Guide to Poolside Dining in Palm Springs

As the temperatures rise, the allure of poolside dining becomes irresistible, providing the perfect blend of leisure and indulgence. Whether you’re seeking refreshing cocktails, gourmet bites, or a laid-back atmosphere, Palm Springs boasts an array of poolside dining venues that cater to every palate. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best spots for dining poolside, showcasing the unique menus, stunning views, and chic settings that make each location unique.

Navigator at Palm Springs Surf Club

Surf’s up in Palm Springs with the recent opening of Palm Springs Surf Club, a 21-acre water park with slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and a lounge pool. If that sounds refreshing (and it is), the menu at the onsite restaurant Navigator is just as fresh.

Here, you can cool off with chilled bites like the House Poke or the Hamachi Sashimi Crudo, or pick from one of six green salads on the menu. Pair with a refreshing cocktail. From the Lychee Martini to the Lavender Fields and the Desert Mirage, a unique blend of flavors and aromas, these cocktails will pique your interest and keep you cool.

Chi Chi at the Avalon

Chi Chi’s setting is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant is adjacent to the Avalon Hotel’s sparkling pool, surrounded by swaying palm trees and stunning mountain views. The chic, mid-century modern decor, with its clean lines and vibrant colors, pays homage to Palm Springs’ storied past while offering all the comforts of contemporary luxury.

Known for its refreshing dishes like avocado toast with feta, an Acai bowl with fresh fruit and coconut yogurt, cold-pressed juices, and a tuna tartare tosta, Chi Chi offers a dining experience that will keep you cool and connected to the community. Take advantage of the daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m., which offers cool menu items like guacamole and salsa, crudite, and a Greek salad at great prices.

Azucar at La Serena Villas

Azúcar offers a sophisticated poolside dining experience focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The rooftop bar, Sugar High, provides stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Start with the Chiles Gueros, which include three stuffed chiles with sauteed shrimp and white mole. The signature Azucar Salad includes arugula, mustard green, Cana de Cabra Goat Cheese, and toasted cashews served with a date vinaigrette. The Bacalao is cured albacore with a gribiche sauce and opal basil with striking dark purple leaves for the main entree.

Pair with the Blood Orange Margarita made with Espolon Reposado, fresh blood orange puree, and fresh lime juice.

The Colony Club at Colony Palms

The Colony Club at Colony Palms offers a sophisticated and relaxed dining experience. This iconic establishment, housed within the historic Colony Palms Hotel, exudes old-world charm and modern culinary excellence. The dining area, adorned with vintage decor and lush greenery, provides a serene backdrop for any meal. The outdoor terrace, overlooking the sparkling pool and manicured gardens, is particularly enchanting, offering a perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty.

The Colony Club offers a modern interpretation of American Continental and classic European cuisine. Here, you’ll enjoy an elevated culinary experience with seasonal menus that rely on ingredients from local farms and purveyors. There is much to savor, from classic chicken schnitzel to sea bass served with artichokes a la barigoule, a popular dish from the Provence region of France. Their extensive list of wines, curated spirits and liqueurs, and handcrafted cocktails make The Colony Club an enticing place you’ll want to linger.

Palm Canyon Swim & Social at Arrive Palm Springs

Palm Canyon Swim & Social is an adults-only poolside restaurant and bar serving an all-day brunch menu. The space is designed to be both relaxing and social, featuring ample lounge seating, cabanas, and communal tables. The pool is a sparkling oasis, perfect for a refreshing dip or lounging poolside under the sun.

The menu is inspired by California’s abundant agricultural and culinary diversity, featuring inviting dishes like stuffed waffles, huevos rancheros, lobster tacos, and the Cauliflower grain bowl.

Their frosty cocktail, beer, and wine offerings will keep you refreshed while you lounge. The Desert Hare includes tequila, carrot juice, genepy, and pineapple. For beer lovers, try Blood Orange IPA.

The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows

Poolside dining at The Barn Kitchen is a haven of rustic charm and refined dining. This intimate eatery within the historic Sparrows Lodge offers an exquisite culinary experience that perfectly complements the lodge’s serene ambiance. The warm wooden interiors, accented with vintage decor, create a cozy atmosphere that invites you to unwind and savor the moment. The open-concept kitchen allows diners to witness the culinary magic unfold, adding an element of authenticity and connection to the dining experience.

This Michelin Guide restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally and is a testament to the farm-to-table philosophy. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the ingredients’ natural flavors, resulting in a harmonious blend of taste and texture. Try the fresh carrot cavatelli pasta with mistake mushrooms and goat cheese carrot emulsion.

High Bar at Kimpton Rowan

the Kimpton Rowan offers an experience that elevates every sense. Among its many delights, the rooftop oasis, High Bar, stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in the best the desert has to offer. It is located on the seventh floor and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the picturesque cityscape. The bar’s modern design, with its sleek lines and stylish furnishings, creates a chic atmosphere that seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of Palm Springs.

The menu at High Bar includes a variety of small plates and shareable dishes, making it easy to enjoy a light bite or a more substantial meal. Highlights include the ahi tuna poke nachos, Baja shrimp tacos, and scallop skewers. Their signature drinks, such as the fresca del mezcal and scarlet blossom, are perfect for sipping while you enjoy the stunning scenery.

Kings Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Kings Highway, housed in a former Denny’s, seamlessly blends retro aesthetics with contemporary flair. The midcentury modern decor sets the stage for a dining experience that’s both relaxed and hip. With the pool steps away, guests can enjoy the unique ambiance of this diner-turned-restaurant while soaking up the vibrant energy that Ace Hotel & Swim Club is known for There is both indoor and poolside seating.

The lunch menu includes shrimp, ceviche, and hummus with market vegetables., ceviche, and hummus. There are also various salads and sandwiches, including a popular fried chicken sandwich with avocado, prosciutto, and provolone. For something sweet, go for the date shake.

The Pantry at Holiday House

The Pantry’s ambiance perfectly complements the relaxed yet stylish vibe of Holiday House, which is in the Michelin Guide. Its mid-century modern decor, vibrant art pieces, and cozy seating create an inviting atmosphere that feels chic and homely. The dining area extends to a lovely patio, allowing guests to enjoy their meals al fresco while soaking in the beautiful Palm Springs weather.

The dinner menu includes selections like pulled pork panucho, grilled hanger steak, and pan-seared salmon. Pair it with their HH special cocktail, the Club 55, which features gin, lemon, rosemary, and elderflower. For dessert, try the ginger creme brulee topped with hazelnut crumble.

The Pantry hosts a family-style Fried Chicken Dinner on Wednesdays twice a month. The family dinner is a one-time seating at 6:30 p.m., and there are only 40 seats per night. However, Holiday House fried chicken is also on their dinner menu.

Elixer and GiGi’s at V Palm Springs

Elixer Pool Bar & Grill is a chic and vibrant spot located at the V Palm Springs. It offers a blend of relaxation and excitement. It’s a perfect destination for guests looking to enjoy relaxed poolside dining and refreshing drinks in a stylish and laid-back atmosphere.

They offer a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. You can expect a selection of light bites, salads, sandwiches, and more substantial dishes. Popular items often include

GiGi’s is a captivating blend of Tulum and Beverly Hills, where classic American dishes from the 1940s to the 1960s undergo creative re-imaginations. They offer indoor and dining poolside spaces, including a spacious indoor/outdoor bar, lounge, and firepit.

Live music performances and rotating DJs in the Poolside Garden add to the vibrant atmosphere. Signature dishes like mignon surf, Mediterranean sea bass, devil shrimp risotto, and truffle ravioli elevate the dining experience. The all-day brunch menu features delights like smoked salmon benedict, mignon poutine, and chicken and waffles. For something more hardy, order the Club Me chicken sandwich or GiGi’s signature burger with a short rib brisket blend.

Maleza at Drift Palm Springs

Maleza is a chic restaurant located within the Drift Palm Springs hotel. This stylish restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and contemporary design, making it a hotspot for both hotel guests and visitors looking to enjoy a memorable meal in a trendy setting.  There are both indoor and outdoor poolside spaces.

June through September offers a simple taco pop-up menu with steak, fish, shrimp, and carnitas tacos. Oysters and ceviche are also available. The regular full menu begins in October and will feature new selections.

Maleza hosts special events and themed nights, adding extra excitement for diners.

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