Nothing puts the kabash on an evening faster than those two fateful words, “Last call!” A night to remember can go right down the tubes when prematurely cut short.
While many Palm Springs bars and around the Coachella Valley close their doors by 11 p.m., some wait until midnight to wrap up the party. A few hang on until 1 a.m.; serious drinking havens wait until the clock strikes two. Flight delays are no match for these establishments that welcome the latest hours with skillful wide-eyed bartenders.
Some simple planning in advance can ensure a night on the town stretches on and on like a 1980s limo. (Happy bar-hopper tip: Always call first as hours can vary by the night and, in some cases, by the season.)
PHOTO COURTESY OF ACE HOTEL & swim club
The Amigo Room provides that indoor/outdoor experience.
Amigo Room and King’s Highway at Ace Hotel
Until 1 a.m. on weekends. Guests from L.A. give their nonchalant nods of approval to the ACE and their late-night duo. Both the cool dark bar and retro restaurant lined with booths are open later than most. Events like bingo, comedy, trivia, DJs, live music, and karaoke draw even those who have seen it all. 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760- 325-9900, www.acehotel.com
Bar
Until 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday; until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. An almost-too-cool hipster vibe flows through the open space at Bar and out to the patio. Weekend DJs take the groove up a notch at this urban cave that prides itself on old-school whiskey cocktails. 340 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-537-7337, www.barwastaken.com
photo courtesy of palm springs life archives
Beer Hunter is a perfect spot for sports fans catching those extra-inning baseball games.
The Beer Hunter
Until 1:30 a.m. nightly. Craft beers are making their presence known at the La Quinta sports-lovers institution since 1984. Watch the game from any angle thanks to well-placed screens and high pub tables and stools. 78-483 Highway 111, La Quinta, 760-564-7442, www.laquintabeerhunter.com
Bootlegger Tiki
Until 2 a.m. nightly. Small but mighty, this tiki-themed retreat has spilled its atmosphere and hand-crafted cocktails onto a new outdoor deck. Now there’s no excuse not to have a mai tai before you call it a night. 1101 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-318-4154, www.bootleggertiki.com
photo courtesy of Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
The Bar of Tokyo's lineup includes Japanese-inspired cocktails, sake, shochu, and microbrews.
Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise
Until 12 a.m. on Thursday; until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Bar of Tokyo inside this cosmopolitan sushi restaurant mixes Japan-inspired cocktails plus sake, shochu, Japanese whiskies, and unusual microbrews. On Friday and Saturday, a late-night happy hour keeps things interesting from 10 p.m. to close. 105 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-325-3005, www.otootorestaurant.com
Hair of the Dog
Until 2 a.m. nightly. Palm Springs feels like the city that never sleeps at this raucous English-style pub. Open at 7 a.m., it closes for just five hours a day. 238 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 323-9890
photo courtesy of parker palm springs
Take aa stool at the mini bar or take your drink and roam.
Mini Bar at Parker Palm Springs
Until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The hotel that never fails to impress delivers the same with its lobby bar. Perch on a stool or take your drink on the move, finding a place around the firepit, in a hanging swing, or outdoors in a garden alcove. It’s 11 p.m. closing time pushes into early morning on weekends. 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 770-5000, www.theparkerpalmsprings.com
The Purple Room Supper Club
Until 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Though known for live entertainment, non-ticketed shows are free on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, and Friday from 9 p.m. on. Mainstage ticketed shows run most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 9 p.m., with dinner reservations recommended. Details out of the way, this former Rat Pack hideout stays lively until the midnight hour. 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 322-4422, www.purpleroompalmsprings.com
photo courtesy of red barn
Red Barn has live bands and a 2 a.m. curfew.
Red Barn
Until 2 a.m. nightly. Casual fun is an understatement at the Barn. Pool tournaments, Sunday night karaoke, and dancing to live bands with names like Tattooed Nanny secure its reputation as a spirited lair for a mixed bag of night crawlers looking for a good time. 73-290 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, (760) 346-0191, www.redbarnpalmdesert.com
Rendezvous at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
Open 24/7. As busy as a hot slot machine, this cocktail lounge is secluded from the game-floor action yet right in the heart of it. This lounge makes it easy to wind down any late night or get your second wind: it never closes. 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, (888) 999-1995, www.hotwatercasino.com
Sundance Tequila Bar at the Spa Resort Casino
Until 2 a.m. nightly. Pitchers of beer seem pint-sized next to the 48 oz. and 96 oz. beers and margaritas served at this late-night casino bar. Local beers from Coachella Valley Brewing Co. are also on tap. 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs, (888) 999-1995, www.sparesortcasino.com
Tonga Hut
Tonga HutUntil 2 a.m. Thursday – Sunday. Polynesian fare and tropical cocktails match the throwback tiki décor throughout this meandering second-floor hideaway. A second happy hour pleases those getting off to a late start on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 10 p.m. to midnight. 254 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 322-4449, www.tongahut.com
Village Pub
Until 2 a.m. nightly. Colorful characters always find the indoor-outdoor Village Pub, a sports bar with a party vibe, hot wings, and live music. A blend of locals and tourists appreciate the “Music. Sports. Food.” motto that rings true until 2 a.m. 266 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 323-3265, new.palmspringsvillagepub.com
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