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Palm Springs has no shortage of places to grab a drink, but the best bar for you depends on the kind of night you’re after. Maybe you want a rooftop cocktail with San Jacinto Mountain views, a seriously good craft cocktail, a tucked-away speakeasy, or a lively spot where the music and conversation keep going late.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between them. Palm Springs’ bar scene stretches from walkable downtown lounges and rooftop spots to the Arenas District’s energetic nightlife and the city’s beloved tiki bars.
We narrowed the list down to 15 Palm Springs bars worth knowing, with a mix of classic local favorites, cocktail-focused spots, hidden lounges, nightlife destinations, and places that are simply fun to settle into for a drink.
Whether you’re planning a date night, meeting friends after dinner, or looking for somewhere to start—or finish—a night out, here’s where we’d look first.
| Bar | Best For | Area | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Bar | Rooftop drinks & mountain views | Downtown | Rooftop, polished, lively |
| Truss & Twine | Craft cocktails | Uptown | Intimate, sophisticated |
| Bar Cecil | Date night & upscale drinks | South Palm Springs | Elegant, refined |
| Bar Issi | Stylish dinner & cocktails | Uptown | Modern, upscale |
| Tonga Hut | Classic tiki drinks | Downtown | Retro, tropical, playful |
| RetroRoom Lounge | Karaoke & group fun | Downtown | Casual, energetic, retro |
| Blackbook | Cocktails & food | Arenas District | Social, welcoming, lively |
| Hunters Palm Springs | Dancing & nightlife | Arenas District | High-energy, festive |
| Chill Bar | Patio drinks & socializing | Arenas District | Casual, upbeat, social |
| The Evening Citizen | Hidden cocktail experience | Arenas District | Intimate, mysterious |
| Tailor Shop | Speakeasy cocktails | Uptown | Moody, intimate, polished |
| Seymour’s | Vintage cocktails & date night | South Palm Springs | Dark, intimate, Old Hollywood |
| Amigo Room | Casual hotel drinks | East Palm Canyon | Relaxed, stylish, laid-back |
| V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar | Wine & martinis | Downtown area | Cozy, relaxed, sophisticated |
| Bootlegger Tiki | Craft tiki cocktails | Uptown | Intimate, tropical, atmospheric |
From rooftop cocktails and tucked-away speakeasies to classic tiki bars and lively nightlife spots, these are 15 Palm Springs bars worth adding to your evening plans.
Each one has its own personality, so we’ve included what makes it worth visiting and who it’s best suited for.
Best for: Rooftop drinks and San Jacinto Mountain views
If you want your first Palm Springs drink to come with a view, High Bar is an easy place to start. Perched seven stories above downtown at the Kimpton Rowan, the rooftop looks out toward the San Jacinto Mountains, the desert valley, and Palm Springs’ midcentury skyline.
It’s the kind of setting that makes a simple cocktail feel like part of the trip rather than just another stop for a drink.
During the day, High Bar has a relaxed, open-air poolside feel. As the sun starts dropping behind the mountains, it shifts into a more polished spot for cocktails before dinner or a slower evening drink.
The bar serves classic and retro cocktails alongside craft beer and wine, with light bites and shareable dishes if you want to stay awhile.
The best time to go? Around sunset. Arrive a little early if the view is the main reason you’re going—you’ll have time to settle in and watch the desert light change rather than arriving just as the sun disappears.
High Bar is especially good for couples, visitors showing friends around Palm Springs, or anyone looking for a scenic pre-dinner cocktail. It’s at 100 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, right in downtown Palm Springs.
Because access can vary between daytime and evening, check the current hours and guest policy before heading over.
Secret Palm Springs tip: Don’t choose High Bar simply because it’s a rooftop. Go for the combination of elevation, mountain views, and a sunset drink above downtown.
Best for: Serious craft cocktails
If the drink itself is the reason you’re going out, Truss & Twine is the kind of bar worth making part of the evening.
This isn’t a place built around a big dance floor, a rooftop view, or a long list of distractions. The focus is on the cocktail, from familiar classics to drinks that take a more creative turn.
The bar’s menu is organized around different eras of American cocktail history, including Golden Age classics, Prohibition-era drinks, tiki cocktails, and modern originals.
That makes it especially fun if you like trying something beyond the usual vodka soda or margarita. The current menu includes classics such as the Old Fashioned and Gimlet alongside original drinks like the Game Changer and Death at the Beach.
The setting matches the drinks. Truss & Twine has a dark, dramatic interior with a modern industrial feel, creating a more intimate atmosphere than many of Palm Springs’ louder nightlife spots.
It’s a good place to sit at the bar, take your time with a drink, and actually have a conversation.
I’d put this one high on the list for cocktail enthusiasts, date nights, and anyone who enjoys discovering how a familiar drink can be done differently.
It’s in the Uptown Palm Springs area at 800 N. Palm Canyon Drive, making it an easy stop if you’re already exploring North Palm Canyon. The current posted hours are 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily.
If you’re planning to eat as well, check the current food setup before visiting. Truss & Twine currently features a rotating food pop-up on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while the regular menu includes a small selection of bar bites.
If you’re short on time: Don’t go in trying to find the biggest or flashiest bar in town. Go when the cocktail is the main event.
Best for: An upscale night or date
If you’re looking for a Palm Springs bar where the drinks are only part of the experience, Bar Cecil is worth making a reservation for.
Set on South Palm Canyon Drive, this restaurant and bar combines a polished dining room, bold design, cocktails, and a full dinner menu without feeling overly formal.
The setting is a big part of the appeal. Velvet seating, colorful interiors, artwork, and a lively patio give Bar Cecil a glamorous feel, but the atmosphere is still relaxed enough for a long dinner or drinks with someone you actually want to talk to.
It’s particularly well suited to date nights, celebrations, and evenings when you want dinner and cocktails to feel like one experience rather than two separate stops.
The cocktail list has plenty of familiar classics alongside more extravagant options. The $50 Martini is probably the most talked-about choice, served with a caviar-topped deviled egg and sunchoke chips.
You certainly don’t need to spend that much to enjoy the bar, though; the menu also includes more approachable classics and creative cocktails.
Food is where Bar Cecil really separates itself from a typical cocktail bar. Chef Gabriel Woo’s menu leans French-inspired while bringing in unexpected influences and seasonal ingredients, so this is a good choice when you want to make an evening of it rather than simply stop in for one drink.
Plan ahead. Bar Cecil is one of Palm Springs’ harder reservations to get. Current reservations are released 14 days ahead at 8 a.m., while a limited number of bar seats are available for walk-ins.
It’s located at 1555 S Palm Canyon Drive, and the current posted hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 5–10 p.m.
Secret Palm Springs tip: If you can’t get a Bar Cecil reservation, don’t automatically cross it off your evening. Beaton’s, the cocktail lounge next door opened by the same team in 2026, offers another way to experience their drinks and hospitality.
Best for: A stylish dinner and cocktails
If you like your evening out to feel a little more like an occasion, Bar Issi brings plenty of personality to the table.
Located inside The Thompson Palm Springs on North Palm Canyon Drive, this coastal Italian restaurant and bar pairs an eye-catching, maximalist interior with cocktails, wine, house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a raw bar.
The setting is probably the first thing you’ll notice. Bar Issi leans into Palm Springs glamour with bold colors, patterned walls, statement lighting, and a lively dining room.
It’s polished without feeling like a formal hotel restaurant, making it a natural choice when you want drinks and dinner in the same place rather than planning a separate stop for each.
The cocktail menu gives the bar plenty of personality of its own. Current options include the L’Italiano Spritz, Lavandia, Cosmo Del Fiore, La Fresa Rosa, and Zingaro, alongside classics such as the House Martini, Manhattan, and French 75.
There is also a daily late-evening bar menu with smaller bites, including oysters, arancini, deviled eggs, and pizzetas.
Bar Cecil is a good pick for couples, celebrations, or travelers who want dinner and cocktails to feel like one polished evening.
It’s at 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F, and the restaurant currently accepts reservations through its website.
Good to know: If you only want a drink, don’t feel like you have to commit to a full dinner. The bar gives you a way to experience the cocktails and atmosphere without turning the evening into a formal meal.
Best for: A classic tiki experience
If you want a Palm Springs night that feels completely removed from the usual cocktail-bar routine, Tonga Hut is the place to lean into the escape.
Located on North Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, this longtime tiki bar surrounds you with dark wood, tropical details, low lighting, and plenty of retro character.
The Palm Springs location is part of the Tonga Hut family that traces its roots to the original North Hollywood bar, established in 1958.
The drinks are just as committed to the theme. You’ll find classic tiki cocktails alongside tropical creations, with familiar choices such as the Mai Tai, 1934 Zombie, and Navy Grog.
If you’re new to tiki drinks, this is a fun place to let the bartender guide you rather than ordering the same cocktail you would anywhere else.
There’s plenty to look at while you’re drinking, too. One of the most fun details is a hidden room behind a phone booth, creating a little surprise within the already theatrical interior.
The private Secret Room can accommodate small groups and requires advance booking, making it an especially interesting option for celebrations or a group night out.
Tonga Hut also works well if you’re hungry. The kitchen serves Polynesian-inspired and American favorites, including its well-known Pu Pu platter, so you can make this a dinner-and-drinks stop rather than simply dropping in for one cocktail.
This is a good pick for visitors who want something playful, nostalgic, and distinctly different from Palm Springs’ more polished cocktail lounges. It’s 254 N. Palm Canyon Drive.
Palm Canyon Drive, and regular seating is first come, first served; the Secret Room is the exception and requires advance booking.
Secret Palm Springs tip: Give yourself time to look around before settling into your drink. Half the fun of Tonga Hut is discovering the details hidden inside the room.
Best for: A fun, retro night with karaoke
If your ideal night out involves a drink, a microphone, and a crowd that’s willing to have a little fun, RetroRoom Lounge is an easy pick.
Right in downtown Palm Springs, this intimate bar leans into its retro personality while keeping the focus on karaoke, cocktails, and a social atmosphere rather than trying to be a polished cocktail lounge.
Karaoke is the main attraction here, and it’s offered every night. You can browse the song library through the karaoke app, pick something you’re comfortable singing—or something you’re definitely not—and join the room.
The hosts keep things moving, but the atmosphere is more encouraging than intimidating, which makes RetroRoom work just as well for karaoke regulars as it does for someone stepping up to the microphone for the first time.
The drinks are part of the fun rather than the reason to come here. You’ll find a full bar and cocktails, along with daily happy hour from 4–7 p.m. on the current listing.
If you’re planning a group night, birthday, or bachelorette outing, the lounge also accommodates private events.
RetroRoom is best for friends, groups, celebrations, and anyone who’d rather be part of the entertainment than sit quietly at the bar. It’s at 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way #102, making it an easy downtown stop if you’re building a night around several bars.
When to go: Come earlier for happy hour, or arrive around the start of karaoke if singing is the main reason you’re going. Current hours vary by day, so check before heading out.
If you’re short on time: Don’t wait until you’ve had three drinks to decide whether you’re going to sing. Pick your song early—you’ll have more fun once you stop worrying about how you sound.
Best for: Drinks, food, and a social night in the Arenas District
If you want a bar where you can start with a cocktail and easily turn it into dinner, Blackbook is one of the most versatile stops in Palm Springs.
Located on East Arenas Road, it sits in the heart of the Arenas District, a compact area known for its LGBTQ+ nightlife, bars, restaurants, and welcoming social atmosphere.
Blackbook takes its drinks seriously without making the experience feel overly formal. The bar serves classic cocktails as well as its own creations, but the real standout for whiskey fans is the selection of more than 450 bottles.
You can keep things simple with a familiar cocktail or spend some time exploring the whiskey list.
Then there’s the food. Blackbook’s small kitchen serves burgers, Nashville hot chicken, Palm Springs-style nachos, and other comfort-food favorites, with vegan options available as well.
That combination makes it particularly useful when your group can’t agree on whether the evening should be about dinner or drinks—you can comfortably do both in one stop.
The atmosphere is relaxed, social, and inclusive rather than nightclub-heavy. It’s a natural choice for friends meeting up, couples who want a casual dinner and drinks, or travelers planning to explore more of the Arenas District afterward.
The compact neighborhood also makes it easy to continue your night at nearby bars on foot.
Blackbook is at 315 E. Arenas Road and currently opens from noon until late, with the kitchen closing one hour before the bar.
Secret Palm Springs tip: If you’re exploring Arenas for the first time, Blackbook makes a good starting point—grab a drink and something to eat, then walk the neighborhood and see where the night takes you.
Best for: Dancing and high-energy nightlife
If you’re ready to stop sitting at the bar and actually get out on the dance floor, Hunters Palm Springs is one of the easiest choices in the Arenas District.
This long-running LGBTQ+ nightclub has been part of Palm Springs nightlife for more than 28 years, with a large dance floor, outdoor patio, multiple bars, and a stage for live entertainment.
Hunters is less about a quiet cocktail and more about energy, music, and having something happening around you. The entertainment calendar changes throughout the week, with DJs, drag performances, karaoke, themed nights, trivia, and other live events.
Tuesday karaoke is currently scheduled from 8 p.m. to midnight, while other special events bring their own schedules and formats.
The crowd is part of what makes the place work. Hunters is a welcoming LGBTQ+ nightlife destination, but it also draws visitors looking for a lively night out in the Arenas District.
If you’re traveling with friends, celebrating something, or simply want a bar where you can dance, meet people, and stay out late, this is a much better fit than a quiet cocktail lounge.
When to go: Come earlier if you want happy-hour drinks and a more relaxed start. For the full nightlife experience, evenings are when Hunters really comes alive, particularly on weekends and during scheduled entertainment.
The venue is currently open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, although individual events can have different start times.
Hunters is at 302 E. Arenas Road, putting you right in the middle of one of Palm Springs’ most walkable nightlife areas. That makes it easy to continue exploring nearby bars after your time on the dance floor.
Worth knowing: Check the event calendar before you go. At Hunters, the night you choose can completely change the experience.
Best for: A relaxed social night
If Hunters is where you go when you want to dance, Chill Bar is the better choice when you’d rather start with a drink, settle into the patio, and see where the night goes.
Located on Arenas Road in the heart of Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ nightlife district, Chill Bar has two distinct sides: a more relaxed front bar with indoor-outdoor seating and a livelier back space built around DJs, dancing, and entertainment.
The front patio is the real draw if you’re looking for a social evening. It’s a good place to meet friends, people-watch along Arenas Road, and enjoy a cocktail without committing to a full-on nightclub atmosphere.
The bar has an extensive selection of spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine, along with non-alcoholic options.
As the evening picks up, Chill Bar can shift gears. DJs, themed nights, drag performances, and other events regularly bring more energy to the back room.
Current programming includes recurring Sunday events and rotating DJs, so the experience can be quite different depending on when you visit.
Chill Bar is best for friends, couples, solo travelers, or anyone who wants a flexible night out—somewhere you can have a relaxed drink early and stay for music and dancing later.
It’s at 217 E. Arenas Road, and the current posted hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Our take: Check the event calendar before you go. Chill Bar can be two very different experiences in the same evening: a breezy patio hangout early on, then a proper nightlife stop once the DJs and performers take over.
Best for: A hidden cocktail experience
If the idea of finding a bar that doesn’t advertise itself like a normal bar sounds more appealing than walking into a busy nightlife spot, The Evening Citizen is worth seeking out.
Hidden in the Arenas District, this intimate speakeasy is deliberately unsigned and keeps its location under wraps until you make a reservation.
The experience starts before you even order a drink. The Evening Citizen has just 30 seats, and the room is designed to feel private and removed from the rest of the neighborhood.
The cocktail program focuses on thoughtful ingredients, modern techniques, and inventive presentations, making this a place where you’ll want to slow down and pay attention to what’s in the glass.
That’s also what makes it different from a typical Palm Springs bar. There isn’t a sign outside telling you where you’ve arrived, and the house asks guests to enter and leave discreetly, keep phones away, and not take photos.
Reservations currently come with a 90-minute seating limit, while walk-ins are possible but may have to wait on busy evenings.
This is a particularly good choice for couples, small groups, and cocktail lovers who want a quieter, more intimate night out.
The current listing places the Palm Springs Bureau at the Arenas District, with the bar opening at 5 p.m.; check the reservation page before visiting because seasonal closures and availability can change.
Secret Palm Springs tip: Don’t treat the mystery as a gimmick to rush through. The fun is in slowing down, putting the phone away, and letting the bar reveal itself one detail at a time.
Best for: A hidden cocktail lounge
Some Palm Springs bars make a statement from the moment you see them. Tailor Shop does the opposite.
Tucked behind an unassuming storefront at 140 W. Via Lola, this hidden lounge feels like the sort of place you might walk past without realizing there’s a cocktail bar waiting on the other side. The discreet entrance is part of the appeal.
Once inside, the mood changes. Warm lighting, vintage-inspired details, intimate seating, and a polished bar create a quieter setting where the conversation matters almost as much as what’s in your glass.
It’s a very different experience from the louder nightlife options around Arenas Road, making Tailor Shop particularly appealing when you want to slow the evening down.
The cocktails are the main reason to come. The menu brings together familiar classics—including an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sidecar, Last Word, and Sazerac—with original creations that give the bartenders room to be more inventive.
There’s also a selection of wine and bubbles if cocktails aren’t your thing.
This is a strong choice for cocktail enthusiasts, couples, and small groups who enjoy discovering places that don’t feel immediately obvious.
It’s also conveniently located in the Uptown area, where you can combine an evening drink with dinner or other stops along North Palm Canyon Drive.
The current listing shows evening hours from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Planning tip: Look carefully for the entrance. Finding Tailor Shop is part of the experience—don’t expect a big sign telling you where to go.
Best for: A vintage speakeasy experience
Some Palm Springs bars are easy to spot from the street. Seymour’s is deliberately not one of them.
Tucked inside Mr. Lyons Steakhouse at 233 E. Palm Canyon Drive, this hidden cocktail lounge takes its cues from the 1920s, with a discreet entrance, low lighting, art deco-inspired details, leather seating, and a distinctly old-school atmosphere.
The setting is what makes Seymour’s feel different from an ordinary cocktail bar. Once you pass through the discreet entrance, the room becomes a quieter retreat built for conversation and slow drinks.
It’s intimate without feeling stuffy, making it particularly well suited to date nights or a late-evening drink when you want something more atmospheric than a busy bar.
The cocktail program follows the same vintage-meets-modern idea. You’ll find familiar classics alongside more inventive drinks made with premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh ingredients.
Current examples include an Old Fashioned, Northern Elixir, Easy Teasy, and Ultimate Sidecar.
Because Seymour’s is part of Mr. Lyons, you can also build the evening around dinner. Have dinner at the steakhouse, then disappear into the hidden lounge for cocktails afterward—or make Seymour’s the quieter second stop after a busier night downtown.
Mr. Lyons accepts reservations, while Seymour’s itself is a small, intimate space, so checking current availability before visiting is a smart move.
One practical note: Seymour’s and Mr. Lyons are currently scheduled for a summer break from August 24 through September 2, reopening September 3, 2026. Hours and access can change seasonally, so check before making plans.
Secret Palm Springs tip: Don’t rush through the entrance looking for a typical bar. The hidden-door feeling is part of what makes Seymour’s worth the stop.
Best for: A relaxed hotel-bar night
If you want a Palm Springs bar that feels casual, creative, and distinctly local without being overly polished, Amigo Room is a good change of pace.
Tucked inside the Ace Hotel & Swim Club on East Palm Canyon Drive, the bar has the laid-back character you’d expect from the property, with a relaxed setting that works well for settling in with a drink rather than rushing through a cocktail.
The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. Amigo Room feels connected to the rest of the Ace—casual, a little quirky, and designed for lingering.
It’s an easy choice when you want to grab a drink before dinner, meet friends, or spend part of the evening listening to music without committing to a full nightlife scene.
The bar also has a rotating lineup of events that gives it more personality than a typical hotel lounge. Current programming includes vintage vinyl nights, DJs and live music, karaoke, and other recurring events, so there’s often something happening beyond the drinks themselves.
Food is nearby as well, with King’s Highway at the Ace providing a full restaurant option when you want to turn drinks into dinner.
That makes the property convenient for an unhurried evening where you don’t have to keep moving from one place to another.
Amigo Room is best for couples, friends, hotel guests, and travelers who prefer a relaxed atmosphere over a crowded dance floor. It’s at 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, just south of downtown Palm Springs.
The current event schedule is the best place to check what’s happening on the night you plan to visit.
Best move: Check the calendar before you go. A regular drink at Amigo Room is one experience; showing up for a vinyl night or live DJ set can make it a completely different evening.
Best for: Wine, martinis, and a slower evening
If you’d rather settle into a comfortable lounge with a glass of wine than chase the energy of a busy nightclub, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar is an easy choice.
Located on East Tahquitz Canyon Way, just outside the busiest part of downtown, this locally owned lounge combines a broad wine selection with classic cocktails, martinis, craft beer, and an inviting midcentury-inspired setting.
Wine is the main attraction, with the list leaning toward small-production California wineries and independently sourced international bottles.
If wine isn’t your thing, the bar also serves throwback cocktails and martinis, so a group can easily order different drinks without anyone feeling like they picked the wrong place.
The food is designed for lingering, too. You’ll find shareable options such as cheese boards, bacon-wrapped dates, meatballs, flatbreads, and salads, making it easy to turn a couple of drinks into a casual dinner.
V Wine isn’t completely quiet, though. Live music, themed nights, and karaoke are part of its regular entertainment calendar, so check what’s scheduled before you go.
The experience can range from a relaxed glass of wine to a much livelier evening depending on the night.
It’s a good fit for couples, friends, wine lovers, and anyone who wants to slow down for a few drinks without giving up the possibility of entertainment.
V Wine is at 600 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, with current hours varying by day and the lounge closed Sundays.
Secret Palm Springs tip: Check the event calendar before choosing your night. V Wine works equally well for a quiet glass of wine or an evening of live music—you just need to pick the version you want.
Best for: An intimate tiki cocktail experience
If you want to experience Palm Springs’ tiki tradition without stepping into a large, bustling bar, Bootlegger Tiki is a great place to slow down with a well-made tropical drink.
Tucked behind Ernest Coffee on North Palm Canyon Drive, this small, intimate bar occupies the former location of Don the Beachcomber, one of the names most closely associated with the early American tiki movement.
The history gives Bootlegger an interesting connection to old Palm Springs. The original Don the Beachcomber location opened in the 1950s, when tiki culture was becoming part of the city’s glamorous midcentury social scene.
Today, Bootlegger keeps that connection alive without trying to turn the experience into a museum. The room is compact and atmospheric, with the kind of dim, tropical setting that makes you forget you’re just off North Palm Canyon Drive.
The cocktails are the real reason to come. Bootlegger makes its drinks with house-made juices and syrups, and the menu changes over time while continuing to draw from classic tiki traditions.
If you’re curious about the history, ordering a classic such as the 1934 Zombie is a fun way to connect the modern bar with the Don the Beachcomber legacy.
Bootlegger is particularly good for cocktail enthusiasts, couples, and anyone who prefers a smaller, more atmospheric bar.
It’s also a useful contrast to Tonga Hut: both celebrate Palm Springs’ tiki culture, but Tonga Hut feels more expansive and playful, while Bootlegger is the place I’d choose when the cocktail itself is the main event.
It’s located at 1101 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Current hours vary seasonally, with the bar currently closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during summer, so check its website before making the trip.
Secret Palm Springs tip: Look for Bootlegger behind Ernest Coffee rather than expecting a huge roadside entrance. Part of the charm is that this little tiki bar feels like something you discovered rather than something you were simply directed to.
If you’re looking for more than just a drink, Palm Springs has a surprisingly varied cocktail scene. You can go classic and craft-focused, settle into a hidden lounge, choose a vintage-inspired cocktail experience, or take the tiki route with a tropical drink.
From our 15 picks above, these are the bars we’d prioritize when the cocktail itself is the main reason you’re going out.
Truss & Twine is our first choice for cocktail enthusiasts who want to pay attention to what’s in the glass. Its menu draws from different eras of American cocktail history, combining familiar classics with more creative drinks in an intimate setting.
Choose it if: You want a cocktail-focused experience and enjoy exploring how classic drinks are made and reinterpreted.
Bar Cecil is a strong choice when you want your cocktail to be part of a more polished evening. The elegant restaurant setting, thoughtful drinks, and full dinner menu make it especially appealing for a date or special occasion.
Choose it if: You want cocktails, dinner, and an upscale atmosphere in the same evening.
Tailor Shop adds a little mystery to the cocktail experience. Its discreet entrance leads to an intimate lounge where classic cocktails sit alongside more creative drinks.
Choose it if: You prefer a quieter cocktail lounge with character over a busy nightlife scene.
Hidden inside Mr. Lyons, Seymour’s combines a 1920s-inspired setting with a cocktail menu that mixes familiar classics and more inventive drinks. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere is almost as important as what’s in your glass.
Choose it if: You want your cocktail served with vintage atmosphere and a more intimate setting.
For something outside the usual cocktail-lounge experience, Bootlegger Tiki brings together classic tiki influences, house-made ingredients, and a compact, atmospheric setting. It’s a particularly good option if you want a cocktail with a strong sense of place.
Choose it if: You want a tropical cocktail experience that’s intimate and cocktail-focused.
Bar Issi is a good fit when you don’t want to choose between cocktails and a full evening out. Its stylish setting, Italian-inspired food, and cocktail program make it easy to combine drinks with dinner.
Choose it if: You want cocktails to be part of a stylish dinner rather than the entire focus of the night.
If you want to keep your night close to downtown Palm Springs, there are several good options within a relatively compact area. You can go from rooftop cocktails and mountain views to tiki drinks or karaoke without planning your entire evening around a car.
Of the 15 bars we’ve covered, these are the ones we’d prioritize for a downtown night out.
Perched on the seventh floor of the Kimpton Rowan at 100 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, High Bar combines rooftop cocktails with views toward the San Jacinto Mountains and downtown Palm Springs. It’s an especially good first stop around sunset.
At 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, RetroRoom is the downtown choice for a more casual and social night. Karaoke is the main attraction, making it a better fit when you want to join the entertainment rather than simply sit and have a drink.
At 254 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Tonga Hut brings classic tiki atmosphere to downtown with tropical cocktails, retro décor, and plenty of character. Its hidden room behind a phone booth adds another layer of fun to the experience.
The advantage of staying downtown is variety without having to travel far between completely different experiences. Start with sunset views at High Bar, head to Tonga Hut for tropical drinks, then finish the night with karaoke at RetroRoom.
Secret Palm Springs tip: Choose your first bar based on the experience you want, then make your next stop something different. A little variety makes a better bar-hopping night than visiting three places that all feel the same.
Not every night out calls for the same kind of bar. You might want a romantic evening, a carefully made cocktail, a rooftop at sunset, or somewhere you can dance late into the night. Here’s where we’d start based on the kind of experience you’re after.
Bar Cecil is our pick when you want the evening to feel like an occasion, with an elegant setting, cocktails, and dinner. For something more intimate and atmospheric, Seymour’s offers a hidden lounge experience that’s especially well suited to a slower evening for two.
Truss & Twine is the standout for serious cocktail enthusiasts, with a menu inspired by different eras of cocktail history. Tailor Shop is another strong choice if you prefer a smaller, more intimate cocktail lounge.
High Bar is the easy choice for a rooftop cocktail. Set atop the Kimpton Rowan, it offers elevated views toward the San Jacinto Mountains and downtown Palm Springs, making it particularly appealing around sunset.
For a classic tiki experience, choose Tonga Hut. If you’d prefer something smaller and more cocktail-focused, Bootlegger Tiki is the better fit. Both deliver tropical drinks, but the atmosphere is distinctly different at each.
Hunters Palm Springs is the pick when dancing and entertainment are the priority, with DJs, themed nights, drag performances, and a lively Arenas District setting. Chill Bar offers a more flexible night, starting with a relaxed patio atmosphere before becoming more energetic later on.
The Evening Citizen is the most mysterious option, with a discreet entrance, limited seating, and a deliberately intimate atmosphere. Tailor Shop and Seymour’s offer their own takes on the hidden-lounge experience, with more emphasis on cocktails and atmosphere.
V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar is the natural choice if you’d rather spend the evening over wine, martinis, conversation, and small bites than on a dance floor. Depending on the night, live entertainment can add a little more energy to the experience.
A good Palm Springs bar night is easier to plan when you know how the city’s nightlife areas fit together. Some of the best options are clustered around downtown and Arenas Road, while others are spread along North and South Palm Canyon Drive.
Downtown Palm Springs is a good starting point if you want a mix of bars and nightlife within a relatively compact area. Arenas Road has the city’s most concentrated LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, with several bars and entertainment venues close together.
Just north of downtown, the Uptown Design District runs along North Palm Canyon Drive and combines restaurants, design shops, hotels, and cocktail-focused bars. This is where you’ll find spots such as Truss & Twine, Bootlegger Tiki, and Tailor Shop.
Farther south, South Palm Springs and East Palm Canyon have more of a hotel-and-resort feel, making them convenient choices if you’re staying in that part of town.
There’s no single best time for every Palm Springs bar. Sunset is a natural starting point for rooftop and outdoor drinks, while later in the evening tends to suit dancing, DJs, and scheduled entertainment better.
Choose your timing around the experience you want, and check the venue’s current schedule before heading out. Live music, drag shows, karaoke, and themed nights can vary by day.
For a casual bar, walking in is often straightforward. For an upscale restaurant-bar, intimate cocktail lounge, or hidden speakeasy, it’s smarter to plan ahead.
This is particularly important for venues with limited seating. The Evening Citizen, for example, operates as an intimate speakeasy where reservations are part of the experience. Bar Cecil is another place where booking ahead makes sense if dinner is part of your plans.
If there’s a particular bar you don’t want to miss, check its current reservation policy before you go rather than assuming walk-ins will be available.
Yes, if you choose your area carefully. Downtown and the Arenas District are among the easiest places to create a bar-hopping night without constantly getting into a car.
The Uptown Design District also has several bars and restaurants along North Palm Canyon Drive, but Palm Springs is spread out enough that you shouldn’t expect every bar to be within walking distance of the next one.
A good strategy is to choose one neighborhood as your base and walk between nearby stops. If your next destination is several miles away, use a car or rideshare instead.
If you’re drinking, don’t drive yourself back to your hotel. Plan your ride before the first cocktail rather than figuring it out at the end of the night.
Rideshare services and taxis are practical options, while SunLine provides public transportation throughout the Coachella Valley. If you’re relying on public transportation, check the current route and operating hours before going out.
If you’re walking between nearby bars, stick to well-lit routes and stay aware of your surroundings.
Secret Palm Springs tip: The easiest night is usually the one you plan before the first drink. Pick your neighborhood, choose your first stop, and have your ride home figured out in advance.
Whether you’re after a sunset drink, a carefully made cocktail, a hidden speakeasy, or a lively night out, Palm Springs gives you plenty of ways to make an evening of it.
The best bar isn’t necessarily the one with the most hype. It’s the one that fits the kind of night you’re planning.
From rooftop views at High Bar to tiki drinks at Tonga Hut and late-night energy in the Arenas District, there’s a Palm Springs bar for almost every kind of night out.
Looking for more after-dark ideas? Explore our Palm Springs nightlife guide.
