Paul Bar/Food

The 25 Best Restaurants & Bars In Palm Springs

"Located in a strip mall north of the airport, Paul Bar/Food isn’t the most convenient dinner spot in town—particularly if you’re staying off Palm Canyon. But if you’re up for a drive, your reward will be one of the coolest dinner experiences in PS. And when we say cool, we mean 1940s-Rat-Pack-era, slinking-across-the-bar-with-a-martini type cool. The dimly lit space has essentially one long bar and a few booths against the wall. Come here for some marinara-covered meatballs and a crisp wedge salad, just don’t be fazed if the bartender tells you about some crazy celebrity that came in. You'll likely stumble out a few hours later, having completely forgotten you’re in the middle of the desert." - brant cox

11 Spots to Find Stellar Cocktails in Palm Springs

"Don’t be fooled by the unassuming presence of Bar/Food. Adjacent to a strip mall dispensary and liquor store, find a cozy bar and restaurant frequented by locals inside. Vintage touches are everywhere, like the stunning L-shaped mahogany bar and tables. The menu is easy to navigate with owner Paul O’Halloran’s take on traditional cocktails, including the frozen Sidecar or black Manhattan made with Overholt rye, Amaro Averna liqueur, and orange bitters. Sip either while eating wings, hummus, an iceberg salad, a burger, or steak frites." - Mona Holmes

Paul Bar Review - Palm Springs - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Located in a strip mall north of the airport, Paul Bar/Food isn’t the most convenient dinner spot in town - particularly if you’re staying off Palm Canyon. But if you’re up for a drive, your reward will be one of the coolest dinner experiences in PS right now. And we say cool, we mean 1940s-Rat-Pack-era, slinking-across-the-bar-with-a-martini type cool. The dimly-lit space is tiny - it’s essentially one long bar and a few booths against the wall - giving the whole place an intimate, romantic vibe. Come here for some marinara-covered meatballs and a crisp wedge salad don’t be fazed if the bartender tells you about some crazy celebrity that just came in, and know you will likely stumble out a few hours later, having completely forgotten you’re in the middle of the desert." - Brant Cox

Sleek New All-Day Restaurant Goes Into Downtown Palm Springs - Eater LA

"PaulBar/Food, located in a north end strip mall, is a neighborhood bar run by NYC-based bartender Paul O’Halloran. It offers cocktails like the frozen Sidecar on tap, and bar fare including wings, a burger, grilled cheese, and steak frites. Daily blackboard entree specials and a $6 cocktail happy hour from 4pm to 7:15pm are available." - Lizbeth Scordo

@sasa

It looks sketch on the outside but just trust me.

desert rat stuff

Charles Thornton

Google

I asked my friend to pick a unique restaurant, it didn't have to be expensive, just really different. Well guess where he suggested? The food was amazing, the Meatball, the Chicken Snitzel reminded me of Munich. The Lamb was sublime. Did I mention the staff, and their constant attention to details?

Amanda Perka

Google

Searched google for the best Happy Hour and Paul’s had the highest rating. We arrived at 5:00 to a long line up. Paul came out frequently to get numbers and update on wait times. In total we waited about 45 min before being seated at the lively and beautiful bar. Menu is short with some appealing specials. We chose short ribs on sourdough and Paul’s burger with blue cheese and bacon. Beer was cold and all glassware comes out of the cooler. We also ordered a bourbon sidecar which was a delicious citrus flavoured slushy with a delicate sugar rim. Perfect combination! Service was excellent and this is worth the wait. Don’t get turned off by the line up or be fooled by the location and simple signage. We hope to make this a regular stop when we visit Palm Springs.

Maryam

Google

We were vacationing in Palm Springs and the hotel we were staying at suggested Paul’s bar for food and it’s one of those “if you know you know” places. It’s a very inconspicuous restaurant located in the strip mall, but don’t be fooled by this ferry, modest exterior because the food and ambience surely doesn’t disappoint. You are immediately met with a warm greeting and the hustle and bustle of a dark and very vibe cool restaurant we went the day after Christmas and it was decorated very cute and along the hallway by the bathroom: tons of framed photos of dogs. The place is Eclectic, and oh so cute! I ate the special, the pot roast. It was hot, melt in your mouth tender and very hearty. My partner ate the wings which were equally tasty. We also shared the fries that were crunchy and not too salty. The food is really good and the service is excellent. Try out Paul’s bar if you’re visiting Palm Springs you won’t be disappointed.

Alex Bishop

Google

Based on the other reviews, I was wondering if we’d meet Paul. Paul not only greeted us at the door and seated us, but had us dying laughing throughout our meal. He’s great. Clearly a local spot with a lot of personal connections. A very unassuming exterior with a fun, lively interior. Short wait to get seated, but it was worth it. Staff were very quick and brought us cocktails while we waited. Fantastic food and drinks. Very happy we were able to stop in. Can’t wait to go back.

Gracie Roy

Google

Very cool little joint with great atmosphere (dark and cozy) amazing food and drinks. The owner greets everyone at the door and the bartenders are “real” - they make the best cocktails and will tailor it to how you like it!! there’s almost always a wait but it’s worth it (Not meant for large groups: 2-4 is best)

Tom Swett

Google

The PaulBar was fantastic dining experience! The Meatloaf Special on Sunday was perfectly prepared as were the mashed potatoes and gravy. We also had the amazing chocolate pudding...he only made 24 that evening so be aware. The service was exceptional. We met Paul and he is exceptionally funny and full of life! I would highly recommend you visit Paul Bar if your in the Palm Springs area...you will want to return to experience another special like...Pot Roast on Thursdays. (Be sure to get there early to get the first seating). Plenty of parking too.

Ahmed Maki

Google

Paul Bar is an absolute gem! The moment you walk in, you're greeted with an amazing ambiance that perfectly balances a lively vibe with a cozy, intimate feel. It's the kind of place where you can easily relax and enjoy yourself, whether you're there for a casual night out or a special occasion. The highlight of my visit was the steak sandwich—it was phenomenal. The steak was perfectly cooked, tender, and full of flavor, paired with just the right amount of toppings and a soft, fresh bun. Every bite was a delight, making it one of the best steak sandwiches I've ever had. Overall, Paul Bar delivers on all fronts. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is top-notch. If you're looking for a spot to unwind with great food in a welcoming setting, Paul Bar is definitely worth a visit!

Jeremiah Steff

Google

We came into this meal not knowing exactly what to expect except that it was "an experience". We were prepared to wait in line and waited about 45 minutes, but that was fine. Paul came out many times to update folks on the expectations. Once we were seated at the bar inside the bartender was very attentive and was able to make drinks just based on "I feel like something citrusy". That's a great start! The atmosphere is rare. People are all excited to be there and that leads to a lot of chattiness, which we really enjoyed. We chatted with the people around us the whole meal (though you won't have to do that if you're looking for a more personal meal). The food was great. Being vegetarian I'm always a bit worried about what a "meat heavy" menu will have for veggie lovers. The curry was very nice and was plenty filling. Dessert was delightful (some kind of chocolate mousse) and overall we left there with an experience we won't ever forget. Thank you Paul and the team!

Allen L.

Yelp

True to all the rave reviews! Owner Paul is out greeting everyone and talking to us. Food & drinks are world class at very reasonable prices. Just gotta be patient & wait in line depending on how busy they are. Will definitely come back next time we're in Cali!

Claudia Y.

Yelp

I held off on reviewing this place for a long time. I wanted to keep it the classy little secret speakeasy it is . Apparently word got around and now at any given day you can find a line of people outside waiting to get it. I can proudly say, I was there first ! Paul bar is a gem. I absolutely adore this place! The food is great, in my opinion, the best wedge salad in town! The cocktails are out of this world , literally on another level. Literally , uber home lol. I recommend ordering the specials, which are always good. The steak frites is also a solid option every time without a doubt , and always finish with a pot de crèm. I'm conflicted between being happy it's always crowded and with a wait and hoping you won't show up and I'll have space. I cannot praise this place enough. It is an absolute diamond! Ps: the holiday decor is over the top gorgeous.

Ashley D.

Yelp

Once again, this experience was amazing. Be prepared to wait in line but it was worth every minute. The owner is such a character. Paul comes out every so often to chat to the people in line kept us entertained. The food was amazing. I had the lamb chops and they were a full rack and absolutely delicious. My husband had the muscles (again) lol. He said he loved them too, and they were fresh and delicious. I understand they are planning to expand the place. That should definitely help the wait time. I am definitely a fan of this place the service and ambience make the perfect fit for a date night.

Carmen S.

Yelp

Treat yourself to a nostalgic experience at Paul Bar. Don't let the negative Yelp reviews sway your decision--those opinions often reflect others' choices, not the reality of this wonderful place. Upon arrival, Paul warmly greeted us at the door and provided attentive service, clearly communicating the wait time and ensuring we felt welcome. It's evident that this bar and restaurant are his passion, and he genuinely wants every patron to have a memorable experience. As for the food, I was immediately drawn to the Pot Roast after seeing a picture of it on Instagram, and it exceeded my expectations. The flavors were outstanding, and we savored every bite. The Old Fashioned I ordered was expertly crafted, complete with a perfect cherry. I look forward to returning to explore more dishes, which I'm confident will be just as delightful.

Joshua P.

Yelp

This is literally a hidden jewel. From the looks of outside I was not expecting the amazing experience I had. Everyone was very nice and attentive. We had wings for an appetizer and they were amazing. I ordered the salmon with potatoes and spinach. It also came with the salsa in the middle which was really good. Service was top tier and the food was good. I definitely would recommend eating here.

Lucy W. H.

Yelp

Transport yourself back in time. There is a line but it is worth the wait. The black Manhattan is divine. We went two nights in a row - we love Paul Bar so much. Great food and ambience.

Elena S.

Yelp

Amazing service, great ambiance, fantastic food! Loved everything about this place. The line outside is absolutely worth it

Maryam

Yelp

We were vacationing in Palm Springs and the hotel we were staying at suggested Paul's bar for food and it's one of those "if you know you know" places. It's a very inconspicuous restaurant located in the strip mall, but don't be fooled by this ferry, modest exterior because the food and ambience surely doesn't disappoint. You are immediately met with a warm greeting and the hustle and bustle of a dark and very vibe cool restaurant we went the day after Christmas and it was decorated very cute and along the hallway by the bathroom: tons of framed photos of dogs. The place is Eclectic, and oh so cute! I ate the special, the pot roast. It was hot, melt in your mouth tender and very hearty. My partner ate the wings which were equally tasty. We also shared the fries that were crunchy and not too salty. The food is really good and the service is excellent. Try out Paul's bar if you're visiting Palm Springs you won't be disappointed.

S. Annette L.

Yelp

I love it here. Paul is entertaining and fun. The team here is ALWAYS friendly and kind. Beware of that sidecar friends. Start with one and have some water or you'll be the life of the party! lol If you get the steak, they will sub the fries for one of their salads. Always listen to the specials. The chef is always cooking up something special here. Manage your group size. I wouldn't plan on more than 4 people to ensure you're seated timely and comfortably. Plus, it's an intimate space for fun conversations and connection. Enjoy!!

Jennifer A.

Yelp

Service was great--we were quickly seated at the bar without reservations. Food was good, prices were on par for Palm Springs. Had the meat loaf special, partner had the seared salmon. Had a cocktail off their menu which was really good but ordered my standard whiskey sour. When I tell you, this was the BEST whiskey sour I've ever had...I tell you no lies. Hats off to the bartender.

Victoria B.

Yelp

I was trying to find places to eat to plan out my birthday trip with my fiancé. I came across PaulBar on Yelp and we decided to go check it out. Everyone was so kind! To people literally just waiting in line chatting with us to the staff inside. Everyone had such good things to say and we truly enjoyed our meal. The pork chop was amazing! I asked for mashed potatoes for my side instead and they were good. My fiancé tried the special of the night which was the meatloaf. He thought the meatloaf was delicious but he was especially obsessed with the caramelized carrots. So much so that he asked for more. We also went on a Sunday during happy hour and we both got a drink (which were also great). Overall we LOVED PaulBar and definitely want to eat here again next time we visit. Once you step inside, it is a more intimate setting and the dark lighting adds to the ambiance. It's worth the wait!

Michael B.

Yelp

A buddy and I needed a cocktail after golfing in Indian Wells and before we drove back to Orange County. We ducked into PaulBar just after 4:00 pm on a Wednesday thinking it would be easy to get a seat. Wrong! The place was packed. It has a very cool speakeasy sort of vibe. Dark with a great wood bar and booths along the wall. The people appeared to be locals and very friendly. As we stood there praying for someone to leave, we met Paul, the owner operator. He's funny and was very nice but basically said we are out of luck and wouldn't be able to get a seat for at least an hour. He asked us if we wanted a drink and my friend said, "Yes, I'll have a margarita". I said, "make it two." Let me tell you it tasted great. Paul mentioned that he prided himself on pouring premium tequila, some sort of kicked up agave nectar and fresh lime juice in the margarita. While enjoying the cocktail, I checked out the food the other customers were enjoying and it all looked delicious. The special that evening was spaghetti carbonara. It looked great. So did the lamb chops. They appear to have specials every night of the week. We sucked down our drink and split. When we walked out there was a considerable line to get in. I'm definitely coming back when I'm in the area, I just hope the next time we can get a seat. 5-Stars

Jerry V.

Yelp

Superior! Blank store front in a nondescript strip mall with a line at 3:39 pm...what is this??? A moment in time. You are there because a local told you about it! Better yet, they agree to come with you and share the experience! 4:00 sharp, Paul comes out, greets you and gives you the lowdown. Specials, seating arrangements, behavior. You don't choose, you will be seated! Remember outside is totally blank: you step into a what?? A NYc Bar? A Speakeasy? A sultry, romantic hideaway with 42 of you new intimate friends. Only 42 seats! A sigh of relief if you were one of the lucky seated; then quickly move on to ordering Black Manhattan's. No, I won't tell you the unique ingredient. I can tell you as a Manhattan master this was delicious. Food served impeccably. My friend drooled the entire time he consumed his Pot Roast. I got one bite. Lamb ribs were almost as good but no drooling! Our friends also had the ribs...four licked plates. The vibe is delicious! The bar old world, expansive and solid wood. The celebrity photo wall warrants the visit all by itself. Do not visit Paul without going to the bathroom. The wall is a highlight.

Paul R.

Yelp

Outstanding bar / restaurant. Worth the wait. Super fun place. Hilarious host. Superb staff. Terrific food. Exceptional drinks.

James E.

Yelp

Don't be fooled by the outside door. No this is NOT a dive bar. When I walked in I was shocked by the interior. A quint rustic bar atmosphere with awesome food and drinks. Paul is awesome. His staff is awesome too. Thanks Paul for the welcome visit to your establishment.

Gabriel G.

Yelp

At first I was put off by the anticipated long wait based on all the reviews. After spending a whole day hiking and exploring Joshua Tree National Park, I was not looking forward to standing in line for a long time. We waited for an hour and 15 min but Paul the owner made the time pass quickly with funny stories and life anecdotes. Cocktails were first rate, food delicious, excellent service and the ambience was fantastic. Definitely will recommend this place for dinner. This will definitely be a return dinner spot next time we are in Palm Springs.

John H.

Yelp

This place is unique. It has cool speakeasy vibe. They have cool photos of dogs near the restroom. The bar has what appears to be wood paneling and all of the guys there wear nice, white shirt uniforms.; however, It is small, loud and cramped inside. I think you'd have to be in the right mood to go here.; I do. I had be buffalo wings and calamari. The buffalo wings were very tasty. The calamari was ok. The salads are great too. I tried their wedge salad. I've also had the humus, it would've been good if it didn't have such a strong cumin flavor that"s so overpowering. The mussels are tasty too with a flavorful broth. I've also tried the fish and chips, which were excellent too. A couple new menu options would be nice like grilled fish tacos or something else fresh and light. This place stays pretty busy. The service isn't bad. The night we went, there was a group of 3 of us. There was a disruptive patron they had to kick out that night, which is understandable but it could have been handled better. It was kind of awkward. They have a cult following of regulars who were chanting: "Get Out" to the guy they kicked out. That gave the place a strange, cliquish vibe.

Don S.

Yelp

Stopped by for the Wednesday night Pasta Special. It was crowded, but 2 seats opened up at the end of the bar and Paul ushered us to our seats in a short time. (There were larger parties 4+ waiting.) My hubby and I both ordered the special. It was Pasta Primavera. Mine plain, hubby added grilled chicken. The taste was so delicious and the pasta was Bucatini. It had a hot kick, most likely to a little red pepper. It's served with 2 slices of garlic toast too. Good news....Paul's expanding into the tobacco shop next door. He's closing for Sept., taking the extra space, remodeling and then reopening the 2nd wk. in Oct.

Dave S.

Yelp

We continue to eat at Paul's pretty much weekly and the place is consistently the best food and service in town!

Steven A.

Yelp

Always delicious. Always fun. And the service is amazing. I love to take an out of town guest here when we can get in. Paul adds some specials to the regular fair and it's all delicious. Thanks Paul!

Kunal M.

Yelp

Great food/could be more vegetarian friendly, eg salad dressing could have optional bacon. Cocktails got me sick every time. Not sure if my request for top shelf liquor was lost in translation. Service was great. Ambiance is fabulous and live the decor and draperies. Otherwise great restaurant!!

WileyPalm Springs C.

Yelp

Very good hamburger with fresh bun stoodout....almost the best in desert. French Dip I did not find as good as my girlfriend did...the dip au jou was very different. Frys below average to me..but hint of rosemary garlic different....I do not think standout to get either of us to try it again.

Sarah S.

Yelp

Fabulous, fun and delicious! I've heard lots about this place and have tried getting in a few times. There is often a wait so be prepared. Great service and the food is excellent so it worth the wait.

Brandon C.

Yelp

Like other reviewers have said - come early or toward the end of the night to minimize your wait time. We arrived at 7:30 and we only had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. The gentleman was nice enough to move us to a booth when it opened shortly after we sat at a high top table. I had the short rib French dip sandwich. It was fabulous. My dining companions wished they had gotten it as well. The sandwich was packed with short ribs on perfectly grilled bread and phenomenal au jus for dipping. For dessert we got the only item on the menu, the chocolate pot de crème. It was very good but I would likely skip it next time I visit.

Christen G.

Yelp

Lovely restaurant, menu and service. I enjoyed the salmon and my friends got the burger, steak frites and the fish and chips special. The ambiance is just what others have described - a hidden gem in a strip mall. Paul is lovely and kind and suggested we get the homemade dessert - a pot de creme - it was incredible. Great cocktails and draft list - a must do when in the area. Knocking off 1 star bc they really could use some sound proofing in there - it's super loud.

Stephen B.

Yelp

Worth the wait in line. Great service and foo was well prepared. We had the pork chop and burger.

Becky V.

Yelp

Exceptional food, excellent service and wonderful ambiance every time we go! Our first must stop for dinner when we're in town. Thanks Paul and staff!

Jeff M.

Yelp

My friends and I enjoyed our visit to the PaulBar. The rack of lamb and short-rib sandwich were excellent. Don't be put off by the wait!

Evan Y.

Yelp

PaulBar is a discreet bar tucked away in a shit hole strip mall that makes you second guess if you drove to the right establishment. Tucked inside the curtain covered windows is one of the most magical establishments in Palm Springs, one might even call it sacred. Not very many places have owner/operators anymore and that pisses me off. PaulBar is an exception, Paul is there to meet you with a smile, offer you a drink if you are waiting for a seat, and provides a sense of hospitality that makes you feel like you've known this bar for decades. Never change PaulBar, you make the best black manhattans and live rent free in my mind.

Katie C.

Yelp

PaulBar is Palm Spring's best kept not-so-secret secret. The location and exterior are unassuming but when you open the door, it's a beautiful big city welcome. The line is long but turnaround time is reasonable. You can order drinks while you wait. There's a warmth and camaraderie feeling when you're there. I got the Paulburger which came with perfectly crispy fries. The food and drinks are fantastic. Highly recommend PaulBar!

Joy W.

Yelp

Must experience in PS - but, go early as there is always a wait and no reservations. Great ambience - always transports me to NYC - love the wines, cocktails and yummy food. The menu is simple with something good for every appetite!

Rey H.

Yelp

Well, the stories and reviews are true. This place rocks! Yes, line up early. They open at 4:00 but you can try the second seating at 6:00. The food and service is amazing and Paul is a gracious and lovely host! Tips? If you drink, ride share. The drinks flow at PaulBar and sit at the bar if you can.

Melissa S.

Yelp

Drinks, food, bar conversation, and Paul. Loved it all and look forward to returning!

Shane L.

Yelp

It really doesn't get better than this. We came to Paul Bar last night on the recommendation of a trusted friend of ours. We were a little surprised at first to see the location - tucked away dive-style in a desert mini-mall, but those are usually the best gems and PaulBar was no exception. There was a line of people waiting outside. There is plenty of parking which is wonderful. The space inside is small, but with a swanky NY bar feel. There is gorgeous Asian artwork on the walls and a lush photo print of an overhead view of what is possibly a NY street. The bar is beautiful old fashioned dark wood and there is a lot of life and fire going on behind the window to the kitchen. The place is abuzz with friendly locals and tourists alike - all tipsy with alcohol and the vibe of the place. We met Paul immediately who looks very dapper and has a distinct voice that reaches you over the crowd. He's the ringmaster and an absolute wonder to watch as he entertains guests and finds tables and chairs at the bar for people... he's running a very well oiled machine. He kept us laughing while we waited for seats. He has a dark sense of humor and we absolutely loved him for it. We were offered a cocktail while we waited. Their cocktails are on point - absolutely delicious and refreshing. The bartenders really know what they're doing there and they are so very kind. The wait is well worth it - getting seated really does feel like you've won a prize. And that is because the service is SO very good - our water glasses were never left empty - our bartender was always attentive and so very friendly and generous. THE FOOD. Wow. The Food. I ordered the Brisket Dip sandwich on sourdough with an arugula salad. My husband ordered the pork chop with spinach and potatoes. Both were insanely delicious. The pork chop was cooked perfectly - we thoroughly enjoyed every bite of everything. We even had the chocolate pot de creme which apparently Paul made and it was so decadent - you could taste a little salt in there which just really escalated the flavor. We had a nice chat with a regular who was sitting next to us at the bar. It's the kind of place that you want to become a regular at. We're here only for the weekend and we're considering going again tomorrow! THAT's how good it is - not just for the food, but the vibe, the people, and Paul.

Tyler S.

Yelp

We love paulbar. Fun food and drinks and great ambience. The only thing as fun as Going is reading Paul's sassy Clap backs at the people that try to leave shady reviews ("we have reservations!") lol. I love the Pot Roast! And the pork chop. They don't always have the pot de Crème but if they do you should get it. You can tell from the vibe of the staff that they enjoy working at PaulBar.

Connor B.

Yelp

Amazing experience. Great service. Sat at the bar. Food was spectacular. Drinks were carefully crafted and the bartender took care to ask what we like and made the best recommendations.

Jamie C.

Yelp

This is Paul's world and we're all just living in it. Food was amazing. Drinks were STRONG. The strip mall exterior belies the charm and delight that await within. No reservations so the wait was long, but totally worth it. People start lining up by 3:00 to snag a seat when the place opens at 4:00, and the queue stays full all night. Paul keeps things moving smoothly and has a strict 5 guests max per party policy to make sure everything flows like it should, and isn't shy about telling prospective diners off if they think they know better. We arrived around 5:30 on a Saturday and were in line in the parking lot for maybe 15-20 mins, then stood inside in the AC with refreshing cocktails and menus in hand for another 20-30. The perfect lamb shanks, mussels, chocolate pot de creme, and martinis were a worthy reward for our patience. Service was speedy and super attentive. I will certainly be back the next time I'm in Palm Springs!

Edievh01 ..

Yelp

Heard about this place from a friend and it did not disappoint! Worth the wait. Great food and service!

Jamie S.

Yelp

What a great spot! I honestly don't understand the few bad reviews I saw, because this is an absolute gem. I always love a speakeasy or a bar with an unassuming restaurant, so PaulBar had me from the jump. Yes, it's in a strip mall. And yes, that's awesome. Not everything has to be on the main drag to be super cool. :) When it comes to the bar itself? The drinks are divine. I got the Horticulture and loved it. A little sweet, a little tart, a LOT refreshing. And the bartenders certainly don't skimp, since my drink and my friend's Black Manhattan were poured to the rim! We waited about 15 minutes to be seated, which was pretty great at 930pm on a Saturday. We got a table, but would have been equally happy at the bar. The host was friendly, and the server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about drinks. All in all, definitely one of my new favorite bars in Palm Springs -- I'll be back!

Juan F.

Yelp

I so, so wanted to love this place. For a long time a good friend was telling me about this "hidden gem," in an out of the way strip mall next to a smoke shop. The celebrity locals who would frequent here and the luck of being able to walk right in and get a table because the place was that popular made it feel that more special. This last Saturday we did just that, walked right in and were sat at the bar. I was excited, felt like I was out of town somewhere, on vacation. The drinks were great, we had a glass of pinot noir and a birdcage (martini type drink) both were yummy. We split the wedge salad, again delicious. Crispy, just the right amount of bacon bits and dressing. Now for the not so great, I ordered the steak frites (fries) The fires were hot, crispy, amazing. Just the right amount of rosemary seasoning. Lots of people were getting fries as an appetizer to nosh on while having their first drink. BUT MY STEAK, was tough and sinewy and a bit on the dry side. Appearance wise it was cooked to perfection, a nice pink medium. I must have just gotten a bad cut of meat, it took quite a bit of chewing to break it down. Luckily the catsup helped. The service was terifffic, the bartenders, servers are on you to make sure you have enough water and even recommended a dessert which we passed. Glad I gave it a try, I should have gone with the burger.

Randalee M.

Yelp

Obviously you can see by this twisted, scolding response that this is what you get when you visit PaulBar and happen to talk when you are in line with friends you haven't seen in months. We were trying a new restaurant for the first time and don't know 'Your Rules.' Isn't there enough ill will in this world right now without adding passive aggressive ego to it? I would suggest more kindness and less attitude.

Brian K.

Yelp

Let me start off by saying this is one of those spots that is referred to around town as if you know, you know. It's in a totally rundown shopping center that most people would drive right by. The sign out front simply says bar/food, but trust me, once inside you are transported into this elegant, dark Speakeasy type bar/restaurant that you would expect to find somewhere in New York. Unbelievable cocktails and an even better menu. The chef there is unbelievable and you will not be disappointed by the food. Forewarned, it can be hard to get in because the place is so small so I do recommend going early, otherwise you may have to wait quite a while to either get a table or a seat at the bar but definitely worth it if you have the time!!

Dave H.

Yelp

For all of you that claim you won't go back for one reason or another, please don't. Maybe my wait time won't be as long and I won't drink so many martinis while waiting for an overall great experience....

Ed H.

Yelp

Great food and service. The black manhattan is wonderful. Ryder, our waiter, did a fantastic job

Jared O.

Yelp

This is the most beautiful treasure in Palm Springs, first time there yesterday, what a surprise when I walked in the door at 4pm a total transformation. Top class staff so warm and welcoming and attentive to detail . Cocktails were top notch and the food delicious. I chose rack of Lamb , it was so tasty thanks to the Chef . If you want to experience something different, something extraordinary, line up for this restaurant. I highly recommend it .

Hannah M.

Yelp

The absolute best restaurant in Palm Springs for locals and tourists alike. Their drinks and food specials are fantastic. The staff, especially the bartenders, are top notch. Some highlights: rack of lamb, arugula salad, duck (only Saturdays) and their brand new New York strip. We've been in Palm Springs for four months and have tried over 20 sit down restaurants in the area and nothing comes close to Paul/Bar. Yes, you have to wait in line and no it's not the best for big parties but it's fantastic food, amazing service, and an owner that clearly cares about and loves his restaurant.

Amanda B.

Yelp

The best food ever! You will wait in line for a while but it's worth it! The owner is from New York.

MJ N.

Yelp

Stopped in with a girl friend for a drink and light meal. Small venue. A bit dark inside, though goes with the bar ambience. The owner got us seats at the bar. He was engaging with all of his patrons. Happy and accommodating. Bartender was friendly and entertained us. Ate a delicious meal at bar. Nice music in background. Other patrons were friendly. Everyone seemed to be engaging in good talk. We met another lady there who we are looking to meet up with again. Am looking forward to another delicious meal and fun conversations.

David S.

Yelp

I want to reiterate my 5-star review based on the fabulous Sunday meatloaf / mashed potatoes/ carrots/ gravy , surprisingly light arugula salad with the best feta ever, intense almost bitter pot au Crème chocolate with fresh whipped cream, all enhanced by the classy, engaged service (particularly when seated at the bar). Paul's is a super nifty place to have a strong drink (or a great glass of wine) and excellently crafted dishes.

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@sasa

It looks sketch on the outside but just trust me.

desert rat stuff