5 Fabulous Hidden Speakeasies in Palm Springs (But We’re Telling You Anyway)
If you think Palm Springs is all pool floats and brunch spots, you’re only skimming the surface. When the sun dips behind the San Jacinto mountains, the night magic begins. Tucked behind velvet curtains and unmarked doors are some of the coolest, most intimate speakeasies you’d never know were there – unless a local let you in on the secret. So consider this your official invite to dig deeper into low-desert nightlife because these hidden gems are serving moody lighting, jaw-dropping cocktails, and serious main-character energy.
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In the meantime, here are 5 Fabulous Hidden Speakeasies in Palm Springs (But We’re Telling You Anyway)…
1. Counter Reformation
Location: Inside Parker Palm Springs, 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr
Hours: Thursday–Monday, 5:00–10:00 PM
Vibe: Intimate wine bar with a European flair
Tucked within the lush grounds of the Parker Palm Springs, Counter Reformation offers a cozy setting reminiscent of a Parisian wine bar. With its eclectic wine selection (no spirits) and savory small plates, it's the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a chic pre-dinner drink. And there’s an actual confessional at the far end of the bar, should you feel the need for redemption after all the fun you’ve had in Palm Springs!
2. Seymour’s
Location: Inside Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, 233 E Palm Canyon Dr
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–12:00 AM
Vibe: Classic charm meets modern mixology
Behind an unassuming velvet curtain in Mr. Lyons Steakhouse hides Seymour’s, a bar that seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary cocktails. Its moody lighting and curated artwork create an ambiance that's both nostalgic and sophisticated. From the mixologists to the mysterious artwork throughout, it might make you feel like you’re in an episode of Mad Men.
3. The Evening Citizen
Location: 220 E Arenas Rd
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 5:00–10:00 PM; Friday & Saturday, 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
Vibe: Mysterious allure with a dash of noir
Shrouded in secrecy, The Evening Citizen invites guests into a world of intrigue. Hidden behind an unmarked back door in the heart of the Arenas district, this sexy little speakeasy feels like stepping into a noir film — if that film also served dangerously good cocktails. The vibe is sultry and conspiratorial, with vintage touches and candlelit corners that practically beg for secrets to be spilled. Looming over the bar is a dramatic portrait of German actor (and local legend) Udo Kier, whose icy stare might just judge your drink order. Pro tip: order the “Backstabber” – their brooding twist on a Prohibition-era Bees Knees – and sip it slowly. You never know who you’ll run into here… including Udo himself. Or was it just a mirage?
4. Tailor Shop
Location: 140 W Vía Lola Unit A
Hours: Nightly, 6:00 PM–12:30 AM
Vibe: Sophisticated elegance with bespoke cocktails
Tailor Shop brings the art of bespoke tailoring to the world of mixology. This sleek little hideaway on North Palm Canyon feels like a custom suit brought to life — plush, refined, and impeccably stitched together.
Tailor Shop humbly calls itself a “purveyor of fine spirits,” and we agree – it’s cocktail couture at its finest. Think elegant classics, unexpected pairings, and a chill vibe you can literally Shazam (their playlist is that good — and yes, the bartenders might even share it with you on Spotify).
Their small bites are just as dialed-in. Their dumplings are the kind of dish you order “for the table” and then subtly hoard. It’s the ultimate spot for date nights and sophisticated cocktails.
5. Bootlegger Tiki
Location: 1101 N Palm Canyon Dr
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 3:00–11:00 PM; Friday & Saturday, 3:00 PM–1:00 AM
Vibe: Tropical retreat with a vintage twist
Located right next to Tailor Shop, Bootlegger Tiki is your ticket to a low-lit island escape. There on sacred cocktail ground (a.k.a. the original Don the Beachcomber spot from 1953), this intimate hideaway is wrapped in bamboo, thatch, and just enough tiki kitsch to set your inner beach bum at ease.
Inside, it's cozy – we’re talking just a handful of bar stools and booths – but what it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in cocktail craftsmanship. Their not-so-traditional mai tai is a revelation. Bold, boozy, and just the right amount of “what happened last night?”
Swing by for happy hour – it happens during the first and last hour of each night. Just be sure to grab a reservation. It’s the perfect way to cap off an exciting evening (or start a very memorable one).
Why Palm Springs is a Must-Visit for Gay Travelers
There’s so much to experience here in Palm Springs. With its year-round sunshine, vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and rich cultural offerings, it's a place where every gay man can feel at home. Whether you're lounging by the pool, exploring hidden speakeasies, or making new connections, Palm Springs offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement that's hard to compete with elsewhere.
What secret speakeasies have you discovered in Palm Springs? Did we spill your favorite secret spot? Share your experiences!
If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.
Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?
In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – Glen Nadeau is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients.
A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by Palm Springs Life Magazine – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.
“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”
Visit Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
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