When it comes to pouring on the good times, the desert has no shortage of spirited venues.
Though much can be said about the contents of the cocktail, a bar’s ambiance is equally key. From quiet, romantic nooks to rollicking rocker joints, the desert has the watering hole to suit your mood.
Vibe: Hipster
Bar: Ace Hotel & Swim Club
What to expect: Dark and moody at the bar or rockin’ in one of two pools.
Details: 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-325-9900; www.acehotel.com/palmsprings
Vibe: Group party time
Bar: Bar
What to expect: Signature Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and other whiskey drink while guest DJs run the dance floor.
Details: 340 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-537-7337; www.barwastaken.com
Vibe: Cool, romantic, breezy
Bar: Birba
What to expect: Sitting outside and soaking up mountain views with an eclectic young crowd.
Details: 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-327-5678; www.birbapalmsprings.com
Vibe: Sophisticated chic with a 1940s air
Bar: Citron
What to expect: Apéritifs, retro-style cocktails, and a big wine list.
Details: 415 S. Belardo Rd., Palm Springs.
760-320-4117; www.viceroypalmsprings.com
Vibe: Disco-loving party animals
Bar: Copa
What to expect: Live entertainers during the week, beer blast on Sundays.
Details: 244 E. Amado Rd., Palm Springs.
760-866-0021; www.coparoomps.com
Vibe: Coachella
Bar: Date Shed
What to expect: New indie bands from rock to soul.
Details: 50725 Monroe St., Indio.
760-775-6699; www.dateshedmusic.com
Vibe: Pretty people rocking at the beach
Bar: Hacienda Cantina & Beach Club
What to expect: Buff 20-somethings, pumping music, and spicy cocktails.
Details: 1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-778-8954; www.haciendacantina.com
Vibe: Trendy L.A. sophisticates
Bar: Hard Rock Hotel
What to expect: Bar-goers claiming a prize spot at the bar right in the middle of the action.
Details: 150 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-325-9676; www.hrhpalmsprings.com
Vibe: Serene people-watching with a Zen crowd
Bar: HooDoo Patio Restaurant & Bar
What to expect: Live entertainment on the patio Thursday to Saturday.
Details: 285 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-969-6081; www.hyattpalmsprings.com
Vibe: Hot and heavy
Bar: Hunters
What to expect: Gay men on a packed dance floor letting off steam.
Details: 302 E. Arenas Rd., Palm Springs.
760-323-0700; www.hunterspalmsprings.com
Vibe: High desert rowdy
Bar: Pappy & Harriet’s
What to expect: Eating juicy barbecue while listening to country, blues, and rock.
Details: 53688 Pioneertown Rd., Pioneertown.
760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com
Vibe: See and be seen
Bar: Starlite Lounge
What to expect: ’50s/’60s retro-chic that Liberace would have loved.
Details: 1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-327-8311; www.psriviera.com
Vibe: Casual, mixed crowd of mostly tourists
Bar: Tonga Hut
What to expect: Classic tiki bar atmosphere and specialty drinks.
Details: 245 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-322-4449; www.tongahut.com
Vibe: High-energy dance club
Bar: Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
What to expect: Drag queen performances and go-go boys.
Details: 2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr., A-100, Palm Springs.
760-416-7584; www.toucanstikilounge.com
Vibe: 20-something sports bar
Bar: Village Pub
What to expect: Party atmosphere on multiple levels with live bands and big-screen TVs.
Details: 266 Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-323-3265; www.new.palmspringsvillagepub.com