A Taste of New York in the California Desert: H&H Bagels

When you’re choosing a Class A RV resort for the winter, what’s outside the gates can be almost as important as what’s inside. Great restaurants, shopping, entertainment and places to explore all add to the experience. That’s one of the things we enjoy about Outdoor Resort Indio—the Coachella Valley always seems to have something new to discover.

One of our recent favorites is H&H Bagels in Palm Desert. Since opening less than a year ago, H&H has quickly become a local favorite. Even during the heat of summer, when the desert slows considerably, H&H always seems to have a steady stream of customers.

A New York Tradition Comes to the Desert

H&H Bagels has a history that goes all the way back to New York City in 1972, when Helmer Toro and his brother-in-law Hector Hernandez opened a shop on Broadway and West 80th Street. The name H&H came from Helmer & Hector, and their big, chewy, freshly baked bagels soon became a New York favorite.

Over the years, H&H became something of a New York institution, even finding its way into popular culture with appearances and mentions in Seinfeld, Sex and the City, You’ve Got Mail, The Office and more.

Although the original Upper West Side location closed in 2011, the H&H name and New York bagel tradition continued through its separately owned East Side operation. The brand was eventually revitalized and began expanding beyond New York.

That brings us to Palm Desert.

H&H may now have locations around the country, but the company has worked to keep its New York roots. Its bagels are made using the original H&H recipe and kettle-boiled with New York City water before being baked fresh throughout the day at the Palm Desert location. It’s a little taste of New York right here in the Coachella Valley.

Come Hungry for Breakfast

Linda and I have tried H&H for both breakfast and lunch, and we enjoy them both.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a freshly baked bagel and cream cheese. There’s a great selection of spreads, including plain, scallion, veggie, jalapeño, strawberry and traditional lox spread, all made at the location.

But breakfast goes well beyond bagels and cream cheese. The Classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese delivers that unmistakable New York breakfast experience, while the Avocado, Egg & Cheese is a great meat-free alternative. For something even more traditionally New York, try the Nova Salmon with “The Works”—smoked salmon and cream cheese topped with tomato, onion and capers.

Save Room for Lunch

H&H is also a great lunch stop. The Southwest Turkey combines oven-roasted turkey, bacon, avocado, pepper jack cheese and a spicy Southwest sauce. You’ll also find Chicken Salad and Tuna Salad sandwiches, along with several lighter choices.

Linda’s favorite is The Gardener, made with veggie cream cheese, fresh tomato, cucumber and avocado. And if you missed the Nova Salmon at breakfast, don’t worry—it’s still a great choice for lunch.

Linda and I will often split one for lunch, and it’s plenty for the two of us. Of course, if you’re really hungry—or simply can’t agree on which one sounds best—order your own. Either way, grab a couple of extra bagels to take home for later.

H&H Bagels – Palm Desert

73131 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260

You’ll find H&H on Country Club Drive in the same shopping area as Sherman’s Deli and Bristol Farms.

Best of all for guests and owners at Outdoor Resort Indio, it’s only about a 15–20 minute drive from the resort, making it an easy destination for breakfast or lunch.

RV Resort Living Is About More Than the Resort

When you’re deciding where to spend the winter in your Class A motorcoach, the resort itself is only part of the equation. What can you do once you head beyond the gates?

That’s where the location of Outdoor Resort Indio really shines. Within a short drive, you’ll find local favorites like H&H Bagels, an incredible variety of restaurants, world-class shopping, casinos, live music and entertainment, golf, hiking and countless places to explore throughout the Coachella Valley.

A great RV resort gives you a wonderful place to park your coach. A great location gives you an entire winter to enjoy. And that’s a big part of what makes the Southern California desert—and Outdoor Resort Indio—such a special destination for Class A RVers.

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