RD RNNR

In 2019, Chris and Anita Chmielak – who are longtime residents of the La Quinta cove with more than 20 years of restaurant experience – were on their way to look at restaurant space in Old Town La Quinta. They were discussing the prospective name for their new restaurant, and both wanted it to feature a bird or animal indigenous to the desert. Then a roadrunner ran across the street. Anita said, “That’s it! But let’s spell it RD RNNR, like a license plate, to give it a hipper vibe.”

RD RNNR opened to rave reviews, and has built quite a following over the past few years. It was time to grow, so the Chmielaks decided to elevate the restaurant – literally. Last month, it moved ‘upstairs’ in Old Town to the iconic restaurant space that was once Clint Eastwood’s Hog’s Breath Inn that had been sitting vacant for the past 10 years (with a beautiful second-floor patio overlooking Old Town La Quinta). The space not only expanded their seating capacity, but also allowed them to add a retail space where they sell the clay mugs they use when serving their Spicy Margarita, as well as glasses, clothing and other merchandise showcasing the RD RNNR logo.

The restaurant is known for local farmto-table ingredients, refreshing craft cocktails and a well-balanced selection of hops and rotating craft taps. “Our tagline has been ‘Libations, Pints & Plates’ which captures what we offer well,” said Chris. “We wanted a menu that had something for everyone – bar food done well, with good presentation. Our new menu incorporates the ‘build your own’ concept so you can create your own bowl, or dirty fries, or salad, where you pick your protein and load your toppings from there.”

Chris adds that his top-selling items (thanks to executive chef, Nestor Ruiz) include the Ahi Tuna Nachos, Lamb Chili, Adam’s Gift (baby back ribs) and the Angus RD Burger). Favorites from their craft cocktail menu are the Spicy Margarita, the Classic RD RNNR and Clawtails – which are RD RNNR “originals” that incorporate different cocktail selections with a White Claw “floater” on top (plus, you get the entire White Claw can with your cocktail so you can top it off at your leisure).

Other exciting news shared by the Chmielaks is that they will be opening a new restaurant in their old space in Old Town that will be called DSRT CLUB (after the historic Desert Club that was the happening hangout in La Quinta decades ago). The executive chef will be James Nellis, who is working on a more upscale menu – like you might find at an old school supper club. “It will have a more vintage feel,” Chris explained. He hopes to open DSRT CLUB within the next couple months, so watch for more on that.

RD RNNR is located at 78065 Main Street, #200, in La Quinta. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at Roadrunnerlq.com.