and cold. Server took them back and brought me hot ones that we very dry. My friend ordered the brisket it also was so dry. In addition to the food the prices are out of site. $36 for a half slab of ribs and $25.00 for a hamburger. Ridiculous - I had a half slab of ribs and a cocktail and with tax and tip it cost me $76.00 The server was extremely polite and tried her best But she doesn't cook the food so you can't fault her at all. What a shame we were all looking forward to the opening of this restaurant
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Wilder D.

Yelp
Babe's Smokehouse & Tavern really nailed it. The cocktails were spot on and tied in perfectly with the vibe. The burger was juicy, loaded with flavor, and cooked just right, easily one of the best I've had in a while. And don't skip the lemon wow pie!! It's tangy, sweet, and the perfect way to end the meal (they call it "wow" for a reason). Between the drinks, the food, and the friendly atmosphere and incredible service, this place is an easy favorite.