10 top restaurants & bars in palm springs
From your friends at The Marley Palm Springs
Rooster and the Pig
In a town hurting for quality asian food, this place is legit. Vietnamese influenced, reasonably priced dishes pack a ton of flavor. Hidden in a strip mall—but with a buzzy scene. Get the panko crusted chicken rice ball for sure. Actually, better make it two. They have a bar right next door, so you can enjoy cocktails and nibbles while you wait.
Mr. Lyons/Seymour’s
Step right onto the set of Mad Men in the form of reimagined, swanky 60s steakhouse. If you want something a little more casual, eat in the lounge and choose from either the full dining room menu or the bar menu (a much cheaper option). Grab a nightcap or two at Seymour’s (hidden behind a heavy curtain). Some of the best cocktails in town—with great old black and white movies running behind the bar. There’s a fun outdoor patio, too.
Tropicale
With apologies to Melvyn’s, this place defines Palm Springs dining. Be sure to sit out on the back patio (for unparalleled people watching) and slip into your best retro resort wear. While the menu can be hit and miss—the specials are usually reliable and the fried chicken is always great. Besides, the point of Tropicale is to have fun. And to drink. A lot.
Amigo Room/poolside at the Ace
Have ironic facial hair? Multiple tattoos? 80s sunglasses? Or just wish you did? This bar is for you. Interesting bands, a great beer selection, and lots of fun events. The people watching (especially if you sit outside) is first rate.
Paul Bar
Sure it’s set in a fugly strip mall, but don’t let appearances fool you. Open the door and step into an upscale speakeasy. Amazing bar menu and tasty bites. GREAT martinis. Here’s the thing. The place is small. So don’t show up with your whole posse and expect to get seated. Best to go early or late.
Kreem
Fantastic flavors ranging Lemon Meringue Pie to Turmeric-Ginger? Absolutely. Vegan options? Check. Good coffee? Of course. So what are you waiting for? We all scream for Kreem.
Counter Reformation at The Parker
Face it, you need to see The Parker once during your stay. It was a boutique hotel before boutique hotels were a thing. The Jonathan Adler decor makes this selfie central. So make a reservation and enjoy an amazing wine list and the best tapas this side of Seville.
Bootlegger Tiki
Imagine all the classic Trader Vic’s style cocktails you know and love—made by actual mixologists (no sweet and sour mix here). Guys, this is one of the few bars where you can order a daiquiri without having the bartender laugh you out the door (try one, they’re not at all what you’d expect).The bar is tiny, but no worries, you can bring the whole crew and sit outside on the patio.
Sandfish
Sushi in the desert? Are you mad? Perhaps. But the fish here is very fresh, and yes, very good. There’s also an incredible selection of whiskeys to wash it all down. So don’t be snob. But do make reservations.
Del Rey at Villa Royale
Sometimes, you just want to get away from the madding crowd and go someplace quiet, dark and relaxing. Del Rey offers all that in spades. Well made drinks and a small, but excellent menu.