The 20 BEST Palm Springs Bars Serving Up Classic Cocktails
Discover the best Palm Springs bars featuring a mix of legendary Rat Pack haunts, vibrant tiki lounges, and sophisticated rooftop escapes. This guide highlights 20 must-visit spots, including the historic Melvyn’s and the modern High Bar, each serving iconic drinks like the Classic Martini and the Mai Tai. Whether you are looking for a romantic speakeasy or a high-energy dance floor, these top-rated destinations offer the ultimate taste of desert nightlife.
| Name | Location | Best Feature | Fun Fact | Popular Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge | Ingleside Inn (South Palm Springs) | Authentic Old Hollywood glamour and live piano music. | It was a favorite hangout for Frank Sinatra, who had his own dedicated table. | Classic Martini |
| Bootlegger Tiki | North Palm Canyon Drive | Intimate, high-end tiki mixology in a historic setting. | It occupies the same space as the original 1953 Don the Beachcomber. | False Idol |
| Seymour’s | Inside Mr. Lyons Steakhouse | A hidden, dark-wood speakeasy with a private library vibe. | The bar is named after the owner’s father and features a secret entrance. | Seymour’s Old Fashioned |
| Truss & Twine | Uptown Design District | A menu that traces the history of cocktails through different eras. | The interior design focuses on "brutalist" architecture with raw concrete. | Game Changer |
| High Bar at The Rowan | Kimpton Rowan Rooftop | The highest rooftop pool and bar with 360-degree mountain views. | It is the only place in the city where you can see the Marilyn Monroe statue from above. | Desert Sunset |
The Best Bars in Palm Springs That Serve Up Delicious Drinks
When looking for the best Palm Springs restaurants or the most exciting things to do in Palm Springs, you will quickly find that the local social scene revolves around a well-made drink. And if you’re staying at The Oasis resort, you are perfectly positioned in the heart of this vibrant desert city.
From hidden speakeasies tucked behind velvet curtains to sun-drenched rooftop lounges with panoramic mountain views, the city’s bar scene is as diverse as the desert landscape itself.
Pull up a stool and prepare for a pour. Here are the 20 best bars in Palm Springs serving up classic cocktails and desert vibes.
1. Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge
If these walls could talk, they’d tell stories of the Rat Pack, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe. Melvyn’s is the quintessential "Old Palm Springs" experience. Located at the Ingleside Inn, this historic haunt retains every ounce of its 1970s glamour. Expect white-jacketed bartenders, live piano music, and an atmosphere that demands a sharp outfit.
Why It’s Special: It is one of the few places left where you can experience the authentic Golden Age of Hollywood lifestyle.
The Drink to Get: The Classic Martini. It is served ice-cold, stirred, and accompanied by a sidecar on ice.
WHERE: Ingleside Estate, 200 W Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
2. Bootlegger Tiki
Located in the same building that once housed the original Don the Beachcomber, Bootlegger Tiki honors the city’s deep-rooted obsession with Polynesian pop culture. This intimate, dimly lit space is adorned with tiki carvings, pufferfish lamps, and red booths.
Why It’s Special: It balances kitschy fun with high-end mixology, using fresh juices and house-made syrups.
The Drink to Get: The False Idol. It’s a complex, rum-forward masterpiece that transports you straight to the South Pacific.
WHERE: 1101 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
3. Seymour’s
Tucked inside Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, Seymour’s is a "secret" speakeasy that feels like a private library for the elite. With heavy curtains, dark wood, and a brass-railed bar, it’s the perfect spot for a quiet, sophisticated conversation.
Why It’s Special: The bar features a beautiful outdoor patio called "The Paddock," but the indoor vibe is where the true mystery lies.
The Drink to Get: The Seymour’s Old Fashioned. They use premium bourbon and a specific orange zest technique that elevates this classic.
WHERE: 233 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
4. Truss & Twine
For those who appreciate the evolution of the cocktail, Truss & Twine is a must-visit. The menu is organized by eras: Golden Age, Prohibition, Tiki, Dark Ages, and Originals. The industrial-chic space, featuring raw concrete and steel, provides a modern contrast to the historic recipes.
Why It’s Special: It offers a literal liquid history lesson in a stunningly designed architectural environment.
The Drink to Get: The Game Changer. It’s a gin-based delight that perfectly balances herbal notes with citrus.
WHERE: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
5. High Bar at The Rowan
Perched atop the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, High Bar is the city’s premier rooftop destination. Offering 360-degree views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the valley floor, it’s the best place to watch the desert sky turn shades of pink and purple.
Why It’s Special: It’s the highest rooftop bar in the city, complete with a pool and chic cabanas.
The Drink to Get: The Desert Sunset. A vibrant, tequila-based cocktail that matches the colors of the horizon.
WHERE: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
6. Paul Bar/Food
A local favorite that feels like a hidden gem, Paul Bar is a meticulously designed space that looks like a classic New York bistro dropped into the California desert. The service is professional, the lighting is moody, and the drinks are impeccable.
Why It’s Special: It’s a "bartender’s bar" where the craftsmanship of the pour is the main attraction.
The Drink to Get: The Sidecar. Perfectly rimmed with sugar and balanced with high-quality cognac.
WHERE: 3700 E Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA 92262
7. The Purple Room
As one of the original "Rat Pack" hangouts, The Purple Room is a premier supper club where you can catch a live jazz performance or a drag show while enjoying a stiff drink. It’s vibrant, purple, and full of energy.
Why It’s Special: It captures the "dinner and a show" spirit of 1960s Palm Springs better than anywhere else.
The Drink to Get: The Manhattan. Robust, sophisticated, and served with a premium cherry.
WHERE: 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
8. Bar Cecil
Named after Cecil Beaton, this restaurant and bar is a love letter to the "Bon Vivant" lifestyle. The décor is a maximalist dream, and the bar program is one of the most respected in the Coachella Valley.
Why It’s Special: It manages to be incredibly trendy while remaining warm and welcoming.
The Drink to Get: The Beaton’s Martini. It comes with a side of caviar—the ultimate desert luxury.
WHERE: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr UNIT H-104, Palm Springs, CA 92264
9. Del Rey
Located inside the Villa Royale hotel, Del Rey is a Spanish-inspired cocktail lounge with a dark, romantic atmosphere. With oak-paneled walls and a cozy fireplace, it’s an ideal spot for a date night.
Why It’s Special: The Mediterranean-leaning snack menu perfectly complements the adventurous cocktail list.
The Drink to Get: The Spanish Gin & Tonic. Served in a large goblet with fresh botanicals and premium tonic.
WHERE: 1620 S Indian Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264
10. The Amigo Room
Found at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, The Amigo Room is a dark, cavernous lounge that hosts a rotating cast of DJs, bingo nights, and live bands. It has a hip vibe that attracts a younger, creative crowd.
Why It’s Special: It’s the epicenter of the city’s alternative nightlife scene.
The Drink to Get: The Michelada. It’s spicy, savory, and the perfect antidote to the desert heat.
WHERE: 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
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11. Bar Issi
Located within the Thompson Palm Springs, Bar Issi brings a touch of Italian flair to the desert. The indoor-outdoor space is bright and stylish, focusing on aperitivo culture.
Why It’s Special: It’s one of the best spots for people-watching along North Palm Canyon Drive.
The Drink to Get: The Negroni Sbagliato. A refreshing twist on the classic, replacing gin with sparkling wine.
WHERE: 414 N Palm Canyon Dr Suite F, Palm Springs, CA 92262
12. Blackbook
Located in the heart of the Arenas Road nightlife district, Blackbook is a sleek, modern bar that proves you don’t need a tuxedo to enjoy a world-class cocktail. Known for its award-winning food and inclusive atmosphere, this spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike who want a high-energy vibe without the pretension.
Why It’s Special: It boasts one of the most impressive whiskey collections in the desert and has been recognized nationally for its welcoming, community-focused environment.
The Drink to Get: The Blackbook Old Fashioned. It’s a perfectly balanced, stiff pour that anchors their extensive spirits menu.
WHERE: 315 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
13. Evening Citizen
Located in the historic 1920s Palm Springs Desert Sun newspaper building, Evening Citizen is a chic, modern lounge that pays homage to its journalistic roots. The vibe is sophisticated but never stuffy.
Why It’s Special: The architecture is a beautiful blend of historic preservation and modern luxury.
The Drink to Get: The Paper Plane. A modern classic made with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and lemon.
WHERE: 220 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
14. Tailor Shop
This is a high-concept cocktail bar where the focus is on "tailoring" the experience to the guest. The interior is dark, lush, and intimate, featuring velvet textures and gold accents.
Why It’s Special: They specialize in bespoke creations based on your specific flavor preferences.
The Drink to Get: Let the bartender choose! Tell them your favorite spirit and watch them work.
WHERE: 140 W Vía Lola Unit A, Palm Springs, CA 92262
15. The Reef
Located at the Caliente Tropics Hotel, The Reef is a laid-back tiki bar that doesn't take itself too seriously. It’s right by the pool, making it a great spot for a mid-afternoon tropical escape.
Why It’s Special: It offers a classic "aloha" vibe that feels authentic to the 1950s motor-hotel era.
The Drink to Get: The Mai Tai. They follow the traditional 1944 recipe, which is heavy on the rum and light on the juice.
WHERE: Caliente Tropics Resort, 411 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
16. V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar
Located in the historic Kaptur Plaza, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar is a mid-century lover’s dream. The space is filled with whimsy and playfulness, featuring vibrant colors and rich textures that pay homage to Palm Springs' architectural history. While the wine list is exceptional, the martini program is what truly cements its place on this list.
Why It’s Special: It perfectly blends the sophistication of a boutique wine bar with the high-energy fun of a retro lounge, often featuring live jazz or themed events like disco bingo.
The Drink to Get: The V-Classic Martini. It’s exceptionally clean, served with your choice of premium blue-cheese-stuffed olives or a lemon twist, and embodies the "Old Palm Springs" spirit in every sip.
WHERE: 600 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
17. 262 Rooftop Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of downtown, 262 Rooftop offers a high-energy atmosphere with live DJs and great views of the Marilyn Monroe statue. It’s a great spot to start a night out on the town.
Why It’s Special: It bridges the gap between a casual bar and a high-end lounge.
The Drink to Get: The Mexican Candy Shot or a Paloma. Both are perfectly suited for the sunny patio.
WHERE: 262 S Palm Canyon Dr #200, Palm Springs, CA 92262
18. Workshop Kitchen + Bar
While primarily known as one of the best restaurants in town, the bar at Workshop is a destination in its own right. The brutalist architecture and long communal bar make for a striking setting.
Why It’s Special: They use seasonal ingredients from local farms to create innovative drinks.
The Drink to Get: The Vesper. It’s a powerful, elegant tribute to the classics.
WHERE: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
19. Alana
Focused on organic, additive-free tequila and mezcal, Alana is a bright and welcoming spot for agave lovers. The bar features vintage Mexican films playing in the background, adding to the cultural immersion.
Why It’s Special: It’s the premier spot for educational agave tastings in Palm Springs.
The Drink to Get: The Mezcal Negroni. The smokiness of the mezcal adds a beautiful depth to the bitter Campari.
WHERE: 370 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
20. Toucans Tiki Lounge
No list of Palm Springs bars is complete without Toucans. While it’s technically a tiki bar, it’s also a world-famous LGBTQ+ destination known for its legendary drag shows and high-energy dance floor.
Why It’s Special: It has been a pillar of the Palm Springs community for decades.
The Drink to Get: The Tiki Punch. It’s strong, sweet, and designed to keep you dancing.
WHERE: 2100 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Helpful Tips for Your Palm Springs Bar Crawl
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Hydrate Often: The desert heat is no joke. For every cocktail, drink at least 8 ounces of water.
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Make Reservations: Many of the smaller cocktail dens like Bar Cecil or Seymour’s fill up fast. Always check for availability online.
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Use Rideshares: Palm Springs is a compact city, but the desert sun and strong martinis make driving a bad idea. Uber and Lyft are readily available.
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Respect the Dress Code: While Palm Springs is generally "resort casual," spots like Melvyn's or Tailor Shop are great excuses to dress up in vintage-inspired attire.
Which Palm Springs Bars Are You Ready to Try?
Whether you’re exploring famous homes in Palm Springs like the Kaufmann Desert House or looking for outdoor activities to do in Palm Springs like hiking the Indian Canyons, there’s no better way to end your day than with a classic cocktail.
If you're looking for Palm Springs bachelorette party ideas, consider a mid-century modern architecture tour followed by a sunset toast at one of these iconic bars. The desert is calling—it's time to answer with a drink in hand.
For guides to exploring Palm Springs, read more on our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
RELATED ARTICLE: The 22 BEST Palm Springs Restaurants That Tourists Flock To
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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