Bar Cecil

Since this posh bistro sprung to colorful wallpapered life just beyond downtown in the spring of 2021, it has been the toughest ticket in town to score—and Michelin agrees that it's worth the hype. Hoping to be the culinary manifestation of British photographer, artist, and Renaissance man, Cecil Beaton, the meaty menu is rich, flavorful, and full of financial and caloric splurges (caviar-topped deviled eggs, Wagyu tomahawk steaks), as well as fundamentally familiar dishes (roast chicken, steak frites, Bibb-lettuce salad, lemon tarts), but chef Gabe Woo adds unexpected touches like seasonal chutney atop a smoked pork chop. There's also a wild visual feast to be consumed (even in the bathrooms!).

Reservations here book weeks in advance, so if you're seeking a spur-of-the-moment meal, your best bet is to arrive before doors open and put your name down for a coveted bar seat. It would be easy to spend a small fortune here on items like roasted king crab legs or Ossetra with blini, but hearty American fare, like a signature burger dressed up with melted Comté, is still very much in fashion.

But Palm Springs is not trapped in time: A futuristic pyramid art installation awaits at Sunnylands Center & Gardens, the glamorous winter home of the Nixon-era diplomat-philanthropist Annenberg family; a new hot spring spa opened downtown last year; and one of city’s hardest-to-book restaurants, Bar Cecil, is opening a new lounge next door in the spring.

Bar Cecil is one of the tougher-to-book spots in town right now. Reservations at this American bar/restaurant get nabbed weeks in advance—even during the low season—and if you think going midweek will help your chances, it won’t. Here’s the good news: the bar area is walk-in only and that’s where you’ll want to sit anyway.

Chef Gabe Woo’s bistro-style dishes have transformed this former sushi spot into a glam restaurant and lounge. The space is decorated with pop art, and anchored by a bar which is accented with blue barstools. If you’ve got cash to burn, order from the “Why Not?

Bar Cecil (pronounced sessel) is a homage to Cecil Beaton, a renaissance man who was equal parts rebel and aristocrat, an artist who lived between classical charm and new world rebellion, a provocateur, an Expressionist, and an aesthete who incorporated many mediums to create a style all his own. Bar Cecil is a love letter to Beaton’s vision of life and art: a celebration of what’s good, of eliminating that which is only pomp, and in the process creating memories through food, drink and hospitality. Bar Cecil is for those who follow the beat to their own drum, horn or whatever inspires them to create, to be individuals, and to embrace diversity.

Bar Cecil's namesake, Cecil Beaton, was an artist of many different trades, including an Oscar-winning set and costume designer; this Palm Springs eatery aims to celebrate creativity and diversity in his honor. Bar Cecil is thus the place to soak in all the good things in life over a plate of rigatoni alla vodka or beef tartare, among other fare inspired by American and European bistros. If you're feeling fancy, a section of the menu titled "Why Not?" invites diners to splurge on items like wagyu steak, caviar or the "Fifty Dollar Martini." Gluten-free and vegan options are available as well.

Bar Cecil (pronounced sessel) is a homage to Cecil Beaton, a renaissance man who was equal parts rebel and aristocrat, an artist who lived between classical charm and new world rebellion, a provocateur, an Expressionist, and an aesthete who incorporated many mediums to create a style all his own.” – Bar Cecil (ok we love that?) This is another hot spot high on my priority list as I have heard nothing but great things. From the looks of the menu and restaurant, it looks very “Love & Loathing worthy” – again, I shall report back soon.

Bar Cecil is a fresh, fun bar and restaurant named after Sir Cecil Beaton, a renaissance man who was a rebellious, charming, aristocratic photographer and costume designer (e.g. My Fair Lady). He left behind a legacy of elegant photographs of Hollywood stars and high society, and his works have been featured by Condé Nast, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. Notable entrees at Bar Cecil include steak + frites, roasted chicken, pan seared halibut, classic pasta, and smoked bone-in pork chop.

Swanky, decadent, and an ode to the past, Bar Cecil draws inspiration from the glamorous aesthetic of photographer Cecil Beaton, known for his extravagant imagery. Blending mid-century modern aesthetics with maximalist flair, the restaurant promotes a vibrant dining experience focused on the classics. Highlights include the steak frites, which consist of golden French fries and a perfectly seared steak, and the succulent and addictive smoked bone-in pork chop.

Bar Cecil is one of the best places for pre-dinner drinks or a post-dinner nightcap in Palm Springs. Art lovers will appreciate the colorful, design-forward interior, which provides the most Instagram-worthy backdrop to a gorgeous martini with a twist. If you're just looking to enjoy bites and beverages, snag a blue barstool and order the grilled California artichokes along with some of Cecil's famous bread rolls that are served with herby sage butter.

An homage to renaissance man Cecil Beaton, the chic bistro and bar presents a decadent menu with equal attention to ingredient quality, flavor pairings, and artful plating. Items like caviar, homemade pasta, and wagyu steak invite indulgence and play well with a tantalizing menu of mixologist-crafted drinks. Bar Cecil is often booked out well in advance, so make your reservations early to ensure you get a seat (though walk-ins are welcome at the bar).

Bar Cecil’s namesake, Cecil Beaton, was an artist of many different trades, including an Oscar-winning set and costume designer; this Palm Springs eatery aims to celebrate creativity and diversity in his honor. Bar Cecil is thus the place to soak in all the good things in life over a plate of rigatoni alla vodka or beef tartare, among other fare inspired by American and European bistros. If you’re feeling fancy, a section of the menu titled “Why Not?.

Bar Cecil is a tribute to Cecil Beaton, a Renaissance man who was an artist, rebel, provocateur, and aristocrat who lived between classical charm and new world rebellion. Bar Cecil is a tribute to Beaton’s philosophy of life and art: a celebration of the positive, a purging of the ostentatious, and the making of memories via fine food, drink, and hospitality. They also serve classical snacks and decadent desserts, from appetizers to the main course.

Ring in the New Year with Bar Cecil's Asian-influenced, six-course menu with a 9 p.m. East Coast/Times Square salute. The event includes a welcome reception with drinks, canapés and tour de fruites de mer on the terrace, followed by a six-course menu featuring Regiis Ova osetra caviar, freshly-prepared dim sum, yuseng (raw wild salmon salad) and good fortune fruits granite in flavors inspired by locally-grown oranges, tangerines and pomegranate.

This stunning restaurant has an amazing interior with original pop art from Warhol and murals from local artists on the exterior. The pandemic gave the chef Gabriel Woo and his team extra time to obsess over every detail on the menu, which you can see in the custom burger bun they partnered to make with Townie Bagels. You’ll want to try out the Cecil Bread Rolls with date + sage butter, Roasted Gonestraw Farms Chicken, and Jack’s Pumpkin Pie.

An homage to the renaissance man Cecil Beaton, the high society photographer and award-winning costume designer, Bar Cecil is a posh stylish haunt where the bubbles flow and delicious bistro fare colors the menu from Chef Gabe Woo. Go big with their $50 martini that’s garnished with caviar dotted deviled eggs, and then dive into steak frites or pappardelle with lamb ragu. Bar Cecil’s signature burger is branded with the restaurant’s namesake.

Palm Springs has become a foodie destination too, with the chic, art-lined Bar Cecil—a homage to Cecil Beaton—the hottest seat in town. Splurge on its Fifty Dollar Martini, served with Beluga vodka and a Regiis Ova caviar-topped deviled egg. After shopping in the hip Uptown Design District, grab a cocktail at nearby Truss & Twine, designed by SOMA Architects, followed by dinner at its adjacent restaurant Workshop Kitchen.

Inspired by Cecil Beaton, a renaissance hero to many through his artwork and various contributions, Bar Cecil was created in his honor as a love letter to Beaton’s vision of life and art. The restaurant’s goal is to attract those who follow the beat of their own drum and embrace their own creativity. It offers a variety of menu options ranging from food to drinks that are sure to keep you full and satisfied.

In 2021 we visited the new Bar Cecil (named after the famous designer Cecil Beaton), which is always booked in advance; we had drinks and apps at the bar but the dinners are supposedly great and worth the advance booking. As far as casual LGBT+ bars go, there are plenty. The old standbys are Toucans Tiki Lounge, down towards the north end of town and Hunters Video/Dance Bar on very gay Arenas Road downtown.

Mingle over craft cocktails at local hotspots like Bootlegger Tiki, Seymour’s, Truss & Twine; shimmy to live music by international touring acts at The Alibi; or dine at celebrity-favorite restaurants like Melvyn’s, Bar Cecil and Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey. You also spend an entire day exploring Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, a wonderland of vintage thrift stores and modern home furnishings.

We stumbled across Boozehounds in 2023, and instantly fell in love with it!. From the cute dog logo to the sweet little dog portraits on the wall, to the dog-friendly souvenirs, this is the PERFECT spot to enjoy a meal with your cute dog!. Boozehounds Palm Springs serves up more than tasty globally-inspired dishes- they have a whole menu just for dogs!

Bar Cecil opened in 2020 and quickly became a downtown Palm Springs favorite for its stylish design and thoughtful menus. Inspired by photographer Cecil Beaton, the spot puts just as much care into its food as its cocktails. Menu standouts include deviled eggs, Bianca’s Ratatouille, filet of sole and their irresistible chocolate chip cookies.

If you’re looking to unwind with a drink that has more of a kick to it, Purple Room Supper Club and Bar Cecil offer sophisticated atmospheres. Purple Room’s intimate setting has live jazz singers on weeknights and specialty cocktails. Bar Cecil has a curated menu and charm that pay homage to Cecil Beaton, a renaissance-era aristocrat.

No regrets about showing up extra early, though, because I’ve been through this before at Cecil: By 5 p.m., when the restaurant opens, a small mob of people will have assembled hoping for admission; predictably some of these people will walk away ruffled when the staff can’t accommodate their spontaneous group of six.

Palm Springs' Bar Cecil is a modern haven for cocktail connoisseurs. Expert mixologists craft innovative drinks that pay homage to legendary photographer Cecil Beaton. Think creative libations, chic décor with an amazing art collection, and a vibrant atmosphere – perfect for an unforgettable Palm Springs evening.

Reservations here book weeks in advance, so if you're seeking a last-minute meal, you should arrive early to snag an in-demand bar seat. Enjoy items such as a Duroc pork chop, bucatini with black truffles, and a fancy Beaton burger with melted Comté. Add on the exclusive $50 martini for the ultimate buzz.

Bar Cecil is a nod to the great American and European bistro experiences. They celebrate those who follow the beat to their own drum with an aesthetic as creative and inspiring as their food and cocktails. This place it POPULAR, and reservations are limited, so try to go early or late on a whim sometime.

Bar Cecil: In honor of Cecil Beaton, the famed-fashion photographer, this bar and restaurant in Palm Springs serves the finer things for a fancy dinner, but not without a sense of humor. Start with the fifty-dollar martini—perfectly shaken vodka vermouth with a side of deviled egg topped with caviar.

Bar Cecil has had a couple of number ones since opening in 2021: The $50 martini and the Beaton Burger. To dine here, you’ll need to be prepared to wait in line (walk-ins are welcome at the bar at 5 PM sharp). Unless, that is, you’re horribly organized and book a table 30 days in advance.

Bar Cecil is a wonderfully hip restaurant that should be on your list when visiting Palm Springs. Named as an homage to artist and aristocrat Cecil Beaton, grabbing a table here feels like dining in a pop art gallery where a celebrity might pull up the chair next to you at any moment.

Newest on the scene but already the hardest restaurant to get into, Bar Cecil is a must-visit. They open reservations 30 days in advance, so plan ahead to enjoy this eccentric space with insanely good food. You’ll likely spot a celebrity or two while sipping a delicious cocktail.

📍 Bar Cecil, Palm Springs 🌟 Michelin 2022 💁🏼‍♀️ Pro Tip: Reservations are highly encouraged but you can put your name in for bar seating 30 minutes ahead What We Drank 🍸 - Lost Horizon - Behind the Hedges - Malabar - Cosmopolitan - Rosé - Espresso Martinis - Shot of Amaro W

If you’re looking for a great gastropub in Palm Springs, look no further than 1501 Uptown Gastropub. With a delicious menu of bar fare, salads and entrees, and an extensive gin cocktail menu, 1501 Uptown Gastropub is sure to please everyone. And don’t forget the craft beers!.

Indulge in robust American Fare, featuring dishes such as our iconic burger adorned with Comté cheese. The menu also boasts a daring ‘Why not?. ’ section, where you can splurge on a $50 martini, impeccably served cold with a caviar-enhanced deviled egg.

Full of alllll of the modern boho french bistro vibes and chock full of amazing art on every surface, this spot was gorgeous and cozy. It is the kind of place you want to hang out all night. I mean, even the bathroom had amazing art!

Morton’s Steakhouse, Palm Desert – Private Dining Room (A): 20 guests / Private Dining Room (B): 20 guests / Private Dining Room (C): 32 guests / Private Dining Room (D): 20 guests / Private Dining Room (all combined): 80 guests

While we’re strolling down memory lane to the prohibition era, be sure to stop at Bar Cecil. Excess marks the spot in this new kid on the Palm Springs block, so stop in and welcome them to the party!

The drink menu is a combination of classics with a twist like the Cecil Old Fashioned and French 75 Regal and specialty cocktails like the Garden at Giverny, Cactus Slim and The Brock.

While I haven’t visited this spot yet, Bar Cecil is one of the newer must have spots to visit. From the retro decor to steakhouse menu, this would be a fun place for a dinner out.

Dive into the deviled eggs and caramelized onion tart at this romantic spot before finishing with pasta. If you’re so bold, order the The Fifty Dollar Martini.