Borrego Springs Restaurants

Question

My husband and I will be in Borrego Springs on May 1st. Will restaurants be open at this time of year?

Answer

Short answer: yes — most restaurants in Borrego Springs are open on May 1. Borrego Springs is a year-round desert town that caters to tourists in spring (wildflower season) and through the shoulder seasons, so you’ll find the main restaurants, resort dining rooms, and cafes operating normally in early May.

That said, hours and service patterns vary by venue. Some smaller cafes or seasonal kiosks may change hours outside peak season, and a few seasonal businesses (campgrounds, pop-ups) close in the hottest summer months — but May 1 is well before those summer closures, so you should have plenty of options. If you have a particular place in mind it’s worth a quick call or checking the restaurant’s site or social feed the week before your visit.

Popular, reliably open options in Borrego Springs (these are typically open in spring and into May):

Carlee’s Place — casual bar & grill / local favorite with extended hours.
Carmelita’s Mexican Grill & Cantina — well-liked Mexican food and margaritas.
Red Ocotillo (Borrego Springs Resort / The Arches) — resort dining with outdoor seating; often open but may have limited days/hours.
La Casa del Zorro / Butterfield Dining Room — resort fine dining and breakfast options (resort restaurants generally operate year-round).
Kendall’s Cafe — good for breakfast and light daytime fare; posts seasonal hour updates.

Tips to make sure you have a smooth meal during a short visit:

Check opening hours and call ahead for dinner reservations — weekends and spring event days (wildflower season, star-gazing weekends) can be busy.
If you’re arriving late or have dietary needs, confirm the kitchen closing time — some restaurants stop hot service earlier in the evening.
If any place shows limited hours on a directory, check their official website or Facebook page (locals often post last-minute changes there).
Weather note: May is pleasant in Borrego Springs — hot days but not yet the extreme heat of summer — so outdoor patio dining is usually comfortable.

Bottom line: plan to enjoy a good meal — most of the town’s main restaurants and resort dining rooms will be open on May 1. For peace of mind, pick two or three spots you like and call them a few days before your visit to confirm hours and to reserve if possible.

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