Palm Desert reaches agreement allowing Little Bar, Kitchen 86 to keep dining decks open

Two popular Palm Desert restaurants will be able to keep their outdoor dining decks open after providing the City of Palm Desert with the required property owner authorization letters.

According to the city, Kitchen 86 submitted its authorization letter Wednesday, while Little Bar provided its letter Thursday afternoon. With those documents now on file, both restaurants are authorized to continue operating their dining decks in the public right-of-way.

The dining decks are part of Palm Desert's temporary outdoor dining deck program, which was first introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to help restaurants expand outdoor seating. Earlier this year, the Palm Desert City Council voted to extend the temporary program through June 30, 2027.

After that date, businesses will be required to transition to a permanent outdoor dining solution, which city staff is currently developing and reviewing.

City officials said the property owner authorization requirement applies when a privately operated dining deck occupies city-owned public right-of-way, such as on-street parking spaces. The authorization confirms that the property owner approves of the dining deck and that the business accepts responsibility for its operation, maintenance, and any claims or incidents associated with the structure.

The city says the requirement is intended to support local restaurants and outdoor dining while protecting public property and ensuring accountability.

In a statement, Palm Desert said it values its small businesses and recognizes the important role local and family-owned restaurants play in the city's economy, character, and quality of life. Officials said allowing the dining decks to remain while applying the city's requirements consistently and fairly achieves that balance.

The city also said it will continue working with businesses and property owners to develop a permanent outdoor dining program that is practical, consistent, and supportive of Palm Desert's business community.