I am a foodie and love nothing more than discovering a new restaurant with an innovative menu, tasty cocktails and amazing service. I found all three at 1501 Uptown Gastropub. Read on to find why you must check out this fabulous eatery.
The Chill Vibe at 1501 Uptown Gastropub
Step into the gastropub and immediately feel chill. Clean, modern lines and an indoor-outdoor feel contribute to the vibe. Big roll-up garage doors open up to patios on each side of the main dining room. A large bar greets you as you enter the door. Décor is minimalistic and industrial.
Architect Chris Pardo developed the long, abandoned space that was once a Pizza Hut into the former Draughtsman. You might not know his name, but Pardo has been influential in the mid-century design movement in Palm Springs. The Arrive Hotel, Bootlegger Tiki, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey and even the permanent bathrooms at Coachellafest are all his creations.
The Draughtsman closed during the pandemic leading the way for co-founders Willie Rhine (Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge) and Chad Gardner (533 Viet Fusion and Roly China Fusion) to take over in 2020. Their combined expertise is evident in the success of 1501 Uptown Gastropub.
The Innovative Menu
Even the pickiest eater will find something to love at the gastropub. Find a combination of small plates, big plates, salads, soups and sandwiches. I started with the Chilled Mixed Melon Soup, a mixture of sweet with a touch of heat. I followed up with the delicious Chilled Mesquite Tri Tip Sandwich. The meat was sliced thin and topped with pickled red onions, aged cheddar cheese and horseradish aioli. It is served with a choice of fries, mixed greens or horseradish slaw.
Popular starters include the enormous Sourdough Pretzel served with housemade mustard and a touch of salt. Add beer cheese if desired. Or, try the Cold Smoked Salmon and Trout plate complete with herbed cream cheese, red onions, capers and baguette slices. Super tasty!
Entrees customers rave about include the Braised Kobe Short Rib, Fish & Chips and the Sour Cherry Balsamic Braised Pork Shoulder. It’s no wonder they are the winner of the 2022 Diner’s Choice from OpenTable.
The Tantalizing Drinks
Find an extensive wine list and over 20 beers on tap at the pub. Their bar menu is full of classic gin cocktails plus their favorite martinis and libations. The Uptown is a concoction of Grey Goose vodka, Monin hibiscus syrup and lime juice. I sampled it and found it quite refreshing. The 1501 Brunch Bloody will pick a kick in your step.
Not into boozy drinks? A selection of mocktails is also on the menu such as the Chino Canyon Mule and the Strawberry Mint Spritz.
Service is Spot On at 1501 Uptown Gastropub
My guest and I had reservations but chose to sit at the bar when we arrived. The hostess was more than accommodating. Our bartender was friendly, efficient and made some darn good drinks. The food came out quick and hot. We met the restaurant manager who was helpful and knowledgeable. Bottom line is everyone we encountered made our experience pleasurable.
A Few Things To Know
- Open 7 days a week for dinner with lunch Monday through Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
- Happy Hour is 7 days a week.
- The patios are dog friendly.
- Plenty of parking is available both in their own lot and on the street.
- They get busy so reservations are suggested.
Click here to discover another dog-friendly restaurant in Palm Springs.
What is your go-to dish at 1501 Uptown Gastropub? Let me know in the comment section below.