It’s one of those places everybody knows.  Locals, obviously.  But over the years, I’ve been surprised at how many tourists and visitors to Palm Springs know it.

It’s not fancy or high-priced.  It doesn’t have a Hollywood backstory, which so many Palm Springs restaurants do – like “Frank Sinatra once tipped his waiter $20,000 here when he heard the waiter’s son was in the hospital” or “Dinah Shore always ordered the Shrimp Louie.”  They aren’t known for their Prime Rib (though it is delicious) or a great view of [select one]: _____ the Coachella Valley _____ Mount San Jacinto. It has a bar, but that’s usually populated by the same questionable people every day watching something on the big screen tv having to do with a lawn and a ball (either throwing one, catching one, or getting one in a hole 18 times).  And it’s a block from my residence, which makes it perfect for me to pop over on my powerchair for something to eat – which I do three or four times a month. I say I’m just grabbing a bite – something hearty and nutritious. But I never pass up the pie.

In 1975, Reed Gardner (Billy) and Robbie Lemley opened Billy Reed’s Restaurant & Bakery using recipes from Billy’s grandmother, who taught him how to bake.  When retirement beckoned twelve years later, they leased the restaurant in 1987 for 25 years to a new owner, while retaining ownership of the property.  In 2012, they took back the restaurant.

Until a fall in 2018 which led to his death in 2019, Robbie Lemley was the first face you saw when you arrived and the last as you left, seated at his post as maître d’ and cashier, and to this day you’re almost guaranteed to see Billy any time you are there – he might bring you your menu or bus your table.

Restaurants in Palm Springs open and close on an almost predictable cycle that seems tied to the seasonal nature of the town.  Our industry here is tourism, so restaurants usually have a gimmick, which grabs the attention of the transient population but wears thin quickly for those of us who live here year round; like one, now closed, where you could play 80s arcade games like Pac-Man and Asteroids while you waited for your food, or another, also now closed, all of whose menu items were named after Bob Dylan songs (the “Bruschetta in the Wind” was actually quite tasty!).  The restaurants that have been around for awhile usually have some tie to old Hollywood.  Which is what makes Billy Reed’s so unique. Other than an expansive interior that is actually three restaurants in one – a diner with booths, a dining room with tables, and a bar/lounge with event space and dance floor – all lit by red glass light fixtures which give the place the ambiance of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon at Disneyland and decorated with bits and bobs that look like they came from a garage sale, Billy Reed’s is known for only one thing:  food.

And pies.  Okay two.  Two things.

And when I say food, I’m not talking about some ridiculously priced chef’s creation like free-range chicken on a bed of couscous garnished with apples picked by Norwegian dwarves, I’m talking stick-to-your-ribs comfort food like a Denver Omelet, chili, or pot roast.  And pie.  From the dessert section of the menu:

A Word From Billy …IN OUR OWN LITTLE “BAKE SHOP” WE MAKE ALL OUR PASTRIES BY HAND, JUST AS YOUR GRANDMOTHER WISHED SHE COULD MAKE THEM. IT TAKES TIME AND TENDER LOVING CARE. IF WE HAD A FACTORY PERHAPS WE COULD HAVE EVERYTHING, EVERYDAY … BUT WE DON’T. WE THINK YOU WANT THE VERY BEST PASTRY IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE, SO EVERY DAY WE MAKE AS MUCH AS WE ARE ABLE … FORGIVE US IF WE RUN OUT. TRY AGAIN, NEXT TIME. ONE SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING SWEET, AND SHARING IS BONDING TOO. AND FOR “GUILDING THE LILLY” ICE CREAM, WHY NOT? IT’S ALSO KNOWN AS “ALA MODE!” WE HAVE BOTH KINDS. VANILLA AND DARK CHOCOLATE CAPPUCCINO. GREAT ON ALL PASTRY.

I don’t get out much, but I make a point of going to Billy Reed’s often.  If you’ve visited me in Palm Springs, chances are better than good we ate there.  I even have my own table!  It’s not like “Oh, Mr. Sinatra, we have your usual table.”  No, there’s one in the lounge with the drunks watching golf that is the right height for me to fit under with my power wheelchair.  My go-tos on the menu are the Fish and Chips (4 huge pieces of deep fried cod with French fries *and* homemade potato chips) and the French Dip, although recently I discovered Billy’s Sour (thinly sliced roast beef, mild green ortega chilies, and melted Swiss cheese on grilled sourdough served au jus with scallions in it).

When you get to the end of the menu, which is so large and full of delicious choices it practically needs CliffsNotes, you’ll find:

COMPLIMENTARY Boston Cream Pie ON YOUR BIRTHDAY (HONESTY COUNTS)

A Palm Springs landmark.  Amazing food.  Huge portions.  Ambiance.  Reasonable prices.  Wheelchair accessible.  Pie. And a complimentary birthday dessert.  Who could ask for anything more? Happy 50th anniversary Billy Reed’s!