Those familiar with Palm Springs culture know that poolside hangouts and outdoor explorations are essential daytime activities. At any hour, the region is known for cocktailing. Whether at brunch or a dark cocktail lounge, Palm Springs has plenty of spots serving inventive or classic cocktails surrounded by desert views. If stationed at the right place at the right time, a dramatic sunset over majestic mountains.
This update adds Indio’s Rosemary HiFi and the Lost Property Restaurant & Bar at Skylark, while removing Downtown’s favorite Tonga Hut, the Pink Cabana, and the former restaurant at the Palm Springs Surf Club.
Here are 10 stylish lounges, hotel bars, speakeasies, wine, and cocktail bars to check out in the desert. For recommendations on where to eat in the Coachella Valley, check out these Palm Springs Restaurants. If visiting Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, there’s a guide for that too.
If awake in the early hours while in Palm Springs, Eater editor Mona Holmes might be that person quietly wading in a hotel pool at 5 a.m. to watch the sunrise with coffee and a cocktail.
Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming presence of Bar/Food. Adjacent to a strip mall dispensary and liquor store, find a cozy bar and restaurant frequented by locals inside. Vintage touches are everywhere, like the stunning L-shaped mahogany bar and tables. The menu is easy to navigate, with owner Paul O’Halloran’s take on traditional cocktails, including the frozen Sidecar or black Manhattan made with Overholt rye, Amaro Averna liqueur, and orange bitters. Sip either while eating wings, hummus, an iceberg salad, a burger, or steak frites.
During the pandemic, Brad and Crystal Reihl took over the longtime Mexican restaurant JJ’s Mexican Oasis. They kept the red leather banquettes and excellent PA system and installed wood paneling. Since then, the Heyday has become a popular hangout across the street from the Arrive Palm Springs hotel. Though many go for the burgers, it also draws imbibers coming for the classic Tom Collins, lemon drop, Negroni, orange wines, or Calidad on draft while listening to the well-curated playlist.
Chef Engin Onural maintains a heavy presence in the Coachella Valley. In addition to Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge, and Sandfish Sushi, he owns the stunning cocktail bar Tailor Shop. Next door to the Twist PS hotel, the vibes are less casual than most in the region, where elegant creations are presented in a stylish dark room. Order the Sazerac, Old Fashioned, or a Ward 8 cocktail made with Black Market Rye, lemon juice, and orange bitters. Try the Wagyu carpaccio for a small bite to pair with the drinks.
The Bootlegger Tiki is perfect when hanging out with a group. This tiki bar has everything for those searching for a classic Mai Tai or something more contemporary, like the Guava Colada with white and gold rum, guava, Coco Lopez, orgeat syrup, honey, lemon, and passion fruit. Happy hour is a steal, but note that this place fills up fast, so come as early as possible.
Located inside the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, head to the seventh floor to find Palm Springs' only rooftop bar. The pool-adjacent views are spectacular, especially at sunset, when a 4 Saints pre-dinner drink tastes the best, or as a stop at the end of a long day. The venue schedules live acoustic music on weekends .
Next door to the iconic Mr. Lyons is Seymour’s cocktail bar. Like its steakhouse sister spot, it has plenty of style, with vintage decor and an outdoor fireplace lounge area. This is the place for adventurous drinkers who trust the process of a skilled bartender with thoughtful wine selections, classic drinks, and more modern inventions in a glass with unique ingredients like the Bijou with Fords Gin, Green Chartreuse, Carpano Antica vermouth, and orange bitters.
To find the Reef, keep your eyes open for the classic cars parked directly under the A-frame entrance to the Caliente Tropics Resort. Once there, expect to see a busy tiki restaurant and bar that serves Mai Tais, Singapore Slings, and Painkillers in kitchsy containers. While drinking and eating crispy coconut shrimp, notice the expansive (and colonialist) collection of South Pacific decor.
Counter Reformation is a casual bar inside the Parker Palm Springs hotel. It’s unstuffy and beautiful to behold, and the best part is that reservations are not required. The wine collection rotates regularly, offering excellent reds, champagnes, and whites, including the Azahar Vinho Verde from Portugal. The kitchen serves Portuguese-style cod fish cakes, oysters, and a garlicky plate of prawns. Local residents get a discount on Sunday and Monday with an ID that has a Coachella Valley address.
This Midcentury cocktail bar is a regular stop for young locals who find charm and excellent music. Though a full alcohol license hasn’t been secured, beer and natural wines are on deck, along with actual turntables for vinyl selections, a rare sight in any city. For high-fi aficionados, the decorative speakers, book selection, and stacks of records pair well with draught beer and a glass of pét nat.
Go Go Bird’s Brandon Kida and longtime LA barman Rhino Williams partnered to bring approachable American fare and well-made cocktails to the low desert. Anyone can find a hearty dish to eat from day to night with Kida’s menu, while Williams’s cocktails swing between classic and inventive. Try the Singapore Sling made with gin, Benedictine, Grand Marnier, cherry Heering, bitters, and pineapple and lemon juices under the Coolers section.
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming presence of Bar/Food. Adjacent to a strip mall dispensary and liquor store, find a cozy bar and restaurant frequented by locals inside. Vintage touches are everywhere, like the stunning L-shaped mahogany bar and tables. The menu is easy to navigate, with owner Paul O’Halloran’s take on traditional cocktails, including the frozen Sidecar or black Manhattan made with Overholt rye, Amaro Averna liqueur, and orange bitters. Sip either while eating wings, hummus, an iceberg salad, a burger, or steak frites.
During the pandemic, Brad and Crystal Reihl took over the longtime Mexican restaurant JJ’s Mexican Oasis. They kept the red leather banquettes and excellent PA system and installed wood paneling. Since then, the Heyday has become a popular hangout across the street from the Arrive Palm Springs hotel. Though many go for the burgers, it also draws imbibers coming for the classic Tom Collins, lemon drop, Negroni, orange wines, or Calidad on draft while listening to the well-curated playlist.
Chef Engin Onural maintains a heavy presence in the Coachella Valley. In addition to Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge, and Sandfish Sushi, he owns the stunning cocktail bar Tailor Shop. Next door to the Twist PS hotel, the vibes are less casual than most in the region, where elegant creations are presented in a stylish dark room. Order the Sazerac, Old Fashioned, or a Ward 8 cocktail made with Black Market Rye, lemon juice, and orange bitters. Try the Wagyu carpaccio for a small bite to pair with the drinks.
The Bootlegger Tiki is perfect when hanging out with a group. This tiki bar has everything for those searching for a classic Mai Tai or something more contemporary, like the Guava Colada with white and gold rum, guava, Coco Lopez, orgeat syrup, honey, lemon, and passion fruit. Happy hour is a steal, but note that this place fills up fast, so come as early as possible.
Located inside the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, head to the seventh floor to find Palm Springs' only rooftop bar. The pool-adjacent views are spectacular, especially at sunset, when a 4 Saints pre-dinner drink tastes the best, or as a stop at the end of a long day. The venue schedules live acoustic music on weekends .
Next door to the iconic Mr. Lyons is Seymour’s cocktail bar. Like its steakhouse sister spot, it has plenty of style, with vintage decor and an outdoor fireplace lounge area. This is the place for adventurous drinkers who trust the process of a skilled bartender with thoughtful wine selections, classic drinks, and more modern inventions in a glass with unique ingredients like the Bijou with Fords Gin, Green Chartreuse, Carpano Antica vermouth, and orange bitters.
To find the Reef, keep your eyes open for the classic cars parked directly under the A-frame entrance to the Caliente Tropics Resort. Once there, expect to see a busy tiki restaurant and bar that serves Mai Tais, Singapore Slings, and Painkillers in kitchsy containers. While drinking and eating crispy coconut shrimp, notice the expansive (and colonialist) collection of South Pacific decor.
Counter Reformation is a casual bar inside the Parker Palm Springs hotel. It’s unstuffy and beautiful to behold, and the best part is that reservations are not required. The wine collection rotates regularly, offering excellent reds, champagnes, and whites, including the Azahar Vinho Verde from Portugal. The kitchen serves Portuguese-style cod fish cakes, oysters, and a garlicky plate of prawns. Local residents get a discount on Sunday and Monday with an ID that has a Coachella Valley address.
This Midcentury cocktail bar is a regular stop for young locals who find charm and excellent music. Though a full alcohol license hasn’t been secured, beer and natural wines are on deck, along with actual turntables for vinyl selections, a rare sight in any city. For high-fi aficionados, the decorative speakers, book selection, and stacks of records pair well with draught beer and a glass of pét nat.
Go Go Bird’s Brandon Kida and longtime LA barman Rhino Williams partnered to bring approachable American fare and well-made cocktails to the low desert. Anyone can find a hearty dish to eat from day to night with Kida’s menu, while Williams’s cocktails swing between classic and inventive. Try the Singapore Sling made with gin, Benedictine, Grand Marnier, cherry Heering, bitters, and pineapple and lemon juices under the Coolers section.