Cocktails at The Penney restaurant at Desert Island Country Club.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DESERT ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB
PALM SPRINGS
Lulu California Bistro: With a lively outdoor patio and colorful multilevel main dining room centered around a bustling bar, there’s always a party at this downtown favorite. The unmissable happy hour includes a diverse assortment of beers, bites, wines, and cocktails.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
Playoffs Sports Lounge: Catch the game in a lively atmosphere at this local favorite. More than a sports bar, Playoffs also offers ongoing Rainbow Wednesdays where you can play bingo or trivia with your favorite drag queens.
CATHEDRAL CITY
The Roost Lounge: Happy hour happens daily at this lively hangout. Come for the $5 house wines and well cocktails and stay for the drag shows, karaoke, and cabaret.
RANCHO MIRAGE
Desert Island Country Club: Sample oysters, sea bream crudo, and other delectable bites at Desert Island’s restaurant, The Penney, where ingredients are king. The stylish space boasts views of the 18-hole golf course, which was private since the 1970s but opened to the public in 2022.
PALM DESERT
Cowboy Cantina: Saddle up and enjoy a taste of the Southwest. Cowboy Cantina’s menu is informed by rustic cooking techniques and promises a fusion of spices in every dish. For something sweet, try the giant signature sundae, topped with ancho chile caramel sauce.
INDIAN WELLS
Vicky’s of Santa Fe: Enjoy a wide selection of wine, beer, cocktails, steaks, and fine seafood at this adobe-style hotspot on Highway 111. For your final course, decide between classics such as homemade apple pie, chocolate layer cake, and tiramisu.
LA QUINTA (TIED)
Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill: You enjoy three for one at this Old Town La Quinta hotspot: amazing happy hour specials, delicious appetizers and entrées that are best passed among friends, and bartenders who can shake up almost anything you’re craving.
RD RNNR Libations, Pints & Plates: The only thing better than eating a cheeseburger is eating a cheeseburger paired with a cold draft beer on a patio. At this lively Old Town La Quinta hangout, you can have it all.
INDIO
Big Rock Golf & Pub at Indian Springs: A favorite among locals for live music, stiff drinks, and casual eats, this pub overlooking a stunning public golf course doubles as a music memorabilia museum. Grab a drink and challenge your buds to a game of corn hole in the outdoor beer garden.
COACHELLA
Augustine Casino: Experience the excitement of gaming at Augustine Casino, a favorite among locals for loose slots. Sip signature cocktails at Ayily Bar and savor delicious eats all day (including popular brunch, burgers, and dessert) at Café 54.