Roc's Firehouse - Restaurant Review

Roc’s Firehouse Grille

When you're considering a purchase at Outdoor Resort Indio (ORI), you're not just investing in a luxury RV lot—you’re becoming part of an incredible community nestled in the heart of the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley. And part of what makes this region so special is the local flavor—literally. One of our favorite examples? Roc’s Firehouse Grille, just a short drive away in Palm Desert at Cook Street and Gerald Ford.

Roc’s Firehouse has been a valley staple for 24 years. Originally located on El Paseo, it later moved to its current Palm Desert location. Rolland and Jamie Cook opened the restaurant shortly after 9/11. Rolland, a Palm Springs firefighter who helped with 9/11 recovery and relief efforts, brought his firehouse cooking skills with him to the restaurant. Once an active firefighter, he is now a strong supporter of CalFire and wildfire first responders.

Many of the original regulars still visit from over 20 years ago—a sure sign of a solid menu and great atmosphere. The owners remain hands-on, and many family recipes are still in rotation. Today, Chef Bernice continues the tradition with care and consistency.

Linda and I discovered Roc’s several years ago while staying at a nearby hotel. The food is classic American comfort with a firehouse twist.

For starters, we recommend the “805 Munich Pub Pretzel” with house-made craft beer cheese sauce. We’ve ordered it several times—it’s salty, rich, and hits the spot every time.

The “Fire and Ice Potato Chips” are another favorite—fresh house-made chips topped with Roc’s famous sweet and spicy bacon. This unique recipe never fails to make me smile. It’s just plain fun to eat!

Next up: the garlic tots. A solid pick and Sarah’s personal favorite.

As a fan of chili, I have to say Roc’s “Backdraft Chili” holds up. I’m picky when it comes to chili, but when I’m craving a bowl, this is where I go.

For entrées, Sarah chose the “Italian Fireman”—a juicy grilled chicken sandwich served on brioche with pesto aioli, tomato, and fresh mozzarella. She loved the flavor and size—it was so big she took half home for later.

Linda ordered “The Volunteer”: a generous serving of turkey, Swiss cheese, avocado (one of her favorites), and a touch of salty bacon. She’s a big fan of turkey dishes and said she’d come back for this one again. The Swiss was the perfect complement, and she made special note that the fries were “crispy, crispy, crispy.”

At the suggestion of our waiter, I tried the “Riding Tailboard” burger. Let’s be honest—everyone does burgers, but if you want to stand out in this valley, it has to be something special. And this was. In fact, it’s one of only two burgers I’d call truly “artisan” and recommend without hesitation to any burger connoisseur. It was everything a burger should be—big, messy, meaty, and absolutely packed with flavor. A thick smash patty, brie, arugula, tomato, and Roc’s incredible bacon jam. The jam alone—a perfect balance of sweet and salty—takes this burger over the top.

To complement dinner, Roc’s Firehouse offers a full bar. Linda and I shared a beautifully crafted Old Fashioned, and the staff made sure Sarah felt special with a Roy Rogers.

Located at the corner of Gerald Ford and Cook Street, Roc’s Firehouse offers great service, consistently good food, a loyal following, and an inviting atmosphere. It continues to be a Valley favorite—and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone considering life at Outdoor Resort Indio!

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