Party Like the Rat Pack

Party Like the Rat Pack

Frank Sinatra and his entourage made Greater Palm Springs their playground for decades, leaving their marks at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs

Marissa Willman Arts & Entertainment

Party Like the Rat Pack

The Riviera

This Palm Springs hotel and its decidedly 1960s-inspired motif often hosted Sinatra and friends, whether the entertainer was there to kick up his heels or perform in the Grand Ballroom. 1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-327-8311; www.psriviera.com
Enjoy a cocktail in the Rat Pack-worthy Starlite Lounge or an old school dinner of Veal Oscar at the hotel’s restaurant, Circa 59.

The Purple Room

One of the rare Rat Pack haunts to survive into the 21st century, The Purple Room Restaurant & Lounge combines creative California cuisine with live entertainment Frank and company would have loved. 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com
Sinatra even chose this classic supper club to propose to his wife, Barbara, and many a cocktail was enjoyed by the crooner at this still popular hangout.


Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra commading the stage.

Melvyn’s

At the Ingleside Inn’s fabled restaurant, staff clad in white tuxedo jackets prepares dinner at the table just the way it did for Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. It was here that Frank and Barbara hosted their pre-wedding dinner, and by the looks of this nostalgic dining room, not much has changed. 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-2323; www.inglesideinn.com/melvyns-restaurant
Order a Steak Diane prepared tableside and then indulge in martinis at the piano bar as lounge singers croon all the Rat Pack-era classics.

Johnny Costa’s

The Steak Sinatra at this Italian eatery isn’t just a namesake — after all, owner Johnny Costa personally cooked for the entertainer.  440 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-325-4556; www.johnnycostaspalmsprings.com
Not in the mood for steak? Try the Linguini with Clams, another Sinatra favorite.

Lord Fletcher’s

For more than 30 years, Sinatra feasted on the traditional English fare of Lord Fletcher’s in Rancho Mirage. It offered quiet, casual evenings — Sinatra even celebrated his 70th birthday here. 70385 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. 760-328-1161; www.lordfletcher.com
Dine in his footsteps by reserving his favorite table, marked by a portrait of The Chairman hanging on the wall.


(From left) Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Jack Carter perform at the Riviera Palm Springs in 1963.

Frank’s Place

A tribute to the man himself, Frank’s Place in Indian Wells offers an experience one would have enjoyed during Old Hollywood’s heyday, thanks to entertainer Frank DiSalvo. 76661 Highway 111, Indian Wells. 760-345-6466; www.indianwellsresort.com
Enjoy a ’60s-style cocktail lounge and retro dining room as DiSalvo entertains on weekends with classics by Sinatra, Dean Martin, and others.