But they are becoming a real part of the present and future of the Greater Palm Springs area.
Melvyn’s Restaurant and The Purple Room are riding the wave of the nightclub scene comeback dating back to its 1950’s roots when “The Rat Pack” roamed the desert cities.
Just ask Mel Haber’s, owner of Melvyn’s Restaurant and Ingelside Inn.
“I am astounded, it really is a resurgence,” says Haber, who notes the crowds have grown younger recently than at any time in the past 39 years.
“I’m one of the few places that represents authentic Palm Springs,” Haber says. “Now I have a new generation that is supporting this place – and it’s really exciting.”
VIDEO: Hear from Mel Haber at Melvyn's and Tony Marchese at The Purple Room on why nightclubs are maiking a comeback.
Further down Palm Canyon is another famous hangout rich with Palm Springs glamorous past – The Purple Room at Club Trinidad, a long-time favorite since the 1960s. New owners Tony Marchese and Mark Van Laanen took over the renovations of the dated nightclub last year and gave it a more modern-day twist with an updated and remodeled stage.
Marchese says he’s not surprised about the current resurgence of supper clubs.
“People are going back to wanting to be entertained while they are eating,” he says. “People are looking for the whole packaged experience, food, entertainment and a dose of nostalgia.”
History, re-birth or resurgence, whatever the case, Melvyn’s and the Purple Room are where the new Palm Springs plays.
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The room comes alive once the supper club guests arrive.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
Most of the renovations went into remodeling the stage and updating it with a high performance sound system.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The Club Trinidad front entry sign continues to maintain its vintage style and look from the 1960’s.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The pool area maintains its traditional vintage U-shape design with multi-level walkways.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
This secluded fountain area of the Ingleside Inn offers a peaceful setting with lush green surroundings and stunning mountain views
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
Melvyn’s Restaurant offer a formal dinning area complete with elegant chandeliers and their famous cobb salad.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The Purpe Room walls are adorned with classic words of their most famous guests, like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and Dean Martin.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
Covered under a row of mature bougainvillea vines, Melvyn's offers a relaxed and cool setting for outdoor diners.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The Gand Band is the featured weekend entertainment.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The lobby at Club Trinidad has been updated with a modern twist.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
Melvyn’s piano bar area offers old-time favorites as well as new requested hits.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
Melvyn’s pool area sports a manicured lawn and southwest facing views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The Purple Room billboard shows the nightly lineup of musical acts.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The historic Spanish style restaurant offers valet service as you pull up and take in the history.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The Piano Bar continues to entertain guests of all ages.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
The street view of Melvyn's Restaurant and Ingleside Inn represents authentic Palm Springs.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence
Photo by Maria Zang
Melvyn’s Lounge and Bar area offers up nightly entertainment, and old photos of famous guests from the past.
Melvyn's Restaurant, The Purple Room Ride Resurgence