15 Essential Palm Springs Pit Stops On the Road to Coachella
From pregames to after parties, and brunch to late-night bars, here’s the best of California’s favorite desert oasis.
- By: Amanda Coscarelli
You know that saying, “It’s about the journey, not the destination?” Well we believe Coachella weekend should be both. Especially when you’re driving through California’s coolest mid-century desert oasis. Whether you’re camping at Coachella and just passing through, or staying for the weekend in a stylish retro bungalow, there’s plenty of reasons why Palm Springs is an essential pit stop on your way to the main event. For two weekends a year, the city becomes the life of the party, bumping with an electricity that awakens the dormant desert sky. From pregames to after parties, here are 15 must-see restaurants, bars and clubs in Palm Springs.
Restaurants
Normas at the Parker Palm Springs
4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA
A bright, airy terrace serving up decadent American-style brunch, lunch and dinner.
Crudo Cervicheria Palm Springs
515 N Palm Canyon Dr Ste B8, Palm Springs, CA
Fireside tuna melts and ahi nachos to die for, plus a laid back and ambient bar up front.
Tac/Quila
415 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Come for delicious upscale Mexican dishes, stay for a while and catch a celebrity or two!
Tony’s Grill & Bar
665 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
This isn’t your average burger joint. Expect enormous one of a kind burgers like the Blue Lagoon, with aged blue cheese, avocado, onions, pickles and BLT.
The Pantry at Holiday House
200 W Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA
Tucked into the chic boutique hotel Holiday House, this is another great place to spot celebrities and grab delicious American-style cuisine.
Bars
Bar Cecil
1555 S Palm Canyon Dr UNIT H-104, Palm Springs, CA
A Michelin Star bar that’s worth all the hype if you can get a reservation. Decorated with a selection of the owner’s modern art and serving up specialty cocktails like no other.
The Reef at Caliente Tropics Resort
411 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
The original Conga Room restaurant has been turned into this retro tiki bar at Caliente Tropics Resort offering picturesque views of the pool and colorful cocktails you’ll want to come back for.
The Tonga Hut Restaurant and Tiki Bar
254 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
A kitschy midcentury bar tucked inside Caliente Tropics Resort, serving up specialty cocktails and tiki classics.
Bootlegger Tiki
1101 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Originally Don the Beachcomber, Bootlegger is Palm Springs’ unofficial tiki headquarters. The torches burning outside are the original ones from 1953!
Blackbook
315 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA
Serving generously poured cocktails in the heart of Palm Springs’ gay district.
The Evening Citizen
220 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA
An old-fashioned speakeasy with flocked wallpaper and fun cocktails. Enter through an unmarked door in the back, but you didn’t hear that from us.
Nightclubs, Lounges and More
Copa Nightclub
244 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA
Lively late night atmosphere, dancers and Instagram-worthy lighting. Curated vibes each night from banda, to Vegas night to Sexy Soul Sundays. Open until 2 a.m. six nights a week.
Toucans Tiki Lounge
244 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA
Midcentury tiki meets modern cabaret with nationally recognized performers and legends of the LGBTQ+ community. Bottle service, drag shows and more!
Reforma
333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA
Set in a historic building, Reforma hosts live music events, themed DJ sets and dancing until 2 a.m. five nights a week.
Market Market
1555 S Palm Canyon Dr UNIT F, Palm Springs, CA
Last minute costume changes? This huge upscale vintage warehouse/consignment store is the perfect place to find a funky outfit and a fine selection of wine at the bottle shop inside.
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