After 22 years in business, Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern will cease operating at The River in Rancho Mirage on August 31.
The restaurant is set to relocate to the Canopy at Citrus development in Indio, with a grand opening anticipated in January 2025. Canopy at Citrus, an impressive, growing mixed-use project, is located at the northwest corner of the Jefferson Street and Avenue 50 intersection. Plans approved by the city of Indio allow for more than 20,000 square feet of developed space for restaurants and shopping. The development, which is adjacent to the long-established Citrus Plaza retail center anchored by Ralphs grocery store, has been drawing a variety of high-profile restaurants and other amenities during the past 18 months. Both developments are owned by Lichter Equities L.P. based in San Diego.
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At its new home, Babe’s will join a diverse lineup of restaurants, including a new second location of the beloved Keedy’s of Palm Desert, Cork & Fork, which relocated last year from a much smaller facility in La Quinta, the new upscale Coral Sushi & Sake Bar, Lunas Pizza Bar & Grill among others. In addition to its impressive restaurant offerings, Canopy at Citrus features a variety of retail shops and outdoor recreational spaces, all designed to integrate indoor and outdoor living.
In its announcement posted on social media, Babe’s notes that it “will retain much of the cherished interior charm of our original location while introducing an upscale, western country-club ambiance.” Babe’s also stated that it is collaborating with Hatch Design Group of Costa Mesa to craft a sophisticated space that will include two outdoor patios, an indoor/outdoor bar, and a glass-enclosed exhibition kitchen. Also, in its statement, Babe’s stated, “Our new menu will feature both fresh, innovative dishes and many of your beloved Babe’s classics. Expect exceptional smoked meats, a diverse selection of entrees, locally sourced ingredients, fine wines, an array of craft beers, and signature cocktails.”
