BEST BARS IN PALM SPRINGS:
YOUR GUIDE TO THE TOP DRINKING SPOTS
Palm Springs boasts a dynamic and eclectic bar scene, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the bustling energy of Downtown to the trendy vibes of the Uptown Design District and the laid-back charm of South Palm Springs, there\'s a perfect spot for every occasion. The city\'s unique blend of mid-century modern aesthetics and desert oasis allure creates an unforgettable backdrop for a night out.
Top Picks in Palm Springs
RetroRoom Lounge
A lively karaoke bar with a retro atmosphere, offering nightly entertainment and happy hour. Known for its welcoming and fun environment, especially popular with the LGBTQ+ community.
Chocolate Martini, Bloody Mary
Rooftop 262 Bar & Grill
An outstanding dining and nightclub venue in downtown Palm Springs, offering craft cocktails, delicious dining, amazing views, and electrifying nightlife from its scenic rooftop patio.
Carnitas BBQ sandwich, craft cocktails
Tryst Bar & Lounge
A casual dive bar with a classic vibe, popular with locals for a low-key night of pool and beer. Known for its affordable drinks and relaxed atmosphere, it\'s centrally located near Hotel Zoso and the Arenas District.
Affordable drinks
All Palm Springs Bars
Blackbook
Voted Best Restaurant in Palm Springs, Blackbook is known for its craft cocktails, extensive 450-bottle whiskey selection, and award-winning martini. It offers a lively, inclusive neighborhood vibe with a focus on flavor and a comfortable atmosphere.
Bootlegger Tiki
Palm Springs\' original tiki home, born from the legacy of Don the Beachcomber. It offers an immersive, retro tiki vibe with a swanky soundtrack, playful decor, and expertly crafted tiki cocktails. It\'s a small, intimate space.
The Front Porch
An intimate and inviting spot offering healthy bites and craft cocktails. Known for its European-style plates, raw, vegan, and vegetarian options, and excellent service. It features beautiful art inside and al fresco dining outside.
1501 Uptown Gastropub
A premiere drinking and dining spot in Uptown Palm Springs, offering seasonal, freshly prepared food, a comprehensive drinks selection, and first-class service. Known for its elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and mountain view patio dining.
Amigo Room
Tucked inside the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, the Amigo Room is a cozy desert hideaway known for its classic cocktails, warm hospitality, and low-light charm. It offers a lively atmosphere with specialty cocktails, wines, and sometimes live music.
Bar Cecil
An acclaimed Palm Springs establishment known for its exceptional dining experience, craft cocktails, and sophisticated atmosphere. It has been recognized by OpenTable and Michelin for its elevated cuisine and vibrant decor.
Boozehounds
A highly-rated, dog-friendly bar and restaurant in North Palm Springs, featuring an open-air atrium lounge, cabana bar & patio, and a welcoming indoor bar. It\'s a popular spot for dog owners and their human companions, recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Bar Issi
A breezy and elevated coastal Italian restaurant and bar located in the Thompson Hotel Palm Springs. It offers a vibrant and colorful aesthetic inspired by 1970s glamor, serving craft cocktails and Italian cuisine.
Seymour\'s
A hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar located inside Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, offering unique and unpretentious handcrafted cocktails. It boasts a moody, Old Hollywood aesthetic with lush interiors and is known for its excellent service.
Truss & Twine
A cocktail bar that celebrates the history of drinks in America, from the Golden Ages through today\'s modern classics. Located in the historic El Paseo building, it offers an industrial-chic spot for craft cocktails and a desert-inspired menu. Known for its unique food offerings and handcrafted cocktails.
Paul Bar/Food
A Palm Springs hotspot serving refreshing cocktails and classic New York-inspired fare since 2018. It\'s a hidden gem located in an unassuming strip mall, known for its martinis and delicious dishes.
The Heyday
A popular spot in Palm Springs known for its smash burgers and cocktails. It offers a nostalgic vibe and is a great place for casual dining and day drinking. Located near Vista Chino, it\'s praised for its delicious burgers and friendly service.
Village Pub
A diverse and exciting establishment in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, offering a restaurant, sports bar, and nightclub experience. It\'s known for its lively atmosphere, great food, and fun, making it a popular spot for bachelor/bachelorette parties and sports fans.
The Tool Shed
Located in the famed Warm Sands District since 1993, The Tool Shed is the original Leather & Levi Bar in Palm Springs. Voted best dive/gay bar, it\'s known for its welcoming vibe, friendly staff, and affordable drinks. It also features a new outdoor patio.
Toucans Tiki Lounge
Established over 20 years ago, Toucans Tiki Lounge is a vibrant gay bar and nightclub known for its lively drag shows, music, and dancing. It offers a fun and energetic atmosphere with affordable drinks and daily specials.
Beaton\'s at Bar Cecil
A chic lounge and lush patio offering thoughtful cocktails and savory salon snacks in a warm, inviting setting. Located next to Bar Cecil, it provides an intimate, Parisian-inspired atmosphere perfect for before or after-dinner drinks.
High Bar
Palm Springs\' only rooftop pool bar, located on the seventh floor of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel. It offers stunning views of the San Jacinto mountains, craft cocktails, sharable seasonal quick bites, and a vibrant poolside atmosphere.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
A 4-time Michelin star and James Beard awarded restaurant in Palm Springs, known for its fine dining, farm-to-table cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, and classic cocktail bar. Located in the historic El Paseo building, it features a modernist interior with polished concrete and a mist-cooled courtyard.
Hair of the Dog
A local favorite sports bar and game room with an English pub theme, offering a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. It\'s known for its wide selection of beers, bar fare, and games like pool, darts, and pinball. It also features a dog-friendly patio.
Fireside Lounge
A classic Palm Springs dive bar with a laid-back atmosphere, located in the industrial Sunny Dunes neighborhood. It\'s known for its friendly service, inexpensive drinks, and a mix of regulars and newcomers. It also offers games like shuffleboard and sometimes live music.
The Reef
A tropical-themed Tiki Bar located in the historic Caliente Tropics Hotel. It offers an authentic, vintage Tiki experience with great music, good drinks, and a relaxing tropical ambiance. It\'s known for its unpretentious atmosphere and friendly staff.
Tonga Hut
Palm Springs\' premiere Tiki Bar & Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown. It\'s an ultra-cool, lofty Tiki shack that reeks of vintage, Polynesian royalty, with a formal dining room and a curvy lounge bar. It also features a secret, hidden Tiki room.
Chill Bar
Palm Springs\' premier LGBTQ+ nightclub and restaurant, located on Arenas Road, the heart of the Coachella Valley\'s LGBT Community. It\'s known for its vibrant energy, welcoming atmosphere, unforgettable entertainment, and friendly bartenders.
Oscar\'s Downtown Palm Springs
A vibrant and diversified event space in downtown Palm Springs, known for its drag shows, live entertainment, and Sunday tea dances. It offers casual dining and drinking with a lively atmosphere.
Bar Districts & Neighborhoods
Downtown Palm Springs
The vibrant heart of Palm Springs, offering a mix of nightlife, dining, and entertainment. Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse bar scene.
Best for: Nightlife, diverse crowd, entertainment
Uptown Design District
A trendy area known for its unique boutiques, art galleries, and upscale dining and drinking establishments.
Best for: Upscale dining, craft cocktails, unique experiences
South Palm Springs
A more relaxed area with a mix of hotels, resorts, and local favorites, offering a laid-back atmosphere.
Best for: Relaxed atmosphere, hotel bars, intimate settings
North Palm Springs
An evolving area with a mix of dog-friendly establishments and local hotspots.
Best for: Dog-friendly, casual dining, local favorites
Warm Sands District
Known for its LGBTQ+ friendly resorts and bars, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Best for: LGBTQ+ friendly, dive bars, social scene
Arenas Road
The epicenter of Palm Springs\' LGBTQ+ nightlife, featuring a strip of lively gay bars and clubs.
Best for: LGBTQ+ nightlife, dancing, vibrant energy
Sunny Dunes
An industrial area with a few hidden gems, including classic dive bars popular with locals.
Best for: Casual drinking, local hangouts, dive bar experience
Suggested Bar Crawl Route
A curated walking order through Palm Springs's top bars — start early, end late.
RetroRoom Lounge
Downtown Palm Springs
Weekdays 2:00 pm - 2:00 am, Weekends 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Rooftop 262 Bar & Grill
Downtown Palm Springs
Mon-Sun 11:00 am - 2:00 am (restaurant to nightclub atmosphere change)
Tryst Bar & Lounge
Downtown Palm Springs
Mon-Sun 12:00 pm - 2:00 am
Blackbook
Downtown Palm Springs
Mon-Sun 12:00 pm - 12:00 am
Bootlegger Tiki
Uptown Design District
Sun-Thurs: 3–11PM & Fri/Sat: 3PM–1 AM
The Front Porch
Downtown Palm Springs
Mon-Sun 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Pro tip: Start around 7–8 PM at stop #1 and allow 45–60 minutes per venue. Use rideshare between stops that are more than 10 minutes apart.
Local Tips for Bar Hopping in Palm Springs
- 1Consider using ride-sharing services or designated drivers, as Palm Springs has strict DUI laws.
- 2Many bars offer happy hour specials, especially during the week; check their websites for details.
- 3Explore different neighborhoods for varied bar experiences, from lively downtown to more relaxed spots.
- 4Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, as desert temperatures can be high.
Frequently Asked Questions
READY TO BAR HOP?
TURN YOUR GUIDE INTO
A REAL CRAWL.
Book a guided bar crawl in Palm Springs and let an expert host take you to the best spots — no planning required.