Tiki bars create an unexpected tropical paradise in Palm Springs’ desert setting. This amazing contrast didn’t happen by chance. Tiki culture emerged in the United States during the 1930s. Palm Springs played one of the most important roles in making tiki culture accessible to more people after Don the Beachcomber opened its doors in 1953.
Palm Springs transformed into a tiki haven where celebrities and city dwellers came to unwind through the years. Modern visitors can dive into this rich history at Bootlegger Tiki, which locals and tourists call one of the best tiki bars around. The bar’s exceptional drinks and immersive atmosphere make it stand out. The Tonga Hut Restaurant and Tiki Bar stands as the oldest tiki establishment in the city. These tropical getaways become even more appealing since they’re all located within a four-mile stretch of Palm Canyon Drive.
Bootlegger Tiki
Image Source: Tripadvisor
Bootlegger Tiki sits in the historic space of the legendary Don the Beachcomber restaurant. The bar has become evidence of Palm Springs’ rich tiki heritage since its opening in September 2014. This cozy hideaway has earned its spot as the region’s best craft cocktail tiki bar and with good reason too.
Bootlegger Tiki ambiance and decor
You’ll find yourself transported to a vintage tropical paradise when you walk into Bootlegger Tiki, even with the desert right outside. The bar sits exactly where the original Don the Beachcomber opened in 1953, keeping a piece of Palm Springs history alive. The tiki torches on the roof are original pieces from the first establishment.
The space feels wonderfully intimate with just eight bar stools, two high-top seats, and three booths. This snug setup creates such a welcoming vibe that guests feel like regulars by their second visit. Classic tiki elements fill the space:
- Bamboo accents and lauhala matting on walls and ceiling
- Rattan light fixtures casting a warm glow
- Vintage blowfish lamps providing atmospheric lighting
- Tropical motifs and palm fronds throughout the space
Red lighting and dim ambiance boost the immersive experience. The well-designed patio offers extra seating for guests who want fresh air, though it doesn’t quite match the interior’s full tiki experience. Dog owners can bring their pets to enjoy desert evenings on the patio.
Bootlegger Tiki signature drinks
The exceptional cocktail program makes Bootlegger Tiki special. Their menu rotates about every six months, mixing new tropical creations with beloved tiki classics. Menu number 17 features original tropical cocktails and five tiki classics, including their amazing Mai Tai.
These cocktails stand out because:
- Expertly crafted rum blends: The Mai Tai uses Agricole and Dr. Bird from Jamaica to create what many call a “punchy flavor bomb”
- House-made syrups: Each drink includes carefully prepared ingredients
- Theatrical presentation: Drinks come in creative vessels with elaborate garnishes
Popular signature drinks include:
- Thai Iced Tiki – Thai Tea-infused Smith & Cross Jamaican rum, Macadamia Nut Liqueur, Vanilla Liqueur, Coconut Cream, Evaporated Milk, Honey, and Nutmeg. Served in a Chinese food to-go box complete with fortune cookie
- Queen’s Chair – A raised version of Planters Punch with Jamaican rum, spices, citrus, and passionfruit
- Mai~Papaya – A tropical blend featuring two rums, banana liqueur, passionfruit, orgeat, and papaya
- The Smoke Show – Mezcal, Strawberry Liqueur, Pineapple, Lime, Passion Honey, and Spicy Bitters
- Rhubarbie – Featuring Rhum Barbancourt and Rhubarb liqueur with subtle creamy flavors and lemongrass
The bartenders are great at making custom “Dealer’s Choice” drinks based on your priorities, whatever your familiarity with tiki culture.
Bootlegger Tiki pricing and value
The bar offers premium craft cocktails at reasonable prices, especially during happy hour. Happy hour runs twice daily: 5-6 p.m. and 10-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 3-4 p.m. and midnight-1 a.m. Friday through Sunday. You can get $4 beers and select cocktails for $8 during these times.
Regular cocktail prices stay reasonable given their quality and complexity. Special events like anniversaries feature all drinks at $10 all evening. Here’s what you need to know about securing a spot:
- Book 1-2 hour slots based on availability
- Booth reservations need a $60 deposit
- Table reservations require a $30 deposit
- Show up on time – no extensions allowed
- Last call comes 20 minutes before your reservation ends
The bar fills up quickly on weekends, so booking ahead is smart. Remember that everyone must be 21 or older with valid U.S. government-issued ID or passport.
Bootlegger Tiki food and events
We focused on drinks at Bootlegger Tiki, offering just popcorn as a snack option. This lets them perfect their cocktail craft without distractions.
Special events happen throughout the year, especially for milestones. Their fourth anniversary featured:
- Free new drinks in the first hour
- All drinks at $10 all night
- Giveaways including their first-ever Bootlegger Tiki Mug
- Live music by Pedro Le Bass
The bar blends tiki traditions with fresh experiences perfectly. Their motto “We stand for good old fashioned fun!” shows their belief that quality time with friends over delicious cocktails made with “equal measure of rum + fruit + love” captures the true tiki spirit.
Tropical and exotica tunes create the perfect soundtrack. You can even bring Bootlegger Tiki to your own events through their catering services.
The Tonga Hut Restaurant and Tiki Bar
Image Source: Tonga Hut
The Tonga Hut Restaurant and Tiki Bar sits right in downtown Palm Springs. This tropical paradise pays tribute to authentic tiki culture. The Los Angeles branch, 65 years old established in 1958 by brothers Ace and Ed Libby, gives desert visitors an unexpected escape.
The Tonga Hut ambiance and decor
A narrow staircase leads to the second-floor location. Guests walk into a stunning tiki wall by Tiki Diablo. The entrance features a giant clam shell water feature, lava rock, and detailed tikis. This sets up what’s waiting inside.
The space blends mid-century style with traditional tiki elements. Palm Springs’ architectural heritage shines through this perfect mix. Carefully selected artifacts fill every corner. Many come from historic tiki establishments.
Each booth tells its own story with memorabilia from old tiki bars. Recovered Witco art and authentic Tapa cloths cover the walls. These showcase the owners’ love for tiki history. Hand-made lanterns and rattan fixtures cast soft light everywhere.
A phone booth hides one of the coolest spots – the “Secret Room.” Tiki Diablo designed this exclusive space for 6-12 guests. The owners call it “your ultimate Tiki Escape”. The balcony outside gives great views of Palm Canyon Drive. Thursday evening VillageFest makes it perfect for people-watching.
The Tonga Hut signature drinks
The bar mixes classic tiki drinks and new creations beautifully. Guests feel transported to tropical shores, even in the desert.
Popular drinks include:
- Mai Tai: Customers love this classic, especially during $11.00 Sunday Funday special. Rum and tropical flavors make it refreshing.
- Mojave Punch: Light and dark rums meet passion fruit and house-made hibiscus syrup.
- Gin Ricky Tiki Tavi: Ford’s gin blends with Faternum, Pimm’s, and citrus juices – lemon, grapefruit, and orange.
- Kraken The Dole Whip: Kraken and vanilla rum mix with macadamia nut, coconut, and pineapple.
Fresh, seasonal ingredients show the bar’s quality standards. House-made components lift these drinks above regular tropical cocktails. Groups can share bowl drinks made for two or four people. This matches traditional tiki culture’s social spirit.
The “Drooling Bastards” challenge, “The Grog Log,” lets guests work through special drink lists. Finishing earns them club membership. Ready for more? “The Intoxica List” offers exotic drinks to master.
The Tonga Hut pricing and value
Great deals make premium quality drinks available to more people. Happy hour runs Thursday through Friday, 4-6 pm. Sunday Funday brings USD 11.00 Mai Tais.
The Secret Room costs USD 50.00 (non-refundable) to book. It fits 6-12 people. This private space makes special occasions memorable.
Opening hours work for afternoon breaks and night outings. The place runs Thursday (4pm-11pm), Friday (4pm-1am), Saturday (3pm-1am), and Sunday (1pm-10pm). The kitchen closes at 10pm nightly. Regular seating works first-come, first-served – no reservations needed.
The Tonga Hut food and events
“The Hideaway” serves Polynesian-inspired food that matches its tropical drinks perfectly. The menu mixes Polynesian and Cantonese flavors.
The Pu Pu Platter stands out with shareable treats. It comes with coconut shrimp, potstickers, eggrolls, Chinese pork ribs, and beef or chicken skewers. This shared plate brings people together, just like tiki culture should.
More menu favorites:
- Sliders: Pick from spam, Applewood smoked BLT, kalua pork, Nashville hot chicken, and shrimp po’ boy.
- Loco Moco: Hawaii meets comfort food – beef or spam patty on steamed rice with gravy and sunny-side-up egg.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: A tropical take that goes great with cocktails.
Vegetarians and vegans get good options too, like veggie sliders and fried rice. Everyone gets to enjoy tiki vibes, whatever their diet.
Special events make The Tonga Hut even better. The Grog Log challenge keeps regulars coming back. Birthday parties, bachelorette celebrations, and office events work great here. The team promises to make any “SPECIAL EVENT a TIKITASTIC EVENT!”.
Great decor, amazing drinks, tasty food, and fun events make The Tonga Hut a must-visit spot when learning about Palm Springs tiki bars.
The Reef
Image Source: Tripadvisor
The Reef sits inside the historic Caliente Tropics Resort, a bright tropical oasis in Palm Springs’ desert setting. Tiki Caliente and Mod Palm Springs Founder Rory Snyder created this spot that turns everyday moments into something special by mixing mid-century Palm Springs style with tropical touches.
The Reef ambiance and decor
The Reef’s story goes back to when it was Palm Springs’ famous Conga Room restaurant, and it has seen many changes over fifty years. Today’s space honors its roots while making everyone feel at home. Guests walk into a world of bamboo-covered walls and bright colors that make them feel like they’ve landed on a faraway island.
The bar looks out over Caliente Tropics’ bright pool area. Hand-carved tikis dot the landscape and add real tropical charm. Rory Snyder took a different path from other tiki spots in town by letting natural light pour through the big pool-facing windows. This choice brings together Palm Springs’ beloved mid-century look with the classic tiki features already there.
The place has what you might call “kitsch supreme” style. Exotica music plays from hidden speakers while wooden faces watch from the walls. Don Ho’s signed photo adds a genuine island feel to the space where flower-wearing guests can get into the tiki spirit. The covered patio gives guests a shady spot with picnic tables that work great for bigger groups.
The Reef signature drinks
Palm Springs’ most creative bartenders make The Reef’s amazing cocktails. Fresh, top-shelf ingredients go into their long list of island drinks. Rum leads the way in many house specials, including these favorites:
- Palm Springs Punch – Blackheart spiced rum meets triple sec, crème de moyaux (almond-flavored liqueur), and pineapple juice in this drink. It’s now Palm Springs’ official cocktail and one of Snyder’s most-asked-for creations
- Zombie – This strong mix of citrus, rum, and spice comes with a warning: “not for the faint of heart!”
- Painkiller – Pineapple, coconut, and dark rum come together to pack more punch than your usual piña colada
- Navy Grog – This bold drink stays true to classic tiki culture with complex flavors
Bartenders often light drinks on fire, adding some theater to their already impressive drinks. The Reef keeps its cocktail scene fun rather than stuffy. Snyder puts it best: “Truly, it’s not about eyedroppers and super-accuracy as much as free-flowing fun and keeping it loose. I like to think of the bar as part of the show”.
The Reef takes a strong stand on their spirits. Rory Snyder announced they’d only serve alcohol from places that share their community’s values, showing their dedication to social responsibility.
The Reef pricing and value
Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from noon until 5 pm. This means big savings on tropical drinks. Regular prices stay reasonable given the quality and size of drinks.
Smart spenders should check out these deals:
- Fish & chips for $8.00 during happy hour gets you three pieces of crispy fish with fries
- Loco moco costs $12.00 – pick beef, Kalua pork, vegetable patty, or spam on rice topped with a fried egg
- Chips & salsa at $5.00 often comes with free refills if you ask
Their mai-tai packs a punch, which means either generous amounts of good spirits or a bold house recipe. Weekday visits during happy hour let you try more drinks without spending too much.
The Reef food and events
The Reef’s island-inspired menu works perfectly with their tropical drinks. You’ll find shareable small plates, salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads—perfect for snacking or a light meal.
Popular dishes include:
- Caliente Burger – A tropical take on the classic with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce
- Coconut Shrimp – Five big shrimp in coconut batter come with fries, coleslaw, and sweet chili sauce
- Musubi Tacos – A creative fusion dish that puts spam in taco form
- Kalua Pork – Juicy pork served with pineapple sauce
Special events pop up now and then, like Tiki Caliente, a three-day party that sells out yearly and brings tiki fans from everywhere. During these events, guests can learn about new Reef Tiki mug designs, which have become collector’s items.
Music sets the mood, taking guests to far-off shores. Staying at the connected Caliente Tropics Resort lets visitors experience what many call “the last authentic Tiki motel environment in America”.
The Copper Room (Yucca Valley)
Image Source: The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai
A hidden gem sits in the high desert tiki scene, just 25 miles northeast of Palm Springs. The Copper Room stands next to the Yucca Valley Airport runway and gives visitors a unique tiki experience compared to Palm Springs spots. This landmark restaurant and lounge has been part of the High Desert’s history for over 50 years, mixing aviation nostalgia with amazing cocktails.
The Copper Room ambiance and decor
The Copper Room takes you right back to air travel’s golden age. The venue first opened in 1957 and changed several times – becoming The Red Baron Steakhouse in the 1970s and Wine & Roses in the late 1980s – before going back to its roots. The place holds special memories too. Frank Sinatra celebrated here when his friend Jimmy Van Heusen became the honorary mayor.
The space perfectly mixes authentic vintage pieces with modern touches. You’ll see stunning views of the airport runway and mountains that make you feel miles away from everyday life. The new furnishings look like they’re straight from the 1950s. The vintage wallpaper makes guests wonder if they’re in the original place or a modern version.
A semicircular bar faces the runway windows, topped with an impressive collection of premium spirits. The wood paneling and retro touches create a genuine 1970s feel. The old-school setting attracts a surprisingly young crowd, creating an interesting mix of past and present.
The Copper Room signature drinks
Amazing cocktails are The Copper Room’s biggest draw. You’ll find creative classics and perfectly chilled martinis here. Their Mai Tai is something special – it uses a secret mix of four rums and house-made orgeat. They serve it with fresh mint and a real lime shell instead of trendy dehydrated lime wheels. Some say it’s one of the world’s top 10 Mai Tais.
The menu features these standout drinks:
- Jet Pilot – A classic tiki cocktail that fits perfectly with the aviation theme
- Draft Negroni – A balanced, ready-to-pour Italian classic
- Bottled Martini – Pre-chilled and ready to serve
- 1957 Martini – Their signature drink comes with smoked trout roe, poached shrimp, and tapenade crostini
Eric Alperin, who used to work at The Varnish, leads the bar team. They create drinks that honor classic cocktail traditions and the building’s rich history. Many drinks give a nod to aviation themes or the venue’s past.
The Copper Room pricing and value
The Copper Room uses a unique service model. They add a 4% restaurant fee to all checks. This fee stays with the restaurant – it’s not a surcharge, tip, or gratuity. This helps create fair pay between front and back staff, provides medical benefits, and ensures living wages.
The doors open daily from 4pm to 10pm, perfect for early evening drinks or dinner later on. While exact cocktail prices aren’t listed, they use “high-quality ingredients” which suggests premium pricing.
Weekend visitors can enjoy brunch from 10am to 2pm with filling options like hotcakes or steak and eggs. The drink menu has highballs, tiki-inspired cocktails, and martinis at different price points.
The Copper Room food and events
The kitchen keeps things simple: “fresh and bright dishes with the highest quality ingredients available”. They serve shareable plates that go well with their expert cocktails.
Must-try dishes include:
- Garlic Shrimp Toast – Made special with togarashi butter
- Napa Cabbage Salad – With Vietnamese flavors
- Signature Burger – Made rich with bone marrow
- Flannery Farms Hanger Steak – Served with garlic-ginger broccolini
Weekend brunch brings more options like hotcakes and steak with eggs. The kitchen team matches the bar’s quality and attention to detail.
The Copper Room has become Yucca Valley’s social center, bringing in people from all around Joshua Tree. Live music often adds to the atmosphere, and seasonal specials give regulars reasons to come back.
This spot proves that great tiki experiences can pop up in unexpected places. The high desert location offers something special for those willing to venture beyond Palm Springs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Bootlegger Tiki | The Tonga Hut | The Reef | The Copper Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Significance | Established in 2014 at the former Don the Beachcomber’s location from 1953 | A branch of Los Angeles’s oldest tiki bar that started in 1958 | Nestled in the historic Caliente Tropics Resort at the previous Conga Room site | Launched in 1957 at the previous Red Baron Steakhouse location with strong ties to Frank Sinatra |
| Notable Decor Elements | The space features original tiki torches with bamboo highlights and vintage blowfish lamps around an intimate 8-seat bar | A stunning Tiki Diablo wall showcases a giant clam shell, plus a hidden Secret Room behind a phone booth and Witco art pieces | The decor combines bamboo walls and hand-carved tikis with stunning pool views in a mid-century style | The design showcases an aviation theme with vintage wallpaper and spectacular runway views from a semicircular bar |
| Signature Drinks | The menu highlights Thai Iced Tiki, Queen’s Chair, Mai~Papaya, The Smoke Show, and Rhubarbie | Popular drinks include Mai Tai, Mojave Punch, Gin Ricky Tiki Tavi, and Kraken The Dole Whip | The bar serves Palm Springs Punch, Zombie, Painkiller, and Navy Grog | Specialties include a 4-rum blend Mai Tai, Jet Pilot, Draft Negroni, and 1957 Martini |
| Food Options | Simple menu with popcorn | The kitchen serves a full menu with Pu Pu Platter, sliders, and Loco Moco | The menu features island-inspired dishes like Caliente Burger, coconut shrimp, and Kalua pork | Fresh selections include garlic shrimp toast, a signature burger, and hanger steak |
| Hours/Specials | Happy Hour runs 5-6pm & 10-11pm Monday-Thursday; 3-4pm & 12-1am Friday-Sunday | Open Thursday 4-11pm, Friday 4pm-1am, Saturday 3pm-1am, Sunday 1-10pm with Happy Hour 4-6pm Thursday-Friday | Happy Hour available Monday-Thursday 12-5pm | The bar operates daily 4-10pm and serves weekend brunch 10am-2pm |
Palm Springs is a desert oasis that tiki enthusiasts love, with amazing tropical hideaways dotting the dry landscape. The spots we’ll explore here each bring their own twist to tiki culture while staying true to its rich traditions.
Bootlegger Tiki engages guests with its cozy vibe and deep ties to Don the Beachcomber. You could call it a living museum of Palm Springs tiki history. The Tonga Hut lifts the whole experience with its Secret Room and real Polynesian food that pulls you right into traditional tiki culture.
The Reef stands out with its bright, open feel that mixes mid-century Palm Springs style with tropical touches – perfect for daytime visits. The Copper Room sits just outside Palm Springs in Yucca Valley, but its unique aviation theme and carefully crafted cocktails make it worth the trip.
Expert mixologists at these spots create complex, rum-forward drinks that take you far from the desert surroundings. Happy hour deals make these premium spots available to both casual visitors and dedicated tiki fans.
A tiki bar crawl along Palm Canyon Drive should be on your Palm Springs to-do list. Three of these spots sit within four miles of each other. This makes it easy to sample different tiki styles in one night, though you’ll need a designated driver since these tropical drinks pack quite a punch.
These amazing spots help Palm Springs keep its place in tiki culture’s history. Their success shows how this mid-century trend stays fresh and fun decades later. Anyone looking for a slice of paradise in the desert will without doubt find their perfect tropical getaway among these four unique tiki spots.
