The 18 Best Happy Hours in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is home to one of the best downtown bar and restaurant scenes in America. It should come as no surprise, then, that the happy hours are out of this world. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best happy hours in Palm Springs. Many of these can be found downtown along Palm Canyon Drive, but some can also be found around the city and in neighboring Palm Desert, Indio, and Rancho Mirage.
Palm Springs Happy Hour Guide
Choosing the best happy hour is all about finding the vibe that works for you. Someone else’s favorite spot might not suit your own lifestyle or interests. For some people, price is the main factor, while for others, it will be proximity to their Palm Springs vacation home. We’ve compiled our best-of list with a few specific factors in mind. These variables should help you narrow down your choices and find a setting that works best for you.
Here are some of the factors to consider when looking for the best happy hour in Palm Springs:
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The Selection: Are you looking for a selection of bar bites? Or are you all about the cocktails? Some happy hours lean toward drinks, while others are more food-heavy.
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The Theme: Do you love the classic American tiki bar? Or do you prefer something more modern and eclectic? The theme will impact the entire vibe of the venue.
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The Crowd: Some happy hours appeal to retirees, while others are more college-oriented. Find your crowd, and you’ll feel most at home.
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The Music: Do you love loud hip-hop music? Classic rock? Or maybe you prefer a quieter atmosphere. It’s good to know what to expect before you venture into a loud bar or restaurant.
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The Value: Happy hours are about saving money, but as we all know, some places offer greater value than others. We’ve rated all of our favorite Palm Springs happy hours on a value scale of Good (for discounts of $2-$3), Great (for discounts of $4-$7), and Amazing (for the absolute best discounts).
With these factors in mind, here are our picks for spending the best happy hours in bars in Palm Springs, Downtown.
1. Bootlegger Tiki
Location: 1101 N Palm Canyon Dr. - Palm Springs
Hours: Daily from 4 PM - 6 PM; 12 AM -2 AM
@bootlegger tiki | source
The Bootlegger Tiki is a vibrant tiki bar with Polynesian decor, island-themed cocktails, and one of the best happy hours. The happy hour menu includes the bar’s signature daiquiris, mojitos, and more for just $5. Consider that the cocktails are normally $14 each, and you get an incredible deal.
The regulars have noted that the Bootlegger bartenders are very generous with the alcohol, even when you’re paying happy hour prices. While you’re enjoying your drink, be sure to try the sriracha coconut popcorn.
The Best Deal: The $5 daiquiris and mojitos
Fan Favorite: The house Mai Tai – $7.77 all day on Tuesdays.
Selection: An emphasis on cocktails, but they do have a $5 sloppy joe during happy hour.
Theme: Tiki (bamboo curtains, Polynesian decor, tiki statues…)
Crowd: Mostly college-aged and young professionals.
Music: Polynesian-inspired background music; not too loud or overbearing.
Value: Amazing
2. Revel Public House
Location: 140 S Palm Canyon Dr. - Palm Springs
Hours: All day
@revelpublichouse | source
Though happy hour prices are only available at the bar, the deals are irresistible. Local beers are on tap for just $6, and the generous discount food selection includes pizza, shrimp skewers, cheesy sloppy tots, chicken sliders, and more.
The Best Deal: Bacon, beef, and chorizo sliders for just $6
Fan Favorite: The $9 spicy lime drizzled shrimp
Selection: This happy hour leans more toward bar bites, but they also have $6 local beers and $11 sangria pitchers.
Theme: The facility is reminiscent of a casual, upscale pub.
Crowd: This place appeals equally to the younger party crowd and older wine and fine dining enthusiasts.
Music: The typical background music is a diverse selection of upbeat pop and top 40.
Value: Great
3. Tonga Hut
Location: 254 N Palm Canyon Dr. - Palm Springs
Hours: 5 PM -7 PM daily; 10 PM - midnight Sun.-Thu.; All day Wed.
@TongaHutPS | source
Tonga Hut is a legendary spot; the original LA location is the oldest tiki bar in Los Angeles, and the mai tais are among the best you’ll find outside the Hawaiian islands. During happy hour, you can enjoy $5 mai tais, $4 well drinks, and more.
The $5 tiki bites include egg rolls, chicken skewers, teriyaki beef skewers, and wedge salads. For just $10, you can try the ever-popular Kahlua pork slider with fries.
The Best Deal: $4 house chardonnay, cabernet, and merlot
Fan Favorite: The Rum Barrel: a rum-based tiki drink with flavors of falernum, spice, and exotic fruits.
Selection: The happy hour menu is a nice mix of good drinks, tiki drinks, and appetizers, with a couple of entrees thrown in for good measure.
Theme: Classic tiki with an array of Southwestern and desert flourishes.
Crowd: This is largely a younger, diverse crowd. Lots of tourists.
Music: Old-school island music is played in the early evening; disco and urban music are played late at night.
Value: Great
4. Zin American Bistro
Location: 198 S Palm Canyon - Palm Springs
Hours: Nightly until 6:30 PM (except holidays and special events)
Menu (food)
Menu (drink)
@zinpalmsprings | source
Zin American Bistro is a French-inspired eatery known for its incredible beer and wine selection and for the fact that it only offers grass-fed, locally sourced meats. Their daily happy hour includes $5 cocktails, beers, and wines, as well as a variety of their signature foods. Be sure to try their famous XXX Adult Macaroni and Cheese (featured as part of the happy hour selection).
The Best Deal: The Zin Sparkle, made with house Zinfandel, sparkling wine, and blackberries. Just $6 during happy hour.
Fan Favorite: XXX Adult Macaroni and Cheese, made with white cheddar, creamy fiscalini, and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Selection: The happy hour menu is evenly split among bar bites, wines, cocktails, and local beers.
Theme: This is an upscale wine bar and bistro.
Crowd: Typically 30-60 years of age, professional.
Music: None; a pretty quiet atmosphere.
Value: Great
5. 360 Sports at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
Location: 32-250 Bob Hope Dr. - Rancho Mirage
Hours: Daily from 10 PM -2 AM
@aguacalientecasinos | source
If you happen to find yourself at Agua Caliente, make sure to check out 360 Sports during happy hour. Well, drinks, craft beers, and other beer selections are just $4.50. For $7, you can try one of the bar’s signature cocktails. Appetizers—like their spicy pollo and queso flautas—are available for just $7.
The Best Deal: $3 domestic beers.
Fan Favorite: The Pompom Mojito is made with pomegranate, Bacardi Raspberry, blackberry, and lime.
Selection: The impressive selection largely includes bar bites, well-drinks, and beer.
Theme: This is a sports bar, so it can get a bit loud. But it’s a great place to watch the game.
Crowd: Skews over 30 and consists largely of sports lovers.
Music: This isn’t a music venue, but you can enjoy multiple sporting events at once on the massive screens.
Value: Amazing
6. The Tropicale
Location: 330 E Amado Road - Palm Springs
Hours: Daily from 4 PM -7 PM; Wednesday from 4 PM -10 PM
@thetropicale | source
Not only does the Tropicale Restaurant & Coral Seas Lounge serve excellent world cuisine, but they also have a really impressive happy hour. Their small plate selection incorporates most of their signature dishes, including their popular jalapeño chicken sausage pizza and Korean steak bbq tacos.
The Best Deal: Kobe sliders with gruyere and red onion marmalade—$13 during happy hour
Fan Favorite: Spicy Korean steak tacos with kimchi and scallions—$12 during happy hour.
Selection: The daily happy hour menu emphasizes their small plate selections, but they also have rotating drink specials.
Theme: This place provides a nostalgic atmosphere, a throwback to old-school supper clubs and cocktail bars.
Crowd: This venue tends to attract guests over 40 looking for quality food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Music: Live piano music can often be enjoyed inside the bar.
Value: Great
7. The Reef Palm Springs
Location: 411 E Palm Canyon - Palm Springs
Hours: Drinks from 2 PM - 6 PM and 10 PM-midnight; Food specials from 3 PM - 6 PM; weekdays only
@roryjsnyder | source
If you want a great happy hour with a ‘60s vibe, look no further than The Reef. See vintage movies on large screens while enjoying generous discounts on signature drinks. The happy hour small plates are actually substantial; if you order the $5 slider with fries, you receive a full-sized burger. The $5 chicken fingers plate also offers a generous portion, and the cocktails are massive.
The Best Deal: Mai tais and other tiki drinks are just $6.50 during happy hour.
Fan Favorite: The Elegant Bastard, a sweet cocktail made with ginger beer. It’s only $7 during happy hour.
Selection: Beers, cocktails, tiki drinks, and bar bites are all abundant during happy hour.
Theme: 1960s mod meets tiki. Very eclectic and very cool.
Crowd: Young and old, everyone loves The Reef. It’s one of the most popular bars in town.
Music: Polynesian-themed
Value: Great
8. Truss N Twine
Location: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr. - Palm Springs
Hours: Daily from 4 PM - 6 PM
@trussandtwine | source
When we’re talking about the best happy hours in Palm Springs, we can’t leave out Truss N Twine. There, you’ll a variety of delicious and stiff cocktails on the happy hour menu. Other deals include oysters and the crowd-favorite oxtail grilled cheese sandwich.
The Best Deal: Red snapper crudo with golden beet, pink peppercorn, and shiso pesto—$10 during happy hour.
Fan Favorite: Locals rave about the Game Changer, a cocktail made with gin, lime, cucumber, celery bitters, and onion brine sugar.
Selection: The happy hour offerings are comprised of discounts on select bar bites, wines, and cocktails.
Theme: An intimate modern bar setting; small, open, and casual.
Crowd: This is a younger crowd, largely college-aged.
Music: Downtempo background music plays most hours. Live DJs play eclectic sets at night. Music styles may include salsa, disco, hip-hop, and pop.
Value: Good
9. 4 Saints
Location: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
Hours: 4 PM - 10 PM daily
4 Saints is a stylish Palm Springs rooftop restaurant with stunning mountain views. Enjoy creative cocktails, California wines, and modern American fare with a Southern twist. Surprise happy hour deals and innovative cocktails await.
The Best Deal: Happy Hours Sunday-Thursday (4 - 6 PM)
Fan Favorite: Smoked Trout, Lobster Roll, Beet Salad
Selection: Assortment of grilled steaks
Theme: Upscale Family Rooftop Restaurant
Crowd: All ages can be seen here, but the crowd is mostly posh.
Music: None
Value: Great
10. Ruben and Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Location: 241 E Tahquitz Canyon Way - Palm Springs
Hours: Daily 9 PM to close
@russ2072 | source
A popular hotspot among Coachella and Stagecoach attendees, this cozy bar and grill is known for offering some of the best oysters in the valley. For as little as $4, you can try the delicious street tacos. Though drink specials are harder to come by, you can still get great deals on cocktails, which start at just $7.50.
The Best Deal: It’s all about the oysters. Their famous oyster shooters are available on the happy hour menu for just $3.
Fan Favorite: Again, we have to go with the oyster shooters. People come from far and wide just to try them.
Selection: The happy hour specials lean more toward food than drinks, but that’s not to say that good drink deals can’t be found.
Theme: Think casual beachside bar and grill—it just happens to be far from the beach.
Crowd: Older millennials and Gen-X.
Music: None
Value: Amazing
11. Wilma & Frieda’s
Location: 155 S Palm Canyon Dr. Ste A21-A27 - Palm Springs
Hours: 4 PM -6 PM daily
@wilmafrieda | source
If you’re looking to save on some savory foods, you’ve come to the right place. There are actually two Wilma & Frieda locations in the area. The original, located in Palm Desert, was featured on the hit show Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.
The Palm Springs location is the new kid on the block, offering breakfast and brunch fare with dog-friendly accommodations and indoor and outdoor seating. Save on slow-roasted baby back ribs, duck fat fries, corn chorizo hush puppies, and even the jumbo shrimp cocktail.
The Best Deal: It’s evenly split. During happy hour, all bar menu items are $2 off.
Fan Favorite: Their famous duck fat fries served with gruyere cheese and truffle oil—$9.50 during happy hour.
Selection: Bar bites only. If you’re looking for drink deals, this isn’t the place.
Theme: All-American farm-to-table.
Crowd: This is the most family-oriented spot on our list.
Music: None
Value: Good
12. El Jefe (at the Saguaro Hotel)
Location: 1800 East Palm Canyon Dr - Palm Springs
Hours: 3 PM - 6 PM, Mon-Fri
@saguarohotels | source
With its colorful mid-century modern architecture and eclectic decor, the Saguaro is one of the most visually stunning sights in Palm Springs. Head into the spacious lobby, and you’ll find El Jefe, a bar and grill that offers some great happy hour deals like $5 well drinks and beers. If you’re a guest at the hotel, you can even score a $30 dining credit for every night you stay; use that credit to indulge in all of the great deals at El Jefe, Palm Springs.
The Best Deal: The signature Cantina Margarita—just $5 during happy hour.
Fan Favorite: The $5 sangria is a big hit.
Selection: Drinks only. Choose between good drinks, beer, and sangria.
Theme: Like the rest of the hotel, the El Jefe is awash in neon colors and mid-century modern decor. However, this small corner of the hotel is also peppered with Southwestern and desert flourishes.
Crowd: The Saguaro appeals heavily to college-aged tourists. Like many Palm Springs hotspots, it has sizable LGBTQ+ representation.
Music: As the venue is attached to the hotel lobby, it’s not a spot for loud music. The vibe is quiet and relaxing.
Value: Good
13. Eureka!
Location: 74985 Highway 111 - Indian Wells
Hours: Daily from 2 PM -5 PM; 9 PM - close
@eurekaindianwells | source
For cozy all-American fare and great happy hour deals in Indian Wells, head to Eureka. Their “Hoppy Hour” deals include $6 bar bites like truffle cheese fries, chicken nachos, and fried chicken sliders. Drinks include $5 Spring 44 vodka and $4 Buffalo Trace bourbon. Select beer and wine selections are also $2 off during happy hour.
The Best Deal: On Tuesdays, all wine selections are 50% off all day.
Fan Favorite: The $6 mac ‘n cheese balls are a huge hit.
Selection: You can find deals on bar bites, wines, spirits, Bloody Marys, and mimosas.
Theme: American casual dining with an impressive bar.
Crowd: Young urbanites and families dominate the diverse clientele.
Music: The restaurant plays carefully curated house music selections throughout the day; on Thursday nights, guests can enjoy live music from local acts.
Value: Great
14. 1501 Uptown Gastropub
Location: 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM; 10 AM - 9 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
If you’re looking for a cozy vibe, Uptown Gastropub is the place for you. It has a bar right in the center of the restaurant where you can enjoy sporting events with your drinks. It offers a range of seasonal freshly prepared food, a comprehensive drinks selection, and first-class service.
The Best Deal: $2 off regular-price house wine, all draft beer $2, and well cocktails. Happy hour selection also includes 1501 burgers.
Fan Favorite: Fresh salad to fish and chips to the Chicken sandwich, everything
Selection: Comprehensive drinks selection
Theme: Rustic-chic gastro pub
Crowd: Most people who are into sports
Music: Loud
Value: Good
15. Kaiser Grille Palm Springs
Location: 205 S Palm Canyon Dr - Palm Springs
Hours: 3 PM - 6 PM daily
@kaisergrilleps | source
With its relaxing atmosphere and varied menu, Kaiser Grille is a great place to take in an afternoon happy hour. Enjoy $6 house martinis, $5 house wines, and $2 off draft beers. You’ll have to sit at the bar or patio to get these deals, but it’s worth it.
The Best Deal: The Classic Margarita, made with Rancho Alegre Blanco tequila, is a steal at just $5 during happy hour.
Fan Favorite: The Blue Palm Springs, a signature cocktail, is available for $12 during happy hour.
Selection: The happy hour deals are largely limited to drinks, but three-course meal days are available all day.
Theme: An upscale bistro with artisanal dishes, great wine selections, and a relaxed ambiance.
Crowd: Well-dressed Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers dominate the clientele.
Music: None
Value: Great
16. Paulbar
Location: 3700 E Vista Chino - Palm Springs
Hours: 4 PM - 7:15 PM daily
@marindog | source
It may not look like much from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find yourself in a great bar with an even greater happy hour. Specialty cocktails and wine are just $8, frozen sidecars are $7, and beers are just $5.
The Best Deal: Selections are limited, but the $5 beers are the best deals in the house.
Fan Favorite: The $8 Manhattan is a local favorite.
Selection: Happy hour offerings include cocktails, wine, and beer.
Theme: This is a traditional American bar, somewhat dark on the inside but very well-maintained.
Crowd: The crowd tends to skew over 40. This is a great place to go if you want to connect with other Gen-Xers.
Music: Classic and contemporary jazz music is frequently played at this bar.
Value: Good
17. Pinocchio in the Desert
Location: 134 E Tahquitz Canyon Way - Palm Springs
Hours: 7:30 AM - 2 PM daily
@ronoliver | source
Like Wilma & Frieda’s, this is a good spot to hit when you’re looking for early bird deals. However, just because it’s early in the day doesn’t mean you can’t score discounts on great adult beverages. Well, drinks and martinis are available for just $5, and the champagne deal is out of this world.
The Best Deal: Bottomless champagne is just $4.95 (with a 90-minute time limit).
Fan Favorite: For just $12, you can grab a burger and a martini!
Selection: The happy hour offers are simple: bottomless champagne, $5 well drinks, and $12 burger-martini combos.
Theme: Casual American bar and bistro.
Crowd: Though the place has a bit of a party atmosphere, it caters to all age groups and demographics.
Music: Music selections vary from jazz to Latin to pop, but they’re always spirited and upbeat.
Value: Amazing
18. Trio Restaurant
Location: 707 N Palm Canyon Dr - Palm Springs
Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM daily
@palmspringstrio | source
At Trio, they keep it simple for happy hour: $4 cocktails, $4 wine, $4 beer. They also offer an impressive selection of bar bites that include seafood cocktails, chicken chili rellenos, and calamari. Aside from that, they have other great deals that enable you to sample their otherwise pricey foods at a bargain price. For instance, their three-course meal offerings—available all day—let you try an appetizer, entree, and dessert for just $22. Not bad.
The Best Deal: Curried chicken, pot roast, BBQ pulled pork, and meatloaf—mix and match 2 for just $9.
Fan Favorite: The roasted pork tacos are made with slow-roasted pork, onions, cilantro, and fresh salsa. During happy hour, they’re three for $12.
Selection: With beer, cocktails, wine, and nearly two dozen bar bites to choose from, Trio offers an impressive selection.
Theme: Trio is a contemporary American eatery with an upscale dining room and a varied menu.
Crowd: This restaurant attracts families and couples.
Music: Upbeat electronic music plays over loudspeakers in the venue. If you love EDM, this may be the perfect spot.
Value: Great
Our Picks for the 3 Best Happy Hours in Palm Springs
As you can see, there is no shortage of happy hour selections in the Downtown Palm Springs Bars. If we had to narrow it down to our three favorites, though, we’d have to go with:
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Bootlegger Tiki: With $5 daiquiris, world-class tiki decor, and a history that stretches back to 1953, Bootlegger Tiki is an essential stop.
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Zin American Bistro: With a selection of upscale appetizers, wines, and cocktails, this is the ideal happy hour for those seeking more than just draft beers and cheese fries.
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Eureka: Eureka has one of the most varied happy hour selections in the area, with options ranging from appetizers to top-shelf spirits.
Did we miss your favorite happy hour location or deal? Please share your favorites in the comments!