Author: lindsay

  • Aquifer65

    Aquifer65

    74855 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE
    PALM DESERT

    This watering hole is located at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, the last place Frank Sinatra ever performed. Paying homage to that extraordinary milestone, the lobby bar, Aquifer65, hosts a special Sinatra Smash Happy Hour every evening at 4:05 p.m. While Sinatra tunes play in the background, a large flag featuring the Chairman of the Board’s likeness drops from above and guests are provided complimentary samplings of the establishment’s signature Sinatra Smash libation, making for a truly inspired cocktail experience!

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    Website

  • The Restaurant At The Palm Springs Surf Club

    The Restaurant At The Palm Springs Surf Club

    1500 SOUTH GENE AUTRY TRAIL
    PALM SPRINGS

    The recently reimagined Palm Springs Surf Club provides an extraordinary setting for spirits via its family-style poolside eatery, Navigator. The only spot in the desert where you can sip some bubbly while watching waves, the establishment also boasts pristine views of the San Jacinto Mountains and surrounding desert landscape. Most stunning at sunset, when the Surf Club is cast in dramatic pink and purple hues, Navigator is a gorgeous spot to imbibe!

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    Website

  • Barbara Bar

    Barbara Bar

    210 WEST STEVENS ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    This perfectly pink gem, located inside the equally adorable Trixie Motel, is an Instagram dreamland. Intimate, charming and awash in stunning blush elements and kitschy décor, Barbara Bar is over the top in all the best ways. The drinks and comfort food offerings (animal-shaped chicken nugs, anyone?) are superb, as well. Walk-ins aren’t accepted here, so be sure to make reservations well in advance. A booking also grants guests a glimpse at the delightful hotel grounds and a visit to the gift shop.

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    Website

  • Bar Valerie

    Bar Valerie

    120 WEST VEREDA SUR
    PALM SPRINGS

    This watering hole is a full-blown vibe! Old Hollywood glam at its finest, Bar Valerie was designed by David Rios of Trixie Motel fame. Tucked inside boutique lodging The Velvet Rope (which also made my hotel list), the intimate space, named for Amy Winehouse’s hit 2007 song, is stylish, hip and picturesque from every single stylized angle!

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    Website

  • The Tropicale

    The Tropicale

    330 EAST AMADO ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    One of Palm Springs’ trendiest spots ever since it first opened in 2007, the vibrant vibe at Tropicale has never gone out of style! Modeled after the supper clubs of yesteryear, this restaurant and lounge is THE place to head for cocktails in the desert! As such, it is always packed to the gills, with stylish patrons bunched into the high-backed banquettes and lining the unique indoor/outdoor bar, which wraps its way from the main dining room through to the expansive, 2,000-square-foot blush-hued patio. Along with the sublime spirits, Tropicale serves up some great eats, as well!

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    Website

  • Le Vallauris

    Le Vallauris

    385 WEST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
    PALM SPRINGS

    One of the city’s most upscale eateries, Le Vallauris (which made my fine dining list, as well) also features a gorgeous bar and lounge area. Accented with red and blush hues, frosted glass, soft lighting, and nightly live piano music, the space gives off a definite Old Hollywood aura – and the drinks are stellar, to boot!

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    Website

  • Melvyn’s Restaurant

    Melvyn’s Restaurant

    200 WEST RAMON ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    Another spot chock full of Tinseltown history, Melvyn’s was established in 1975 on the grounds of the charming Ingleside Estate and promptly became a haven for such luminaries as Liza Minnelli, Joey Bishop, Elizabeth Taylor and the Rat Pack. Frank Sinatra loved the place so much, he hosted the rehearsal dinner for his wedding to Barbara onsite and was known to regularly sing along to the grand piano that still sits on the premises today. If Melvyn’s walls could only talk!

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    Website

  • Copley’s On Palm Canyon

    Copley’s On Palm Canyon

    621 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE
    PALM SPRINGS

    Those who prefer their cocktails with a side of Hollywood history should head straight to Copley’s on Palm Canyon, a gorgeous eatery and lounge located at what is purported to be the former guest house of Tinseltown legend Cary Grant. Boasting a gorgeous indoor bar plus a stunning patio complete with firepits and countless tucked-away enclaves, the establishment is one of the most romantic spots in Palm Springs to partake of a glass of bubbly or two!

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    Website

  • Sugar High Rooftop Lounge

    Sugar High Rooftop Lounge

    339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    Tucked atop the roof deck of Azúcar restaurant at La Serena Villas hotel, this lounge is a vibrant hidden gem! Boasting a chic bohemian vibe, the enchanting open-air site is known for its bright pastels, cozy seating, gorgeous tiled fireplace, fab cocktails and stellar mountain views. It’s the type of place where warm blankets are offered to guests on cool desert evenings. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous or inviting spot to imbibe in the desert!

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    Webiste

  • Canopy Wine Lounge

    Canopy Wine Lounge

    175 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
    PALM SPRINGS

    A new addition to the cocktail scene, this stylish watering hole opened its doors in late 2023 and promptly became a local favorite. Designed in spectacular fashion by Christopher Kennedy, the lounge is easily one of the chicest places to grab a drink in the desert, with stunning blush, green and gold accents. The beverage choices, which include over 150 wine options and a plethora of fabulous mocktails, are unparalleled, as well. A fine selection of bites and sweets are also offered.

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    Website