Sip and Savor Without Emptying Your Wallet at These Local Restaurants
Where there’s desert, there’s sun, and where there’s sun, there’s happy hour—at least in Greater Palm Springs. When the desert sun dips below the mountains, all towns in this valley transform into an oasis for happy hour enthusiasts. Whether you seek a cool draft beer on a breezy patio or a craft cocktail in a stylish lounge, Greater Palm Springs promises a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploration. With options that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets—from classic steakhouses to hip havens with midcentury vibes—this desert region invites you to toast to good food and even better deals. Here are 12 of the best happy hours in Greater Palm Springs.
Wally’s Desert Turtle
Happy Hour: All night long (in the lounge and bar only)
With a legacy that spans three generations, Wally’s Desert Turtle is a cherished institution in Rancho Mirage. An acclaimed space, this restaurant holds numerous awards, including OpenTable Diner’s Choice 2023. Renowned designer Steven Chase created the ambiance—a grand dining room that features mirrored ceilings, hand-painted murals and even Peruvian artifacts. There’s live music every night: Tony Bolivar leads instrumental smooth jazz, and Chris Lomeli joins with vocals on Thursdays.
In terms of food, the chef follows a farm-to-table ethos, and the menu reflects this commitment. You’ll find icons that designate grass-fed and vegetarian options, and even Wally’s classics have their own turtle icon. But what we’re really honored to share is that Wally’s boasts an all-night-long happy hour. Available only in the lounge and bar, you can order house wine by the glass and well cocktails for $10, imported beer for $6 and domestic beer for $5. Select from the Happy Hour & Bar Bites Menu for a complete experience—we recommend the Honolulu tuna tartare ($13) and lollipop grilled lamb chops ($15).
Location: Rancho Mirage
4 Saints
Happy Hour: Sunday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m.
With the stunning San Jacinto Mountains in the background, 4 Saints is a stellar Palm Springs dining destination, no matter the time of night. Seven stories above the town and with a 270-degree view, this restaurant atop The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs delivers creative cocktails, California wines and modern American fare. While details about the happy hour are kept secret until you arrive, the southern comfort menu provides a clue—think ube gnocchi, lobster ceviche and prime beef tartare. This restaurant is known for its innovative cocktail program, so come prepared to be wowed by new versions of old classics, like the date-infused Old Fashioned.
Location: Palm Springs
Twenty6 at La Quinta Resort & Club
Happy Hour: Daily, 3-5 p.m.
Imagine a hotel bar where the craft cocktails are not shy about identity, and you’ve arrived at La Quinta’s Twenty6. Take the James Bond Vesper Martini, for example—a little gin, a little vodka, a splash of Lillet Blanc, and of course, shaken and not stirred. But if you’re keeping a low profile, choose from house wine or draft beer for only $8 each during happy hour. Flatbreads are available, too—there are four options to consider, including our favorite, the margherita.
Location: La Quinta
Boozehounds
Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday, 5-6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 3-5 p.m.
If you’re looking for a place where dogs are welcome and the pours are generous, Boozehounds is your new go-to. Established in 2020, this restaurant created an atrium and patio that welcomes your four-legged companions\ while reserving the indoor spaces for humans only. Happy hour at this Palm Springs restaurant is all about boozy moments—we recommend their signature marg ($8), made with Teremana Reposado and Ancho Reyes, or their aptly named Up Dog ($10), made with vodka or gin and served “cold AF.” Should you roll in with other humans, grab a ricotta board ($15) and the lunchable ($16) for a shareable spread featuring the chef’s selection of meat and cheese. Or, make your pup jealous and indulge in a double cheeseburger before ordering fresh-baked cookies and booze-optional milk before bedtime.
Local Insight: Boozehounds offers a dog menu for your furry friends; they’ll love the Doggie TV Dinner with beef meatloaf, dog treat gravy, peas and carrots!
Location: Palm Springs
Shorebird
Happy Hour: Sunday-Thursday, 3-5:30 p.m. (bar seating only)
Those of us from SoCal know the craving for surf and turf. Luckily there are plenty of coastal eateries that fit the bill. Shorebird is among those, presenting a modern take on American classics. The wood-fire grill and rotisserie make the menu shine. Diners will find signature dishes like the Duroc heritage pork chop and Faroe Island’s salmon mignon. You also can’t go wrong with the happy hour menu! It features well drinks for $8, a $3 discount on all food items, half-price sushi rolls and a $2 discount on draft beers.
Location: Palm Desert
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Happy Hour: Sunday-Thursday, 4-6:30 p.m.
While chain restaurants often lack luster, there’s one outpost in Palm Desert that is the exception to the rule: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. This luxury dining destination is known for its fresh seafood, flown in from all over the world—not to mention its premium hand-carved steaks. The Palm Desert restaurant features an award-winning wine list and a lounge with live music every night. Happy hour has a name here: Eddie V’s Hours in the V Lounge. Every Sunday through Thursday, enjoy exclusive teasers from the chef alongside specially priced cocktails and wines by the glass.
Location: Palm Desert
Mr. Lyons Steakhouse
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Sunday, 5-7 p.m.
Originally established as Lyons English Grille in 1945, the space that houses Mr. Lyons Steakhouse was purchased from David Lyons in 2014 and brought back to life in 2015. This joint is as it sounds: steak, martinis and jazz are always on the menu. The happy hour stays on brand, too, with Mr. Lyons Honest Martini and the house Manhattan (both $9) as ideal options. In addition, wine, bubbles and beer are also on offer at discounted prices (ranging from $5-8). Order from a select happy hour menu of elevated snacks. These include discounted bites like the truffled steak tartare and crab rangoon.
Location: Palm Springs
Trio Restaurant
Happy Hour: Daily, 4-6 p.m.
Situated along North Palm Canyon Drive in the Uptown Design District, Trio Restaurant is an ideal destination after a day of shopping. This Palm Springs restaurant evokes midcentury modern design both inside and out. The decor is matched with a laid-back vibe and delicious food. Their happy hour offerings include $4 beers, $6 wines and well drinks and $10 martinis and bar bites. Try the Aziz Farms bacon-wrapped dates for $11 or housemade white cheddar biscuits with prosciutto for $9!
Local Insight: Stop in for Wine Wednesdays at Trio and enjoy 25% off the entire wine list!
Location: Palm Springs
The Tropicale
Happy Hour: Daily, 4-7 p.m. and Wednesday all night
Party vibes are status quo at The Tropicale, a Palm Springs restaurant and lounge that made waves when it opened in 2007. Inspired by 1960s-style supper clubs, this hotspot makes you feel like you’ve been invited to the swankiest house party this side of Beverly Hills. The cocktail program is full-on tiki—they even have a mojito menu. Happy hour here is big on food, featuring discounted small plates and pizzas that will feed a party crowd. Curate a tiny Thai feast for friends with pork lettuce cups, chicken skewers and green papaya salad.
Location: Palm Springs
TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill
Happy Hour: Daily, 3-5 p.m.
Located in the heart of Old Town La Quinta is a Mexican bar and restaurant that will have you dreaming of a trip below the border. With over 75 tequilas and 15 mezcals on the menu, TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill is a veritable desert oasis for agave spirits. Happy hour here happens every day, and the prices do not disappoint: $6 for margs, tequila shots, well drinks, house wine and beer. Get cozy at the bar with some classic street food options, like elote, sope, flautas and fish tacos (all under $10!).
Location: La Quinta
The Grill on Main
Happy Hour: Daily, 3-6 p.m.
Classic American fare is the standard at The Grill on Main, and this restaurant is among our top picks for the best outdoor dining in La Quinta. However, there’s also indoor dining and a shady, pet-friendly patio for those seeking a break from the sun. The atmosphere here is always lively, making it an ideal spot to come for happy hour. All the house wines, beer and single-liquor well drinks are discounted, and the food is plentiful. Our favorite happy hour bites include the cast-iron baked meatballs for $14 and the truffle tater tots for $9.50. While their premium bourbon selection doesn’t make it on the happy hour menu, don’t hesitate to take a peek at their extensive list.
Location: La Quinta
The Nest
Happy Hour: Daily, 4:30-6 p.m. and Wednesday all night (in the bar only)
A beloved Indian Wells establishment since 1965, The Nest is a family-owned passion project that brings together Mediterranean and Californian cuisine in perfect style. Adhere to the upscale dress policy and show up in style here, for good reason—The Nest is known as a destination for celebrities and sports legends alike. Settle in for a happy hour at the bar with daily drink specials and a generous food menu. We’d be remiss not to mention Dodi’s pasta or the Nestburger, both signature items that are worth the trip alone. Stick around for the nightly entertainment featuring local acts!
Local Insight: The Nest also offers an early bird special every day from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Diners can enjoy a three-course meal for $27.95!
Location: Indian Wells
