Just when you thought the festivities of the holiday season were over, three local bars recently opened to toast The New Year and inject some new excitement to the bar, lounge and club scene in downtown Palm Springs.
Representative of the multi-dimensional cultures and communities that converge in Palm Springs, these new venues offer something for everyone.
Chill Lounge & Video Bar
photo courtesy of chill bar
A new place to chill on Arenas Road in Palm Springs surrounded by screens playing music videos.
Newly opened in the former Rainbow Bar & Grill Space in the mecca of bars along Arenas Road, Chill Lounge & Video Bar is a casual and welcoming new spot on the gay bar scene. Described by owner Mike Cullen as “a place to hang out and be whatever people want it to be,” the main bar is large enough to hold a solid crowd. Music videos provide a fun backdrop for conversation and the video screens will be available for sports and other TV viewing events. There is also seating outdoors and a separate space that is still under wraps ,but could be large enough for a lounge and club area with a dance floor. Stay tuned.
217 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs, 760-327-1079.
Hester
photo courtesy of hester
Farm to Bar cocktails are mixed up at Hester with fresh fruits and herbs displayed on the bar counter and spirits lining the shelves.
Hester recently opened by the same owner as Farm in La Plaza with décor that is decidedly vintage, with a modern speakeasy vibe. Couches create an intimate seating set-up with the bar toward the back along with space for a DJ. Cocktails are described as “farm-to-bar” with fresh fruits, herbs, and specialty spirits in a constantly rotating list. Saturday nights currently feature a DJ spinning light R&B and Soul tunes or a live three-piece Blues band. Hester is in the space formerly occupied by Clinic on Indian Canyon, straddling the Hard Rock Hotel and Arenas bar scene. Hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
188 S. Indian Canyon Road, Palm Springs, 760-218-6439.
The Palm House Night Club
photo by lori Cohen-Sanford
The Palm House boasts a full night club experience with a 2,000 square-foot dance floor, full DJ sound and light set-up, and VIP booth seating.
The Palm House opened on New Year’s Eve., showcasing Los Angeles based Scott Gold (www.scottgoldofficial.com), who will reign as resident DJ on Friday and Saturday nights with guest DJs also scheduled to rotate through. The concept for the lounge and club is a mix of “Old Hollywood Night Club” and modern electronica dance music. The bar/lounge area is a more casual place to order drinks named after the movie icons who defined Palm Springs' nightlife. The club has a 2,000 square foot dedicated dance floor and a DJ booth with equipment and lights designed by G.C. Pro out of Los Angeles. The club also features a “Shots Bar” with liquor promotions. Open Thursday through Sunday with lounge hours 6-9 p.m., and club hours from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-778-3520; www.thepalmhousepalmsprings.com
Lori Cohen-Sanford is a private/personal chef, cooking class instructor and owner of Nourishfoods Organic Meal Services www.nourishfoods.biz. Her food column, Tastes Around Town, will appear weekly on Wednesdays. Have a story idea? You can contact Lori at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @nourishfoodsps.
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