Discover Greater Palm Springs' Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Bars for Unforgettable Cocktails
The drinking culture in Greater Palm Springs has deep roots dating back to the 1920s, when visitors sought this desert oasis to relax, disconnect, and indulge—often with a cocktail in hand. The Rat Pack savored martinis here, historic Melvyn’s—one of Palm Springs' oldest bars—continues to pour classics, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community has long gathered in welcoming gay bars. As Greater Palm Springs evolves into a premier global destination, its bar scene thrives with innovative spots ranging from trendy haunts to elegant speakeasies. Raise a glass to these standout hidden gems elevating the local nightlife.
Counter Reformation
Celebrated designer Jonathan Adler transformed the iconic Parker Palm Springs resort, a favorite among celebrities, with bold Hollywood glamour and edge. A highlight is Counter Reformation, a secluded 14-seat wine bar featuring brass accents, mirrors, and patterned cement tiles. Playfully themed around the 16th-century Catholic resurgence, this wine shrine offers bold, accessible pours (3 oz/$6, 6 oz/$11, bottle/$40) to enjoy solo or paired with indulgent small plates. Feeling remorseful? Step into the wooden confessional for absolution.
Time & Temperature
Nestled within the expansive 450-acre JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, Time & Temperature is a true desert speakeasy—part hidden bar, part secret restaurant. The thrill of discovery enhances the experience, open to hotel guests and visitors every weekend. Reservations (available online this spring) provide cryptic clues to guide you. It's an exciting adventure for craft cocktails and inventive dining.
Moxie
Palm Springs' bar scene is eclectically diverse, from vintage dives and speakeasies to chic lounges and modern supper clubs. Leading the pack is Moxie, Downtown Palm Springs' pioneering rooftop bar since January 2017, boasting panoramic views of Palm Canyon Drive and the stunning mountain backdrop. Embracing desert leisure with AstroTurf, oversized Jenga, live music, and shareable plates, it balances retro charm with sophistication. While beers, bubbles, and wines shine, the craft cocktails—like the signature Palm Canyon—steal the show.
Truss & Twine
Since opening in 2012, Workshop Kitchen + Bar has redefined upscale dining in Greater Palm Springs, earning James Beard Awards for design and pioneering craft cocktails. Its latest venture, Truss & Twine, in the historic El Paseo building of the Uptown Design District, mirrors that innovative spirit. Expect Workshop's signature aesthetic, regional small plates, and a cocktail menu organized by era—from 1800s classics to Prohibition-era icons—with inventive modern twists.
