Best Happy Hour Deals in Greater Palm Springs: Adult 'Happy Meals' at Top Restaurants
The tradition of pre-dinner drinks originated during Prohibition, when patrons secretly gathered for 'cocktail hour' at speakeasies before dining at alcohol-free restaurants.
Following the repeal of the 18th Amendment, cocktail lounges popularized 'happy hour' with discounted drinks typically from 4 to 8 p.m., attracting customers during slower periods and encouraging relaxation before dinner.
Today, happy hours extend to affordable small-plate menus—what we call 'Happy Meals for adults.' Many restaurants in Greater Palm Springs offer early, late, or all-day specials to cater to early birds and night owls alike. We've curated standout deals for premium drinks and bites, delivering exceptional value without the kids' toys.
Mr. Lyons Steakhouse
Newly reimagined at the south end of Palm Canyon, Mr. Lyons Steakhouse blends Old Hollywood glamour—think velvet booths, personalized service, and classic steaks—with a relaxed vibe in The Lounge.
Here, enjoy classic or seasonal cocktails paired with prime rib medallion and baked potato, a fresh ground beef burger with bacon jam aioli, or sides like iceberg wedge, onion rings, and hand-cut fries.
Happy hour in The Lounge runs 4 to 7 p.m. Sundays feature a three-course prime rib dinner for $29 from 5 to 9 p.m.
The Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel
A short walk from Mr. Lyons, this dark, gritty throwback bar at the Ace Hotel offers charred shishito peppers, mojo or pollo verde tacos, crispy calamari with pickled vegetables and smoked chile aioli, cheese-filled quesadillas with pico de gallo and pickled serrano chiles, or classic chips and salsa (add crushed avocado for $4).
Pair with a Modelo pint, beer-and-shot combo, house sangria, Amigo margarita, house wine, or a $25 beer bucket.
Taco Tuesday at El Jefe
El Jefe at The Saguaro boasts one of Greater Palm Springs' longest-running Taco Tuesdays. This Mexican street-food cantina, designed by Iron Chef Jose Garces with rough-hewn wood, iron tables, leather seats, and a tequila-focused bar, remains a local favorite.
Try Nopales tacos (fried cactus paddle with baby portobellos and black beans), beer-battered mahi-mahi fish tacos with remoulade, coleslaw, and avocado; Chicken Tinga with tomatoes, crema, and chive-fennel salad; Carnitas with mango-papaya-radish salad; or braised short rib tacos with demi-glace, pickled jalapeños, onions, carrots, and chives.
House guacamole with fresh avocados, lime, jalapeños, and cilantro pairs perfectly with frosty drafts, sangria, or Cantina Margaritas.
Specials available 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays.
Prime Seafood at Mitch’s on El Paseo
Mitch’s on El Paseo offers an eclectic, romantic happy hour on its large covered patio with fire pits and lush views. In the former Augusta space at Portola and El Paseo, it features two bars, TVs, and expansive dining areas.
Created by restaurateur Mitch Epstein and Sushi Master James Holder, it's a haven for seafood and steak lovers.
Savor Shrimp Gazpacho (poached shrimp with tomato, onion, cilantro, cucumber, and lime Clamato), mini ahi poke tacos on wontons, Hawaiian-style short rib sliders with cheddar, caramelized onions, spinach, and tomatoes plus fries; 808 rolls (shrimp tempura, snow crab, avocado, cucumber, topped with spicy tuna, crunchy flakes, macadamias); or tempura-fried jalapeño poppers stuffed with crab, spicy tuna, and cream cheese, drizzled with kabayaki and spicy aioli.
Full bar menu available during happy hour.
Island Time at Tommy Bahama
Atop Gardens on El Paseo, Tommy Bahama's patios boast stunning mountain, desert, and city views, with an indoor-outdoor bar/lounge perfect for unwinding.
'Island Time' happy hour (3 to 6 p.m. daily, bar only) features small plates like coconut shrimp with papaya-mango chutney, spicy ahi poke Napoleon, cheeseburger sliders, macadamia-crusted goat cheese with mango salsa and flatbread; dip duos with plantain chips; pork quesadilla with goat cheese and mango salsa; or blackened fish tacos in wonton shells with island slaw and wasabi-avocado crème.
Complement with wines, beers, rum drinks, signature cocktails, or martinis.
Lulu California Bistro
A downtown Palm Springs hotspot, Lulu offers all-day bar happy hour from 11 a.m. to close, plus late-night specials Fridays and Saturdays (11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.).
Shareable deals include extra-large house chips, hummus with celery and focaccia; Cobb or chicken salads; Margherita or pepperoni pizzas; chicken or filet skewers; Santa Fe or Russian paninis; black mussels; or bay shrimp cocktails.
Well drinks, select beers, and house wines at reduced prices.
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Family-owned Stuft locations in La Quinta and Palm Desert deliver contemporary American fare and lively happy hours (3 to 6 p.m. daily) with warm ambiance and patios.
Small pizzas (30+ combos or custom) are $2.50 off; other bites: Asiago mac & cheese, rib bites, veggie spring rolls, street or Baja fish tacos, chicken lettuce wraps, Kung Pao chicken date-bacon flatbread, calamari steak strips.
Draft pints from $2.50, mugs $3.75; wines and wells from $4.
Bistro 60
Nestled on Avenue 60 at Monroe amid La Quinta's ranches, date groves, and golf courses, Bistro 60 at The Golf Club at La Quinta offers casual dining with Santa Rosa mountain views.
$5 Bar Bites are generous: beer-battered Ling cod fish 'n' chips with fries and jalapeño tartar; blackened chicken quesadilla with sour cream, guac, and salsa; personal pizza; or loaded nachos with ham, bacon, chorizo, beans, cheese, and toppings.
Drafts ($2-$3: Fat Tire, Stella, Coachella Brewing); house wines ($4-$5); wells and Bistro margarita ($5).
Happy hour 3 to 6 p.m.; live music 5 to 8 p.m. nightly.
