ICONIC

What to do after an enjoyable afternoon of seeing architectural sights in Palm Springs?Gone are the days when you walk into a bar and order the same old drink as every other night. Martini bars have become some of the hottest spots to go, including ones in Palm Springs, because the skills of today’s mixologists are impeccable and the drink options are endless. Martini bars in Palm Springs also offer a great atmosphere, making them popular places so you may want to make a reservation before venturing out. Below are seven of the best ones you must try if you are in the area.

Eight4Nine

The cleverly-named Eight4Nine Restaurant is conveniently located at 849 N Palm Canyon Drive. The spot was once home to the Palm Springs post office, but has since emerged into one of the greatest martini bars in the area. Not only are the drinks great, but the decor is unique in that it is very minimalistic compared to other eccentric places yet it still maintains a way of standing out. Although the walls are white, hot pink accents are scattered throughout the top of the walls and give off an open, welcoming vibe. Eight4Nine has several different lounges and rooms to choose from, but the best section is likely the outdoor patio where visitors can gaze out at the San Jacinto mountains while they sip on their favorite beverages. This includes the “Gin-eration,” which contains top shelf Plymouth gin, and the “Mid-Century,” which features rich bourbon and honey syrup. Locals and visitors will tell you that this place has the best brunch around including their customizable omelettes, and the bar offers mimosas with two refills for just 12 dollars! The dinner menu is undeniably delicious as well, including the smoked mushroom pappardelle.

The Nest

If you’re in Indian Wells close to Palm Springs, you can’t go wrong with stopping at The Nest at 75188 US Highway 111. If you like chicken parmesan and ahi tuna, The Nest is a place you do not want to miss. Happy Hour is from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and you can choose from a great list of meals at a great price along with a wide variety of martinis and other beverages. One side of The Nest is the more low-key restaurant area and the other side is a lively piano bar with a lot of dancing all day and evening. The Nest is good for people of all ages and the upbeat atmosphere makes the relatively high prices more than worth it.

Mister Parker’s

If you and your group are looking for a quieter martini bar to visit, Mister Parker’s is the place for you. Associated with the Parker Hotel, this place provides a darker, more intimate space that offers a set menu with three courses for $79. Each course offers five or six options, so everyone in your party can find something he or she will enjoy. Of course, you can just go for the drinks, as the wine list is extensive and you can also order champagne and cocktails such as the “Golden Hour,” which is made with vodka, cucumber Thai basil, lime, and sherry. While the overall ambience is more tame than other martini bars in the area, the music is fabulous and there are plenty of Jonathan Adler’s exquisite works of art scattered throughout. There is no established dress code, but based on the elegance of the restaurant, plan on dressing up.

La Quinta Cliffhouse

The newly remodeled La Quinta Cliffhouse at 78250 Highway 111 is one of the longest-standing establishments in the area and provides all guests with a great dining experience. The drink menu includes five different martinis, including an Espresso Martini and a Georgia Peach Martini, all for $12. Happy Hour runs from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM and offers two dollars off of food and drinks, an $8 vodka of the month, and an $8 cocktail of the month. If you go on Wednesday nights, bottles of wine are half price. The desserts are impeccable including the Cliffhouse ice cream pie, which contains heaps of tasty chocolate ganache. If you are visiting with kids, you are in luck, too, because there is a separate menu for children that includes a variety of plates ranging from chicken tenders to grilled salmon. That makes the Cliffhouse perfect for families as well as a top choice if you are just going out with your friends.

Purple Palm Restaurant

Located inside the Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs, the Purple Palm Restaurant is one of the greatest options around town. Open for breakfast (yes, they have mimosas), lunch, and dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from all day long and the quirky purple-ish wallpaper gives off a very welcoming vibe to all. The chef puts a creative, elegant twist to most of the plates, which adds to the unique experience. The libations menu includes many different offerings, including the amazing “Lost Horizon,” which contains London Dry gin, aloe vera, honey, and lavender. There is also wine, sangria, and a few different craft beer options. Happy Hour has recently been extended and now runs from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM so you have a three-hour span to get that martini and those appetizers at a great price. If you can’t get a spot outside, try to sit near the window when you go – the poolside view is delightful.

Window Bar at Kimpton Rowan Hotel

The Window Bar at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel at 100 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way is one of the coziest martini bar options in the Palm Springs region. The bar is more like a little lounge in the lobby of the hotel, but don’t be fooled by the small size – the cocktails, appetizers, and other offerings come highly recommended by both locals and tourists. There is quite a shift from the mid-century modern or retro vibe that many other Palm Springs destinations feature; instead, the Window Bar got its inspiration from London’s hotel bars and features more of a European feeling as opposed to a California one. However, the sleek ambience meshes well with the desert sights that can be seen right outside the large windows atop the bar. While the menu is small, there are still options for the whole group and the Desert Gin and Tonic is probably unlike any you have ever consumed before due to its “desert-inspired ingredients.”

State Fare Bar + Kitchen at the Ritz, Rancho Mirage

Last but certainly not least, the State Fare Bar & Kitchen at the Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage is a great place for a semi-casual meal and elegant cocktail in a high-class hotel. The best part of this bar is that it is on top of a hill so you are able to look out at the surrounding landscape and breathtaking sky. The avocado fries, Belgian waffles, fish tacos, and lasagna are just a few of the must-tries served throughout the day. State Fare is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the best time to go is arguably in the evening where you and your friends can gather by a fire on the terrace and sip on cocktails including the “ginger mallow” martini, which contains gin, hibiscus syrup, and a dash of lime ginger beer.

If you’re planning on visiting a martini bar in the Greater Palm Springs area, the options outlined above won’t let you down.