Must-see nightlife in The Deserts

  • Counter Reformation

    Greater Palm Springs

    If you worship at the altar of Bacchus (the Roman god of wine), you'll be singing his praises in this dimly lit clandestine boite at the Parker Palm…

  • Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

    Joshua Tree National Park

    For local color, toothsome BBQ, cheap beer and kick-ass live music, drop in at this textbook honky-tonk in Pioneertown, a movie set turned living town…

  • Death Valley Brewing

    Death Valley National Park

    This craft brewery in the middle of nowhere is not a mirage but the pint-sized operation of artist and brewer Jon Zellhoefer in a restored railroad tie…

  • Bootlegger Tiki

    Greater Palm Springs

    Crimson light bathes even pasty-faced hipsters with a healthy glow, as do the pretty crafted cocktails at this teensy tiki bar with blowfish lamps and…

  • Seymour's

    Greater Palm Springs

    In the back of the updated steakhouse Mr Lyons hides this furtive libation station named in honor of owner and entertainment lawyer Tara Lazar's dad. The…

  • Joshua Tree Coffee Company

    Joshua Tree National Park

    Organic and locally roasted, this spotless outfit makes some of the best coffee in JT. It's sold in places around the valley but roasted right here in the…

  • Murray's Saloon & Eatery

    The Deserts

    The self-proclaimed 'best five-star hole-in-the-wall' has cheap beers, nightly karaoke and opening hours that might just keep you off the slopes or trail…

  • Whiskey Dave's

    The Deserts

    This spit-and-sawdust-type joint with half a dozen pool tables is a good place to point your compass for a rollickin' good time, especially on Friday or…

  • Chill Bar

    Greater Palm Springs

    More high energy than chill, but an essential stop on the Arenas 'boys town' strip. Relax at the rectangular bar or on the wraparound patio, and mingle…

  • Ernest Coffee

    Greater Palm Springs

    The tiki torches and the name are a nod to this perky cafe's earlier incarnation as Don the Beachcomber's founded in 1953 by Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt…

  • Birba

    Greater Palm Springs

    On a balmy night, Birba's hedge-fringed patio with twinkle lights and a sunken firepit brings a dolce vita vibe to the desert. Unwind with a glass of…

  • Joshua Tree Saloon & Grill

    Joshua Tree National Park

    This whistle-stop with jukebox, pool tables and cowboy flair serves bar food along with rib-sticking burgers and steaks and daily entertainment inside and…

  • Palm Springs Koffi North

    Greater Palm Springs

    Tucked among the Uptown art galleries, this is the original branch of this much-beloved local chain of hip coffeehouses. The java is organic and there are…

  • Hooz on First

    The Deserts

    Fun honky-tonk with lots of local business keeping the action going until the wee hours with a jukebox, darts, pool and karaoke on Saturdays. Cold beer…

  • Badwater Saloon

    Death Valley National Park

    Light meals and bar snacks are served at this colorful bar with Old West knickknacks, cold draft beer and Skynyrd on the jukebox.

  • Hunters

    Greater Palm Springs

    Nights at this high-energy bar and club, a staple of the Arenas Rd 'gayborhood' strip, are an assortment of karaoke, drag shows, trivia nights and classic…

  • Toucan’s Tiki Lounge

    Greater Palm Springs

    This attitude-free hangout draws an eclectic mix of LGBT, straight, locals and tourists, young and old with its cheap drinks, bar trivia and outrageous…

  • Streetbar

    Greater Palm Springs

    Drawing a congenial community mix of locals, long-time visitors and occasional drag performers, this bar hosts fun karaoke parties from Sunday to…

  • Melvyn's Lounge

    Greater Palm Springs

    Raise a toast to Don Draper of Mad Men at this old-school lounge at a former Sinatra haunt. Sunday afternoon jazz is a long-standing tradition. Collared…

  • Village Pub

    Greater Palm Springs

    Kick back with a cold one on the meandering patio, cheer on your favorite team on the big screen or dance til the wee hours at this all-purpose fun and…

  • Shanghai Red's Bar & Grill

    Greater Palm Springs

    This joint attached to a fish restaurant has a busy courtyard, an intergenerational crowd and live blues from Thursday to Saturday nights. If you need to…