From tiki cocktails and rooftop sunsets to margaritas, dinner, and LGBTQ+ nightlife, discover some of Palm Springs' best places to unwind.
After a day of pool time, hiking, shopping, or exploring Palm Springs architecture, there's no better way to slow down than with a good drink and something to eat.
And in Palm Springs, happy hour comes in plenty of styles.
You can sip a Mai Tai in a historic tiki bar, enjoy margaritas and tacos at a colorful cantina, grab a cocktail with mountain views, or settle into a stylish restaurant where happy hour can easily turn into dinner. Palm Springs' LGBTQ+ bars also offer plenty of opportunities to start the evening early.
A quick note: Happy hour days, times, and specials can change, and some offers may be available only at the bar or on select days. Check directly with each business for current details.
Find Your Happy Hour
Looking for tiki cocktails? Try Bootlegger Tiki, The Reef, or Tonga Hut.
Want a rooftop, poolside setting or a view? Head to Rooftop 262 Bar & Grill, Palm Canyon Swim & Social, or Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar.
In the mood for margaritas and tacos? Try El Jefe Desert Cantina, Maleza, or Low Desert / Modern Mexican.
Want to stay for dinner? Consider Bar Issi, The Tropicale, Zin American Bistro, Eight4Nine, or Kaiser Grille.
Looking for LGBTQ+ nightlife? Start in the Arenas District at Chill Bar, Dick's on Arenas, Hunters Palm Springs, or Streetbar.
Want something casual and easygoing? Try 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Boozehounds Palm Springs, or Coachella Valley Brewing Company.
Tiki & Tropical Escapes
Palm Springs and tropical cocktails go together surprisingly well. Whether you're looking for a classic Mai Tai, a rum-forward original or an entire evening surrounded by vintage Polynesian décor, these spots bring plenty of personality to happy hour.
Bootlegger Tiki
Located in the former home of one of Palm Springs' original tiki destinations, Bootlegger Tiki is a must for anyone who loves classic tiki culture. The intimate bar serves creative cocktails alongside familiar tropical favorites in a setting that feels both historic and distinctly Palm Springs.
Best for: Rooftop drinks, mountain views, and sunset.
Happy Hour: First and last hour daily.
The Reef
A Palm Springs tiki institution inside the retro Caliente Tropics resort, The Reef brings together tropical drinks, island-inspired food, and plenty of Polynesian personality. Come for happy hour, stay for a Mai Tai—or make an evening of it.
Best for: Tropical drinks, casual food and retro Palm Springs atmosphere.
Happy Hour: Mon – Thu, Noon – 5 pm.
Tonga Hut Palm Springs
A longtime favorite among tiki enthusiasts, Tonga Hut serves classic and contemporary tiki cocktails in a relaxed, nostalgic setting. It's a good choice if you're serious about rum—or simply looking for a very Palm Springs way to start the evening.
Best for: Tiki enthusiasts, classic cocktails, and a casual night out.
Happy Hour: Tue. – Fri., 5 – 6 pm
Rooftops, Pools & Mountain Views
Sometimes the setting matters just as much as what's in your glass. Palm Springs offers plenty of places where happy hour comes with sunshine, mountain views, poolside energy or an elevated perspective on the city.
Rooftop 262 Bar & Grill
For a drink with a view, Rooftop 262 Bar & Grill offers an open-air setting where you can relax above the city and take in the surrounding mountains. It's an easy choice for visitors looking to combine happy hour with sunset.
Best for: Rooftop drinks, mountain views, and sunset.
Happy Hour: Daily, 3–7 pm
Canopy Wine Lounge
Canopy Wine Lounge offers a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for wine, cocktails, and conversation, with a beautiful outdoor space and views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Its daily afternoon happy hour makes it an appealing stop after exploring downtown Palm Springs or before heading out for dinner.
Best for: Wine, mountain views, stylish surroundings and an afternoon drink.
Happy hour: Daily, 3–5 pm
Chi Chi
Set around the Avalon’s pool, Chi Chi brings a stylish, relaxed Palm Springs atmosphere to happy hour. With creative cocktails, coastal-inspired food and a chic poolside setting, it feels a little more elevated while still being ideal for an afternoon drink or early-evening bite.
Best for: Poolside cocktails, stylish surroundings and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Happy Hour: Sun. - Thur., 3–5 pm
Palm Canyon Swim & Social
Palm Springs pool culture meets cocktails at Palm Canyon Swim & Social. The retro-inspired setting is designed for lounging, socializing, and extending that vacation feeling well into the afternoon.
Best for: Poolside drinks, daytime happy hour, and desert style.
Happy Hour: Mon. - Fri., 3–6 pm
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
The outdoor setting at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar makes it an easy stop after shopping or exploring downtown. Settle in with a cocktail, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and stay for live music or something to eat.
Best for: Casual cocktails, outdoor seating, and downtown Palm Springs.
Happy Hour: Bar, 3–5 pm daily.
Margaritas, Tacos & Latin Flavors
Palm Springs has no shortage of places to pair a margarita with tacos, small plates, and Mexican-inspired flavors. These are the places to go when you're looking for something festive, flavorful, and easygoing.
Blue Coyote Bar & Grill
A longtime downtown favorite, Blue Coyote Bar & Grill brings a lively Southwestern atmosphere to Palm Canyon Drive. With margaritas, Mexican-inspired dishes and a festive patio setting, it's an easy stop after shopping or sightseeing downtown.
Best for: Margaritas (Go for the Wild), Southwestern flavors and a lively downtown atmosphere.
Happy Hour: Bar only, Sun–Thu, 3:30–5:30 pm.
El Jefe Desert Cantina
Located at The Saguaro, El Jefe Desert Cantina brings together colorful surroundings, tequila, margaritas and Mexican-inspired dishes. It's a lively choice for a late-afternoon drink that may turn into dinner.
Best for: Margaritas, tacos and a lively Palm Springs atmosphere.
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, Noon–6 pm
Casa Blanca Palm Springs
Family-owned and known for its welcoming atmosphere, Casa Blanca Palm Springs serves classic Mexican and seafood dishes alongside margaritas, beer and cocktails. It's a comfortable choice for visitors looking for a relaxed meal and a traditional Palm Springs Mexican restaurant experience.
Happy Hour: Weekdays, 3–6 pm.
Maleza
Located at the Drift Hotel, Maleza draws on Mexican street food and brings a more contemporary approach to tacos, crudos, and cocktails. It's a good option if you're looking for something a little more chef-driven while still keeping the mood relaxed.
Best for: Modern Mexican flavors, creative cocktails, and small plates.
Happy Hour: Sun. - Thur., 4 - 6 pm
Low Desert / Modern Mexican
Low Desert brings a contemporary approach to Mexican food, with street-food influences, small plates, and cocktails. Its Smoke Tree Village location makes it a convenient choice for visitors exploring the south end of Palm Springs.
Best for: Tacos, small plates, and a modern take on Mexican cuisine.
Happy Hour: 2–5 pm daily.
Maracas Mexican Cantina & Grill
Located in downtown Palm Springs, Maracas Mexican Cantina & Grill offers a festive setting for margaritas, Mexican favorites, and an easygoing happy hour. Its central location makes it a convenient stop before dinner, shopping, or a night out.
Best for: Margaritas, Mexican food, and downtown Palm Springs.
Happy Hour: Weekdays, 3–5 pm
Happy Hour That Turns Into Dinner
Some happy hours are simply the beginning of the evening. These Palm Springs restaurants offer the kind of atmosphere and menus that make it easy to order another drink, settle in, and stay for dinner.
1501 Uptown Gastropub
Located in the Uptown Design District, 1501 Uptown Gastropub is a relaxed choice for cocktails, beer, and approachable food. With indoor and outdoor seating and mountain views, it's a natural stop after an afternoon of shopping and exploring Uptown.
Best for: Casual food, craft drinks, and Uptown exploring.
Happy Hour: Daily, 3–5 pm
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
Bright, modern, and unmistakably Palm Springs, Eight4Nine is a popular choice for drinks, dinner, and people-watching. The restaurant's lounge and patio make it especially appealing when you want happy hour to feel like a night out.
Best for: Cocktails, patio dining and a stylish Palm Springs evening.
Happy Hour: All day in the lounge.
The Tropicale
With its neon-lit interior, retro-tropical design and lively patio, The Tropicale is practically built for transitioning from afternoon to evening. Come for a cocktail and stay for dinner, conversation and the Palm Springs atmosphere.
Best for: Retro glamour, cocktails and a lively crowd.
Happy Hour: 4–7 pm daily and all day Wednesday.
Zin American Bistro
Wine lovers should put Zin American Bistro on their list. Along with cocktails and a broad wine selection, the restaurant offers a menu that makes it easy to settle in for a full meal.
Best for: Wine, oysters, cocktails and dinner.
Happy Hour: 11–6 pm weekdays & 3–6 pm weekends (bar)
Purple Room
For a dose of old-school Palm Springs glamour, Purple Room combines cocktails, dinner and live entertainment in a setting with serious history. It's particularly well suited to visitors who want an evening experience that feels distinctly Palm Springs. (Note: they close in summer)
Best for: Classic cocktails, dinner and live entertainment.
Happy Hour: Tue–Thu, 4–6 pm
Kaiser Grille
A Palm Springs dining institution, Kaiser Grille offers an extensive menu of appetizers, small plates and entrées in a lively setting. It's an easy place to settle in for drinks and turn happy hour into a full meal.
Best for: Wine, cocktails, shareable plates and dinner.
Happy Hour: 3:30–6 pm daily
LuLu California Bistro
LuLu California Bistro combines a lively atmosphere with a broad menu and generous bar offerings. Its central location makes it a convenient choice for visitors who want to start with a drink and stay for dinner.
Best for: Groups, cocktails, patio dining, and a wide-ranging menu.
Happy Hour: All day at the bar.
Sammy G's Tuscan Grill
Sammy G's Tuscan Grill brings Italian-inspired cuisine, cocktails, and live entertainment together in a lively downtown setting. It's a particularly good choice when dinner and entertainment are both part of the plan.
Best for: Italian-inspired food, cocktails, and live entertainment.
Happy Hour: Sun. - Thurs., All Day - Fri. & Sat., 4–7 pm
The Thirsty Palms
A casual downtown spot, The Thirsty Palms offers approachable cocktails, beer, and small bites in a relaxed setting. It's an easy place to start the evening before moving on—or simply stay for dinner.
Best for: Casual drinks, small bites and an easygoing evening.
Happy Hour: 2–5 pm daily.
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Thai Smile offers classic Thai dishes in a casual, welcoming setting, making it a good option when you're looking for something beyond the usual bar food. Start with a drink and appetizers, then stay for a flavorful dinner.
Best for: Thai cuisine, casual dining and a change of pace.
Happy Hour: 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Manhattan in the Desert
At Manhattan in the Desert, New York deli vibes meet Palm Springs — steaks, seafood, American classics, and cocktails.
Happy Hour: 3–5 pm daily
Casual Drinks & Easygoing Happy Hours
Sometimes you just want a cold beer, a good cocktail, and somewhere comfortable to relax after a day of exploring.
Boozehounds Palm Springs
Dog-friendly, stylish and relaxed, Boozehounds Palm Springs is a popular Uptown stop for drinks and food. If you're traveling with your four-legged companion, it's an especially easy choice.
Best for: Dog-friendly dining, cocktails and a relaxed Uptown atmosphere.
Happy Hour: Wed. - Mon.,3–5 pm. They close at 3 pm on Tue. & Wed.
Chicken Ranch
Chicken Ranch brings a relaxed, approachable atmosphere to Palm Springs with rotisserie chicken, cocktails, beer and casual comfort food. It's an easy choice for a laid-back drink and a bite without committing to a full evening of fine dining.
Best for: Casual cocktails, comfort food and an easygoing atmosphere.
Happy Hour: 3–5 pm daily
Gertie's Salon & Bar
Part cocktail lounge, part gathering place, and part cultural hub, Gertie's Salon & Bar offers a more intimate setting for drinks and small bites. The atmosphere makes it a good choice when you're looking for conversation and something a little different.
Best for: Cocktails, conversation, and live entertainment.
Happy Hour: 5-6:30 pm daily
Smokin' Burgers & Lounge
If you're craving a burger and a drink, Smokin' Burgers & Lounge is a natural fit. This casual Smoke Tree Village favorite serves handcrafted burgers alongside beer, cocktails, and other easygoing fare.
Best for: Burgers, casual drinks, and a relaxed meal.
Happy Hour: 3–6 pm & 9-11 pm
LGBTQ+ Bars & Nightlife
Chill Bar
Chill Bar offers two distinct experiences, from a more relaxed front bar to a high-energy space with DJs, performers and dancing. Daily drink specials vary, making it worth checking the schedule when planning your night.
Best for: DJs, dancing, drag and a lively crowd.
Dick's on Arenas
Dick's on Arenas is a leather-and-Levi's themed LGBTQ+ bar in the Arenas District, with a relaxed, neighborhood-bar atmosphere and rotating drink specials throughout the week. It's a good place to grab a drink and ease into an evening of Palm Springs nightlife.
Best for: Leather and Levi's culture, casual drinks and a relaxed LGBTQ+ bar atmosphere.
Streetbar
With its neighborhood-bar feel and long history in Palm Springs' LGBTQ+ community, Streetbar is a good choice for a casual drink and conversation. Daily drink specials change throughout the week.
Best for: A relaxed neighborhood atmosphere and drink specials.
Hunters Palm Springs
A longtime Palm Springs LGBTQ+ favorite, Hunters is known for drag shows, karaoke, DJs and themed nights. Drink specials vary throughout the week, giving you another reason to check the calendar before heading out.
Best for: Drag, karaoke, dancing and entertainment.
Tool Shed
Tool Shed offers a distinctive leather-and-Levi atmosphere along with daily drink specials and regular events. Its lineup of themed activities gives it a character all its own within Palm Springs' LGBTQ+ nightlife scene.
Best for: Leather culture, themed events, and a distinctly local bar experience.
Tips for Happy Hour in Palm Springs
Check before you go - Happy hour times, menus, and specials can change. Some offers are available only at the bar, on weekdays or during specific seasons.
Happy hour can start early - Palm Springs embraces the early evening. Especially during warmer months, happy hour can be a great way to enjoy a drink and a bite before heading back to the pool—or before dinner.
Consider your location - Downtown and the Arenas District are easy to explore on foot, which makes it simple to move from one bar or restaurant to another. Uptown offers another strong concentration of restaurants and bars, particularly for visitors spending the day shopping or exploring the Uptown Design District.
Don't be afraid to stay for dinner - Some of Palm Springs' best happy hour experiences happen at restaurants where the evening naturally unfolds into dinner, live music or entertainment. The first cocktail is often just the beginning.
FAQs
When is happy hour in Palm Springs?
Happy hour times vary by business, but many Palm Springs restaurants and bars offer specials during the afternoon or early evening. Some venues also have late-night specials or extended happy hours on certain days. Check directly with the business for current hours and offers.
Where can I find tiki happy hour in Palm Springs?
Bootlegger Tiki, The Reef and Tonga Hut are three popular Palm Springs destinations for tiki cocktails and tropical drinks.
Where can I find a rooftop or scenic happy hour in Palm Springs?
Rooftop 262 Bar & Grill offers an elevated setting with mountain views, while Palm Canyon Swim & Social and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar offer outdoor settings for enjoying drinks in the desert.
Where should I go for margaritas and tacos during happy hour?
El Jefe Desert Cantina, Maleza, and Low Desert / Modern Mexican are good options for margaritas, tacos, and Mexican-inspired food.
Which Palm Springs happy hours are good for dinner?
Eight4Nine, The Tropicale, Zin American Bistro, and Kaiser Grille are all good choices when you want to begin with cocktails and stay for a full dinner.
Are there LGBTQ+ bars with happy hour or drink specials in Palm Springs?
Yes. Palm Springs has a vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, particularly in and around the Arenas District. Chill Bar, Dick's on Arenas, Hunters, and Streetbar are among the popular places to start an evening.