Paul Bar/Food

Bar · Palm Springs

Paul Bar/Food

Bar · Palm Springs

5

3700 E Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA 92262

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Paul Bar/Food by null
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Paul Bar/Food by null
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Paul Bar/Food by null
Paul Bar/Food by null
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Paul Bar/Food by null
Paul Bar/Food by null
Paul Bar/Food by null
Paul Bar/Food by null
Paul Bar/Food by null
Paul Bar/Food by null
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Paul Bar/Food by null
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Highlights

Classic cocktails & bar fare in a cozy, dimly lit East Coast vibe  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

3700 E Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Get directions

thepaulbarps.com

$30–50 · Menu

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3700 E Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Get directions

+1 760 656 4082
thepaulbarps.com
PaulPalmSprings

$30–50 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 11, 2025

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@eater

The Best Cocktail Bars in Palm Springs, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"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

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-cocktail-lounge-bars-palm-springs
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@infatuation

The 25 Best Restaurants & Bars In 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. 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

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/palm-springs-restaurants
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@infatuation

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

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/paul-bar
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@eater

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

https://la.eater.com/2018/5/14/17353514/grand-central-all-day-restaurant-palm-springs-news
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@sasa

It looks sketch on the outside but just trust me.

desert rat stuff
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G N.R.

Google
Right from the start when the owner Paul came outside before they opened and explained tonight's menu specials and made everyone waiting in line laugh, this place does not miss a beat! The service is impeccable and the food tremendous. We live around the corner from Paul Bar and never knew about it until now. Think old school restaurant like the legendary Sorrentino's in LA with an eye on top service and the food to match! Great Find and we will be back! Get there early.

Derek DeLaRiva

Google
Food and service were AMAZING, will definitely be going back. 100% recommend coming here for food or drinks or even both. I got the steak and frites, it was cooked wonderfully. Was greeted as we walked in and as we left by a taller gentleman with glasses, was very nice when he came out to say bye to my party and I. Will definitely be coming back soon.

Travis Taylor

Google
Well worth the wait in line! We regret waiting until our last few weeks living here in Palm Springs for trying this amazing spot. We luckily only waited about 30 minutes before getting a table. From our entry in the door to receiving our check, service was some of the quickest and most efficient I’ve ever had. The calamari? Amazing. Mussels? Incredible. The lamb? I will have dreams of this lamb that was the best I’ve ever tasted. The potatoes and greens that were paired with the dish were delicious accompaniments as well. The cherry sauce that was also great, but the lamb was wonderful on its own so I gave it to my husband. The espresso martini was a great addition to my meal. We definitely will return on our visits back to Palm Springs and highly recommend this spot to everyone.

Julio Garcia

Google
An Unforgettable Experience at Paul Bar & Food There aren’t many restaurants that leave such a lasting impression on me as Paul Bar & Food has, especially at the fair prices Paul so reasonably charges. The ambiance and dining experience Paul has curated here rely not on flashy gimmicks, tasteless social media antics, or hype devoid of substance. Instead, it is substance and substance alone, that drives the stellar reputation of this establishment. True substance in their drinks, incredible food and excellent customer service has culminated in Paul Bar & Food earning my highest regard. Even after reading a few reviews and checking out the restaurant on Street View before my visit, the juxtaposition of the exterior to the interior is truly jarring and further adds to the experience. This is especially true if you visit late at night, as I did, arriving around 10:30 PM on a Saturday. Eating at the bar is an absolute must if you're dining for two. The bartenders here are some of the best in Southern California, if not the entire state. Their vast knowledge of the drink list and personal recommendations is second to none! It almost feels as if they've been serving you your favorite cocktail for years. All of their drinks are amazing and perfectly balanced in terms of taste and alcohol content. Some of my favorite cocktails from my visit were the Tom Collins, Finito, and Knitting Needle. Now, onto the food. The calamari is fresh, flavorful, and paired perfectly with their spicy marinara sauce, which gives it the perfect kick. The rack of lamb is absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection, and accompanied by a side of greens and a sweet and savory cranberry wine sauce. My fiancé was feeling adventurous and ordered the chef’s special: mussels with chorizo. I was blown away by the explosion of flavor in this dish! I never would have imagined that these two contrasting flavor profiles would combine so beautifully in such a perfectly balanced explosion of flavor. I had very high hopes when I walked in the door, and even so, Paul Bar & Food not only met but exceeded those expectations! This is an absolute must-try culinary experience if you're traveling along the I-10 and can grab a seat at Paul Bar & Food. Paul could easily justifiably charge at least twice what he’s charging, and the line would still be out the door. This establishment has made my short list of “Birthday Dinner” restaurants. Even though it’s an hour’s drive from my home, Paul Bar & Food is that amazing!

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.

Brian Brown

Google
I always love coming here every time I'm in Palm Springs, which is often. Paul is a delight, the staff is incredibly professional, the Black Manhattan cocktail is strong, and the food is delicious. Love the vibe and it's worth waiting 5-30min for. If anything, a no reservation policy makes it easier to swing by.

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.
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Jamie S.

Yelp
This place is really special. The bistro vibe is perfect for anyone wanting a first date or if you come back again and again. The customer service is always exceptional! Everyone is quite attentive without hovering. The food is always on point - every time without fail. This evening we had the special duck with an accompaniment of curry rice. The skin was crispy and the duck was moist and delicious. We paired it with a wedge salad which was delicious. For cocktails, I ordered the Birdcage which was perfectly balanced and followed it with a "dealers choice" for the manager. He asked a few questions to ensure he would make something I enjoyed and chose to make me a "Horticulture" substituting vodka for the gin and it was spectacular! Another of the things that makes Paul Bar so special is the staff. Nobody stands still and everyone works together so smoothly. 10/10 recommend!!!!
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Lauren C.

Yelp
So much fun! Great ambience. Gorgeous, long bar. Dark. Warm. Lively. Very popular. We arrived at 5 pm on a Friday night and waited about 15 min for a table. Turnover is fairly quick. Greeted by well dressed and cheerful owner Paul and had a cocktail in hard within 5 minutes. We had the burger/fries and the trout, along with 2 glasses of their house wine. The food was a decent 3.5* But you're really here for the atmosphere and service - 5*. Nothing else like it in PS. Great for the area and we will be back.
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Elle C.

Yelp
My review is long overdue. Huge thanks to a fun bartender at one of our fave bars in the area who directed us here. Upon hearing how busy it gets and reading others' reviews, I knew I wanted us to be there at opening. A few minutes prior to opening, there was already a short line. We were cheerfully greeted and welcomed as a group, told of the dinner specials, given the "rules" (mainly, wait to be seated and time limits), and brought in. Wow, another place where the simple exterior, within this old strip mall (in which their sign reads, "BAR/FOOD"!) absolutely belies its rich, dimly-lit, old-school elegance interior. The bar is not big -- a long, rectangular room -- with a long bar top on the right side and comfortable booths on the left. We were privileged to be served by Ryder who was personable, professional, and comfortably attentive. Our cocktails and entrees, and the entire experience was greatly enjoyed by all, that we knew this place would be among our regular stops whenever in the area. On another visit, we intended to be there, again, by opening; however, due to room delays, the wait time just 1/2 hour after opening, grew too long for our comfort level. Definitely next time, PaulBar! Fabulous find!!
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Annie H.

Yelp
04/26/2025 Weekend get away drove here from LA want something yummy with interesting environment! Walk in Friday night with my boyfriend , was greeted by a sweet gentleman and the place was full. He said the wait was 10-20mins which was not bad! The decoration reminded us the bar at Magic Castle. Boyfriend ordered a cocktail called the Black Manhattan looks strong and I had a sip it is! Then we have the chicken wings, that was juicy! The flavors are delicious and spicy! Then we had the big flats steak and pork chop, both are on the dried side. The steak that I had was tough has many tendons. We both kind of regretting that we didn't listen to our waiter which is not his fault the food came this way or the chef just happened the meat was tougher that day. To be honest we really wanted a pot roast which is their special menu but that does not come everyday! That day we were there their special is fish n chips. If you want specific special menu I would call and ask ahead of time so you want be disappointed so we learned the hard way. Overall love the service, our waiter was so nice and understanding after I mention the steak was tough, he ask if I need to switch out anything but I felt bad because I already ate some.
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Kelly M.

Yelp
An immersive experience as it's unique in its dark New York attitude atmosphere from beginning to end. Incredible cocktails take a front seat to the food. It's small inside, so expect to wait over an hour to get seated. If you're in line at 4:30, you might get the first seating. Manning the helm is Paul himself, so no fear, he will make sure his staff takes great care of you. It's mostly well healed locals who love this dark bar in this shaggy strip mall. I'll be back for sure
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Eddie J.

Yelp
Our favorite speakeasy cocktail bar in Palm Springs is hands down Paul Bar! We especially enjoy arriving about 20 minutes before they open to get in line and hear Paul himself (if you're lucky) speak about the dinner specials. Tasty cocktails, excellent service, and a well curated menu. Cheers!
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Emma F.

Yelp
I love PaulBar! While I would love to gatekeep this gem, I think the cat is already out of the bag. I came here for my birthday, and what a special experience it was! I arrived with my two big guys at around 4:30 pm on a Thursday. We were first in the outside line. Paul came out to socialize while we were waiting. He seems to never get tired of greeting people! The line took a while, but we eventually got to wait inside and got to order some drinks. We were seated at the bar about 40 minutes after stepping in line. We enjoyed the $9 happy hour frozen bourbon sidecars while waiting, and they were strong!! Highly recommend this drink! I got the iceberg wedge salad to start, and I loved it! While it is such a simple salad, something about that dressing is addicting, and the crunch of the lettuce is unreal. I did NOT share my salad! The New Zealand RACK OF LAMB was truly to die for. Tender! Huge! And eight lamb chops for only 30-something dollars?? This is the kind of dish that I daydream about. And I do still daydream about it. It came with a delightful cherry chutney, which is a flavor I've never had with lamb before. It gave me a euphoric Ratatouille moment when I first tried it with the meat. When my friends tried it, their eyes got huge in a way I've never seen before. I could not speak more highly of this dish. It was my favorite thing I ate that day. My friends got the burger, which seemed like a solid, massive bar burger, and the special pot roast, which everyone kept saying was the best thing on the menu. The pot roast looked a little small but was apparently very rich and filling. The meat literally melts in your mouth. At the end of the meal, Paul and company brought out a special chocolate pot de crème with a little candle! And it was delicious -- super rich smooth milk chocolate with a lovely dollop of whipped cream. Paul told us that he only makes 26 of them each morning. I was blown away by the food and incredible vibes of the place. The whole time I was reminded of similar speakeasies with amazing food in LA, but what sets PaulBar apart (besides the vibes) are the prices! A similar place in LA would easily be charging double for the same drinks and food! The whole night, we had so much fun socializing with Paul and the bartenders. Everyone was charming and happy to be there. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire time I was inside the establishment. I will absolutely be back!! **also, we found out that they are working on expanding into the space next door in the near future!**
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Bobby B.

Yelp
Great low key / speak easy bar in the desert! Amazing bar staff providing amazing service and incredible cocktails! Love this place!
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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.
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Sam V.

Yelp
Paul bar was our favorite place we visited in Palm Springs. We actually went there twice in one week. Once for my birthday and once for my boyfriend's birthday. The food was delicious, the service was fantastic and the ambiance was moody. Right up our alley. We sat at the bar both times and everyone was fantastic. Some highlights for the food were the pork chop, wings with buffalo sauce, fish and chips and the short rib dip. Honestly, this was the best place we tried and we ate out a lot on our vacay. Come check out Paul bar. You won't be disappointed!
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Dr. Nelson G.

Yelp
I am a local. That should have some pull. We arrived at 6:30. Sat at the bar at 6:33. We were told as we were being seated Paul said-Best Seats in The House- "Oh! You didn't have to wait!, (leans in) BTW, that will never happen again ". And away he went. We were sat at the far left on the bar. Cory was our GUY! We began to have the most amazing bar experience of any in the desert. He provided the Best stirred Old Fashioned I have ever had. With house bourbon. What!? Stirred, house, and tastes great-No Way. Way had a split of the chopped salad and house blue cheese crumbles and rosemary/garlic fries (must have) then came the rack of Lamb medium rare (so tender) way great! And the Short Rib Dip (I have had better- Said NO ONE EVER) As a local, I am embarrassed to say I have driven by this BAR AND FOOD sign soooo many times and thought-Really!?- This is a gotta come to place. But...... it seats 49 and there are no reservations ! SO WHAT! Wait. You will not regret the wait.

Natasha F.

Yelp
We love Paul and the Paul Bar! Come for the martinis, stay for the steak, fish, chicken, desserts! The only thing better than the regular menu are the specials! Paul always makes you feel like you're at home. His witty banter, door line drink service and spunky spouse tales keep us coming. The servers, service and fellow diners are always as yummy as the meals! Thank you Paul!!
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Pricilla G.

Yelp
OMGGGGG! Found this small gem with the help of Yelp! We went for dinner around 7:30 were greeted immediately by the kind host which I think from other reviewers is Paul himself! He let us wait inside to beat the heat and server took an order for a cocktail while we waited. Wait was around 25 Min. Steak frites and ribs sandwich was AMAZING so tender and full of flavor. Also for the wings for an appetizer. Customer service was superb! Will def be back to try more food and drinks. Such a vibe. 10000000/10.

missy h.

Yelp
Paul Bar was a great experience. we loved the food, the atmosphere, and the service. We went at 6pm on a Sunday in August and there was no wait. I ordered steak and frites and my husband ordered the meatloaf special.. we both really enjoyed our meals.
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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.
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Chiara C.

Yelp
Everything was excellent! They have the perfect blue cheese stuffed olives for martinis. We had the cheeseburger and short rib dip. Both were delicious. Fries were skinny and crispy. Definitely going back the next time we're in Palm Springs.

tyzisCheryl O.

Yelp
Service was incredible. Martinis delicious and the schnitzel was the best that I had eaten.

Lee A.

Yelp
Everything was great! From the greeting, to our drink and food. This was our second visit. We were not disappointed!!
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tim a.

Yelp
Five years have already passed since our first visit here, so congratulations to Paul Bar for establishing itself as a local favorite. You have to be OK waiting in a long line outside the restaurant (located in a strip mall). There's really no telling how long you'll be out there. We arrived when the restaurant was full and we were behind about 20 other people. Getting took us about an hour, with another 20-min wait in an interior vestibule. Once inside, they don't pay close attention to your position in line, so you also have to be OK with awkward moments advocating for your right to be seated ahead of another party. All of the above definitely gives me pause about going back any time soon. I get that this approach pretty much guarantees a full house every night. (By not accepting reservations, the owner successfully avoids the nuisance of last-minute cancellations. Of course, this is at the expense of patrons. Hence, there's a bit of a disconnect between the plebeian line outside and the upscale vibe inside.) Once you're seated, the whole experience is pretty great. A genuine throwback to continental dining in your favorite dark bar. The menu has something for everyone and the drinks are superb. And the servers are very warm and attentive. We were immediately informed that dessert was not being served on this particular night, which I'll admit was a big letdown, partly because they make a great pot de creme, but also because we just waited in line 90 minutes. I can understand running low on certain desserts, but no dessert at all? On our first few visits over five years ago, I remember the food being exceptionally good by Palm Springs standards, They've noticeably slipped, but I still enjoyed my meal. Overall, if you haven't been here and want to try something novel, give Paul Bar shot.

Diane M.

Yelp
We've been there several times. Always excellent. The lamb chops are our favorite. The wedge salad is amazing. Paul is an excellent host for sure. The cocktails are top notch. We wait until "season" is over to go. Shorter line starts at 3:45 as opposed to 3:15 during high season. It still fills up every time.
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Kelly B.

Yelp
Ambiance 100%, service 100%, food 100%, drinks 100%. waiting in line... everywhere you go you have to wait in a line. You are picked by your party not by your arrival. So if you are a party of four and he has room for a party of two, you will be seated before the party of four. Makes perfect sense.
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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.
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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!!
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Jennifer V.

Yelp
This speakeasy really holds true to its name because I really was doubting myself when I pulled up to the location. The outside looks nothing like a bar. But I came anyways based only on reviews and it didn't disappoint. My husband and I were celebrating our 25th anniversary out in Palm Springs and this place had a great ambiance. Staff was very friendly and food was delicious. Lucky for us, we got there right when they opened at 4pm because it got packed very fast and line was outside by the time we left.
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Margaret W.

Yelp
Started with a Side Car. It was too strong so I opted for an Old Fashioned instead. We began our meal with an order of wings and an order of fries. Both were great. Especially the wings. We moved onto the lamb chops and short rib sandwich both of which were great. Service was superb & I'm glad we came! Happy Mother's Day, 2025!
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Maggie T.

Yelp
Came here for a dinner date and sat at the bar -- what an incredible experience. The drinks and food were absolutely fabulous, but what really stood out was the customer service. Our bartender was phenomenal; every recommendation was spot-on and made our evening even more special. We had such a great time, we didn't want to leave. This speakeasy-style bar is officially my new favorite place in town. Can't wait to come back!
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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.

Tram V.

Yelp
Love coming to Paul Bar! Food is always spot on and the drinks are delightful. Paul and team make you feel taken care of and joyful! Always a good time.
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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.
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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!
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David P.

Yelp
First time here even though we've lived here 25+ years - great time, excellent service and food. The wait is well worth it! We sat at the bar, met great people, one couple from WI, the other from England. Service and ambience is great! I had the short rib sandwich, excellent. Martini's were perfect, blue cheese olives included. Fries are excellent. For desert I had the chocolate parfait absolutely scrumptious! We'll definitely be back and be bringing out of town guest.
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Ferol ..

Yelp
My first time to this Palm Springs legendary restaurant Oh my goodness... Did it ever deliver! From Paul's opening greeting, to the funny and snarky bartender, to the excellently prepared beverages, and food... I will definitely be back !
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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
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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.

Edith F.

Yelp
Bar food! Good drink and great atmosphere. Foodies beware! The food is not what you should come here for. Come have a cocktail and socialize. Superb service!
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Tim A.

Yelp
The frozen, side car cocktails take me back to Chicago in the 90's--El Jardin's margaritas. Two max per customer. IYKYK. . Service was excellent, and the food was good. Great spot for fun.
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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.
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Mark D.

Yelp
Like a piece of NYC history and atmosphere hiding in the desert. Great (truly great) food. Amazing cocktails made by attentive mixologists. Full of locals, so you know it's good! And the bow-tied owner is an instant delight. The fact that this place exists makes me think I could move here!
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David P.

Yelp
First off, expect to wait in the line, the restaurant is small, but gorgeous! Once you get inside, the fun begins. Get a drink as you wait, and once seated, recommend the Calamari, friends loved the wedge. The star for me was the pork chop, best I have had here in the valley! We also enjoyed the chicken schnitzel. Wrapped it all up with the chocolate pot, yummy. Overall, great dining experience, just that wait, can't do 5 stars only for that reason. As long as you go knowing about the wait, def highly recommend.
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Carol S.

Yelp
Great little gem! Food & service are excellent! Get here early if you want a table (before 5) it's worth the wait!

Noemi P.

Yelp
Miguel provided excellent service, along with the rest of the staff!!. He recommended the lamb chops, which were absolutely delicious -- definitely worth trying! The drinks were awesome, and we had a great time.
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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.
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Sharon R.

Yelp
Well, I have heard so many good things about Paul Bar and was anxious to bring my friends visiting from Colorado. We ordered the 2 flat iron steaks and 1 NY strip steak and the flat iron steaks were long skinny rolls of steak that you could not cut, and the NY strip was kinda tough. We told the waiter and he quickly offered something else. But the waiter said another person complained about the steak as well and when we met up with some friends tonight, they told us the same thing about the flat iron steaks, but did not complain to the waiter . It was disappointing, being the reviews were so good, well maybe it was just an off day and we might give it another try in the future.

Doug P.

Yelp
Paul bar, I know you have to wait in line. I know you have to get there early. I know it looks like a hole in the wall from the exterior. I know I'm scared when I park my car in the parking lot. But from the owner, Paul, the amazing bar, the ambience, the food and the servers.... This place cannot be beat. Paul bar holds 39 people, the line starts at 4:30 during season, the second seating is around six or 630. If you come in after 7:30 to 8, you'll definitely get a table. My only wish is that they would enlarge. Definitely recommend
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Baret S.

Yelp
Came in last night had some drinks snd 2 entrees both came out very over cooked. Wish the bartender would have recommended the burger and the sandwich because we noticed everyone around ordered the burger and sandwich. Spent $200 not worth it!
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Roberto O.

Yelp
This is one of Palm Springs best kept secrets. Also not so much a secret anymore as there's almost always a line outside the front door. It is tucked away in a little strip mall on the north side of the city. When you go in it's like entering a speakeasy. You step right into a NYC themed restaurant/bar with waiters in bow ties, a gorgeous wood bar, and a handful of cozy booths. The menu, while somewhat limited, is delicious. The whole experience is unbeatable for Palm Springs.
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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.

Kathryn B.

Yelp
The food is excellent. Quality meat is used. The service is almost like a private butler! From the moment you enter, you are treated as someone special. So nice it is not as packed as during the season.
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Miranda C.

Yelp
Mark at the bar is a machine. I love him. Best drinks are produced by this man. He is a FIEN to refill waters as well. It's always nice to hear his night is going STUpendous. He is truly a gem. Plus, you really have not lived in Palm Springs without meeting or talking to Paul. Looks like you'll get stabbed in the parking lot but it's a treat to come inside.