Bring Your Festival Boots to Kick Up Some Dust at Our Favorite Western Watering Holes
The Greater Palms Springs area is no stranger to fabulous Country Western fun. And in Indio, California, the Stagecoach Festival has made a home for itself for the past 18 years. Both inside and outside the iconic festival grounds, a love for country music and all things Western permeates the area—a treasured part of the vibrant Palm Springs culture. It should come as no surprise that the Greater Palm Springs area is home to some of the best country bars in the state. From swanky honky tonk lounges to raucous live music saloons, mere steps from the festival grounds, there is a little something for every country music lover out there. So read on to see our top picks for Western bars in Palm Springs and beyond, and be sure to check them out during your festival weekend. Best Western Bars Palm Springs
Cowboy Cantina
Located on El Paseo drive in the heart of Palm Desert, Cowboy Cantina takes inspiration from the culture of the American southwest to elevate its cuisine. With an expansive menu courtesy of acclaimed chefs Oscar Ayala and Johnny Vee, Cowboy Cantina’s food captures the authenticity of southwestern cuisine and makes it gourmet with the help of its all-star culinary team. Additionally, the beautiful, vintage decor here creates a nostalgic and cozy ambiance, making this the perfect place to unwind after a day of dancing at the festival. With an impressive array of specialty cocktails, it is also the perfect place to fuel up before heading out for the festivities.
Location: Palm Desert
Tack Room Tavern
Voted Indio’s “Restaurant of the Year” in 2019, Tack Room Tavern pays homage to old-school American cuisine by providing a fun and lively place for festival-goers to enjoy a delicious meal and some of the best handcrafted cocktails in the area. Located mere minutes from the Empire Polo Club, Stagecoach’s iconic festival grounds, Tack Room Tavern boasts an impressive menu, featuring everything from gourmet burgers to steaks sizzled to perfection. Yet it is their dedicated in-house mixologists, Nelson and Tito, who make this charming Indio staple a treat for your tastebuds. Inventing new artisanal cocktails seemingly on a whim, the bartenders at Tack Room Tavern are the stars of the show, making it the perfect place to refresh and refuel during your Stagecoach weekend.
Location: Indio
Babe’s BBQ + Brewery
It’s no secret that country music and authentic southern barbecue go hand in hand, so our list would be incomplete without a nod to one of the best barbecue spots in all of Southern California: Babe’s BBQ and Brewery. The desert’s first barbecue restaurant to have its own in-house brewery, Babe’s has been blessing taste buds with its closely guarded collection of family recipes for over 20 years. From their melt-in-your-mouth slow-smoked brisket to their hickory-smoked baby back ribs, this country bar in Rancho Mirage is a must-try for those attending Stagecoach this year. Be sure to sample some of their famous in-house brews—they’ll leave even the staunchest of beer connoisseurs speechless.
Location: Rancho Mirage
Palm Canyon Roadhouse
For those planning to bring their dancing boots to Stagecoach, stop by the lively Palm Canyon Roadhouse! Open until 2 a.m. seven nights a week, this joint loves to keep the party rolling and the delicious drinks flowing. Their team of dedicated bartenders and scouts work tirelessly to provide some of the best live music in the area—not to mention delicious craft cocktails that won’t break the bank. With loads of vintage western decor, Palm Canyon Roadhouse is perfect for those looking to keep the good times rolling long after the last festival set of the night has ended.
Location: Palm Springs
Pappy + Harriet’s
If you’ve ever spent time researching iconic American music venues, you may have come across a little old-school western roadhouse named Pappy + Harriet’s. One trip to this Pioneertown hotspot, and it is easy to see why. With some of the best live music acts on a gorgeous outdoor stage, Pappy + Harriet’s has been dazzling patrons with entertainment under the star-studded Mojave Desert night sky since 1982. To make things better, they also boast some of the best barbecue and craft cocktails in the area. Whether you are entering or exiting Stagecoach grounds, you need to visit this spirited western bar for a desert nightlife experience unlike any other.
Location: Pioneertown
